A camping trip should start with adventure, so to make sure nothing stops you, stiff tent poles, stuck zip and squeaky chairs are best dealt with before you go.
A few quick checks at home will keep you on schedule. This camping guide is here to help you with small fixes and proves why 3-IN-ONE is a camping must-have!
1. Checking your tent
Since it’s your main camping setup, it’s worth doing this first to make sure you have a secure place to sleep before you leave.
What to check:
- Make sure the tent pole sections slide together and check connectors and joints for stiffness.
- Run the tent zips fully up and down to make sure they work properly.
Camping guide: tent quick fixes
If the pole connectors are stiff, apply 3-IN-ONE Silicone Spray to the connectors so the sections slide together easily.
For tent zips, add a very small amount of 3-IN-ONE Multi-Purpose Drip Oil to the zip mechanism. Run the zip up and down and wipe away excess.
2. Check your camping chairs
After a trip, it’s likely your camping chairs have been left folded away and sat in the bag until next time they’re in use. To make sure your seat around the campfire isn’t the cold, hard ground, let’s maintain it first.
What to check:
- Open and close the chair fully.
- Check the hinges and metal joints for stiffness or squeaking.
- Make sure the frame moves smoothly.
Camping guide: chair quick fixes
Add a drop of 3-IN-ONE Multi-Purpose Drip Oil to the chair’s hinges and metal joints. Move the chair frame to work the oil in and then wipe away excess.
3. Check your folding tables
Folding camping tables often rely on small locking joints that can become stiff after sitting in the shed or garage.
What to check:
- Set the table up fully.
- Test the locking joints and folding legs.
- Place some weight onto the table to make sure it holds.
Camping guide: folding table quick fixes
Apply a small amount of 3-IN-ONE Multi-Purpose Drip Oil to the metal joints so the legs and locks move freely.
A few small things worth packing
Alongside your main camping kit, there are a few small items that can make a big difference once you’ve reached your campsite. They don’t take up much space but they can help you out of a sticky situation!
- 3-IN-ONE Multi-Purpose Oil
A small bottle can help if there’s anything you forgot to double check before leaving.
- Sleeping bag and sleeping mat
Even in mild weather, nights outdoors can be really chilly. A sleeping mat under your sleeping bag provides important insulation from the cold ground and stops body heat from escaping so freely.
- Torch or headlamp
In the middle of a field light pollution is unlikely, so make sure you have a torch ready in case you need to nip outside the tent in the dark.
- Spare batteries or power bank
If your torch, headlamp, GPS or phone runs out of power, a backup can save a lot of hassle.
- First aid kit
Plaster, antiseptic wipes, pain relief and blister pads can make sure your trip doesn’t grind to a halt.
- Bin bags
For rubbish and wet clothes – bin bags will always come in handy.
- Towel
If you happen to get caught in the rain, step in a puddle or take a dip in some water, you’ll want to have a towel to dry off.
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