Very few things will beat getting out and under the bright stars with the people you love. There is a reason that camping is so great. While it may be fun, there is a lot to keep in mind when camping. This article will prepare you for a wonderful camping experience with some tried and true advice!
When you’re camping, always look for shelter prior to dark. Once blackness falls out there in the woods, it can be extremely difficult to pitch a tent, find good firewood and prepare food. This is particularly the case for city slickers who are unaccustomed to darkness. Do not get yourself into this situation, and find your shelter during daylight hours.
Pick a sleeping bag which is appropriate for the season. If you use a heavy winter sleeping bag in summer, this can be stifling and uncomfortable. Alternatively, taking a light bag in the winter can lead to great discomfort. You could even develop hypothermia or frostbite if it’s very cold.
After you buy your camping tent, set it up at home rather than waiting until your trip to set it up for the first time. This helps you learn to put up your tent and make sure there aren’t missing pieces. This will also allow you to feel more comfortable about setting up the tent later.
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. That will help you make sure your tent has all the pieces and you know how to properly set it up. It’s a great way to avoid the frustration of having to set up a tent on site.
Bring a survival kit with you and be sure to always have it on you. Your survival kit should contain a survival knife, water-purifying tablets, waterproof matches, first aid kit, and a flare gun. This kit could be the difference between life and death. Always carry this pack with you instead of leaving it at the campsite.
Pack and carry a survival kit on your person for the entire trip. Things to include in your survival pack are a knife, matches that are waterproof, first aid kit, flares and tablets to purify water. Never assume there won’t be any trouble. Anything can happen, and you need these essential items to help save your life if necessary. Be sure to carry it on your person and not leave it at your campsite.
Pack a bandanna or handkerchief. It can be used as a hand towel, potholder or even a gag in a pinch. You will find that you can use these in a lot of versatile ways, so bring one along when you’re camping.
Ensure that your tent is large enough for all of the potential occupants. Being stuffed into a tent can make it almost impossible to get any sleep, and you certainly do not want to be stepping on people if you have to get out during the night.
It’s not totally necessary to rough it during your entire trip. You can bring along something comforting from home for your trip. For example, bring a bar of chocolate or a small container of cream to put in your coffee. These small luxuries can really brighten your spirits!
Consider taking a CPR and first aid class. This is especially important if young children are traveling with you. With the training you receive, you will be better prepared to handle an accident or other emergency situation while you wait for medical assistance. You should also do some research. It is also best to know what exists in the area you will be in so that you can prepare for that as well.
Camping is great fun for kids if you plan things that they can do. 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. Children may not be familiar with activities like pitching a tent or fishing. If this is their first time, it is a wonderful opportunity for them to learn new skills.
Duct Tape
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 can be used as a quick patch in the case of a punctured air mattress. Duct tape can also seal other rips, such as ripped tents or sleeping bags. If you’re planning on taking a long hike, place it on your feet to prevent blisters. It may also be used as emergency bandaging.
Pack the duct tape. Duct tape is good for so many things. It works quickly in a pinch for tent holes, inflatables with leaks, shoes with worn soles, securing the tent to its pole, sealing up your mosquito netting and many, many more things.
Camping’s main idea is to generally live off of the land, however, you still need to be well-prepared. While a sleeping bag is obvious, it is still a good idea to bring extra blankets. This will keep you warm if it gets really cool at night and/or you can use them for additional padding.
Use specialty camping pillows when camping. Your standard pillow that you have at home will not be comfortable if the conditions become humid. They may also get mildew from all the moisture outside. Pillows specifically designed for camping have a barrier to stop this behavior.
Plan to save the light of your flashlight before you go camping. It is very common for flashlights to be turned on inadvertently when going through camping supplies or while being stored. Keep your flashlight in a secure place to avoid accidentally turning them on. That way, the flashlight cannot possibly drain the batteries if the ON button is bumped.
Bring along some interesting activities when planning a camping trip with kids. Being in the woods can be boring for them as time goes on. They may not know how to fish or pitch tents. Show them how to do these things before you leave if they haven’t spent a lot of times outdoors.
Pack extra flashlights and plenty of batteries for your camping trip. Even after the sun is gone, you may need to see. Having that extra light source might help to prevent a fall or accident, or even getting lost in the woods. Make sure you have at least enough flashlights for each person to have their own.
Try to find a campsite that is closer to your house for your convenience when on your first trip. You could experience a number of problems, such as equipment failure, and wish to cut the trip short. You might find that you do not have enough clothes or food. Many things can arise for the first-time camper, so camp close to home the first time.
When planning for a camping trip, make sure you bring beef jerky and trail mix. At the end of the day, you might feel too tired to cook so having these nutrient-filled snacks on hand can be very useful. They stay fresh for a while, so you do not have to worry about them going bad if you do not use them up right away.
Again, you need to consider a lot of things when planning a camping trip or other outdoor adventure. Implement these tips to enjoy the time spent camping with all of your family and friends.
You should be sure you have survival and first aid kits. These two items can be the deciding factor in whether you have to end a trip early or care for situations as they arise. You may be able to keep an emergency from going from bad to worse.