The joys of camping! It is a great time in nature for any combination of people or even alone. Camping can be fun as well as exciting, offering a wide range of possibilities, but one must prepare well for such a trip. The following advice can help you properly plan for your next camping trip.
Always find your shelter before it gets dark when you go camping. You do not want to be stuck trying to put your tent together or finding a safe location for the tent when it’s pitch black outside. This is especially true if you are an urbanite whose sight is not used to the pitch dark. Don’t let this happen to you, and have a shelter set up before dark.
Take a class on how to do first aid. This is especially important if you are taking kids with you. If an accident occurs, you’ll need to know what you need to better the situation until you can receive medical attention. Be sure to research the area you are visiting. Know the types of wild animals that inhabit the woods and gain understanding of any poisonous snakes or plants nearby.
Pick a sleeping bag which is appropriate for the season. If you take a sub-zero bag camping in the middle of summer, you will probably sweat all night, or even overheat. On the other hand, you don’t want a lightweight summer sleeping bag if you’re going to be out in the frigid temperatures of wintertime. You might even contract hypothermia.
Bring a hankerchief or a bandanna with you. This item has many different uses such as a hand towel and carrying bag. You will find that you can use these in a lot of versatile ways, so bring one along when you’re camping.
Let your family members all have a decision when it comes to choosing a campsite. Talk about which state you would like to go to. Choosing one can be really hard in the United States, given how many places there are to go! If it simplifies things, pick four or five favorites and then give everyone a vote.
Purchase some pillows that are made for camping prior to going on your trip. Standard pillows can get hot and sticky in humid weather. Mildew can grow in it when they absorb the moisture from the air. Pillows specifically designed for camping have a barrier to stop this behavior.
A “jungle breakfast” is something that could be enjoyed when camping with children. To do this, tie cereal and juice boxes to trees so that your kids have to hunt for their breakfest. When they wake up, they’ll have to search the “jungle” for breakfast. This can add some magic to their camping trip.
Talk with your children about the dangers associated with camping before you leave home. The information contains pictures of poisonous plants that they can use as a guide of what to avoid.
Try to combine a camping experience with a swimming experience of some kind. A hot shower can be sorely missed. By taking a dip in a pool, lake or river, you will have fun and feel clean and refreshed at the same time!
Take a leash with you if you plan to bring your dog camping. There are those who fear dogs. You must respect other campers. Additionally, dogs are capable of damaging the camping area if you don’t keep a good eye on them.
Carry a bandana or handkerchief with you. Such an item can be used as a carrying bag, a potholder, a hand towel, a blotter or a paper towel. You will find that you can use these in a lot of versatile ways, so bring one along when you’re camping.
Prior to your camping trip, create a list of all the equipment and personal items you need to take. If you have to travel a long way to reach the campsite, this is particularly vital. Pack a day or two before going camping, and check off things on your list as you go along.
Look into pillows made specifically for camping. If you take along a regular bedroom pillow, it can get hot and sticky when it is humid outside. Your average pillow will also become moldy from the excessive moisture in the outdoor air. Specialized pillows for campers feature protective fabric that resists moisture absorption.
Always make sure that you have a sharp knife with you when you go camping. A utility knife is one of the most versatile and important pieces of equipment that no camper should be without.
Take along things to do while you are in the wild. Pack such things as cards, fishing poles or even plan for a scavenger hunt. If you are going camping with children, you need to make sure that you bring a lot of things to keep them entertained during the trip.
Mobile Phone
Camping is about being one with nature and living off the basics, but it is important to go prepared. Blankets are essential, in addition to a sleeping bag, to maximize comfort. This helps to warm you up in case it gets too cold at night. They are also good to use for extra padding.
Smart campers will leave their car or base camp with a charged mobile phone. Even better, bring extra batteries so you are prepared if there is an emergency. A mobile phone is an important part of camping safety these days, and you want it to be ready to go when you need it.
Write down a list of all the essentials that are required before embarking on your trip. It’s especially important to make a checklist if you will be traveling a distance to the campgrounds. Pack in advance to avoid the stresses of packing before your trip.
Always bring both a first-aid kit as well as a survival kit. Together, these items can be the difference between going home early and rapidly addressing problems that arise. Being prepared can prevent a serious situation from worsening and can buy you time when helping a sick or injured person to safety.
Your sleeping bag should be able to accommodate a variety of camping conditions. So bring a lighter sleeping bag for the hotter months out of the year, and a thicker one for the colder months out of the year. Be sure the bags you bring hug your body so your body heat is contained.
Pack mindfully and appropriately. Prepare a list of supplies, and use this to check off items as they are packed. This tip is always important, but especially so if your camping trip will take you to a remote area that does not provide access to food, shelter or emergency supplies.
If you go out camping with kids, have a photo of them on hand. If you lose a child at any point, having a picture to show rescuers or search parties could be very useful. Make sure you bring one for emergencies, especially if you are camping far from home.
Make sure you know how to use a compass and map before you go camping. Even if you know the area well, getting lost is always a possibility. Learning how to actually use certain items will help you avoid getting lost.
One great piece of equipment to carry while camping is a spare utility knife. A utility knife is one of the most versatile and important pieces of equipment that no camper should be without.
Camping is fun but only if you plan things out properly. This article has hopefully given you some great tips for the next trip!
Always make sure that your cell phone is with you when you get to your campsite, and it should be fully charged. Even better, try bring along some spare batteries in case your phone’s battery runs out. A cellphone is a great way to get in touch with someone in case of an emergency so be sure yours isn’t going to die.