Back to Nature: A Beginner’s Camping Guide

Advertisement

A Simple Guide to Your First Camping Adventure

In many places, temperatures can change a lot from day to night,
so packing layers is the best way to stay comfortable.

When I travel I usually bring four essentials:
A base layer, two mid layers, and an outer shell that keeps out wind and rain.

The base layer sits closest to your skin so it’s important to choose something that keeps moisture away and helps you stay dry:
Materials like polyester, nylon, merino wool, or silk work really well.
These layers come in different thicknesses, with heavier ones providing more warmth and lighter ones keeping you cool in warm climates.

When I travel somewhere hot I go for a simple synthetic tank top, but if the weather is cooler, I prefer a long sleeve that also gives a bit of sun protection.

When it’s cold, merino wool is one of the best choices. Its soft, breathable, and warm without feeling heavy.
I usually wear a merino thermal layer that’s warm enough but still comfortable for moving around.
Its a great option for both men and women.

Mid layers help your body hold heat :
I usually bring two types, one fleece and one puffy jacket.
Fleece is light dries fast and keeps you warm, but it doesn’t block wind which is why an extra layer over it helps a lot.

On top of the fleece I wear a puffy jacket, either down or synthetic.
Down is very warm and packs easily since it compresses well, but it loses warmth when it gets wet.
Synthetic jackets are a bit bulkier but still keep you warm even in damp weather, which makes them reliable when the forecast changes quickly.

The outer shell is the final layer and your best protection from wind and rain. Its worth getting one that’s fully waterproof instead of just water resistant. A good shell should breathe well, keep you dry, and block the cold. Once you have that, you can mix and match your layers to handle almost any weather.

Advertisement