There are very few activities that one can engage in that will give one the same great feelings that one will experience during a camping adventure. There is truly nothing that can surpass the feeling of enjoying nature first hand and witnessing its beauty. Regardless if you are new to camping or an old pro, this article will provide you with tips for having the best possible camping experience.
Choose a sleeping bag that is seasonally appropriate. 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, light-weight sleeping supplies will never keep you warm enough in the dead of winter. In the worst case, you could be putting yourself at risk of getting frostbite or even worse.
When camping, be sure to locate a shelter before dark. After the night falls, pitching a tent, locating firewood and making food can be difficult. This is even more true if you’re accustomed to city life, and your eyes haven’t adjusted to the darkness of the woods. Avoid this by setting up your shelter ahead of time.
Never assume that you will find enough wood to burn, because rain can change that in an instant. Bringing your own small supply of wood and keeping it dry is a wise decision.
Choose a tent large enough for everyone that is going to sleep in it. This will make it easy for you all to have a comfortable time sleeping, and moving around in the middle of the night when nature calls for people.
Do not worry that you have packed too much stuff for the kids. 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. Be sure to pack some extra clothes for your kids in case this happens. The key is being prepared.
Even in a remote site where you plan on roughing it, you can enhance your camping trip with a small piece of luxury. For example, bring a bar of chocolate or a small container of cream to put in your coffee. These small treats for yourself can really boost morale.
Take a class on how to do first aid. This is especially important if you are taking kids with you. Camping can be very remote, so it is best to be able to deal with emergencies on your own, until help can be reached. Be sure to do some research as well. Know if there are any poisonous snakes in the area, what type of wild animals call those woods their home, etc.
Oranges are not only a healthy snack to take on a camping trip, but they are also versatile when used as a mosquito repellent. After you’ve enjoyed the orange, keep all the peels. If the mosquitoes are swarming, rub the peels over your body to keep them at bay.
Check the weather before leaving for your camping trip. The Internet is a great resource for finding weather related information for the area you will be camping in. When you know what the weather is going to be like ahead of time, you can pack the appropriate clothing and equipment.
Don’t leave home without all of your essential camping equipment. Forgetting your sleeping bag or food is not what you want to happen. Be sure you double check everything you’re taking and create a checklist prior to taking off so you’re sure everything is there.
Do a “jungle breakfast” if you are bringing kids. Bring several, small boxes of easy-to-fix foods, such as cereals, fruits, snacks, and other quick, yet healthy, meals. This hunting experience adds a sense of excitement to the trip. It’s a fun way to make camping a little more exciting for the children.
If you are camping for the first time, stay close to home. You could run into problems with your gear, or you may decide you simply don’t like camping that much. You may come to realize that you should have packed different clothing, or need more food. Many problems may arise for a new camper, so camping close to where you live can help you.
Try to camp near water, where you can also enjoy swimming. When you go camping, you can miss out on things like showers. The cool water helps you to feel fresher, and you may just miss your shower a bit less.
Duct Tape
Pack a first aid kit. This kit should contain the basics, but should evolve as you change your camping locations. For example, if you will be camping in a Southern state you should certainly carry anti-venom for the local wildlife that you may encounter.
A handy tool that will make your life easier when camping, is duct tape. It has a myriad of uses for campers, just as it does for homeowners. Duct tape can be used to repair anything. It can also seal rips in tarps, a sleeping bag, or the tent. If you are hiking long distances, a strip applied to your feet can keep blisters from forming. You can even use it to bandage up injuries.
It’s important to talk with you kids about the dangers of camping. You can show them some pictures of poisonous plants on the Internet, for example, so they are aware of what to look out for.
Camping’s main idea is to generally live off of the land, however, you still need to be well-prepared. You’ll need a sleeping bag, as well as extra blankets. This will help you to stay warm, comfortable and safe during a cold or wet night.
The whole point behind camping is to be one with nature, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared for it. You’ll need a sleeping bag, as well as extra blankets. This is useful for nights where the temperature gets too cold or as extra padding when sleeping on hard ground.
Are you a beginning camper and have just purchased your first tent? Practice setting up and taking down your tent before your trip. Doing this will make you properly prepared when you get to camp. This can help you finish it quickly if you get to the campsite prior to it getting dark.
When you reach your campsite, pitch your tent on the softest, most level ground you can locate. Pitching your tent on bumpy, rocky ground or on a slope won’t make for a very comfortable night’s sleep. Make sure you put down a tarp before you set up your tent. This will keep water from entering your tent at night.
Packing key essentials is necessary for good camping. If you forget a few things, it could ruin your entire trip. Lists help people know what they need before they go. Your list should include a sleeping bag, tent, tarp, water, food, knife, soap, fire-starting items and more.
Pick out all of your clothing before you go camping. Make sure you’ll have clean clothes to wear every day. Also, before you leave, check the climate to determine what types of clothes to bring. Sturdy shoes or boots with closed toes are essential gear for any camping trip.
Remember the old scout motto – be prepared! Even with a perfect plan, things can still go awry. There can be changes in the weather or circumstances, and illness and injury can also occur. To stay safe, plan ahead, do not take any risks and do not be careless.
Pay attention to where you’re setting up camp. Areas with insect nests and breeding grounds should always be avoided when setting up. Granted, even if you are cautious, you should still protect yourself from insects using long garments to keep them off of your skin. Don’t forget to bring along the bug spray.
Sleeping Bag
Though camping can be the best relaxation you can have, things can go south easily. The difference between these two comes down to one thing – preparation. As long as you are adequately prepared for the possible difficulties you could encounter, your camping trip should be most enjoyable.
Bring the right sleeping bag for the weather you choose to sleep in. 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 need a sleeping bag that fits snugly and keeps your body heat in if you’re going to sleep outside in a tent.
Pack your things with care. Make a checklist of supplies that you will need on your camping trip, and check items off as you pack them. 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.
When camping with children, bring along a picture of each child. In the case that a child goes missing, having their photo at hand could be of great use. Bring at least one photo of each child for any emergencies.
Don’t forget waterproof matches in a camping survival kit. Store waterproof matches in a canister that is airtight. You can waterproof regular matches by dunking them in nail polish or paraffin, a type of wax. You can easily find something to hold them, perhaps a film canister or a medication bottle.
Know the area that you’re setting up your camp in. You need to avoid setting up your camping site close to wasp’s nests and other insect breeding grounds. If you are next to a lot of vegetation, it is a good idea to wear longer sleeves to protect you from insects. Having insect repellent is a really sound idea.
Bring some toilet paper and baby wipes on your trip. Of course, it’s possible to use what nature provides, but it’s much easier to have what you need pre-purchased.
Try to keep your cell phone completely charged. As an added safety precaution, you may wish to bring an additional battery so you have plenty of power. A cell is the most important tool you have in an emergency, so be sure it works.
Bring a filter or tablets so you can purify water. Even if you plan ahead or boil any water you can collect, you may need something in a hurry. You ought to try your purification methods a couple of times while still at home so you know what the final product will be like. Don’t get dehydrated because you dislike the taste.
Pack mindfully and appropriately. Compile a checklist of things that you need for your trip, then check the items off on the list as you add them to your bags. This is very helpful if you’ll be far from civilization.
Camping supplies should include a lot of food, water and other drinks. If there are bears in your area, store your supplies far away from your sleeping zone. Burn your garbage and any left over food so bears are not attracted by the smell.
Now you know that nothing is as great as camping. Camping brings wonderful experiences, like beautiful scenery and the amazing sense of nature around you. When you apply what you’ve learned here, you’ll be able to enjoy a relaxing trip wherever you decide to camp.
Always keep a trail map with you. You’ll need it in case you take a wrong turn and get lost. When you have a comprehensive map on your person, your chances of making your return to the campsite before sunset increase dramatically.
