Nearly everyone loves to go camping! It is a great experience with nature, whether you’re with your family, spouse or by yourself. Camping is a great way to enjoy being outdoors, but there is a lot to know before you go. Look at the tips that follow so you can have the best camping trip possible.
Your sleeping bag should be seasonally appropriate. A sleep bag designed for winter camping would make you sweat during the summer. On the other hand, if you pack a lighter summer bag during cold weather camping, you are going to not get any rest. You may even develop hypothermia.
You might think nature naturally provides all the wood you need, but the wood where you are could have already been picked clean, or it could be wet. Bring along some dry wood and store it where it remain dry.
A tent needs to be the proper size for all people staying in it. 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.
Pack in excess for your kids when you are going camping. Camping can be messy. Kids are always attracted to dirt. Because of this, your children will likely be filthy by the end of the day. You don’t want to interrupt their fun, it’s a joy of camping after all; but, keep some extra clothing with you for them. Be ready for anything.
A first aid session, especially if you have children, is essential. You will be prepared for any accidents that may occur and can survive until you reach professional medical care. Be sure to do thorough research too. Be aware of poisonous flora and fauna, as well as of what sounds animals make.
If you’re going to be taking your children camping, attend a first-aid course. This way, should an accident occur, at least you are properly prepared until help arrives. Never forget to research. Find out if the area has poisonous snakes, what type of wildlife lives in the woods, etc.
Dryer lint can make great kindling for creating campfires. Start collecting lint from the filter in your tumble dryer several weeks before your camping adventure. Keep a used grocery bag on your laundry room door to collect the lint. Using this for your kindling will save you time looking for it, and it will work even better than any kindling that you do find.
A surprising tip you may not know about is that the lint from your dryer also doubles as great kindling for your camp fire. Collect some lint from your clothes dryer to bring with you. You can hang a bag next to the dryer and just stuff your lint into it. By doing this, you’ll have all the kindling you need.
Duct tape is a handy tool to carry when you are camping. You can use to help seal leaks and rips and hold together important things that break. It can hold your shoes together if they fall apart, and you can even use it in case of emergencies for a temporary bandage or sling.
Don’t wait until nightfall to start your camp site. If you are traveling in an RV, park it in a well secured area. If you have a tent, carefully select the plot of land you are going to use. Doing so before nightfall will allow you to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. Since you will know what you are doing, you’ll prevent frustration.
Bring sufficient amounts of the right kinds of foods. Take a decent amount of food that won’t spoil when you go camping. It could end up causing food poisoning and quickly end your trip. Cook and store your food properly during the trip to avoid food poisoning.
Kids generally love camping, but plan some activities for them ahead of time. Far from civilization, kids tend to get bored. They have probably never fished or set up tents. If this is their first time, it is a wonderful opportunity for them to learn new skills.
If you’re camping where there is dangerous wildlife, double your food reserves. You have to wrap your food tightly and keep them away from the tent; some foods, you may have to forget. This can reduce the chances of wildlife coming near you on your trip.
Create a list of the items you must bring before you go camping. This is doubly important for campgrounds that are far away. Pack a few days before your camping trip is supposed to happen and check off your list while you go through things.
One smart thing to bring along camping is duct tape. This item has many uses and can help you save a lot of time and money. This can be used to close up any issues with your air mattress, which can save you money. You can also use it to patch up a tent, tarp or sleeping bag. When walking for a long time, it can also help avoid blisters. You can also put it over bandages for extra protection.
Know where your kids are at all times. Cars and campers will be pulling in and out, and there is always the possibility of little ones getting quickly lost in an unfamiliar forest. Something could happen very quickly, so if you keep an eye on your kids, your supervision will help keep them safe.
Living off the land is part of camping, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go prepared. Bring extra blankets along with your sleeping bag. They can be used as padding or for warmth.
An orange peel can help to avoid insect bites. Don’t worry if the insect repellant was left behind on the kitchen counter. Instead, just rub the white part of an orange rind over your skin. This will keep the mosquitoes away for long periods of time.
Make a list of your required camping gear and double check it while packing. Overlooking even a small thing can ruin an entire trip. It may be helpful to make a list of everything you need and cross it off the list when you pack it. Make sure that you bring a lot of water, knives, soaps and food on your camping trip for safety.
If you are camping with children, keep a picture of them handy. In the case that a child goes missing, having their photo at hand could be of great use. Always bring an emergency photo, especially if your campsite is far from your home.
Make sure you choose a sleeping bag that is appropriate for where you will be camping. Bags that are light are good for warmer places and a sleeping bag that’s heavier works best when things are colder. You also want to get a sleeping bag that is comfortable to sleep in as well, so test them out.
Bring a good utility knife when you camp. These pieces of equipment are quite versitile and can get you out of a lot of bad situations.
Find a great location to set up your camper. One thing to consider is whether or not there are insect nests in the space in which you want to set up. If you are by plants or flowers, bring pants to block insects. Insect repellent is a life saver.
Smart campers will leave their car or base camp with a charged mobile phone. Or, bring an extra battery just in case your battery dies. Your phone could be the most important equipment you have in an emergency.
Charge your cellular phone to maximum capacity before you leave on your trip. You should also seriously consider bringing a spare battery for your cell phone in case the main battery dies. A cell phone will be your best friend in the event of an emergency, so keep it charged and available.
A camping trip could be a relaxing, tranquil experience, or it could end up being a vacation from hell. Preparation makes all the difference. By being prepared for various situations, you’ll most likely have fun on your trip.
Do your packing deliberately and intelligently. Create a list of equipment and supplies that you may need while camping, and cross out each item as you pack it. If you are planning to camp in an area away from first aid access, then this will be especially necessary.
People will often forget to build their shelter before sunset. When it’s dark, it’s hard to pitch your tent. A flashlight or fire will help you out. Doing it during sunlight hours makes it easier and more prepared for the dark.
One simple tip that many people overlook is creating your shelter before dark. When it’s dark, it’s hard to pitch your tent. You should pack a flashlight or make a fire while it is still light. Making the effort to do the work before the sun goes down will make for a more enjoyable trip.
While creating a survival kit, include waterproof matches. Store these in a waterproof and airtight bag or container. Even normal matches can be waterproofed with nail polish or paraffin wax. You can stash them in a 35mm film canister or a plastic medicine bottle.
Before going camping, make sure you know how to read your map or how to use your compass. You can get lost in the woods even if you have been to the area before. Knowing how to use them can save you from a disaster.
When erecting your tent, ensure that you are able to seal all seams. You can purchase tubes of sealant at a sporting goods store, or your tent may have included some. Sealing your tent will keep out rainwater and unwelcome critters.
When preparing a survival kit for a camping trip, you should bring along waterproof matches. Always store your matches in a container or packaging that is airtight. You also can create waterproof matches yourself by taking regular ones and dipping them in nail polish or paraffin. An empty prescription bottle or an old film container makes great storage for your matches.
Camping is a activity many enjoy, but there is much to know before you go. The above article has given you all the advice you need to ensure your next camping trip is enjoyable.
When you’re away camping, what cooking methods are you planning on using? You should determine how you plan on cooking your food, so you know what supplies to bring. A lot of people are excited about cooking thing over a flame, but that is hard to do without the right supplies.
