Camping outdoors is something that brings memories, right? I am sure that you went camping at least once in your life but if you didn’t, here is your opportunity to have an unforgettable life adventure.
Do you think you are too old to go camping? Do you think that camping for retirees can’t be pleasurable? I tell you, nobody is too old and you can spend a wonderful time in nature comfortably.
Today we have outdoor equipment that provides a comfortable outdoor experience no matter how old you are. Are you ready for your adventure?
I will show you how to camp relaxed and have a good time with your friends and loved ones without any worries. Let’s dive in!
How old is too old for camping?
First, let me say a few words about years and limitations that people have about camping in older years of age.
Many people think that this activity is reserved for young people who are flexible enough to spend the night in a tight tent and on hard grounds.
Well, this is not true, let me explain why. Our mind develops limitations that are not real and are just preventing us to take action.
Think of people who became famous for taking fitness classes in their older age or the ones who start to jog because they decided to do it.
The second thing is that today we have plenty of tent options and equipment which will make your trip comfy and stress-free. Ok, are you ready to go outdoors?
Great, now let’s take a closer look at the things that will make your camping unforgettable.
Best tents for older campers
Which is the best camping tent that gives the most comfort and space? It is definitely a cabin tent. These types of tents are one of the biggest on the market and offer the comfort that you also have at home.
Cabin tents have straight walls and come in different sizes so you won’t have an issue picking an appropriate one for your needs.
Advantages of cabin tents
This type of tent will provide space, privacy, and comfort for your outdoor staying. I think that you should get one and here are the reasons why.
Spacious and comfy
Why bother in a small and tight tent if you can have enough space? This is a major benefit that you will get with this outdoor tent. These tents are like cabin houses in nature.
Moving and privacy
Due to vertical walls, you will be able to stand straight inside and move, cook without bending or crawling. Isn’t this great? Most of these tents have a room divider that can divide space into two or more rooms for privacy.
Space for camping furniture
Because they are big you can take camping furniture with you on the trip like a table, chairs, cooking devices, air-beds or a queen mattress.
Consider soft and comfortable sleeping equipment to have a good night’s sleep each night. This is important, especially if you have some back problems or other issues with health.
Get a camping chair
I am sure you want to sit down after some activities such as cooking or gathering firewood so foldable chairs come in very handy. You can use them for fishing, playing cards, eating or just relaxing.
Big tent windows and doors
With large windows, you will be able to observe nature and animals and have good ventilation since many can be opened. Best cabin tents have at least two doors for an easy entrance and exit.
Most of them have a porch
Those with porch will cheer you up since you can talk, play games, and spend quality time with your loved ones there.
There is no better pleasure than relaxing after lunch so it is great for doing it here. It is also a space where you can store camping gear.
How do you set up a cabin tent?
Cabin camping tents are big and heavy so you should consider this fact before you go out there. However, if you will go outdoors with a car you shouldn’t have to worry about its weight.
Also, ask your partner or a friend to help you erect it. Due to lots of materials and poles, help will be appreciated.
Instant cabin tents
If you don’t want to mess with poles and want an easier solution, outdoor brands manufacture instant cabin tents which you will be able to set up in minutes due to pre-attached poles.
Consider the camping season
In which season are you planning to go? A season is a factor that you should consider when getting a tent.
My tip is that if you are going to the great outdoors in summer then you should opt-in for a high-ventilated tent that has plenty of mash.
However, when it comes to picking one for the winter season you should know that a tent must be waterproof, durable, and made of high-quality materials. A rainfly and a tarp are a must as well.
Stay warm and comfy
When you are older the circulation isn’t as good as it was in younger years so you are more prone to feel cold. This is why you should consider the next things to stay warm and comfy all the time.
Wear warm clothes
Make sure that you pack a lot of different pieces of clothes so you will change regarding the weather. It is easy to drop a layer of clothing when there is the sun shining but how about when the skies get dark?
Synthetic VS cotton clothes
Pack warm and insulating clothes that will keep you warm outdoors. Avoid taking many cotton clothes because they get wet easily and dry for a long time. Synthetic clothes are the solution, they are warm and will dry faster.
Waterproof shoes and jackets
Also, don’t forget waterproof shoes and jackets so you will be able to stay outside the tent when it rains. These are important since you will go to the toilet in the woods or pick some firewood for making a campfire.
Invest in a tent heater
As you will probably camp with a large and spacious tent as a cabin tent, most if the times they have an E-port access to have electricity inside the shelter.
If you will camp in cold temperatures I recommend getting a safe tent heater that will make your trip pleasurable. So, you can get one that runs on electricity or pick the one that uses propane fuel to warm a place.
Precaution with propane heaters
Just make sure that you have a well-ventilated tent when you use propane heaters because they produce carbon monoxide that is dangerous if there is too much of it in a closed space as it can cause suffocation.
Senior camping trip packing list
Are you going camping alone or with your friends, or partner? No matter how many of you will be out there, you should take care of some important things that you will need. Consider the next items.
Personal things and medications
Medications and personal items are crucial for your well-being.
If you are a diabetic or have some other disease, make sure that you will take your medicines with you. Also, bring a first aid kit which will come in handy if something happens.
Tell someone where are you going camping
No matter if you are going outdoors alone or with significant other, it is always best to tell someone.
If you will stay at a campsite, tell someone about it and how long will you stay there. This is especially important if you will go in the wild – you never know what happens.
Organize
If you need to make a reservation at the campsite, do it a few months before taking the trip so your spot will be secured and waiting.
Camping requires actions that will make your outdoor stay safe and comfortable so don’t forget to check your tent for holes and missing parts.
Consider taking a sleeping bag, a cot or an air-bed, and a blanket if you will be winter camping.
What should you wear for camping?
Which clothes will you pack? My advice is to take several cloth items like T-shirts, underpants, pullovers, pants, socks, and a good pair of hiking shoes.
Always consider taking gloves, a hat, and other isolation clothes if going outdoors in cold locations.
Can you go camping with arthritis?
Having arthritis is hard because it lowers the quality of life. However, can you go camping with it? It can be done with proper preparation and some tricks.
How do you ease the pain in your joints? Do you take anti-inflammatory drugs?
If you take anti-inflammation medicines don’t forget to take them with you. I advise taking pain killers too in case your joint hurts and you have a hard time bearing the pain.
What are the 5 worst foods to eat if you have arthritis?
I am sure that you already know what foods are good to ease your health issue and which are bad. However, I am telling you which foods you should avoid taking on your trip.
If you want to have a pain-free outdoor experience consider taking these ones out of the food’s list:
- Processed foods
- Refined sugar and other sugar alternatives
- Red meat
- Fried food
- Alcohol
The whole point of preventing your condition to get worse is to not eat foods that increase inflammation. What are your eating habits? Do you watch what type of food do you eat?
Processed food is first on the list to avoid because it contains trans-fats which are triggers for inflammation. Don’t buy baked and prepacked foods as they should contain these harmful substances.
And here we have sugar. If you eat sugary foods they will release the body proteins named cytokines that cause inflammation. Watch out because sugar is not hidden just in cookies and sweets.
Stay away from corn syrup, fructose, and maltose. If you are sensitive to aspartame or other sugar alternatives just avoid it.
Red meat is also not the best type of food to bring camping as it triggers inflammation. It contains AGE’s that are known to increase the inflammation process.
Fried food also contains AGE’S like french fries, fried chicken, donuts, etc., so don’t even think about getting them in the first place.
How can alcohol affect your condition? Too much of it will worse the condition. However, in my opinion, you can drink a glass of beer or wine at lunch or in the afternoon.
Drink tea for arthritis and inflammation
Every treatment of disease includes some kind of a healthy diet. You are lucky because you can choose foods that will help you prevent the inflammation and pain in the long run.
Did you know that turmeric is a perfect spice that reduces the inflammation? How about you prepare yourself a hot cup of turmeric tea first thing in the morning?
The spice acts as a natural remedy to prevent inflammation due to curcumin. It is a great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent that will surely help you to sustain good health and mood while you camp.
How to make turmeric tea with fresh turmeric root?
Take 4 cups of water and boil it over the camping stove. When the water is seconds away from a boil grate 2 tablespoons of turmeric root and put it in the water.
Wait for 15-20 minutes while boiling it so you will take advantage of the plant’s active substances. Strain it and drink it slowly.
Have the best outdoor experience
Who said that you can’t go camping? Years aren’t a limitation when it gets to spending quality time in nature and enjoying yourself. The only advice I should give to you at the end is that you prepare and organize well.
Use my tips and follow your heart to spend the best vacation that your grandchildren will love to hear about. Hey, how about taking them on the adventure?
And don’t forget, you can meet beautiful people at the campsite who you can be friends with. You have plenty of reasons to pack your things and go to have a great outdoor experience.