Are you ready to go camping? The most important step in any camping trip is planning, whether it is for a long backpacking trip or a weekend at the local park. The tips below are great for maximizing any camping journey.
Although you might assume the woods will offer you plenty of firewood for your camping needs, nature may surprise you with rain-soaked logs or wood that will not easily ignite. It’s always prudent to bring wood that you have gathered beforehand, and to store it in a location where it will stay dry.
Buy a sleeping bag which will suit the weather you will be in. If you use a heavy winter sleeping bag in summer, this can be stifling and uncomfortable. The opposite is true as well, as you need a good, heavy sleeping bag when you are going to be enduring very cold conditions. You might develop hypothermia.
Be sure that your tent will comfortably fit everyone that you will be sharing it with to have a good trip. This assures there is enough sleeping and moving around room.
Let those you are camping with help pick the site. Engage in conversation about what state and location they would like to visit. The United States offers so many choices that choosing one can be hard! You could even pick three or four possible destinations and allow a family vote from there.
Ensure that you have everything you need before you go out camping. It wouldn’t be good if you forgot something you really need like your sleeping bag or a tent. Use a check list that you can use to double check, to be sure that you have everything before you leave home.
Survival Kit
Try to find a campsite that is closer to your house for your convenience when on your first trip. You could have gear issues or you might want to shorten your trip. Maybe you will find out that there isn’t enough food or clean clothes to continue. So many things can go awry for the newbie camper; it’s definitely best to find a campground near to home.
Make sure your survival kit is available on a constant basis. Don’t forget things like knives, waterproof matches, flares, first aid, and a water purifier. This survival kit may be what keeps you alive if you get lost and the items in it are indispensable in a survival situation. Keep it with you at all times when you leave your campsite for any reason.
When taking a dog along, be certain they have a leash and are always supervised. There are those who fear dogs. You should keep that in mind while you are on your camping trip. You do not want then to ruin anyone’s campsite due to lack of supervision.
When choosing a tent, pick one that has plenty of room for you and all of your camping companions. This will give you the room necessary for a comfortable camping trip.
If your intended camping destination is known for its prowling wildlife, take more than enough precautions to secure food. Wrap your food up tightly so that smells don’t escape and store it away from your sleeping tent area. This will help prevent wild animals from being tempted to visit your campsite.
It is vital that you take a first-aid kit with you anytime that you go camping. Depending on the location, the kit may have extra items, but the basic items should be there. You should bring things like a flare and antivenom as well, you never know what might happen.
Make sure you bring the right things when you go camping. Even letting one particular item slip your mind can devastate your trip. You might want to create a checklist of things you need to bring. Good items to bring include a sleeping bag, water, food, hygiene supplies and things that can help you get a fire started.
Always remember to bring a roll of duct tape with you when you go camping as it can be used for all manner of things. You can use it to repair holes in tents, inflatables, shoes and just about anything else you can think of.
Write down a list of all the materials you need before you go camping. This can be of particular importance if you are traveling a long distance and will be in more remote locations. To ensure that everything gets packed, mark each item off the list as you pack it.
If camping is something that you are new to, have your first trip close to where you live. Things may go wrong and you may have to abort your trip early if things don’t go your way. Maybe you’ll run low on food or not have enough clothing with you. A variety of issues could arise if you don’t know what to expect, so being close to home can prevent you from feeling stranded and stuck.
Pack extra flashlights and plenty of batteries for your camping trip. After the sun sets, the night can be very dark and sources of light are a necessity. Adequate light can help you avoid falling in the dark, or encountering wildlife. If you have kids with you, be sure they each have their own flashlight.
If you bring a dog with you to go camping, keep it leashed up and keep an eye on it. There are those who fear dogs. You must consider them when you are camping, too. Your dog might even damage someone else’s property if not properly supervised.
Make sure that your sleeping bag is appropriate for where and when you are camping. 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.
This article hopefully helped you become better prepared. The camping requirements for planning a trip are very similar for a quick weekend adventure or a week long trip. Start planning your camping trip today by making use of the knowledge you have acquired form this article, and you will be able to enjoy an unforgettable camping adventure in the near future.
Keep pictures of your children on you if they are comping with you. If they go missing, you can show people the photo to help find them quickly. Be sure that you have one on hand if you are far from home so that you are fully prepared.