Camping is one of America’s favorite pastimes, and as much as roughing it in the great outdoors might sound like a step backward to the camping novices out there – it can be a fantastic experience for your mind, body, and soul.

Now when someone says ‘camping’, if your go-to image is one of you squatting over a hole in the ground because all you’ve eaten for the last three days have been somewhat questionable and completely lukewarm baked beans – you’re not camping properly.

Below are five ways to upgrade your camping trips and make them far more enjoyable:

1. Bedding

Whoever made up the rule of camping with a singular sleeping bag that was the furthest thing from water-tight, needs a slap across the face. With a tree branch. Covered in fire ants.

These days, there are special beds made just for camping that are as comfortable as they are practical. And, as a side note, there is no reason why your camping bedding of choice cannot be a luxurious duvet with an obscenely high thread count – you make up the rules here.

2. Facilities

These ‘facilities’ are not the sort where you can wash your clothes and dishes and take a shower – those are great too, but maybe more of an RVing thing. What this point is about is the good old-fashioned lavatory!

Instead of being a total savage and digging a hole in the ground, you can buy toilets designed to fit over a bucket – meaning you can answer nature’s call surrounded by more nature without scaring the rest of nature.

Oh, and as an extra tip – pack toilet paper because leaves shouldn’t be a thing. You’re not Bear Grylls.

3. Generator

Camping without a portable generator is like going swimming in a gimp suit. Sure, it’s technically possible, and some weirdos do it, but you’re not going to be able to do as much as you want to – and everyone will be uncomfortable.

Your generator can be used for both convenience and safety – a double dose of awesome if there ever was one.

4. Meals

Camp cooking works differently from home cooking – it has to because there is usually an open fire. Well, presumably could both have open fires – but only one is strictly meant to. Do a bit of research before you go and pack lots of healthy snacks (read junk food) for the best experience.

You will need to learn a few tricks to allow you to cook for an entire family in under three hours, but they will be well worth it.

5. Lighting

If you have been camping in nature at night when the mist is around, you’ll agree wholeheartedly with this one. Check your lanterns and torches before you leave, and always pack spare batteries – just in case.

Camping without decent lighting is horrendous – especially when going to the toilet in the middle of the night. If you’re not graced with the ability to stand during certain activities, you’ll be so grateful you did. Lighting helps keep you safe in the forest – and with bears around, that is never a bad thing.

For more helpful home and lifestyle tips, head over to the home page of the blog. 5elifestyle.