Have you been pondering the idea of a camping trip? Whether for a week or a day, planning must be done. The tips below are great for maximizing any camping journey.
When camping, bring the sleeping bag that appeals to the season that you are in. Bringing a winter bag camping in summer can cause you to roast all night. Conversely, if you bring a light-weight sleeping bag to a winter camping trip, you can be extremely uncomfortable the entire time. You might even contract hypothermia.
When it comes to children, don’t hesitate to over-pack. Camping can be a sloppy time. Your kids may love playing around in the grass and dirt. Therefore, you will need to understand that a clean trip is probably out of the question. You can’t avoid the dirt, but some extra clothes will help out. It is important to be prepared.
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. Make sure you bring some of your own dry kindling and make sure it stays in a dry area.
When going camping you need to ensure that the tent you build can easily hold you and anybody else that comes along. This will make it easy for you all to have a comfortable time sleeping, and moving around in the middle of the night when nature calls for people.
If you have bought a brand new tent in preparation for your camping trip, set it up at home first before you use it for camping. This will allow you to get the experience needed for erecting your tent. That can also cut down on the frustration some feel when setting a tent up for the first time.
If you’re going to be taking your children camping, attend a first-aid course. 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 could also read about different first aid techniques online. Be aware of poisonous flora and fauna, as well as of what sounds animals make.
A hankerchief is a great item to bring on your trip. In emergencies, such cloth can turn into a towel, a potholder or a piece of luggage. There are various uses for this fabric piece, so be sure to carry one on your trip.
No matter if you are going camping alone, or with a huge group, you need to always bring along an emergency kit. This kit will change depending on when and where you are camping but should always include the basics. Be sure to do your research and bring along any location-specific items you will need.
Before going to a new place to go camping, you need to know what dangers may be lurking. This refers to things like dangerous fauna, geography and climate. Every camping trip has different dangers.
Take a luxury item with you when camping. Whether this is a nice coffee creamer, or something as simple as candy, it will make you feel like you are at home. A small luxury that reminds you of home can be uplifting.
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 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.
Always remember to bring a roll of duct tape with you when you go camping as it can be used for all manner of 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.
While the concept of camping involves getting away from it all, you still need to be prepared with some basic items. While it’s important to have a sleeping bag, it’s also recommended to have extra blankets. That helps you if the night gets really cold, and you are able to use them as padding, as well.
Camping Pillows
When it comes to camping, it is important to be prepared. Sometimes camping trips don’t follow your plan. The weather could turn sour, injuries could occur or other unforeseen events may happen. Never take unnecessary risks or be careless, and always think before you act.
Purchase camping pillows for a camping trip! Your standard pillow that you have at home will not be comfortable if the conditions become humid. Those big pillows can also mildew, because they absorbs moisture. Camping pillows use a coating to lock moisture out to improve your comfort level.
Plan out your clothing prior to a camping trip. This way you’ll have enough clean clothing for your trip. You should also make sure that you pack suitable clothes for the weather forecast and activities planned. You should also have a pair of hiking boots or some other type of durable, protective shoe.
Find all of your equipment and start packing well in advance of your trip. It would be a shame to arrive at your campsite only to realize you have forgotten some important items, like food and water. Double check all your supplies to make sure they are accounted for and in working condition. Do this before you leave.
Pack carefully and wisely. Prepare a list of supplies, and use this to check off items as they are packed. This is key if you plan to visit a far away spot that is not likely to offer fist aid or other critical supplies.
Make sure your children have something to do while camping. They might get antsy once you start to get deeper in the forest. They may not know what it’s like to fish or do things in nature. Teach them how to perform these acts before you set out to camp.
A simple and obvious piece of advice is that you should create your shelter when it is still light. It is really hard to set up a tent in the dark. You’d have to do it with the light from a fire or from a flashlight, both of which could be difficult. It is much simpler to set up your campsite before sunset.
If a pet accompanies you to the campground, do not just let him or her run free. Not all people are dog lovers, and some are extremely terrified of dogs. You should respect your fellow campers in the area. Also, dogs can cause damage if you let them run free, so be sure to keep control of them at all times.
When setting up the tent, know how to seal every seam. If your tent kit did not contain a tube of sealant, it can be found at most sporting stores. By sealing the seams on your tent, you will keep out rainwater and any small critter that might want to join your tenting party.
Make sure that you bring things to occupy yourself when camping. Card games, fishing poles or games like a scavenger hunt can be very entertaining in the wild. This is especially important if you are bringing children, as they tend to bore easily.
What will you do about cooking food while camping? Decide this before you leave so you have everything you need. People enjoy cooking their food over an open fire, but it can be extremely hard if you do not have the right cooking supplies.
Duct Tape
Whenever you are camping, be sure to adhere to proper safety protocol. It is usually best to avoid the wild animals, big and small, that you may encounter. Even small animals, such as squirrels, can pose a dangerous hazard. Obviously, stay away from larger animals like bears and never feed them.
Duct tape is an interesting item to be included in your inventory while camping. Duct tape has numerous uses at a campsite. Duct tape can be used to repair anything. It can also fix up a tarp, sleeping bag, or even the tent. When walking for a long time, it can also help avoid blisters. You can also use it to bandage injuries.
When camping in the cooler weather, dress in layers. Outdoor weather can change quickly. Your day may start out with a chill and then warm up to a hot humid afternoon. This type of cycle can continue with a cold night. By dressing in layers, you can adjust your clothes to the changes in the weather easily.
Before going on a camping trip, make sure that you compile a list of things that you will need to take with you. This will be key, particularly if you are camping far away from home. 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.
Plan your camping trip out. Campfire songs and roasting marshmallows aren’t the only fun things to do while camping. Consider the ages and abilities of everyone involved while thinking of activities. Think of both your younger and older kids when choosing activities.
Pack extra flashlights and plenty of batteries for your camping trip. Flashlights will be essential at night. Without a flashlight, you could easily fall or be surprised by an animal. You may want to get each child a flashlight of his or her own if you’re taking kids on your camping trip.
An old shower curtain makes the perfect DIY tent tarp. You can also put it underneath a washing or cooking area to control any run-off or spillage. Instead of just sending your shower curtain to the trash, you can save it for another use when you go camping.
Sleeping Bags
Always bring toilet paper and baby wipes when you go camping. Of course, it’s possible to use what nature provides, but it’s much easier to have what you need pre-purchased.
Always pick an appropriate sleeping bag for the weather. When the weather is warm, light sleeping bags work best; heavier sleeping bags are also available for colder weather. You will need sleeping bags that hug your body and help you retain body heat if you’re sleeping in a tent.
When taking an extended camping trip, be sure to bring along some form of entertainment. Now, if you take too much to do, such as electronics, that can derail your nature-filled trip; however, there is little better than enjoying the stars and a campfire with a little music or a nice book.
Do you feel more prepared to go camping? No matter how long your trip will be, there are some essentials that must be planned before you go. Get planning today for the trip you plan to take in the very near future, and you will appreciate the research you have done.
Remember to pack plenty of sunscreen. It is crucial that you keep yourself covered from the sun. Make sure to get a sunscreen with a high SPF and put it on regularly. If possible, look for a lotion that provides both sunscreen and bug repellent in one bottle. Just don’t put too many chemicals on your body at the same time when you’re out camping.