Camping is a fun activity that allows you to spend time with family and friends. However, many don’t ever do it since it sounds hard. This does not have to be the case, with the right advice in mind. The advice here will cause you to become an eager camper.
Pick a type of sleeping bag that happens to be appropriate for the season. A winter bag for the summer will cause you to sweat all night. And if you taking a sleeping bag that is light-weight, you are going to freeze. You may even develop hypothermia.
Bring along a sleeping bag appropriate for the season. If you bring a sub-zero sleeping bag to go camping in mid-summer, you might find that you are sweating all night long. If you are going to bring a light bag in the winter, you may end up freezing and having a miserable time. You might even contract hypothermia.
Make sure your tent is of ample size. This helps you to have a more comfy night’s sleep, and trips in and out of the tent will be less disturbing for those who are sleeping.
Let your loved ones help you pick a campsite. Discuss things like the state you would like to see, particular parks that interest you and what type of camping experience you are looking for. There are many different places, so it can be hard to choose. To make it easy, pick a few that you really like and then have a family vote.
Proper planning and preparation can keep you safe and make your camping experience more enjoyable. Prepare in advance to avoid the downfalls of camping. Do some research on the climate and wildlife if you are unfamiliar with the area.
Carry a survival kit on your person. You need to pack a flare gun, utility knife, matches and a first aid kit. You may find that this kit makes the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. Never leave the kit behind, even for a short excursion.
Make sure you know what’s covered in your medical insurance. Some policies don’t cover you while out of state and you may have to add an extra policy. That can be even more important when you plan to travel across international borders. It is essential to be prepared in case of emergency.
Make sure to pack plenty of extra clothing for your children. Camping can be a messy affair. Children seem to be dirt magnets. Your kids may become filthy as the day goes on. You can’t avoid the dirt, but some extra clothes will help out. Remember, always be prepared!
A ‘jungle breakfast’ can be a great activity for the kids. Tie juice boxes, tiny boxes of cereal and fruit to trees in the woods. Once the kids are awake, they can go search for their food. This makes the trip even more magical for kids.
Take along a bandanna or a small towel. These can be used for several things, like drying your hands or holding a hot pot. Because there are so many versatile uses for them, bringing one or two on each camping trip is a good idea.
Try to fit swimming into your schedule in some way. Camping can make you miss your shower. Cool water can give you a feeling of exhilaration that may help you to miss your shower at home much less.
Buy some camping pillows. The typical pillows will become sticky in hot and humid climates. The tend to absorb ambient moisture and grow mildew as well. Pillows made especially for camping have a protective outer layer that prohibits moisture absorption.
It’s not totally necessary to rough it during your entire trip. You can bring along something comforting from home for your trip. Carry something small and convenient, such as a chocolate bar or some coffee creamer. You can really feel good on your trip when you bring these food items.
Kids really enjoy camping if they are kept busy with fun activities. Far from civilization, kids tend to get bored. They may not know how to fish or pitch tents. Teach them these things ahead of time to ensure a great trip.
Oranges can be used as a food source and a way to repel mosquitoes while you camp. Save the peels when you’re done eating and gently rub them on your face, arms, legs or any other exposed areas, and you keep the pesky bugs away with no harsh chemicals and for a great price!
Should you decide to bring your dog, pack a long leash and prepare everyone to keep careful watch on the pet. Many folks are scared of dogs. Respect is important when camping. Additionally, dogs can wreak a lot of havoc on a campsite if they are not supervised properly.
Make sure to bring duct tape on your camping trip to fix almost any problem. It is good for patching holes in tents, shoes, and inflatables. It is also good for securing tents and sealing up mosquito nets.
If you are pitching a tent, look for soft, level ground. Choosing a slanted or rocky site will make your stay quite uncomfortable. Always lay down some tarp first to prevent any water damage to the tent.
Purchase some pillows that are made for camping prior to going on your trip. If you use your bedroom pillows, the humid weather will make them feel hot and sticky. These types of pillows are prone to taking in the moisture in the air and can even mold if left in wet conditions for too long. Pillows designed for camping offer a coating that prevents moisture absorption.
Consider the erection spot for your tent carefully. You should avoid setting up near any insect breeding grounds like wasp’s nest and beehives. When staying near plants, use long sleeved shirts as well as pants; this avoids insect issues. It is also a good idea to carry insect repellent.
If you are camping for the first time, stay close to home. You could have problems with your gear, or you may find you don’t like camping. Other problems can be food shortage or inadequate clothing. There are many unexpected problems you may encounter the first time you go camping, so stay close to home.
Be careful and wise when you are packing. Prepare a list of supplies, and use this to check off items as they are packed. This is very helpful if you’ll be far from civilization.
Pack plenty of food and make sure it’s the right type. Depending on the length of your stay, you will want food that is not very perishable. A bout of food poisoning can end a wonderful trip very quickly. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain the highest level of preparation with your food.
Be sure to create your shelter before it gets dark. Pitching tents in the dark can be almost impossible. A flashlight or fire will help you out. This should be done when the sun is present so that you can use natural light.
If this your first time going on a camping trip? So, practice setting up your tent and taking it down before you leave home. This will give you the confidence to pitch your tent at any time. This also ensure that you can perform the task more quickly if you get to your campsite late, and darkness begins to set in.
Waterproof Matches
Duct tape is an important piece of camping equipment. You might have a nice tent, but tears can still happen. Your tent can easily be repaired with some duct tape, which will keep you nice and dry in your damaged tent.
When going camping, always remember to take waterproof matches with you when you’re creating a survival kit. Store waterproof matches in a canister that is airtight. You don’t even have to spend a lot of money. Regular matches can be made waterproof when you dip matches in nail polish or paraffin. Your container can be an empty film holder or even a plastic medicine bottle.
Learn how to use a map or a compass before going camping. Even if you are returning to a campsite you know well, the area could have changed and you could become lost. Your skill using a compass and a map can be a lifesaver one day.
Seal the seams on your tent when you’re putting it up. Extra sealer tubes can be purchased at most sporting supply stores. By doing this, you will prevent wayward animals or rain from making it inside.
When selecting a sleeping bag, make sure it’s season-appropriate. In summer weather, for example, you’ll need a light bag that will help you stay cool. Winter, on the other hand, requires a heavier sleeping bag that is rated for low temperatures.
People who don’t pack food correctly risk food poisoning. Food poisoning can happen when food is spoiled, which is something you risk when you take food not properly preserved, vacuum sealed or canned. Bring lots of ice to prevent food from spoiling, and remove the drain plug on the cooler so your food stays dry.
Some inexperienced campers mistakenly set up camp close to the bathrooms. Such campers think that situating their tent in such an area will be convenient, but they soon realize the error of their ways. Bathrooms attract many people and also end up lit up at night. Therefore they can be more of a nuisance than anything else.
Even if it seems silly, bring toilet paper. Many camping trips involve trees as toilets. Avoid using leaves to wipe, as you may not be able to recognize poisonous plants such as poison ivy.
For an inexpensive and disposable way to protect the bottom of your tent, use an old vinyl shower curtain as a tarp. Additionally, you can use it as a place to cook or wash up. Don’t throw that shower curtain away; save it for a camping tarp.
Safety comes first when camping. Keep away from animals, both large and small. Even though they are small, any animal can be dangerous, even a squirrel. This should not have to be said, but never feed any bears you see.
Bring pocket or dryer lint when you camp. Although it may seem like an unlikely item to pack, it can be one of the best tools you can bring for quickly starting your campsite fire. Lint fosters brighter flames than wood. Just a bit of lint and a tiny spark can be all you need to get started.
When camping in the cooler weather, dress in layers. Outdoors weather changes frequently. It may be chilly early in the morning, but then the afternoon can be incredibly hot and humid. During the evenings, it can get pretty chilly. If you wear clothing in layers, you can add more or peel off layers easily as the temperature changes.
It is a good idea to set up your shelter before darkness arrives. Remember, it can get dark quickly so it is important to allow ample time to set up your campsite. Even if you aren’t putting a tent up, it’s easier to make your shelter while there is light out.
Camping Trip
While reading a book or listening to music are wonderful things that let you relax outdoors, don’t overlook the beautiful scenery surrounding you. Gaze at the stars or go on a walk on a camping trail. You will feel more relaxed afterwards.
Hopefully you now realize that camping really is not too difficult. Anyone, with a little effort, can do it. Apply what you’ve just learned on your upcoming camping trip. In no time, you will feel confident in your ability to plan a great camping trip that lets you enjoy Mother Nature fully.
Preserve the batteries in your flashlights. When flashlights bounce around during your travel, they might come on. Take the batteries out and put them in backwards. You’ll have the batteries but you won’t have to worry about turning your flashlight on by accident.
