
Nothing is better than being under the night stars with those you love. Camping is one of the most popular pastimes for a good reason. That said, in order to ensure that your camping trip is fun and enjoyable, you do need to take a few things into consideration when planing such a trip. This article will provide you with some helpful advice to properly prepare for your camping excursion.
You are going camping outdoors, so expect that you will all be getting dirty. If you are prepared for this situation, you will find that when it occurs, you will be less stressed. Enjoy your time and don’t afraid to be messy. When you return home, make sure to stay as organized as possible.
When choosing a tent, pick one that has plenty of room for you and all of your camping companions. That makes it easier for everyone to have a comfy time while they’re asleep and moving around when they have to get up in the dead of night.
All participants should have a say in where you go camping. Talk about which state to go to. With the many parks and preserves in the world, deciding where to go can be a task into itself. If it simplifies things, pick four or five favorites and then give everyone a vote.
Set up a “jungle breakfast” when you are camping with your kids. Tie juice boxes, tiny boxes of cereal and fruit to trees in the woods. Make your children “hunt” them in the wild; like a great outdoorsman. This makes the trip even more magical for kids.
Dryer lint can make great kindling for creating campfires. Start storing your lint in a bag a couple weeks before your trip. To make it easy to collect dryer lint, simply hang a bag next to the dryer and fill with your lint. By doing this, you’ll have all the kindling you need.
Take along a bandanna or a small towel. Not only can it keep the hair out of your eyes, it can also be a sack to carry things, a towel to dry your hands or a potholder to grab your coffee pot from the fire. It is very versatile, so be sure you take one with you every time you go camping.
Use specialty camping pillows when camping. Your standard pillow that you have at home will not be comfortable if the conditions become humid. They also absorb moisture out of the air and can mildew quickly. Camping pillows are specially coated to prevent moisture absorption.
Even if you are roughing it, your camping experience can be brightened by bringing along a small token piece of luxury. Your favorite candy bar or some prepackaged creamers for your morning coffee are light and simple to bring along. A small luxury that reminds you of home can be uplifting.
When you’re new to camping, make sure you camp close to home. If you have any equipment issues, it is better and easier to cut your trip short when you do not have so far to travel. Maybe you will find you have not brought enough food, clothing or other necessities. There are a lot of different things that can come about and being closer to home will make it a lot easier.
Find all of your equipment and start packing well in advance of your trip. Forgetting something important, such as a sleeping bag, is a terrible feeling. Check to make sure you have everything you need with a check list prior to going on your trip.
The supplies for your next camping excursion should include a couple rolls of duct tape. It is versatile at camp, just like at home. It is perfect for fixing an air mattress. You could patch a hole or tear in your sleeping bag, tarp or tent. If you are going on a long hike, you can put it on the sensitive parts of your feet for blister prevention. It can also work as a bandage.
If you are a camping novice, you should initially stay near home. If you have any equipment issues, it is better and easier to cut your trip short when you do not have so far to travel. You might not pack enough food, or you may run short on clothing. So many things can go awry for the newbie camper; it’s definitely best to find a campground near to home.
Living off the land is part of camping, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go prepared. While a sleeping bag is a necessity, you should bring extra blankets. They can be used as padding or for warmth.
If a pet accompanies you to the campground, do not just let him or her run free. Some people get frightened by dogs. This will maximize the respect that you have for others while camping. Also, dogs can damage your campsite or another person’s campsite if they’re not watched carefully.
Plan ahead to avoid draining flashlight batteries on your next camping trip. It’s possible to accidentally hit the “on” button on your flashlight. To prevent this, load batteries into the flashlight backwards. This way they won’t activate if the switch is nudged and will stay fresh till you need them.
Is this your first tent? Before you go out and start on your trip, practice setting up your tent. Doing this will make you properly prepared when you get to camp. This will also help you be able to accomplish the task quickly and efficiently once you arrive at your campsite, even if it is near dark.
Bring the right sleeping bag for the weather you choose to sleep in. Lighter bags might be good ideas for warmer climates and seasons to avoid unnecessary weight and space usage, but make sure that you have a heavy enough bag to stay warm in cold conditions. The main goal with your sleeping bag is to conserve body heat, which means having a snug bag that hugs the body.

Be prepared for your next camping adventure by taking precautions on conserving flashlight batteries. You can easily turn on the flashlight while searching through bags and equipment. To prevent draining the batteries, place them in your flashlight backwards. This prevents the flashlight from coming on and will ensure it is ready for use when needed.
Watch your children at all times. There are many people coming and going all of the time and you do not want them to get kidnapped or lost. An accident can occur quickly, so it is important to be vigilant.
Before heading out to go camping, compile a checklist of items that you plan to bring. This is imperative when there is travel involved during your camping trip. Use your list to guide your packing and make sure to start packing a few days before the start of your trip.
Having a roll of grey duct tape is a good idea when camping. Tents are pretty durable, but they still have the tendency to get weathered and torn. A piece of durable duct tape can keep you dry at night, even if your tent was damaged by accident.
Sleeping Bags
When you’re getting a survival kit together for camping, it’s recommended to bring waterproof matches. Keep them in a container that is airtight. To save money, dip regular matches in shellac, nail polish or wax to make your own waterproof matches. You can store them in a prescription bottle or film canister.
Choose an appropriate sleeping bag for the conditions in which you will be camping. When the weather is warm, light sleeping bags work best; heavier sleeping bags are also available for colder weather. You might even consider a body hugging one as it helps you retain your body heat.
Use the appropriate sleeping bag for the current season. For instance, you’ll want a lightwweight bag to keep you cool in the summer. Meanwhile, if you are camping during the winter months, you will probably desire a more heavyweight sleep bag that will protect the body’s extremities from frostbite.
Decide what clothing you will need before you make your trip. Consider how many outfits you will need for the number of days you plan to be on your trip and add in a few extra in case of bad weather. Pack clothes that will allow you to dress properly for whatever weather is expected in the area where you will be camping. Shoes that are durable enough to handle rough terrain should be worn at all times.
It’s a common mistake to set up your campsite near the restrooms. They think this is a convenience for them, but they find out differently. Bathrooms get a lot of traffic, and they keep the lights on all night. When you camp by the bathrooms, it isn’t as convenient as you think.
Carry an additional utility knife in case your original one breaks. 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.
Ensure that your food is safe while camping. Pack food and drinks in airtight pouches and containers. Use a cooler that is insulated properly and filled with ice if need be. Don’t keep raw and cooked food together, so there is no contamination. Always wash any food surfaces, as well as your hands. Use antibacterial soap to wash and follow with sanitizer. Cook all your foods completely, and make sure to chill perishables as soon as possible.
It’s a great idea to go to your main camp when you have a cell phone that you’ve fully charged. You may also want to bring a couple of extra batteries in case one runs out. A cell is the most important tool you have in an emergency, so be sure it works.
If you want an exciting camping trip from start to finish, plan your activities. Campfires and marshmallows provide hours of fun, but there is so much more to a camping trip. Try to think of things to do that each member will enjoy. Take everyone into consideration when you’re making your camping trip plans.
There are several things to keep in mind when considering camping. Use the advice you have just read so that your next camping trip will be safe and enjoyable.
One essential supply to take camping is a solid first aid kit. Include all the items you would require in the event of a mishap. Pain killers, bandages, snake bite supplies, and gauze should all be included in the kit. Being safe is very important when you’re in the wild and accidents will happen, so be prepared.