Camping has become extremely popular, thanks in part to it being featured on reality television. Read on to learn the right way to create a fun, safe and memorable camping trip.
Go to a class to learn about first aid. You will be prepared for any accidents that may occur and can survive until you reach professional medical care. Also, do your research. Be aware of poisonous flora and fauna, as well as of what sounds animals make.
When you’re camping, always look for shelter prior to dark. If you wait until after dark to set up you will find it to be nearly impossible, even if you have decent light. This is even more true for city folks whose eyes are not used to the pitch black. Do whatever you can to make sure that you find a safe location for your tent and pitch it before you find yourself in this sticky situation.
It is always a smart idea to look into what the weather is going to be like, before going camping. You can visit http://www.weather.com to check the weather just about anywhere. Be sure to look at the 10 day forecast along with extended weather patterns. Having a good idea of what the weather will be like will ensure that you pack accordingly for your trip.
Your sleeping bag should be seasonally appropriate. If you take a sub-zero bag camping in the middle of summer, you will probably sweat all night, or even overheat. If you use a lightweight sleeping bag during the winter, you can spend your night shivering if it’s cold outside. You might even get hypothermia.
Try to go swimming when you are camping. Showering is one of the comforts of home you will have to do without while camping. The coolness of the water will help you feel cleaner and more refreshed, so you won’t miss your shower as much as you thought you might!
Let everyone of your family members have a say on where to go camping. Talk about the state you would like to go to. With all of the options available, it is wise to let people decide for themselves. To aid in this decision, you may want to offer a few of those that you personally like the best and than let each family member vote.
Emergency kits are a good thing to have prepared for any camping trip. Depending on the location, the kit may have extra items, but the basic items should be there. Having extras like anti-venom is a good defense for certain kinds of wildlife.
Survival Kit
When you decide to camp in an unfamiliar location, you should read up on any dangers that you could encounter. Some examples of dangers are flash floods or poisonous spiders. Every campsite can have its own dangers.
Make sure your survival kit is available on a constant basis. In addition to your first aid kit, you need waterproof matches, a flare gun, water-purifying tablets and a knife. If you were to get lost or were put in an emergency situation, the survival kit will be of great help. Always carry this pack with you instead of leaving it at the campsite.
Talk with your children about the dangers associated with camping before you leave home. It’s easy to look at photos online of harmful plants like poison ivy so that they are aware that they should not touch them when they’re camping.
Pack additional clothes when going camping. Camping is messy business. The dirt is like a magnet that draws your children into the mess. Because of this, your children will likely be filthy by the end of the day. Take extra clothing with you for your children. Staying prepared is the best way to avoid issues on your trip.
Take a few things with you to entertain yourself while you’re camping. Create a good scavenger hunt list, pack some fishing poles and carry along some board or card games to entertain you while sitting in the middle of the woods. If the kids are camping with you, you’ll need to increase the amount of entertainment items that you pack.
Try to schedule activities for your children such as board games or card games. They could get bored out in the woods and away from the things they use to entertain themselves regularly. Are they used to pitching tents and fishing? Allow them to practice these activities prior to going camping if they’re not that experienced with the outdoors.
It is important to take even greater care storing food if you are planning to travel to an area with active and dangerous wildlife. So, you will need to keep things wrapped well, keep them far removed from the tent, and you may need to steer clear of certain foods entirely. Doing so will lessen your chances for an attack.
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. 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.
Make sure you have charged flashlights for the trip. It is very common for flashlights to be turned on inadvertently when going through camping supplies or while being stored. You can avoid dead batteries by installing them in the flashlight backwards until you need the light. This prevents the flashlight from coming on and will ensure it is ready for use when needed.
If you pet is accompanying you on your camping trip, then be sure to keep them leashed and under control at all times. Your neighboring campers may be afraid of dogs. You should be respectful of other campers while at the site. Additionally, dogs are capable of damaging the camping area if you don’t keep a good eye on them.
The peel of an orange might save you from mosquito bites on your next camping trip. This can be used if you have forgotten your insect repellant. Experts have said that you can just rub inner side of an orange peel on any exposed skin. The mosquitoes should steer clear of you for several hours.
Duct Tape
Take some time to think about the appropriate camping clothing ahead of time. Be sure you have enough clean clothes to last the entire trip. You should also make sure to include clothing that is appropriate for the climate and possible weather changes in your camping area. Sturdy shoes or boots with closed toes are essential gear for any camping trip.
Bring some duct tape on your camping trip. Just like at home, its uses are nearly endless. It can be used to repair holes in air mattresses. You could patch a hole or tear in your sleeping bag, tarp or tent. You can also protect your feet against blisters while hiking long distances by putting duct tape on them. If anyone hurts themselves, it can be used for securing splints or for covering wounds, provided something soft is placed between the tape and skin.
When camping with kids, have a photo of them at hand. This can come in handy if they are separated from you while on your trip. Your should always have current pictures of your children with you, but this is especially true when camping.
It is easy to see that many things should be considered when preparing to go camping. At this time however, you are ready to take on any challenge. With a better idea about what you can expect from your next outdoor adventure, you’ll be able to maximize your odds of a fun, successful trip.
Always be aware of where your camp is located. Don’t set up camp near wasps or other insect homes. Whenever you are close to a great deal of vegetation, protective clothing layers are key to stave off insect bites. You also might want to have bug repellant nearby.