Going on a camping trip with an acoustic guitar is always a fun and exciting idea that’s definitely possible with proper planning. Going anywhere with an instrument can be a complicated affair, with factors to consider such as the weather, handling, storage and even if your guitar can survive the trip to and from your destination unscathed.
If you don’t want to risk your primary acoustic getting damaged during your camping trip, consider investing in a guitar that’s designed for traveling. A travel acoustic guitars are small and lightweight, yet produce a sound that’s good enough for jamming around a campfire or at the back of a van. Some travel guitars are even equipped with a pickup, allowing you to plug them in a small battery-powered amp. Getting a travel-friendly guitar is actually the best way to protect a more valuable instrument from the risks of transit.
Let’s say you haven’t gotten around to acquiring a travel acoustic yet. What can you do to keep your beloved guitar in top condition during your outdoor adventure? Consider the following and prepare accordingly!
Storage
Is your guitar case suitable for a camping trip? If you have a hardshell case and you’re going to the camping grounds by car, storage shouldn’t be a problem. If you’re backpacking however, a hard case probably isn’t the best idea. Choose a sturdy padded gig bag that’s lightweight and has straps to make it easier to carry.
Make sure your guitar fits snugly in its case and it doesn’t move around in it. Put soft shirts (without buttons) around the headstock, lower bout and other places where there’s extra space. You want to make sure your guitar doesn’t get jostled around in its case so it doesn’t get damaged.
Loosen the strings a bit to prevent warping if the wood on the guitar expands or shrinks. Put masking tape or better yet, duct tape along the seams and clasps to prevent water from coming in and to keep the case tightly closed.
At camp, find a spot where you can place your guitar without it tipping over or getting trampled on. Inside a car in the shade (with windows slightly open) and inside the tent are your best options. Avoid keeping it close to the campfire or leaving it in a hot car.
Humidity
Acoustic guitars are made of wood, which needs just the right amount of moisture to keep it from cracking or expanding. Your guitar should be kept in an environment with a relative humidity of 35 to 50 percent.
While you can’t control the humidity outdoors, you can control the humidity in your guitar case. Get a humidifier-dehumidifier, which absorbs moisture from the guitar when it’s too humid and humidifies the guitar when it’s too dry. Remember to keep your guitar in its case when you’re not playing it, and make sure to lock or zip the case properly.
The weather
We’re assuming you have the good sense to plan your trip during the summer or when you know there isn’t a storm coming. However, the weather can be really unpredictable, which means you can get drenched in an unexpected shower. In such event, it’s important to keep your guitar dry. If your guitar case isn’t waterproof, make sure you bring along a plastic sheet or an extra bin liner/trash bag where you can place your guitar case if it begins to rain.
We hope you keep these considerations in mind when planning your camping trip. If you still have time, it would be really wise to invest in a lighter, more compact travel guitar than to expose your favorite and probably more expensive guitar to the elements.