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The little hassles of camping (and how to turn them into pro tips)

Camping remains one of the French's favourite types of holiday: economical, friendly, close to nature and accessible to all. Whether with the family in a large tent, on a light hike with a bivouac, or even wild camping, it allows you to get away from it all.
But behind the freedom of sleeping under the stars also lie... minor annoyances. A wet tent, hungry mosquitoes, temperamental mattresses: these unexpected events are part of the charm, provided you know how to deal with them.

In this article, we review the most common camping problems and give you the best camping tips to turn every hassle into a positive experience.

1. Condensation in the tent: say goodbye to dampness

The problem: in the early morning, your belongings are damp, your sleeping bag is sticky and the inside of your tent is soaked.

Why does this happen? Because your breath and body heat create vapour that condenses on the fabric.

Pro solutions:

Choose a camping tent with a double roof.
Always open the vents, even in the rain.
Avoid cooking or drying your clothes inside.
Use an insulated, breathable groundsheet.

2. Rain invades your campsite

The problem: everything was fine until the midnight storm. The result: a soaked sleeping bag and belongings.

Pro solutions:

Set up your tent on a slight slope (never in a hollow).
Tighten the flysheet so that water runs off.
When bivouacking, dig a small trench around the tent to divert water.
Add an overhanging tarpaulin for maximum protection.

3. The mattress that deflates in the middle of the night

The problem: you fall asleep comfortably and... wake up on the ground with a sore back.

Pro solutions:

Always carry a repair kit for inflatable mattresses.
As a temporary fix: fold your clothes into a ball and place them under the pressure points (pelvis, shoulders).
For wild camping enthusiasts: foam or self-inflating mattresses are more reliable.

4. Mosquitoes: unwanted companions

The problem: you thought you would enjoy the peace and quiet of the evening, but mosquitoes have turned the night into a nightmare.

Professional solutions:

Put up a mosquito net (even a homemade one).
Use natural repellents: citronella essential oil, dry ground coffee burned on a lid.
Wear long, light clothing.
Avoid areas near ponds or stagnant rivers.

5. Noise at the campsite: finding peace and quiet

The problem: between party-loving neighbours and early-rising children, it's difficult to sleep.

Pro solutions:

Bring earplugs (lightweight and effective).
Set up your tent away from the toilets and high-traffic areas.
When camping, choose isolated spots away from busy paths.

6. Makeshift kitchen: eating without stress

The problem: you've forgotten some of your cooking equipment, or you want to travel light.

Pro solutions:

A single pan is enough for pasta, rice, semolina and soups.
A gas stove is still the most practical option for traditional camping.
When wild camping: opt for dishes that are easy to rehydrate (semolina, dehydrated sachets).
Tip: keep a few tins of food handy, as they're always reliable in case of the unexpected.

7. Sleep well in a tent: comfort guaranteed

The problem: hard ground, cold rising from below, or stifling heat.

Pro solutions:

Use an insulating mat under your mattress.
In summer: open the tent to create a draught.
In winter: choose sleeping bags designed for low temperatures.
For light camping: mummy sleeping bags + foam mattresses are unbeatable.

Camp smart, camp happy

Camping is a school of resourcefulness. Every little hassle can turn into a funny anecdote if you know the right reflexes. With these camping tips, you'll avoid the classic pitfalls and really enjoy your nights under the stars.