I have to say I agree with the pro camping lot...
Camping *is* going to be shit if you do it horribly, on the other hand, do it properly and most of your causes for hatred are nullified...

A soggy floppy tent with missing pegs just means you haven't taken care of it, lost half the pegs and can't put it up properly - mine still holds up fine after years worth of use: I bought a decent one to start with, learnt how to put it up properly and pack it up properly at the end and it is fine.

Similarly with the food, sure you can't keep milk and fresh meat uncooled in the wilderness for a week, but you can still cook fantastic food on a camp fire or stove. I have had great meals some people would be pushed to make in a full kitchen prepared on a single burner gas stove...

As for idiots with guitars, alpha males playing rounders and all that bollocks, don't go camping with twats... Head out with some friends that know what they are doing and have been camping a few times before and you can stay warm and dry whatever the weather (ie proper waterproofs, put up the tent properly and learn to make a fire properly), and when it is sunny instead of soggy, you can relax and enjoy yourself away from the mess of normal life.
(442, Wed 4 Apr 2012, 13:47, Reply)