After six months of dating, we decided to go camping. I set up the tent, gathered firewood, and cooked food. Her job was only to figure out what she enjoyed.
She liked sitting around the fire, playing cards, fishing, and exploring cool rocks.
Sounds great, right? But it only happened on a second camping trip! In the first trip, I made several blunders that she could have broken up with me, but I survived. So, I have learned some valuable lessons after camping with my girlfriend.
Don’t Surprise
Never. It’s an unwise idea to tell someone that you’re going to pick him or her up on the way to a camping trip.
I tried it but had to abort the trip, and it made my girlfriend mad at me.
So, a girlfriend who is inexperienced will need some preparation. Everyone does, even if your girl is an avid explorer.
First, she needs to undergo mental preparation and boost her confidence for outdoor adventures.
Besides, she might check if her health and fitness allow her to hike, backpack through the forest, or participate in other camping activities in the backcountry or remote areas.
They won’t enjoy primitive outdoor living under a tent with limited resources and facilities.
Give her plenty of time and notice to prep or even learn if she wishes to move to her first place.
Girls’ Problem
There must be a conversation about her period between a couple when planning a trip.
She can’t enjoy the journey fully if it happens in the middle of the way.
Several women prefer to be near warm running water and enjoy the comfort of their homes during that time.
There won’t be worse than feeling unhygienic and uncomfortable outdoors. And I don’t see anything wrong with that.
My girlfriend has told me that a few women are also there who have light periods, which don’t cause any problems. They can work or enjoy it like any other day.
Both types of people are there, no big deal! Therefore, it is essential to understand your partner’s health.
One thing you can do about it. When finding a campsite, make sure that it has some facilities.
Consider bathrooms with flush toilets, period emergency, and better hygiene amenities.
She Might Be Colder Than You!
Do you know that many women run colder than men? Leave your pick-up line, “your girlfriend is hot,” alone.
If you’re going camping on cold days, take extra blankets for bed. Also, hanging out around the fire can make you feel the difference between fun and pain.
Don’t forget to bring heat packs for your shoes. They’re super handy in the fall.
The temperature difference between day and night is dramatic, especially outdoors, so you need to have many layers of clothes for a longer trip.
When making dinner in the breezy area, I only miss the cozy kitchen of my apartment.
Setting up the fire and eating in freezing cold weather is really tough. The condition worsens if it starts raining.
So, I wear a warm water bottle inside the jacket. When I feel toasty, I keep it in the foot box of my sleeping bag. Wind is also a mood destroyer, so you may need to delay the trip for days.
However, you can keep yourself warm for hours with the fun of camping.
If cold catches your partner in no time, you can take a small propane tent heater for her. Turn it on for an hour before going to bed and turn it off for sleep.
Besides, you need a good sleeping bag and a sleeping pad.
Nothing will turn off your girl faster than suffering eight hours trying to sleep and being cold throughout the night.
Hiking also helps fight the feeling of being cold.
My girlfriend often takes hot hand pads in her pockets on cold days. Have hot food and drinks to keep you warm.
I also make a hearty soup at home before heading on the trip, freeze it in large cubes, and store it in ziploc bags.
After reaching the destination, I have to hit it in a pot over the fire.
I enjoy hot chocolate and coffee a lot.
You Should Take Responsibility
If you’re really smart, you must figure out how to do all the cooking for two.
Nothing destroys the idea of camping like when a husband comes home and says, “Hey dear, I want you to leave your kitchen and cook over a hot fire while trying to find his kids.”
This happened to my uncle.
Since it’s a girlfriend’s case, this doesn’t apply as above. However, you must take on responsibilities, such as setting up the tent and ensuring she has a comfortable place to sleep.
Also, you have to cook and cater to her with nice food.
There won’t be a local restaurant, so you have to learn some recipes ahead of the trip. If your partner is inexperienced and skittish, your responsibilities increase.
So, prepare fully. If it’s a miserable experience, it will be your last time camping with her.
I will be happy if she gives you another chance.
There won’t be any issue if she is an outdoor girl and loves cooking like my girl. She cooks at home, but I’m a grill man, so I handle cooking in the woods.
Treat Her as a Special
Your first priority is to make her as comfortable as possible.
Let her bring her comfort items, such as lip balm or her tablet, in case she can’t sleep. Don’t stop her even if you don’t think she will need them.
Give her some control over the drink and food choices.
Also, you need to make sure to offer room and time for things she enjoys. For example, she might like reading a book, playing music, or watching Netflix.
I also don’t want you to overdo the camping itinerary. Avoid arguing, but give her wins.
Wake up early in the morning and sleep late until she remains awake.
Move your hand first to set up the tent and stove. And make a sample dinner and ensure that she enjoys what you have planned for camping.
I think nothing is worse than bad food in the strange land while uncomfortable.
Final Thoughts
If your girlfriend is only a first-time camper, don’t cut off all the modern facilities, such as the Internet and a cabin.
It will be an outdoor shock for her if she finds only a rustic setting and nothing but a primitive sleeping house to sleep in. So, you can start with a short or one-day trip.
To make her comfortable and safe, take your partner to the campsite near her home.
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