Up the Creek Prep: How to Stay

UTC is an outdoor camping event and, unless you are planning to stay in your car like some Neanderthal and walk around with a few awkwardly slipped disks, you need to come prepared. Here are a few nifty camping hacks that will make your camping experience a bit less of a hassle:

1. First and most obviously make a list of what you need to pack and stick to the list whilst packing. You are not going to feel like making a mission into Swellendam for that one thing you forgot. Here is a nice link to use as template adelouisedesigns.com/camping-checklist/. This woman camps with a whole family, however, so scratch the kid stuff if you are currently sans bambino.

2. Disclaimer: this is for hard-core campers who take pride in the appearance of their tent. Invest in interlocking foam floor mats to create a nice soft surface inside your tent. Think something like this (warehouse-type stores probably sell cheapie options). If you cannot locate a rat's ass to give about your inner-tent surfacing, just go about it as you normally do.

3. Create a super bright lamp out of thin air by fastening a headlamp around a plastic container (such as an empty 2 l milk bottle) filled with water and turning the headlamp to face inward. Like so. Alternatively, invest in some Solar Jars. Those things are just too cool.

4. Keep your brewskies nice and frosty on the road by placing some frozen water bottles in your cooler bag. Simply take some empty mineral water bottles, fill it with tap water, pop it in the deepfreeze and slip it in among the booze just before you hit the road. It will keep things cool for ages and once it melts you have some ice-cold water for the next morning.

5. All out of firelighters? Reach for some Doritos or similar nacho-type chips - no jokes - these things will burn for ages, promise. Google it. Now have a think about why we eat these things.

If you are a staunch creature of comfort, there is of course the Heartbreak Motel option. For between R1990 and R3150 per tent (which sleeps two) you can live the high life all weekend long. It may sound a wee bit steep, but the price includes everything from linen to private ablutions, 24-hour security and breakfast. Moreover, you do not have to pitch the tent. Totes worth it methinks.

Keep an eye out for the next instalments in the Up the Creek Prep Series: 'How to Eat & Drink' and 'How to Pack'. For more information, go to www.upthecreek.co.za. Tickets available from Plankton.mobi