Camping can be an exhilarating experience. Young or old, everyone can have fun while camping. But it’s important to have some basic knowledge of camping to help ensure a safe and memorable trip. Read the following advice so you will be prepared for your adventure.
Always bring along a well-stocked emergency kit when you head out on a camping trip. Your kit’s contents will change depending upon the season and location of your trip, but you should always bring the basics. Don’t forget to pack the extra for your location, too, such as antivenom for snake bites.
Make sure that your sleeping bag is right for the season and climate where you are camping. If you bring sub-zero sleeping bags with you in the dead of summer, you will probably sweat all night. If you use a lightweight sleeping bag during the winter, you can spend your night shivering if it’s cold outside. You may even develop hypothermia.
Don’t forget to pack up some duct tape when you’re camping because it’s very versatile. It is good for patching holes in tents, shoes, and inflatables. It is also good for securing tents and sealing up mosquito nets.
You might think you can find enough wood for your fire in the woods, but the wood you find might be wet and not want to burn. As an added precaution, bring along wood from around your yard or logs from a home store, and keep them where they will stay dry.
Make sure that you understand the dangers and risks of the camping site that you choose. This means, research what types of animals and insects are deadly or which weather patterns you need to watch for. Each area can pose different dangers, so familiarize yourself whenever you venture somewhere new.
Let everyone know they have a say in the campsite and should help pick a favorite spot. Discuss what state you want to visit. There are so many options around the U.S. that it can actually be difficult to pick one! If necessary, select a few locations yourself, then let the family decide among your choices.
When going camping with kids, explain to them some common camping problems you might run into. It only takes a few minutes of going online to look at photos of plants they should avoid, such as poison ivy or other such things, to make sure your camping venture is free from common mishaps.
Anytime you buy a tent, be sure to practice setting it up and taking it down in your backyard prior to actually camping. This allows you to check and see that all the pieces are there and that you know how to assemble your shelter correctly. This will also eliminate some of the frustration associated with setting up a tent.
Keep a close eye on your dog while you are camping and always keep him on a leash. There are campers who do not like dogs. Respect for other campers is an important aspect of public camping. Additionally, dogs can wreak a lot of havoc on a campsite if they are not supervised properly.
Survival Kit
Though camping is meant to emphasize minimalism, some carefully chosen supplies can make all the difference. Blankets are essential, in addition to a sleeping bag, to maximize comfort. This helps to warm you up in case it gets too cold at night. They are also good to use for extra padding.
Pack a survival kit and carry it on you at all times. A survival kit should consist of matches, first aid necessities a flare gun and a knife. This kit can save your life if you get into a dangerous situation. If you don’t take it with you on excursions it will serve you no good.
Be sure to avoid draining your flashlight’s batteries on your camping trip. It’s easy for the flashlight to accidentally get turned on. To make sure your batteries don’t get drained, put the batteries in backwards. Your batteries will remain fully charged until you turn them around the right direction, and you won’t be able to accidentally turn the flashlight on.
Try to go swimming when you are camping. You might long for a good shower when you are camping. The water helps you feel refreshed and a bit cleaner so that you don’t miss showering quite as much.
Bring trail mix and beef jerky. After a busy day of hiking or other strenuous outdoor activities, you may be too tired to deal with campsite cooking. These snacks are healthy and nutrient-dense, making them a quick and easy source of nourishment. These items can be stored for quite a while, which means you don’t have to worry about the expiration date.
Kids love camping, but you need to plan out activities for them to do on the trip. If you are camping in the deep woods, far from anything familiar, kids can become bored. While fishing, pitching a tent and starting a fire might sound fun, they are not the activities kids are used to. Teach them how to perform these acts before you set out to camp.
Utility knives are great to have when camping. It is even better if you have more than one. 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.
Always pack enough food and the right kind. Depending on the amount of time you will be out, it is important to have food that will not spoil while you are out. A bout of food poisoning can end a wonderful trip very quickly. Properly prepare food and take any necessary precautions.
Many people forget to set up shelter before night falls. When it’s dark, it’s hard to pitch your tent. You need to make a fire or use a flashlight. It’s much easier to arrive early enough to get set up before sundown.
If your campsite is known for wildlife, be extremely careful with food. Wrap your food up tightly so that smells don’t escape and store it away from your sleeping tent area. This will reduce your chances of being attacked.
Don’t forget the duct tape! Tents are generally well-made nowadays, but rips and tears do happen. If you have duct tape, you can fix tears and sleep safely and dryly even if your tent suffers damage during an unexpectedly exciting day.
Camping is a pastime that is popular with a wide range of people, from the very young to the very old. For the best and most stress-free camping trip, it is essential to have a little know-how. Hopefully, the information provided to you here has given you all you need.
Know how to use a compass and map before you head into the woods. You can get lost no matter where you are camping, keep that in mind. To steer clear of calamities, learning the right way to use such lifesaving tools is key.
