You cannot deny that some people are just attracted to having experiences in the great outdoors. If you want to make your next camping trip an experience to remember, you need to get informed. If you spend some time reading the advice here, you can make your next camping trip a really enjoyable one.
Pick a type of sleeping bag that happens to be appropriate for the season. A sleep bag designed for winter camping would make you sweat during the summer. Alternatively, taking a light bag in the winter can lead to great discomfort. You may even risk hypothermia.
Always locate your shelter before dark when you are camping. It can be hard to set up camp when it’s dark outside. Some people cannot see very well at night, and this makes setting up camp at night next to impossible. Avoid this by setting up your shelter ahead of time.
When you buy a new tent, always set it up at home once before taking it camping. This will ensure that your tent is not missing pieces and that you understand how to set up your tent correctly. This will also allow you to feel more comfortable about setting up the tent later.
Have everyone give their opinion on where you should camp. Talk about the state you would like to go to. There are many sites in the country to visit that are nearby and are very beneficial. This can get people engaged and ready to go camping.
Bring a survival kit with you and be sure to always have it on you. Survival kits should contain waterproof matches, a survival knife, a first aid kit, a flare gun and water purifying tablets. You need this if you become lost or stranded; the items in your kit may save your life. Never leave the kit behind, even for a short excursion.
If you have a new tent, practice setting it up at home before your trip. By doing this you will be able to make sure that your tent does not have any missing parts. Furthermore, such a task will help to reassure you that you know how to errect your camping tent properly. This can eliminate the aggravation felt when setting up your tent.
Pack what is necessary for your children. Camping can get very messy and dirty when you bring your children. Children love the dirt. As they go about enjoying the natural surroundings, you may find that dirt is added to dirt. You can not really prevent it from happening, but you can pack extra clothes. Be ready for anything.
Don’t be afraid to over-pack for your children. Camping can get very messy and dirty when you bring your children. Your kids may love playing around in the grass and dirt. As the day goes on, your kids will get messier and messier. You may not be able to keep them clean, but you can bring a change of clothes. Be prepared!
During a camping trip, try to go swimming at some point. A hot shower can be sorely missed. The coolness of the water when you swim will help you feel clean and refreshed, so you may not miss your home shower as much.
Go to a class to learn about first aid. You will have all of the medical knowledge you will need in case of an accident. Be sure to research beforehand. Be aware of the potential for poisonous snakes, wild animals and other possible wildlife dangers.
A surprising tip you may not know about is that the lint from your dryer also doubles as great kindling for your camp fire. Start collecting lint from the filter in your tumble dryer several weeks before your camping adventure. Just hang a grocery bag next to your dryer and stuff the lint into the bag. That technique lets you simply grab the kindling you’ll use right before you go on your trip.
Camping and swimming are a great combination. Showering is one of the comforts of home you will have to do without while camping. The cool water helps you to feel fresher, and you may just miss your shower a bit less.
Try to get your camp fully set up by nightfall. If you are traveling in an RV, park it in a well secured area. When forming your tent, find a spot that is level and dry. It is much easier to do these things during the day, and you can become familiar with the area. Since you will know what you are doing, you’ll prevent frustration.
A hankerchief is a great item to bring on your trip. A bandana is very versatile and can be used as a blotter, potholder, mini-bag and more. You can use them to pick up hot pans, or to clean up a tiny spill; therefore, you should always have one with you.
Always become familiar with the potential dangers of a campsite before you enter it. This would include stuff like what spiders dwell there, how steep the terrain is, and if the area is prone to flooding. All camping spots have some dangers associated with them and you want to make sure you pick a spot that isn’t too bad.
One smart thing to bring along camping is duct tape. Not only is it useful around the home, but it serves many purposes while camping. You can slap a piece of it on a leaking air mattress. It works well for repairing tears in tent material, sleeping bags or tarps. If you are hiking long distances, a strip applied to your feet can keep blisters from forming. If anyone hurts themselves, it can be used for securing splints or for covering wounds, provided something soft is placed between the tape and skin.
Bring along some interesting activities when planning a camping trip with kids. When you are in the woods with nothing around but trees, they may become bored. They may never have had a chance to set up a tent or catch a fish. If they aren’t used to camping activities, teach them before you leave.
Pitching a tent can be complicated for anyone, but it is especially difficult for beginner campers. So, practice setting up your tent and taking it down before you leave home. If you have successfully done it at home, pitching it at your campsite will be easier. This can help you finish it quickly if you get to the campsite prior to it getting dark.
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. Get online with them and show them what poison ivy, poisonous snakes, and other dangers look like. This will help your kids know what to avoid when exploring.
Come prepared for everything when you’re preparing to camp. Make sure you have put a little thought into things in case the unexpected does occur. There can be changes in the weather or circumstances, and illness and injury can also occur. It’s important to not be careless, not take any unnecessary risks, and to think before taking any actions.
Duct tape is a handy item to pack with you on any camping trip. It is nearly as useful while camping as it is around the house. Duct tape can be used to repair anything. You can close up rips and tears, and bundle things together. If you are going on a long hike, you can put it on the sensitive parts of your feet for blister prevention. You can also use it to bandage injuries.
Take along a current picture of any kids you have camping with you. This can help you locate your children quickly if they are lost during the trip. Keep pictures of your children on you when ever you are far from home.
Write down a list of all the materials you need before you go camping. If you have to travel a long way to reach the campsite, this is particularly vital. Start packing a few days ahead of your trip, and tick items off as you pack them.
Know how to use a compass and map before you head into the woods. If you have visited the campsite before, you can still get lost once you arrive. You can avoid a possible disaster by becoming knowledgeable about using these items that can save your life.
Take some time to find the right sleeping bag for the climate conditions at your campsite. If you are camping in a colder climate, purchase a heavyweight sleeping bag; people who camp in warm weather should use a lightweight sleeping bag. You might even consider a body hugging one as it helps you retain your body heat.
Bring waterproof matches as part of your survival kit. Store them in airtight containers. A regular match can be made waterproof by dipping it in nail polish or paraffin. Your container can be an empty film holder or even a plastic medicine bottle.
Pick out your clothing attire ahead of time. Consider how many outfits you will need for the number of days you plan to be on your trip and add in a few extra in case of bad weather. Also, make sure you’re taking along clothes that work with whatever the weather will be where you are camping. Sturdy shoes or boots with closed toes are essential gear for any camping trip.
Seal all the seams when pitching your tent. If you tent did not include a tube of sealer, you can find it at sporting goods stores. This will keep any critters and/or rainwater from getting inside your tent.
Beef jerky and trail mix are great foods to bring on your camping trip. When you reach the end of a long day, it may not sound appealing to cook, so it helps to have these things to eat when you’re too tired. They will stay fresh for long periods of time, so they won’t go to waste.
Sleeping Bag
Novice campers often set up their tent near bathrooms, but this is an error. Although the location is convenient, there are many downfalls to this location. Light and high traffic are usually found around the bathroom area. Thus the strategy of camping out close to the restrooms ultimately backfires.
Make sure the sleeping bag you choose for your camping trip is right for the time of year and all the weather it brings. For example, if you are going camping during the summer months, you will probably want a lightweight sleeping bag, so that your body does not overheat during the night. Winter, on the other hand, requires a heavier sleeping bag that is rated for low temperatures.
It is important that you practice food safety while you are out camping. Foods should be packed in airtight and waterproof containers. Also, use insulated coolers. Prevent cross-contamination of raw and cooked foods by storing them separately. Use hand sanitizer and soap to keep hands, as well as preparation surfaces, clean while you are handling food. Also, be sure that all food is fully cooked and that any leftovers are chilled as soon as possible.
For those who know what they are doing, camping is a truly great experience. If you want to have a successful camping trip, a little bit of research and planning are necessary. Keep what you have learned above close to you when you’re preparing to camp, and you’ll be prepared to have a fun time.
Dress yourself up in multiple layers when you go camping. There can often be quick and unexpected weather changes in the great outdoors. A cold morning can turn into a very hot afternoon. During the evenings, it can get pretty chilly. With layers of clothes available, you can remove or add them dependent on the changing climate.
