Camping Guide for Beginners — Rainy Season

Toursanak
Toursanak
Sep 5, 2018 · 2 min read

It is a challenge to camp at Kirirom National Park, Cambodia, during rainy season. However, we have some tips and tricks that will help you out.

Pack what you need, not what you want. Lightweight travelling saves you some energy to conquer the misty mountains of Kirirom pine forest.

What to Bring

- shirt
- trousers // shorts
- an extra pair of socks
- raincoat
- yoga mat
- sleeping bag // blanket
- waterproof bag cover
- flashlight // headlamp
- sleeping clothes
- personal first Aid
- mosquito spray
- lighter

Put your clothes into a plastic bag inside a backpack. If it rains during a hike, you will always have some dry clothes to wear. Your raincoat should be in a backpack pocket so you will be always fast wearing it when a rain comes.

Campsite Selection

At the campsite, look for a good spot. Grass is a great insulation, search for such place.

The next step in preparing the site to set up a tent would be to clear the area. Make sure it is clear of sticks, rocks and etc. If it is still there after setting up your tent, you will feel it at night when you trying to sleep. So it is important to clear as much away as possible.

Setting up Your Tent

On the underside of a tarp you’ll find several Velcro wraps near tent poles. Securing each of these around the nearby pole, it will help you to stabilize your tent.

Wind Strategies

To prevent wind-related issues, search for natural windbreaks; stand of trees or a hill between you and the prevailing breeze. Campers should avoid camping near damaged trees or limbs that can be blown down. Peg down tent corners.

Strong winds can make your tent more like a flying kite, therefore use guylines for extra stability. Attach the guylines to sturdy loops around the tarp.

Camping Strategies

You can set up your tarp to funnel rainwater into a placed container or a pot. This might be used for a shower, washing dishes and etc.

Heat is important, but mostly firewood is wet. We use pine tree oil purchased from Kirirom local seller.

Kaffir limes inside your tent, as older Cambodians believe, helps to repel insects and snakes.°

The weather is colder at night, around 17°C. Wearing socks and a hat eliminate body heat losses. Blanket or a sleeping bag is handy.

Now, you all set for an adventure!

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