THE HIKE SOCIETY’S GUIDE TO NAILING A CAMP OUT
Camp outs are one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors with mates. What’s better than spending an evening under the stars? As part of this year’s Annual General Hike, industry tastemakers Advanced Rock, l.holl and 114.index hosted the AGH Weekender.
The weekend was a celebration of the outdoors and community spirit. Cold water immersion, yoga, live music and hiking filled the event’s itinerary as people travelled from all corners of the country to be a part of it.
Pull up a camping chair and discover how to nail the ultimate camp out with our guide below.
The weekend was a celebration of the outdoors and community spirit. Cold water immersion, yoga, live music and hiking filled the event’s itinerary as people travelled from all corners of the country to be a part of it.
Pull up a camping chair and discover how to nail the ultimate camp out with our guide below.
1. Location
When choosing a campsite, consider factors such as proximity to water, levelness of the ground, availability of shade, and privacy. For the Annual General Weekender event, Columbia chose The Coniston Hall Campsite in The Lake District with epic views over the shores of Coniston Water, overshadowed by the fells of the Old Man of Coniston.
When choosing a campsite, consider factors such as proximity to water, levelness of the ground, availability of shade, and privacy. For the Annual General Weekender event, Columbia chose The Coniston Hall Campsite in The Lake District with epic views over the shores of Coniston Water, overshadowed by the fells of the Old Man of Coniston.
2. Prepare for the weather
Depending on where you're camping and the time of year, the weather can be unpredictable. Bring appropriate clothing and gear for the conditions you may encounter.
This is Great Britain, after all.
Depending on where you're camping and the time of year, the weather can be unpredictable. Bring appropriate clothing and gear for the conditions you may encounter.
This is Great Britain, after all.
3. Setting up camp
Once you've chosen your campsite, pitch your tent on level ground and make sure it is secure – this means making sure that your guylines (typically a cord or string that is used to secure a tent or tarp to the ground) are pegged in and that your camping space is clear of any sharp rocks or objects that could pose a hazard.
Once you've chosen your campsite, pitch your tent on level ground and make sure it is secure – this means making sure that your guylines (typically a cord or string that is used to secure a tent or tarp to the ground) are pegged in and that your camping space is clear of any sharp rocks or objects that could pose a hazard.
4. Be respectful of wildlife and take the opportunity to connect with nature
Do not disturb the natural environment around you and leave no trace when you're packing up to leave. Make sure to leave the campsite better than you found it. Clean up all rubbish and leave the site free of any debris. You can connect with nature and reflect on your surroundings through activities such as yoga or cold-water immersion. During the Annual General Weekender event, cold-water immersion pushed willing participants out of their comfort zone, whilst helping to become fully immersed with nature and reaping the many health benefits of the cold water.
Fun fact: Did you know that cold water therapy has been linked to numerous health benefits and has been claimed to boost the immune system, treat depression, enhance blood circulation, increase libido, burn calories and reduce stress.
Do not disturb the natural environment around you and leave no trace when you're packing up to leave. Make sure to leave the campsite better than you found it. Clean up all rubbish and leave the site free of any debris. You can connect with nature and reflect on your surroundings through activities such as yoga or cold-water immersion. During the Annual General Weekender event, cold-water immersion pushed willing participants out of their comfort zone, whilst helping to become fully immersed with nature and reaping the many health benefits of the cold water.
Fun fact: Did you know that cold water therapy has been linked to numerous health benefits and has been claimed to boost the immune system, treat depression, enhance blood circulation, increase libido, burn calories and reduce stress.
5. Respect other campers
Be respectful of other campers by keeping noise levels down and following campground rules.
Be respectful of other campers by keeping noise levels down and following campground rules.
6. Enjoy yourself
If you choose to go wild camping, backpacking, enjoying the van life or even glamping, enjoy your camping experience! Take advantage of the beautiful surroundings, try new activities, and spend quality time with your campmates. Live music around a campfire might sound like something you associate with a kid’s Summercamp, but it can also be a fun way to relax in the evening and soak up the environment. So grab that guitar and see how the music moves you.
If you choose to go wild camping, backpacking, enjoying the van life or even glamping, enjoy your camping experience! Take advantage of the beautiful surroundings, try new activities, and spend quality time with your campmates. Live music around a campfire might sound like something you associate with a kid’s Summercamp, but it can also be a fun way to relax in the evening and soak up the environment. So grab that guitar and see how the music moves you.
Tommy from Manchester, who attended The Hike Society’s Annual General Weekender, aptly conveys the benefits of enjoying time outdoors: “It helps me unwind and relax, especially in the peace and calmness of nature. I also find it very challenging and rewarding, so would highly recommend others to give it to go”.
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