Autumn camping is a great opportunity to spend time outdoors, enjoy the beauty of nature and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Although most people plan their trips in the summer, autumn camping has its own special charm and can offer a unique experience that is well worth experiencing.
Unlike winter camping, the weather in autumn is milder and more pleasant. This means that you do not need to plan your trip as carefully and stock up on special equipment and many other essentials. For autumn camping, the process is simpler.
The most important thing is to choose a suitable tent, bring enough warm clothes and find a beautiful and interesting place to visit with your friends, family or even alone.
At the same time, there are a number of factors you need to take into account to make your autumn camping trip as comfortable as possible. That’s why we’ve put together a list of helpful tips to make your camping trip successful and safe.
1. Get a reliable tent
The first thing to consider is your tent. It is essential that your shelter is made from high quality materials and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Today you can easily find a wide range of all-season or winter tents, which are a great option for autumn camping.
Try to choose tents that are more spacious. Not only will you be able to carry more stuff and feel more comfortable inside, but you can also use portable wood stoves for tents. During the cold autumn nights, heating the tent and maintaining a comfortable temperature is extremely important. That’s why you should choose a tent that can be customised to suit your needs, the season and the type of camping.
2. Get ready for the rain
Autumn is usually the rainy season. The weather can also change dramatically during this time, so it is important to be prepared.
Check the weather forecast before you travel. Even if there is no rain in the forecast, make sure you bring a raincoat to protect you from the wind.
It is also a good idea to pack a tarpaulin or footprint for your tent to protect your shelter from rain and water, as the walls of your tent can get wet in poor materials or heavy rain.
3. Plan your activities
If you’re going outdoors in autumn, it’s important to stay active as lower temperatures can make you feel cold more quickly. Also, the quality of your camping experience will depend largely on the activities you choose to do.
When looking for a place to go, think about what activities are available. Some places are great for hiking, nature watching and stunning scenery, while others offer fishing, water sports, festivals and so on. So think about the types of entertainment available before you choose a place. Talk to your friends about what they like to do to make sure your camping holiday is a great experience for everyone.
4. Bring an extra pair of shoes
It is important to take an extra pair of shoes with you on any nature trip, especially in autumn. Firstly, you want to keep your feet dry to keep them warm and comfortable. Secondly, your main pair of shoes may accidentally tear or become uncomfortable, which in the case of hiking can completely ruin your camping experience.
Having a spare pair of shoes is essential, as rain and high humidity are common in autumn, so it is recommended that you always have a dry pair of shoes to put on if necessary.
5. Get a sleeping bag & pad
While basic sleeping bags and pads are usually sufficient for summer camping, you will need to buy more specialised items for overnight camping in the autumn.
When choosing a sleeping bag, think about the temperatures it is suitable for. In this case, you may also want to buy a winter sleeping bag, as autumn nights can sometimes feel even colder due to the humidity, especially if you’re camping near a body of water or high in the mountains.
When choosing a sleeping pad, make sure it is well insulated. Look for pads rated R and (3.5+). These are the best for keeping you warm when camping in the autumn.
6. Dress in layers
To stay comfortable and warm when camping in autumn, always dress in layers, especially at night and in the early morning.
7. Put a hot water bottle in your sleeping bag
This is one of the most effective ways to stay warm at night when autumn camping. A hot water bottle inside your sleeping bag will take longer to cool down, but it will also warm the bag further, so you’ll feel warm and comfortable right from the start.
Also, if it freezes at night, you can wrap your gadgets around the bottle to protect them, as electronics and batteries can be damaged by low temperatures.
If you have a good sleeping bag, use a stove inside the tent and add a heating pad or hot water bottle, you will be 100% warm and comfortable even on a cold and rainy autumn night.
Enjoy your autumn camping!