So, your plan is to go camping? Are you prepared for some camping basics? Most camping issues are basic, but you should still learn as much as you can. Keep reading to learn some great advice.
Though you may believe that there will be sufficient wood lying around for your fire, you may only be able to find wet lumber that does not easily burn. It is good planning to take your own wood with you and store it where it is dry.
It is important to establish and set up your shelter before the sun goes down. Once the woods are dark, it is very difficult to find firewood, pitch your tent and prepare some food. This is particularly the case for city slickers who are unaccustomed to darkness. Do whatever you can to make sure that you find a safe location for your tent and pitch it before you find yourself in this sticky situation.
Bring a survival kit with you and be sure to always have it on you. You need to pack a flare gun, utility knife, matches and a first aid kit. This survival kit may be what keeps you alive if you get lost and the items in it are indispensable in a survival situation. Remember to take it everywhere you go when you’re away from your campsite.
You might think that you can find all of the wood that you need to keep the fire going, but there is a good chance that the wood will be wet. Make sure you bring some of your own dry kindling and make sure it stays in a dry area.
Don’t worry about over-packing for your kids. Camping can be dirty. Kids are always attracted to dirt. This means that by day’s end your children and their clothes can be quite soiled. Be sure to pack some extra clothes for your kids in case this happens. Prepare ahead of time!
It is important to keep in mind the fact that your person and all of your possessions will get dirty during a camping trip. If you’re prepared beforehand then you won’t be so stressed out when things start to get dirtier. Have fun on your trip and don’t worry about getting messy; it happens. Things will go to back to normal soon enough.
Carry a bandana or handkerchief with you. That small piece of cloth could become a potholder, a bag, a blotter or a towel. It has a multitude of uses and should be an essential part of your camping gear.
Bring along an emergency survival kit, and keep it on you for the duration of your camping trip. Survival kits should contain waterproof matches, a survival knife, a first aid kit, a flare gun and water purifying tablets. This kit may just be what helps you to stay alive in case you get lost or something bad happens and you’re stuck outside for longer than planned. Always carry this pack with you instead of leaving it at the campsite.
Dryer lint makes wonderful kindling to start your campfires with. In order to have enough lint to start a fire, begin collecting it a month prior to your trip. You can simply stuff it all into a plastic grocery bag you keep near the dryer. Doing this means you can just snag your kindling on the way out the door the morning your trip starts.
Be sure your tent is big enough. 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.
Even if you are roughing it, your camping experience can be brightened by bringing along a small token piece of luxury. It could be something as simple as coffee or nice hand cream. These little things can make your day!
If you’re going to be taking your children camping, attend a first-aid course. In the unfortunate case of an accident, you will be prepared to handle the situation. You should also do some research. Know the types of wild animals that inhabit the woods and gain understanding of any poisonous snakes or plants nearby.
Look into pillows made specifically for camping. Don’t bring the pillows you use in your bedroom. These pillows can trap heat during humid weather. On top of that, they will mildew rapidly as they suck in moisture. Camping pillows use a coating to lock moisture out to improve your comfort level.
Prior to leaving on your camping adventure, look at the weather forecast in the location your are going to be camping. There are lots of websites that can give you an idea of what the typical weather is like in the area during the time of your travel. This will help you prepare by having the right clothes and equipment.
Take some things to entertain yourself while in the wild. Card games, fishing poles or games like a scavenger hunt can be very entertaining in the wild. Children often complain that they’re bored wherever they go, so bring along as many items as you can think of to keep them entertained.
A “jungle breakfast” is something that could be enjoyed when camping with children. Tie up small boxes of juice, cereal and food to a tree. Then your kids can go out searching for their own breakfast. This will add some adventure and fun to their day.
Find the most level, rock-free ground possible to set up your tent on. An area that is sloped or rugged won’t make for the best place to put your tent. Just lay a tarp at the bottom of the tent to stop water from going into your tent or damaging your tent.
Dryer lint can make great kindling for creating campfires. Several weeks prior to your trip, start gathering up everything that collects in your lint trap. You can simply stuff it all into a plastic grocery bag you keep near the dryer. By doing this, you’ll have all the kindling you need.
When you are out in the wilderness with kids, have a photo of them with you. If the unthinkable happens and your kids get lost, possessing a picture of them could be a lifesaver. A picture should be carried anytime you are away from home, but even more importantly when camping in the woods.
Oranges are good things to bring for your camping trip, and not only as a healthy snack option. Save all the orange peels. Before mosquitoes attack, rub them on exposed skin.
Trail mix is a classic snack and for a good reason. Throw a little beef jerky, a few fruits, and you’ve got yourself a full camper’s meal. After a long and tiresome day, you may want to eat these nutritious snacks instead of cooking. These snacks should preserve for a good while, so there’s no wasting involved if they aren’t eaten.
It’s important to take duct tape on every camping trip so that you can use it to solve problems. You can use it to repair holes in tents, inflatables, shoes and just about anything else you can think of.
It is a good idea to have a cell phone that is fully charged in your car or base camp. You might want to bring an extra battery as well just in case your original runs low. A cell phone is a great emergency device; make certain it will keep working.
Make sure you have a good chat with your children about basic camping dangers before you head away. Show them pictures of plants that are poisonous so they know not to touch them.
It’s vital to pack first aid and survival kits. This will help you take care of anything that happens so you do not need to cut your trip short. A survival kits and first aid kits can save your life.
As you can see, there are a few things beyond the basics that are required for a successful camping trip. Camping trips need not be complicated, but, as you can see, there are some basic tips that can really help. Take this advice with you and enjoy the campy road ahead.
Take time to learn map and compass reading. Even if you are familiar with your intended campsite, you could still get lost because many areas look the same. Avoid problems by learning to use these items that can save your life.
