There are people camping in Siberia, even in winter. Also, at Mount Everest women and men pitch their tents in base camps. Modern equipment provides warmth and comfort, even in places where only polar bears and yetis can survive.

And as the saying goes: There is no bad weather, only wrong clothing. Spring camping can be beautiful! Few things need to be kept in mind though! Here are our tips:

1. Don’t be afraid!

You are capable of more than you think. You can dare, discover and endure more than you can imagine. Sure, nights can still be cold in spring. There are fewer people on the road and maybe not all pitches are going to be open for camping yet. For this, your contact to people and nature is going to be more intense. When there are fewer people on the road, you are more likely to be noticed, get to talk to others and therefore get to know the country and its people much better than in the high tourist season. Who dares, wins and the early bird gets the worm!

2. Be well prepared

Sounds simple, but is often ignored. Of course, if you enjoy unforeseen challenges, you can simply drive off. We are networked, so every problem on your way is eventually going to be resolved. But, being well prepared is fun and prevents unfortunate situations.

• Where do I want to go?
• What can I expect under what circumstances?
• How do I overcome difficulties?
• What difficulties will I find on the way?

If you are travelling with your campervan, you can either think about a parking heater or take enough blankets with you. Sitting in a cold car is somehow more uncomfortable than sitting in a tent. If necessary, switch on the engine and drive on. For a well equipped mobile camper, weather is not a problem at all. More interesting is the challenge of camping.

3. Find the right tent

This is more important in spring than in summer, or during a trip in the south. Even if it rains in summer, everything is dry again the next day. But, if the tent is not the right one, cold and wet weather can be unpleasant for several days. The tent is your home and it should be dry.

Material

The water column indicates how waterproof your tent is. A water column of at least 2000 millimetres is awaited, but 3000 is going to be better. Tents with over 3000 can even travel through rainy Scotland without a problem.

Equally important and often underestimated is a waterproof, raised floor. The water can seep in from below and run over the edge of the ground, possibly coming from the top of your tent, if it is not stretched out far enough. The best is a water column of at least 5000 millimetres, because you sit or lie on the ground and thus press the water in additionally. A firm foil under the tent can also prevent moisture.

A usable tent does not have to be expensive. I was certainly not the only one who heard campers complain about their expensive brand tent, whereas I had stayed pretty dry with one from the internet for 50 Euro even in heavy rain. So when buying on the Internet reviews or get good, outside advice. Also pay attention to seams and zippers.

Structure

Sure, you’ll have to try it first. Can you spread it out? Otherwise, water might collect in wrinkles and drip through. It should be able to run through. Does the awning reach far enough over the inner tent?

In every new place you have to consider where water could flow, whether a place sheltered from the wind is suitable, etc. The romantic place, perhaps on top of a platform or hilltop with a wonderful view over hills and sea, is often susceptible to storms. For the night, pragmatic criteria should determine the choice, such as the subsoil. A few extra herrings and spare lines are a sign of foresight.

4. The sleeping mat

This is important in spring because the ground is not yet warm. A cheap aluminium isomat under the actual mattress could help out. This additional insulation is light and relatively inexpensive. In addition, it can be used during the day for picnics, on the beach and generally on any surface.

Selfinflating mats are better for the night. They are available in different sizes. The question here is: light or comfortable? Due to the fact that a good night’s sleep will give you more strength and energy, you should not be stingy here. If you’re around 20 you probably won’t worry about this a lot. For the 30- or 40-year-olds, however, it is worth investing a little more time and money in your sleeping mat.

5. A good sleeping bag is worth its weight in gold

Whoever uses down and goretex doesn’t have to worry a lot. Down loses a lot of warmth when it gets damp, from the inside through sweating or from the outside through wetness. “The right sleeping bag” could be a long article on its own. If you don’t want to spend so much money you can also compensate it with good clothes or a warm blanket over the sleeping bag.

It is well known that one should not sleep in his day clothes. By using a good sleeping bag I don’t need to put on much because my body heat warms the insulation material. If it’s not so good or if the night is especially cold, only the onion system helps: T-shirt, shirt, sweater, wool sweater, plus a blanket over the sleeping bag. This way you can defy temperatures just above zero even with cheap equipment.

6. Grandmother tips

Either high-tech or very simple. Have you ever thought about taking a hot-water bottle with you? People who do not produce so much body heat will find this solution very helpful and will spend a calm night. Why not grab one for your feet?

7. Coffee or tea!

But the most important thing is to drink something warm. It’s good to hold the cup in your hands when it gets cool in the evening. Or in the morning when getting up? Coffee is a luxury, tea is culture – treat yourself! Thereby a small camping stove is part of the basic equipment set. Hot soup is wonderful in the evening. Or how about a little porridge in the morning? Maybe you prefer muesli with hot milk? This serves as a good energy basis for tracking or cycling.

Don’t forget to bring some energy snacks for the road. In the morning you definitely need something to motivate you, something for the heart, for the soul and of course for the stomach. This way, it is fun getting up, even when it’s cold. The air is cool, but refreshing and clear, the day wakes up and you are full of energy and motivation.

A thermos flask is also part of the equipment set in spring. If you’re warm inside, cool temperatures won’t bother you much.

8. Step by step

The first night will show if you are going to revolve into a camping lover or if you will want this nightmare to end. Camping is like sports. Who overstrains himself, hurts himself. If, on the other hand, you increase gradually, you will go from success to success. So I start on the easy site. I choose a place where the weather is safe, where I can find campsites that offer some comfort and protection and where I’ll definitely have company. Then it’s gradually fun to be in uncomfortable situations and enjoy nature with all its colours.

Go for it!

Tourism awakes in spring. Why wait until the sun starts burning? Those who like to get to know new things, want to experience the country and its people are better off earlier in the year. Most campsites are open from April. Only those who want to take a swim will have to wait for summer to come. But spring is smiling at you!

And if the weather will make you want to cry, you’ll still be ready for it!