Are you planning an exciting camping trip? In planning for it, have you fully prepared yourself for what might come up while you are out in the wild? While most of what you will need seems pretty obvious, it is best to plan in advance to ensure that you have all that you might need. Read this article for some helpful suggestions.
Always seek shelter before it is too dark to assess your surroundings. Once the woods are dark, it is very difficult to find firewood, pitch your tent and prepare some food. This is particularly the case for city slickers who are unaccustomed to darkness. Avoid this situation by finding shelter before the moon is out.
When camping, bring the sleeping bag that appeals to the season that you are in. A sleep bag designed for winter camping would make you sweat during the summer. The reverse is also true. Using a light, cool sleeping bag in the middle of winter will keep you very cold. You could even develop hypothermia or frostbite if it’s very cold.
Though you may believe that there will be sufficient wood lying around for your fire, you may only be able to find wet lumber that does not easily burn. It is good planning to take your own wood with you and store it where it is dry.
Pack what is necessary for your children. Camping can be a messy affair. Your kids may love playing around in the grass and dirt. As the day moves along, your children are going to get really messy. Take extra clothing with you for your children. It is important to be prepared.
If you have a new tent, practice setting it up at home before your trip. It will help you make sure that all of the parts are included and learn how to set it up right. This can eliminate the aggravation felt when setting up your tent.
Check the weather updates for the camping site that you choose to go to. There are websites available to provide information about the typical weather of the area for the time of your planned trip. When you know what the weather will be like, you can bring the proper gear and clothes.
Check the terms of your health insurance before leaving. Out-of-state traveling will sometimes require additional coverage. This can be even more important if you’re leaving to another country when you are camping, such as Canada. Make sure you have prepared yourself, just in case of an accident.
Bring a hankerchief or a bandanna with you. You can use these as hand towels, cleanup towels, pot holders or anything you need cloth for. As you can see, a handkerchief can serve many different purposes on a camping trip.
Emergency kits are one of the most important things to bring on a camping trip. There may be different items in it depending on your camping location, but there are some things that should be in any kit. If you think there will be snakes, you might want to include antivenom.
Oranges are great for camping since they’re healthy, easy to eat, and they also keep mosquitoes away. Rubbing orange peels on your body will function as a perfect insect repellent.
Your camp should be set up before the sun goes down. If you driving an RV, you should locate a safe parking spot. Locate a flat area of dry ground if you plan to pitch a tent. If you do this before dark, you can become accustomed to the area around you. You can save time by knowing what you are doing.
Your camp should be set up before nightfall. Look for a safe parking place if you are camping in an RV. Search for flat, dry ground when camping in a tent. If you don’t do this, you could find yourself in a precarious and unsafe area after dark. You will have an easier time seeing the task a hand, preventing frustration from setting in.
Pack some duct tape next time you embark on a camping trip. It is versatile at camp, just like at home. You may need to patch up a punctured air mattress. You can also seal holes in sleeping bags or tents. If you are hiking long distances, a strip applied to your feet can keep blisters from forming. In a pinch, you can also bandage an injury with it.
Duct tape is important to pack because it can be used for a good bit of things. This can help to seal and protect your tent and even protect your body.
It’s imperative that you take along the things you need when you’re going camping. Even just a few missing items can turn your trip into a disaster. Lists help people know what they need before they go. Some useful items are items to create a fire, your tent, tarp, a sleeping bag, water (and lots of it), soap, food that is already prepared, and a utility knife.
Take some things to entertain yourself while in the wild. Playing cards, board games and fishing poles can make for lots of fun. This is especially important if children are going to be camping.
If you are pitching a tent, look for soft, level ground. A sloped and/or rocky area will make any time spent inside the tent very uncomfortable. Always lay down some tarp first to prevent any water damage to the tent.
If you camp in an area known to have dangerous wildlife, be sure to incorporate extra precautions to stow away food securely. You can wrap up leftovers well, keep them away from the tent and use other precautions to protect yourself. This will help prevent wild animals from being tempted to visit your campsite.
Sleeping bags can be purchased for a variety of camping conditions. Heavy weight sleeping bags are best for cold weather, while lightweight bags works best for hot weather. If you are staying in a tent, use a sleeping bag that fits to the contours of your body in order to maintain your body temperature.
Prior to your camping trip, create a list of all the equipment and personal items you need to take. It’s especially important to make a checklist if you will be traveling a distance to the campgrounds. Have a list ready before your trip that you can check off, and pack at least two days before heading out.
Prepare your clothing in advance of your camping trip. A ready supply of clean clothing should included in your inventory. It’s imperative that you have clothing on hand that is right for the weather in the location you will be camping in. Sturdy shoes or boots with closed toes are essential gear for any camping trip.
Bring along extra flashlights, lanterns and spare batteries when you go camping. You may need to be able to see in front of you after sunset at some points during your trip. A flashlight can prevent a fall and scare away unwanted wildlife. Make sure you have at least enough flashlights for each person to have their own.
Make sure you pack carefully and wisely. Prepare a list of supplies, and use this to check off items as they are packed. That is essential if you are going far away to a remote site and unable to get first aid items and other necessary things.
Before you go camping, make sure to think about the clothes you will need for the trip. A ready supply of clean clothing should included in your inventory. Also, be sure that you carry articles of clothing that are appropriate for the weather and climate of your camping location. Shoes that will hold up and have closed toes are what you should wear for the most part.
Seal all the seams when pitching your tent. If tent sealer was not provided with the tent, you can purchase some at a sporting goods store. Sealing your tent will keep out rainwater and unwelcome critters.
Pay attention to where you’re setting up camp. You have to be sure you don’t set up next to stinging insects or anything unsafe. If you’re close to a lot of plants and things, long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn to protect you from bugs. Having insect repellent is a really sound idea.
Food poisoning is important to avoid when going on a camping trip. Make sure to maintain the best preservation possible to keep your food fresh for the longest period of time. Take a lot of ice for keeping food cold and pull out drain plugs so you don’t soak the food.
It makes sense to keep a totally charged cell phone on hand. Or, bring an extra battery just in case your battery dies. A cellphone can save your skin in bad situations, but only if it has a battery.
It’s a common mistake to set up your campsite near the restrooms. While it may be convenient, it can also be annoying. Bathrooms attract many people and also end up lit up at night. Therefore, campers who set up nearby may not find their site as convenient or comfortable as they had hoped.
After reading this, you should be well-prepared for your trip. Camping is not intended to be an intense event, but there is a bit of know-how required to make it stress free. When you follow the great advice above, you will treasure the memories of your trip for years to come.
Make food safety a priority when you set off camping. Keep food in waterproof containers of airtight bags. Keep food in insulated coolers. Always keep raw and cooked foods separate. Always wash your hands, cutting boards and preparation surfaces to optimize safety and keep yourself from getting food poisoning. Always cook and store foods at the proper temperatures.
