Not a lot can beat taking a few nights to sleep outside with people you love. Camping is one of the best activities out there, and for a good reason. It’s very important to remember that when you’re camping and having fun, you still need to consider the possibilities of things going wrong. The following advice will help you be better prepared for going camping.
While it may be that there’s enough wood around to keep a fire going for a long time, some of the wood may be wet and cannot burn no matter what you try. Bringing some extra wood in a watertight wrapping is a smart idea for camping success.
Sleeping Bag
Get a big enough tent to fit everyone and gear properly. This ensures the most comfortable sleeping arrangement and allows you to move about without disturbing others.
Bring along a sleeping bag appropriate for the season. You are going to roast all night long in a sleeping bag designed for cold weather that you camp with during summer. On the other hand, if you pack a lighter summer bag during cold weather camping, you are going to not get any rest. You may even risk hypothermia.
Just the smallest luxuries can really brighten your camping trip. This can be something simple like fresh coffee or a favorite candy. Such little luxuries will really pick up your spirits!
Expect that camping is not typically a time you can stay clean easily. Being prepared for the inevitable is the best way to avoid unneeded stress. Have fun in nature and don’t be afraid to get dirty! There’s plenty of time for showers and being super clean once you’re home again.
Make sure that you bring all of your camping equipment with you before you head out on your trip. You definitely don’t want to leave something essential behind, such as your sleeping bag or tent. Double check all your supplies to make sure they are accounted for and in working condition. Do this before you leave.
Understand your medical coverage. Sometimes when you go to a different place, you’ll have to get an additional policy to cover you. That can be even more important when you plan to travel across international borders. Be sure to be properly prepared!
Always become familiar with the potential dangers of a campsite before you enter it. This could be anything from wildlife to insects to poisonous plant life that could be a danger to you. Every camping area has different dangers that you should be aware of.
The incredible orange should be on everyone’s camping supply list to keep away bugs and provide something healthy to eat. Save the orange peels and rub them into your exposed skin. Insects will stay away from you for an affordable price.
Kids love to camp, but make sure you plan activities for them. Do not let the absence of TV and video games lead them to complain that they are bored. Are they used to pitching tents and fishing? If you don’t normally spend time outside, show them before you go camping.
Look into pillows made specifically for camping. Standard bed pillows can become hot and sticky in humid weather. They can mildew quickly after absorbing moisture. Camping pillows are coated to prevent this from happening, keeping you dry and comfortable.
Teach your kids about camping safety before you bring them camping. Make sure they understand what poison ivy looks like, to stay away from wild animals and to carry a light if they are walking around at night.
Food is one of the most important items to bring while camping. It depends on how long you’ll be out, but you must have food that won’t spoil on your trip. Food poisoning can put a miserable end to an otherwise lovely trip. Always prepare food the right way and take extra precautions.
When taking a dog along, be certain they have a leash and are always supervised. There are people who do not like dogs, so you will want to keep them in control. You must show respect for others when you camp. Dogs can also damage campsites, or get into the belongings of your neighboring camps, without proper supervision.
Don’t let your flashlight batteries get drained inadvertently. It is not uncommon to accidentally bump the switch and turn your flashlight on when you are digging around in your bag. To avoid drained batteries, store your flashlights with the batteries backwards. Doing this will prevent batteries from being wasted so that you can be confident they will be ready when the time comes to use them.
Come prepared for everything when you’re preparing to camp. Remember, though, that you can’t plan for every eventuality. The weather could turn sour, injuries could occur or other unforeseen events may happen. Don’t take risks, think ahead before doing anything and be careful.
Flashlights, lanterns and a few extra batteries must be taken for every camping trip. You will likely need to see when it gets dark out. If you have the proper lighting, you can prevent experiencing bad falls or wildlife encounters. If you are bringing children on your trip, it’s a good idea to provide each of them with their own light.
A checklist is essential before embarking on any camping journey. This is an important step if you are traveling a distance to get to your camp site. Start getting things together a couple of days before you plan to leave, and check things off the list as you pack them.
Pay close attention to where your kids are when camping. You have to be sure they don’t wander off into the woods. It can happen in an instant, so make sure they are always supervised.
Flashlights are imperative to bring while camping as there is minimal light in the wilderness. You will need a light source to see clearly once the sun sinks in the sky. You can use light to make sure you’re not going to fall over due to the terrain, or run into a wild animal. Bring flashlights to safeguard against the dangers of darkness.
Make sure to have a picture of your children when camping with them. If they get separated from you, having a picture will make finding them a lot easier. Be certain you take a picture in case of an emergency, particularly if you are far away from your home.
Make a plan as to what you’ll wear. Pack plenty of clothes that will last you the length of your trip. Pack ample clothing items appropriate to the climate you will be visiting. Sturdy shoes or hiking boots are considered essential footwear for any camping trip.
Find a great location to set up your camper. Beware of wasp nests, or breeding territory of other animals. Make sure that everyone wears long sleeved clothing if you camp near abundant vegetation, to minimize poison and insect issues. You might also want to carry bug repellent too.
Pay attention to the surrounding area of your campsite. You want to avoid things like wasp’s nest, ant hills and things of that nature. If you’re in an area that is rich in vegetation, try wearing long pants and long sleeves to protect yourself from insects. Always bring insect repellent on any camping trip.
As you have now read, there are several important considerations to plan for when heading for the great outdoors. Utilize all that you have learned to have a great family oriented time and stay safe.
A utility knife is the perfect camping accessory. Utility knives can be quite versatile, so be sure to have an extra with you.