Top tips for an outdoor experience that even the rain can't ruin! 

"Always be prepared” - the wise motto of the Scout movement founded way back when in 1916. And still the most relevant piece of advice for anyone embarking on a camping trip this bank holiday weekend. Preparation is EVERYTHING when it comes to making sure your outdoors trip is a success. It can mean the difference between packing up early and having the best holiday of your life. So make sure you&rsquo;ve read our camping checklist below before pitching up. Happy camping!<h2>Be ready for rain </h2> <img alt="kids-camping-rain__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/kids-camping-rain__hero_GL?scl=1">Let&rsquo;s face it - if you&rsquo;re camping in the UK, it&rsquo;s probably going to rain. Even 30 minutes of drizzle can turn a pleasant trip into a soggy nightmare. We can&rsquo;t control the weather, but we can combat it. The worst time for rain to strike is when you&rsquo;re setting up. But if you have the right equipment - a <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/home-garden/camping-equipment/ozark-trail-4-person-instant-dome-tent/001628502,default,pd.html" target="_blank">tent</a> with properly sealed seams that is quick to put up - and pitch on higher ground, you face a better chance of avoiding waking up in a puddle. Open up your tent too if you can, as a good airing will help everything dry out quicker. Plastic bags and <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/search/bin%20liners?cmpid=ahc-_-ghs-_-asdacom-_-hp-_-search-bin-liners" target="_blank">bin liners</a> are your best friends. They take up very little room and can save the life of your firewood and clothes if a downpour occurs. Enjoy the shelter your tent brings you by bringing entertainment to keep everyone occupied. Think <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/search/books" target="_blank">books</a>, <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/search/puzzles" target="_blank">puzzles</a> and a deck of cards. And if you laugh in the face of a downpour, just don your <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/coats-jackets/hooded-waterproof-jacket/GEM548879,default,pd.html" target="_blank">waterproofs</a> and head out for a hike. It&rsquo;ll warm you up and the taste of a hot cuppa at the end will taste even more refreshing.<h2>Choose the right campsite</h2><img alt="campsite-bathroom__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/campsite-bathroom__hero_GL?scl=1">Be warned: some campsites don&rsquo;t offer showers, whilst others have state of the art facilities. So choose carefully in order to get the holiday you were hoping for. Don&rsquo;t forget to opt for kitchen facilities with fridges if you have a baby that needs milk storing. Or maybe you yearn for an adult-only venue for some child-free quality time. <a href="http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.ukcampsite.co.uk</a> is a great website to help you narrow your search. You can filter locations and then select everything from ‘dog-friendly&rsquo;, ‘camp fires allowed&rsquo; to 'naturist' and ‘public transport available&rsquo;. <h2>Think comfort </h2><img alt="airbed-camping__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/airbed-camping__hero_GL?scl=1">Camping chairs: these <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/home-garden/camping-equipment/ozark-trail-camping-chair/001628810,default,pd.html" target="_blank">fold away chairs</a> make sitting around the campfire much more comfy, especially if it rains.Fold-up table: Unbelievably handy, a fold away table has multi-uses including acting as a food prep station, a dinner table and card game area. Air bed: Roll mats are essential, but <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/home-garden/camping-equipment/ozark-trail-high-rise-double-airbed-with-electrical-air-pump/050088691,default,pd.html" target="_blank">airbeds</a> are the king of camping comfort. DON&rsquo;T forget a pump. And consider investing in an <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/home-garden/camping-equipment/ozark-trail-high-rise-double-airbed-with-electrical-air-pump/050088691,default,pd.html" target="_blank">electric pump</a> for the ultimate in easy living. Bedding: You don&rsquo;t have to stick to a <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/home-garden/camping-equipment/ozark-trail-lightweight-sleeping-bag-50-g-sm/050058635,default,pd.html" target="_blank">sleeping bag</a>. A good night&rsquo;s sleep isn&rsquo;t something you always associate with camping, but it should be. Bring <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/search/pillows" target="_blank">pillows</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/home-gardens/blankets-throws/D26M01G01C14,default,sc.html#http://direct.asda.com/george/home-gardens/blankets-throws/D26M01G01C14,default,sc.html" target="_blank">fleece blankets</a> and even your <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/home-garden/duvets/D26M04G04C14,default,sc.html" target="_blank">duvet</a> (but use an old cover). <h2>Bring your own outdoor fun</h2><img alt="campsite-games__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/campsite-games__hero_GL?scl=1">Once you&rsquo;ve set up camp, you might not want to move anywhere. Keep the whole family entertained with games of <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/kids/outdoor-games/outdoor-cricket-set/050098242,default,pd.html" target="_blank">cricket</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/kids/outdoor-games/play-day-football-set/050098506,default,pd.html" target="_blank">football</a> and <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/kids/outdoor-games/play-day-croquet-set/050092704,default,pd.html" target="_blank">croquet</a>. You could even bring your own <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/kids/pools-sand-pits-water-toys/george-home-paddling-pool-6ft-x-4ft/050103966,default,pd.html" target="_blank">inflatable pool</a> if the weather looks suitable for a spot of splashing around.It&rsquo;s fun to make your pitch look great too. Decorate your outdoor area with <a href="http://direct.asda.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-ASDA-Site/default/Search-Show?q=solar+lighting&cgid=10&ccgid=10#http://direct.asda.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-ASDA-Site/default/Search-Show?q=solar+lighting&cgid=10&ccgid=10" target="_blank">solar lighting</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/home-garden/lighting/fairy-lights-lava-lamps/D26M01G01C07S09,default,sc.html#http://direct.asda.com/george/home-garden/lighting/fairy-lights-lava-lamps/D26M01G01C07S09,default,sc.html" target="_blank">fairy lights</a> and <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/search/bunting" target="_blank">bunting</a>. <h2>Make cooking enjoyable </h2><img alt="camping-bbq-family__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/camping-bbq-family__hero_GL?scl=1">Cooking outdoors can be one of the best parts of camping IF you have the right equipment. Invest in a good <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/home-garden/bbqs-outdoor-heating/uniflame-portable-gas-barbecue-grill/050073881,default,pd.html" target="_blank">portable gas barbeque grill</a> for an easier life. This means not having to faff around with charcoal and waiting for ages for coals to warm up. Don&rsquo;t forget your <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/home-garden/camping-equipment/ozark-trail-24-can-backpack-cooler/050058637,default,pd.html" target="_blank">cool bag</a> too for keeping wine cold and perishable food safe. <h2>Choose the right tent </h2><img alt="choose-the-right-tent__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/choose-the-right-tent__hero_GL?scl=1">When a <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/home-garden/camping-equipment/ozark-trail-4-person-instant-dome-tent/001628502,default,pd.html" target="_blank">tent</a> is advertised as ‘two-person&rsquo;, this means the maximum number of people that can sleep inside, but doesn&rsquo;t really take much into account about luggage. So for a more comfortable and realistic tent capacity, divide by two. So for instance, a family of three might have a more enjoyable experience in a six-person tent. A <a href="http://direct.asda.com/gazebo-side-wall-panels-3m/001620732,default,pd.html" target="_blank">gazebo</a> can be an amazing addition for your camping trip. Think of it as your living area, so a great rain-proof spot to do everything else - eat, play games and socialise. <h2>A-Z: Have you packed…</h2><img alt="camping-equipment__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/camping-equipment__hero_GL?scl=1"><a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/home-garden/camping-equipment/ozark-trail-high-rise-double-airbed-with-electrical-air-pump/050088691,default,pd.html" target="_blank">Air beds</a>, adapters (charge your phones from your car), <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/search/batteries" target="_blank">batteries</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/home-garden/bbqs-outdoor-heating/uniflame-portable-gas-barbecue-grill/050073881,default,pd.html" target="_blank">BBQ</a>, <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/search/bin%20bags" target="_blank">bin bags</a>, camping chairs, cards, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/george-home/Polar-Gear-5L-Cooler/001457422,default,pd.html" target="_blank">cool boxes</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-ASDA-Site/default/Search-Show?q=cutlery&cgid=10&ccgid=10#http://direct.asda.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-ASDA-Site/default/Search-Show?q=cutlery&cgid=10&ccgid=10" target="_blank">cutlery</a>, extra pegs, <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/kits-accessories/astroplast-family-first-aid-kit/910002394232" target="_blank">first aid kit</a>, gaffa tape, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-ASDA-Site/default/Search-Show?q=gazebo&cgid=10&ccgid=10#http://direct.asda.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-ASDA-Site/default/Search-Show?q=gazebo&cgid=10&ccgid=10" target="_blank">gazebo</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-ASDA-Site/default/Search-Show?q=hats&cgid=10&ccgid=10#http://direct.asda.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-ASDA-Site/default/Search-Show?q=hats&cgid=10&ccgid=10" target="_blank">hats</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/kettle-and-tin-bundle/BUN32,default,pd.html" target="_blank">kettle</a>, <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/search/kitchen%20roll" target="_blank">kitchen roll</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/home-garden/camping-equipment/ozark-trail-picnic-rug/050051737,default,pd.html" target="_blank">picnic blanket,</a> <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/home-garden/pillows/D26M04G04C07,default,sc.html" target="_blank">pillow</a>, plastic bags, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/home-garden/camping-equipment/ozark-trail-lightweight-sleeping-bag-50-g-sm/050058635,default,pd.html" target="_blank">sleeping bag</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/home-garden/camping-equipment/ozark-trail-4-person-instant-dome-tent/001628502,default,pd.html" target="_blank">tent</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/george-home/MSC-Joie-Can-Opener/001485919,default,pd.html" target="_blank">tin opener</a>, <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/search/toilet%20paper" target="_blank">toilet paper</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-ASDA-Site/default/Search-Show?q=torch&cgid=10&ccgid=10#http://direct.asda.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-ASDA-Site/default/Search-Show?q=torch&cgid=10&ccgid=10" target="_blank">torch</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/home-garden/towels-bath-mats/D26M07G07C09,default,sc.html#http://direct.asda.com/george/home-garden/towels-bath-mats/D26M07G07C09,default,sc.html" target="_blank">towels</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/kids-toys-landing,default,pg.html" target="_blank">toys</a>, trolley (very useful if car not allowed on pitch site), <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/search/Washing%20up%20bowl/1/relevance-desc/so-false" target="_blank">washing up bowl and liquid</a>, water carrier, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-ASDA-Site/default/Search-Show?q=wellies&cgid=10&ccgid=10#http://direct.asda.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-ASDA-Site/default/Search-Show?q=wellies&cgid=10&ccgid=10" target="_blank">wellies</a>...?Are you ready for your upcoming trip? Stock up on all your camping essentials <a href="http://direct.asda.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-ASDA-Site/default/Search-Show?q=camping&cgid=10&ccgid=10#http://direct.asda.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-ASDA-Site/default/Search-Show?q=camping&cgid=10&ccgid=10" target="_blank">online</a> or at your <a href="http://storelocator.asda.com/#!/?cmpid=ahc-_-otc-storeloc-_-asdacom-_-hp-_-header-_-store" target="_blank">closest Asda store</a>.

How to have a stress-free bank holiday camping trip

By Asda Good Living,27th April 2017

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