Many people think camping only involves sitting around bored while rationing food and getting bitten by bugs. This doesn’t have to be the case. By taking the time to properly plan, you can avoid nasty bugs, eat well and have a wonderful time. The following article contains information you can use to have a great trip.
Pick a type of sleeping bag that happens to be appropriate for the season. If you’re camping in the heat of summer, a sub-zero bag just isn’t comfortable or appropriate. If you are going to bring a light bag in the winter, you may end up freezing and having a miserable time. You would in fact be risking your health and safety.
Don’t assume you can find wood at or near your camp site. It’s always recommended that you bring extra wood and keep it where it won’t get wet.
It’s important to take duct tape on every camping trip so that you can use it to solve problems. You can patch holes in tents, shoes and inflatables as well as using it to secure your tent or seal your mosquito netting.
Always keep a close eye on yourself, your family, and your possessions; as they will all get a little dirty. Setting the proper regulations in advance can help to combat this. Take this as an opportunity to enjoy the freedom, let your hair down, and get a little dirtier than usual. Things will go to back to normal soon enough.
Always understand what dangers are associated with a new place. Figure out if there are any poisonous insects, what the land looks like and how the weather will be. Each spot can contain dangers which can really affect your trip.
Let everyone know they have a say in the campsite and should help pick a favorite spot. Talk about where you want to camp. Try to keep a small list, as there is such an abundance of spots to choose from, it can be hard to pick one. You could even pick three or four possible destinations and allow a family vote from there.
While kids often have fun when camping, make sure to make plans to keep them entertained. Many of today’s children are not used to downtime away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and the quiet outdoors can cause boredom for them. The may not be accustomed to activities like pitching a tent or fishing. If this is their first time, it is a wonderful opportunity for them to learn new skills.
When you’re getting a brand new tent for your camping trip, take it out and set it up at home before you go camping. This helps you learn to put up your tent and make sure there aren’t missing pieces. This also helps you not to be frustrated when you’re trying to pitch your tent.
Be sure to pack a sufficient amount of the proper foods. It is very important to make sure the food you bring will not spoil during your trip. Food poisoning will put a damper on your trip and force you to end it quickly. Take the proper steps to prepare your food and do research if necessary.
Check the terms of your health insurance before leaving. Sometimes when you go to a different place, you’ll have to get an additional policy to cover you. If you plan to travel to a different country, such as Canada, then its is especially important. Better to be prepared and safe than sorry later.
When out in the wilds camping, it is smart to be prepared for just about anything. Even with a perfect plan, things can still go awry. Weather is truly unpredictable at times, so prepare yourself for the worse. It’s important to not be careless, not take any unnecessary risks, and to think before taking any actions.
A ‘jungle breakfast’ can be a great activity for the kids. Tie fruit, juice boxes, and small boxes of cereal to trees. Then, when the kids wake up, have them go and “hunt” for their breakfast. This adds a little sprinkle of adventure and excitement to any camping trip.
Don’t let your flashlight batteries get drained inadvertently. You don’t want to waste your flashlight battery and not be able to see. If you put the batteries in your flashlight backwards, you can avoid this. This way, if the button is turned on, the flashlight will not light and your batteries remain full.
Your children will love to join you on your camping trip, but be sure to plan some fun activities for them. If you’re settled among the trees, they may become bored. They have probably never fished or set up tents. Spend a day teaching them what they need to know before you leave for your trip.
Before going on a camping trip, make sure that you compile a list of things that you will need to take with you. This is imperative when there is travel involved during your camping trip. Get prepared well ahead of schedule; at least one day, maybe two, is required to gather all the “forgotten” items you would regret not having in the wild.
It’s important to talk with you kids about the dangers of camping. It is easy to go online together and look at pictures of poison ivy and other hazardous plants so they will know what not to touch as they explore the great outdoors.
Make sure to bring several flashlights or lanterns and extra batteries on your camping trip. You will need a light source to see clearly once the sun sinks in the sky. If you have the proper lighting, you can prevent experiencing bad falls or wildlife encounters. When you go camping and your kids come along, it is smart to let them each have their own flashlight.
When you’re new to camping, make sure you camp close to home. Things may go wrong and you may have to abort your trip early if things don’t go your way. Novice campers sometimes don’t pack enough food or clothing, which is a problem if they are far away. The first time, you should camp at close to home in the event of an emergency.
Bring the right sleeping bag for the weather you choose to sleep in. Sleeping bags made of lightweight material are optimal for warmer climates. By contrast, you should invest in a heavy sleeping bag if you plan to camp in a cold area. A good sleeping bag will cling to the human body and help it to retain as much body heat as possible.
Duct Tape
If you are taking children with on your camping trip be sure to bring pictures of them as well. While it is a worst case scenario, a child can easily be separated from the rest of the party, and a picture will make it easier to locate them. Be sure that you have one on hand if you are far from home so that you are fully prepared.
Don’t forget the duct tape. Duct tape is very useful camping, the same as it is at home. Tape can be used to seal holes in your sleeping mattress. It can also be used on your tarp or tent. Before embarking on an arduous hike, put it on each foot to stave off blisters. It can also work as a bandage.
Think about where to set up camp before you do. You have to figure out a spot that doesn’t have too many insects or problems with any animals. If you are next to a lot of vegetation, it is a good idea to wear longer sleeves to protect you from insects. Also, carry insect repellent.
You can now see that camping can be a lot of fun. You can use the tips that you found in this article as a guideline to help you in the planning of future outdoor adventures. Following these guidelines will help you to prevent issues that may take away from the enjoyment of your trip, so use them the best you can.
Trail mix is a classic snack and for a good reason. Throw a little beef jerky, a few fruits, and you’ve got yourself a full camper’s meal. These snacks are nutritious enough to eat in the event you don’t feel like cooking. They are also convenient because they keep well and don’t need to be refrigerated.