To some people the thought of camping inspires thoughts of bugs, inclement weather, and burned hot dogs. That is not way it has to be. You can have a great time, eat great food and avoid those pesky bugs if you plan properly. Read on to learn what it takes to plan a great trip.
Expect that camping is not typically a time you can stay clean easily. Don’t stress out when it inevitably happens. Allow yourself to be improper, messy and just “let go” while outside. You can get clean when you return home.
Always find your shelter before it gets dark when you go camping. Once the woods are dark, it is very difficult to find firewood, pitch your tent and prepare some food. This is particularly important if you are not used to doing things in the dark. To ensure you get your campsite operational arrive several hours before sunset.
When buying a tent, be sure that it’s large enough to accommodate you and any guests you have. You should have no problem sleeping and getting through the nights when camping.
Sleeping Bag
Bring things like a bandanna and handkerchief along with you. Not only can it keep the hair out of your eyes, it can also be a sack to carry things, a towel to dry your hands or a potholder to grab your coffee pot from the fire. They are quite versatile, so be sure to bring one every time you go on a trip.
Pick a type of sleeping bag that happens to be appropriate for the season. If you bring sub-zero sleeping bags with you in the dead of summer, you will probably sweat all night. Also, during the winter, you should bring a sleeping bag that has down or heavy material. You may even get hypothermia.
Always prepare an emergency kit when camping, whether you are going by yourself or with others. Depending on the location, the kit may have extra items, but the basic items should be there. Take into consideration all the possibilities that nature has to offer, and take precautions for them.
Don’t be afraid to over-pack for your children. Camping can be a messy affair. Almost every child will want to play in the dirt or mud, constantly. This means you should prepare to have dirty children. To prepare, bring additional clothing for your children. Prepare ahead of time!
Don’t forget to pack up some duct tape when you’re camping because it’s very versatile. It works quickly in a pinch for tent holes, inflatables with leaks, shoes with worn soles, securing the tent to its pole, sealing up your mosquito netting and many, many more things.
Before leaving on a camping trip, check the forecast for your destination. There are numerous websites that can provide you with this information. With the right weather information, you can be prepared with the proper clothing and equipment.
Bring all necessary camping gear with you prior to going on your trip. For example, your trip can be ruined if you forget your sleeping bag or tent. Make a list of the items you need, and double check it before you leave home.
If you are camping in the summer, go swimming too. While you are camping in the great outdoors, it can be very easy to miss taking your daily shower. When swimming, you will feel refreshed and cleaner. If you use some biodegradable soap, you can get just as clean as you would at home.
If you bring a dog with you to go camping, keep it leashed up and keep an eye on it. Your neighboring campers may be afraid of dogs. You must always respect the needs of others when camping. Additionally, dogs can wreak a lot of havoc on a campsite if they are not supervised properly.
Just the smallest luxuries can really brighten your camping trip. For example, bring a bar of chocolate or a small container of cream to put in your coffee. A small luxury that reminds you of home can be uplifting.
Are you a new camper with a brand new tent? Practice putting your tent up before going camping. Doing so will ensure you know what tools you may need. Doing this will help you pitch your tent quickly, just in case you get to your campsite when it starts to get dark.
Don’t wait until nightfall to set up camp. If you’re driving an RV, find a safe parking spot. If you are camping in a tent, look for a dry and flat area of ground. Getting your camp set up before dark will give you time to get to know your campsite and surrounding area. You can save time by knowing what you are doing.
Whenever you go camping, it’s important to remember to bring all of the items you will need when you arrive at your destination. If you forget a few things, your trip may just get ruined. Take the time to create a list that can be checked off while you pack. A few things that you probably should pack include a sleeping bag, tent, knife, food, soap, and plenty of water.
Duct Tape
Make sure you choose a sleeping bag that is appropriate for where you will be camping. Heavy weight sleeping bags are best for cold weather, while lightweight bags works best for hot weather. Be sure the bags you bring hug your body so your body heat is contained.
Duct tape is a handy tool to carry when you are camping. From mending tent holes to fixing shoes, duct tape can be used for a lot of repair work in a pinch.
Before setting out on your camping adventure, plan for what you will wear. Make sure you pack enough appropriate clothing for the duration and activity planned for your outing. Be sure to also carry clothing that is weather and climate appropriate on your trip. Sturdy shoes or boots with closed toes are essential gear for any camping trip.
Before you plan to camp in an new area, it is important to be aware of any dangers commonly found there. You need to know about the local insect population, wild animals, natural dangers like water or steep locations and weather conditions. Every camping spot has its own potential dangers for the untrained.
Be mindful of your camp location choice. Try to steer clear of wasp nests or other pest havens. To keep the bugs off of your skin, wear garments that cover your skin especially if plant life is abundant. You also might want to have bug repellant nearby.
If your dog will be joining you on your camping trip, keep him leashed and under constant supervision. Some people get frightened by dogs. Take others into consideration when you camp if you bring a dog. Also, your pet could be destructive to other people’s belongings.
Always make sure that your cell phone is with you when you get to your campsite, and it should be fully charged. Bring extra batteries in case the first one dies. The cell phone comes in handy in emergency situations, so you will need all the battery power you can get.
Duct tape is an interesting item to be included in your inventory while camping. Just like around the home, it has many uses while camping. This can be used to close up any issues with your air mattress, which can save you money. Duct tape can also seal other rips, such as ripped tents or sleeping bags. Putting some on your feet before hiking can prevent blisters. It can even be used to bandage injuries.
First aid and survival kits are essential to bring while camping. These two things will make the difference between ending your trip early and taking care of many situations quickly and easily. You can also prevent serious situations from becoming dire, and allow you to get an injured person to help safely.
Are you just starting with camping and want to know what to do to make it enjoyable? You should try pitching your tent before you head out for the first time. This will allow you take an inventory of all the necessary equipment needed to set up the tent. Doing this will help you pitch your tent quickly, just in case you get to your campsite when it starts to get dark.
Make sure your shelter is ready before dark. Pitching a tent can be difficult enough in the daylight, let alone in the dark of night. You need either a fire or a flashlight. It is easier if you do it while it is still daylight.
Be mindful of your camp location choice. You want to avoid things like wasp’s nest, ant hills and things of that nature. If you’re near lots of vegetation, you should wear long sleeves and pants to protect your skin from insects. Having insect repellent is a really sound idea.
Duct tape is an important piece of camping equipment. You might have a nice tent, but tears can still happen. Your tent can easily be repaired with some duct tape, which will keep you nice and dry in your damaged tent.
Make sure you pack a utility knife when going camping. This knife is a must-have for campers, and you should have a spare in case something happens to the first one.
When you put up your tent, seal the tent seams the best you can. Some tents are sold with material to seal the seams, and the majority of sporting goods stores have tube available for the purpose. This will prevent rain or little critters from getting inside.
This information has helped you see that camping can be enjoyable and successful. Apply the ideas presented here as a roadmap to planning your next time in the great outdoors. Doing this means you can prevent the pitfalls possible and get the best out of camping.
Food poisoning is a common danger of camping stemming from improper food storage. When food is not properly preserved, it can increase the risk of becoming spoiled and make you sick. Pack a lot of ice with you to keep any food that needs to be cold as cold as it can be, and drain your cooler out frequently to avoid wet food.