If camping is something you have never done, you are truly missing out. Nothing beats falling asleep under the stars and awakening to the birds chirping. If you want to camp, then now is the time, more than ever, to get to it.
While you may count on Mother Nature to have plenty of wood to stoke your campfire, you may encounter only wet wood that won’t burn. It is good planning to take your own wood with you and store it where it is dry.
Pick a type of sleeping bag that happens to be appropriate for the season. A sleep bag designed for winter camping would make you sweat during the summer. On the other hand, you don’t want a lightweight summer sleeping bag if you’re going to be out in the frigid temperatures of wintertime. You might develop hypothermia.
It is important to remember that getting dirty is inevitable. If you are prepared for this situation, you will find that when it occurs, you will be less stressed. Take this as an opportunity to enjoy the freedom, let your hair down, and get a little dirtier than usual. After all, you can be normal at home.
Don’t wait until nightfall to set up camp. This means a safe parking place for RV campers. If your camping with a tent, make sure to find a dry area that is also flat so you can pitch your tent with ease. Choosing a site before night falls gives you an opportunity to get used to your surroundings. It will also make it easier to see what you’re doing, saving you a lot of frustration.
Build yourself a survival kit; keep it with you anywhere you go while camping. A survival kit should consist of matches, first aid necessities a flare gun and a knife. These items are important to have in case you get lost. Never leave the kit behind, even for a short excursion.
Look into pillows made specifically for camping. If you bring a standard pillow for the bedroom, they become sticky and hot when the weather is humid. Mildew can grow in it when they absorb the moisture from the air. Pillows made specifically for camping have a protective layer that keeps these things from happening.
Camping can be very dangerous or fun depending on whether you’re prepared or not. That is why it’s important to prepare in advance and prepare well. If you are going to a new place, make sure you do some research about the local wildlife, as well as the local geography and climate.
Find all of your equipment and start packing well in advance of your trip. It would be a shame to arrive at your campsite only to realize you have forgotten some important items, like food and water. In order to ensure that this does not happen, make a checklist before you head out and cross off the items as you pack them.
Be prepared to handle any emergency that may arise and have a plan in place. Your kit’s contents will change depending upon the season and location of your trip, but you should always bring the basics. For example, if you are camping in an area that may have poison ivy, make sure you pack hydro-cortisone.
When you’re going to take some kids with you on your camping trip, educate them on the dangers that camping can bring with it. Use the Internet to teach them about things like poison ivy and the like, and ensure that they will approach nature with respect and caution.
Duct tape is important to pack because it can be used for a good bit of things. You can patch holes in your tent, your mattress or your shoes, or secure your tent poles, seal mosquito netting and much, much more.
Always bring ample food, and make sure you bring the right types. Depending on the amount of time you will be out, it is important to have food that will not spoil while you are out. It could end up causing food poisoning and quickly end your trip. Prepare your food properly and research any precautions you need to take.
Be sure and give children a thorough explanation of what camping is all about and entails, before hauling them off on a potentially dangerous adventure. You can always visit websites that illustrate the dangers posed by poison ivy as well as other harmful plants.
Duct tape is an interesting item to be included in your inventory while camping. Not only is it useful around the home, but it serves many purposes while camping. It can be utilized to fix a torn air mattress. It can repair a rip in a sleeping bag, tarp or tent. If you’re planning on taking a long hike, place it on your feet to prevent blisters. You can even use it to hold on a makeshift bandage.
Take along some things to entertain yourself and your family. You can take card games, a list for a scavenger hunt, and fishing poles for some entertainment. If your kids are along on your camping trip, include as many entertainment items as possible.
When it comes to camping, expect the unexpected. It’s important to plan for anything, but the unexpected could still happen. Also, be aware that the weather can be very unpredictable. Never take unnecessary risks or be careless, and always think before you act.
Have you just bought your first tent as a rookie camper? Before you go out and start on your trip, practice setting up your tent. This will help ensure that your trip goes smoothly, for a more enjoyable trip when you understand your tent. This is ideal, as even if you end up at your campsite while the sunlight is fading you will be able to quickly set up your camp.
When you find your site, seek out the softest, most level ground to put your tent on. Picking a sloped or rocky spot causes you to feel uncomfortable anytime you sit in your tent. Just lay a tarp at the bottom of the tent to stop water from going into your tent or damaging your tent.
Come prepared for everything when you’re preparing to camp. Even with a perfect plan, things can still go awry. Weather conditions can turn on a dime, your surroundings can change suddenly and injuries can occur at any time. You must always exercise great care, avoid risk and consider your actions always.
Sleeping Bag
Bring trail mix and beef jerky. By nightfall, you may be too exhausted to prepare a campfire and cook, and having the quick, nutritious foods will really come in handy. Trail mix and beef jerky are non-perishable foods, so they will keep for very long periods of time; you can even bring them home with you if you do not eat them at the campsite.
Bring along a sleeping bag made for the current weather. For example, there are lightweight sleeping bag for warm weather and heavy sleeping bags for colder weather. Be sure the bags you bring hug your body so your body heat is contained.
A great camping tip that everyone should use is to bring along an extra utility knife. These types of knives are the key to success when you need tools at a campsite. Carry an extra one in your bags in the event that your main one gets lost.
Bring along a photo of any children that will be camping with you. If you lose them during your trip, that picture can help you immensely. Always bring an emergency photo, especially if your campsite is far from your home.
It makes sense to keep a totally charged cell phone on hand. As an added safety precaution, you may wish to bring an additional battery so you have plenty of power. The cell phone comes in handy in emergency situations, so you will need all the battery power you can get.
Bring trail mix and beef jerky. You may find yourself too tired to prepare food and these nutritious snacks could be very satisfying. These items can be stored for quite a while, which means you don’t have to worry about the expiration date.
Depending on your ability to plan, you can either have a great time camping, or you can have a miserable time. Preparation is what makes the difference between the two experiences. If you are properly prepared for many different situations, then you will be more likely to enjoy your trip.
Cell Phone
Pack your things carefully and smartly. Prepare a list of supplies, and use this to check off items as they are packed. This is especially crucial if your trip will be taking you to a remote location where replacement supplies will be hard to come by.
It is generally a smart idea to leave your basecamp or car with a fully charged cell phone. If that’s not an option, bring an extra battery. Your cell phone is the best piece of emergency equipment you have so make sure it doesn’t die on you.
Learn how to use a map or a compass before going camping. Although you may be familiar with the area where you are camping, you can still get lost when you arrive because many areas can look similar. Knowing how to use them can save you from a disaster.
When going camping, bring some duct tape with you. Tents are fairly strong these days, but aren’t completely resistant to tears. If your tent has damage, duct tape can be used to fixed it so you do not have to worry about getting wet at night.
Follow the right procedures for safety when you go camping. Stay away from all large animals and most small ones as well. Even though they are small, any animal can be dangerous, even a squirrel. And, unless you’re in Jellystone Park, don’t feed any bears!
Before going camping, make sure you know how to read your map or how to use your compass. You can get lost in the woods even if you have been to the area before. Also, this will help to avoid tragedy with friends or family.
It is important that you practice food safety while you are out camping. Make sure your food stays dry and safe by using airtight bags and waterproof containers. Food should also be stored in an insulated cooler. Keep food contamination low by separating raw and cooked foods. Wash your hands and any surfaces when preparing food. Also, be sure that all food is fully cooked and that any leftovers are chilled as soon as possible.
Keep dry, fresh, and well-ventilated inside the confines of your tent. When your sleeping quarters are entirely sealed, from head to toe, condensation gathers and can aggravate the breathing. This can make you wake up soaked. Make sure to purchase a tent that has vents or windows that can be opened to stop moisture from becoming a problem.
Plan your whole entire trip and add some fun activities for the whole family. There are many things to do other than roasting marshmallows and sitting by the campfire. Get creative with your trip and plan activities that appeal to all members of your family. Always keep in mind the different age groups that you might have traveling with you.
With the advice offered in this article, you have the information you need to plan a successful camping trip. Apply all that you have read, and you can camp like a pro. No matter if you camp in a distant region or in your own backyard, do whatever is necessary to have a terrific time.
Use a shower curtain as a tarp to put underneath your tent. You could also use it as a place to wash or cook, since you can be in control of the run off. Rather than getting rid of a shower curtain, wash it with your laundry and use it the next time you go camping.
