Whether you’re just going to spend the night out in your back yard or if you’re going to go far away, it’s very important to be prepared to have a safe and enjoyable time. Read these tips to learn how to properly get ready for your upcoming camping trip. You will not regret reading this great information.
Be sure that your tent will comfortably fit everyone that you will be sharing it with to have a good trip. Being stuffed into a tent can make it almost impossible to get any sleep, and you certainly do not want to be stepping on people if you have to get out during the night.
When you buy a new tent, set it up completely at home before you take it camping. This will ensure that your tent is not missing pieces and that you understand how to set up your tent correctly. Also, this can help to reduce the difficulty that you have when out in the wilderness.
It can be fun to camp, but you have to be prepared. Make sure you always go camping only after preparing yourself fully. If camping at a new location, make sure you investigate the geography, climate, and local wildlife so you are prepared for any dangers.
When it comes to children, don’t hesitate to over-pack. Camping can be a sloppy time. Kids simply love to get dirty. As the day goes on, your kids will get messier and messier. 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. There is nothing like being prepared!
See if you can integrate swimming into your camping trip. Any time you go camping, you are likely to miss taking a shower. The cool water helps you to feel fresher, and you may just miss your shower a bit less.
Ensure the tent is an adequate size for anyone that might be with you. This will give you the room necessary for a comfortable camping trip.
Pack a first aid kit. There are certain things you’ll need to include at certain locations (i.e. a snake bite kit.) However, there some basics you should always have with you. Take into consideration all the possibilities that nature has to offer, and take precautions for them.
If you’re camping with kids, try a “jungle breakfast”. Tie fruit, juice boxes, and small boxes of cereal to trees. Then, when the kids wake up, have them go and “hunt” for their breakfast. This is a fun way to bring excitement to the morning.
A roll of duct tape is a very important piece of camping equipment. It is great for patching your tent, repairing your shoes, fixing your insect netting and various other tasks.
Combine your camping trip with some swimming. Many people miss a nice warm shower while camping. The cool water at a beach or pool will help you feel clean and refreshed.
When going camping with kids, explain to them some common camping problems you might run into. It is easy to go online together and look at pictures of poison ivy and other hazardous plants so they will know what not to touch as they explore the great outdoors.
Dryer lint makes surprisingly good kindling for starting campfires. Around four weeks prior to camping, start keeping the lint that you clean from your dryer filter. Keep a used grocery bag on your laundry room door to collect the lint. The morning of your departure, all you need to do is grab the bag and depart, kindling sorted!
When you are camping, pack enough of the right kinds of food. Depending on the length of your stay, you will want food that is not very perishable. Food poisoning is a great way to make a good trip go bad. Prepare all food in the right way and follow all other precautions that the kind of food needs.
Be prepared to handle any emergency that may arise and have a plan in place. Always keep the bare basics with you in the kit, and make sure that you have water purification tablets in it as well. If you think there will be snakes, you might want to include antivenom.
Keep a close eye on your dog while you are camping and always keep him on a leash. Many folks are scared of dogs. Take others into consideration when you camp if you bring a dog. Your dog might even damage someone else’s property if not properly supervised.
Pack your camping supplies in advance of your trip. You don’t need to forget something important like your sleeping bag or tent. Have a checklist of the items you need before you leave lest something be left behind.
Are you a novice at camping, having just bought your tent? Before you take it on your first trip, practice setting up your tent. This will enable you to learn how to pitch the tent properly and make sure all of the equipment is fully functional. This will also enable you to do this task quickly if you arrive at the campsite, right before darkness sets in.
If camping is something that you are new to, have your first trip close to where you live. You could run into problems with your gear, or you may decide you simply don’t like camping that much. You might realize you haven’t packed enough clothes or food. People that are camping for the first time may have a lot of problems, so being close to home is recommended.
Find a soft and flat spot to pitch your tent when you are camping in the wilderness. There is nothing more uncomfortable than sleeping on a slope or a spot with a rocky surface. Just lay a tarp at the bottom of the tent to stop water from going into your tent or damaging your tent.
Protect your canine companion on the trip by keeping him leashed and under careful supervision. There are those who fear dogs. Respect is important when camping. Also, dogs can damage things around your campsite, or another person’s if they aren’t being watched.
Plan ahead to avoid draining flashlight batteries on your next camping trip. It is very easy to accidentally press the ‘on’ button of your flashlight when it is jostling in a bag with other camping equipment. To avoid drained batteries, store your flashlights with the batteries backwards. They will stay handy but a thoughtless push of the button will not turn the flashlight on.
Stand ready for all possibilities when you camp. Even with a perfect plan, things can still go awry. Weather can change, situations can arise, injuries or illness can strike. Never take unnecessary risks or be careless, and always think before you act.
Create a list of items you need for your camping trip. This is doubly important for campgrounds that are far away. Pack several days before you leave, and check things off as you go.
Sleeping Bag
Beef jerky and trail mix are two camping staples you should always bring with you. These grab-and-go snacks are great for taking on a hike or as a snack after a long day when you don’t feel like preparing a meal. Because these items will last a while, you don’t have to eat them right away if you don’t want to.
Make sure that you choose the right sleeping bag for the conditions on the campsite. Hot weather calls for a lightweight bag, while heavier bags are needed for colder temperatures. If you are staying in a tent, use a sleeping bag that fits to the contours of your body in order to maintain your body temperature.
Prepare for camping by packing smart. Make a list of what you’ll need and check it off as you get things packed. If you are going deep into the bush or backcountry where emergency supplies and services are inaccessible, then you really need to make sure you have first aid material and related equipment.
Keep one eye on your children at all times. Cars abound at campgrounds, and it is easy for a little one to walk into the woods and have trouble getting out. Something bad can occur in a split second, so it is necessary to watch children constantly.
Master a map and a compass before heading out for your trip. Although you might know your site, it is still easy to get lost, as many places in the woods look similar. Knowing how to use them can save you from a disaster.
A great camping tip that everyone should use is to bring along an extra utility knife. These pieces of equipment are quite versitile and can get you out of a lot of bad situations.
When you put up your tent, seal the tent seams the best you can. You can get a tube of sealant at a sporting goods store if you didn’t get any with your tent. This helps to prevent bugs, as well as rainwater, from coming in your tent.
As you just read, it’s easy to have an enjoyable camping trip if you know what you’re doing. If you use this information, you can create an adventure that even those that aren’t crazy about the outdoors can have fun with too. Get to know what there is to offer from camping and plan out your next trip soon.
Many people get food poisoning each year while camping because they do not pack properly. If your food isn’t canned, vacuum-sealed or preserved, you can get food poisoning because your food spoils. Pack an adequate supply of ice for keeping perishable foods nice and cold and be sure to drain your cooler’s plug so the food doesn’t get soaked.
