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You’re missing out on a lot if you haven’t been camping. Mother Nature has a way of relaxing even the most stressed soul. This article will help both beginners and expert campers better enjoy their next trip.
Look for where you’re going to set up your shelter before darkness falls. 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. Those that live in urban areas find this to be the case even more than those that are used to pitch black darkness. Don’t let this happen to you, and have a shelter set up before dark.
Select the right sleeping bag for the season. A winter bag for the summer will cause you to sweat all night. 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.
You will get dirty. Preparing for this in advance can help reduce the stress when it does happen. Let loose and allow everyone to get messy while you enjoy the time spent in the woods. You can always clean up, and be “normal” when you return home.
Don’t worry about over-packing for the kids. Being out in the wild can result in all sorts of messes. Almost every child will want to play in the dirt or mud, constantly. That all means that you will have very dirty children as the day progresses. By packing a few extra changes of clothes, your children can be presentable at dinner. Always prepare!
Affirm that your insurance is intact before you leave on your trip. If you are going camping out of state, you may have to add an additional policy for full coverage. Popping over the border into Canada could also cause an issue. Semper paratus doesn’t just apply to the military! Be prepared!
Never forget to see what the weather will be like in the area you will be camping at, prior to leaving. There are lots of excellent websites that you can use for a weather forecast and they can give you an idea of what to expect. By knowing the weather, you can ensure you pack the proper equipment and clothing for your camping trip.
Try using dryer lint to help you start your campfire. Start collecting lint from the filter in your tumble dryer several weeks before your camping adventure. An easy way to remember to save up your lint is to keep a plastic bag near your dryer as a reminder. When you are ready to leave on your trip, just pack your bag of lint for kindling.
Consider having a “jungle breakfast” if you are on a camping trip with children. Bring some packaged foods, beverage boxes and even fruits, then tie them to trees near the campsite. Once the children are awake, tell them they need to forage for their meal. This activity adds a bit more fun to camping.
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’s easy to use, can hold out moisture and will even fix a leak or a broken shoe!
A bandanna or a handkerchief can be beneficial to bring on your trip. A bandana is very versatile and can be used as a blotter, potholder, mini-bag and more. Because there are so many versatile uses for them, bringing one or two on each camping trip is a good idea.
If your intended camping destination is known for its prowling wildlife, take more than enough precautions to secure food. You will need to keep your food in airtight containers or securely wrapped, and store it away from your tent. Some foods should be avoided entirely. Doing so is going to decrease the likeliness of a random attack.
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The lint from the dryer actually is great to help start campfires. Start collecting the lint from your dryer’s filter about a month before you go on your trip. Hang up a grocery bag beside your dryer and collect the lint in it. You can just go about your business after that.
Be prepared for anything when you go camping. Even with a perfect plan, things can still go awry. Weather conditions can turn on a dime, your surroundings can change suddenly and injuries can occur at any time. It’s important to not be careless, not take any unnecessary risks, and to think before taking any actions.
Make sure to finish setting up camp during daylight hours. If you’re driving an RV, find a safe parking spot. Find a piece of ground that’s flat and dry if you are putting up a tent. Making sure this is all done before dark gives you time to become familiar with the area. It will also make it easier to see what you’re doing, saving you a lot of frustration.
A pre-made list will help you remember exactly what you need for your camping excursion. This is doubly important for campgrounds that are far away. Have a list ready before your trip that you can check off, and pack at least two days before heading out.
If camping is new for you, start somewhere nearby. If you want to end your trip, you will be close to home. It could be that you didn’t pack enough food or your clothing is not warm enough. Lots of calamities can befall new campers, so sticking close to home at first is wise.
Pack extra flashlights and batteries when you are packing for your trip. There are times when it is important to be able to see clearly in the dark. If you have the proper lighting, you can prevent experiencing bad falls or wildlife encounters. If you are bringing children on your trip, it’s a good idea to provide each of them with their own light.
Always bring ample food, and make sure you bring the right types. Depending on the length of time of your outing, you need to have plenty of non-perishable food. If you get sick on your outing because of the food, that will put a damper on things. Take the proper steps to prepare your food and do research if necessary.
Take some time to find the right sleeping bag for the climate conditions at your campsite. Lighter bags might be good ideas for warmer climates and seasons to avoid unnecessary weight and space usage, but make sure that you have a heavy enough bag to stay warm in cold conditions. The main goal with your sleeping bag is to conserve body heat, which means having a snug bag that hugs the body.
Be sure to avoid draining your flashlight’s batteries on your camping trip. You can easily bump the power button on the flashlight while digging for things in a bag. To prevent this, put flashlight batteries in backwards. That way, there is no way to turn the flashlight on until you switch the batteries around.
It’s always smart to bring beef jerky and trail mix when you decide to take a camping trip. These little nutritious snacks can come in handy after a long day. Also, these foods keep well so if you don’t eat them, you can enjoy them later.
Now that you know more about camping, you should be able to plan out your next trip. You will be one of the best campers around with the information you’ve learned. It does not matter if you stay close to home or travel far away for your camping adventure, you will have the time of your life.
One great piece of equipment to carry while camping is a spare utility knife. One of the most useful camp items is a utility knife, so pack an extra one just in case one gets lost.
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