Camping can be amazing. You may also find that it helps with self-awareness and lets you develop a love of the natural world. You can hike and roast marshmallows over an open fire. There are endless numbers of ways in which one can enjoy a camping trip. In this article, however, we are just going to go over some basic ways in which one can get the maximum out of one’s camping experience.
After you buy your camping tent, set it up at home rather than waiting until your trip to set it up for the first time. That way, you can make sure you have everything you need to set up the tent, including knowledge of how to do it properly. This can eliminate the frustration of trying to set up your tent in a hurry.
Pick a sleeping bag which is appropriate for the season. If you bring sub-zero sleeping bags with you in the dead of summer, you will probably sweat all night. On the other hand, bringing a light-weight bag in the middle of winter could cause you to wake up freezing. You might even get hypothermia.
A survival kit should be packed and carried on you everywhere you go. You need to pack a flare gun, utility knife, matches and a first aid kit. Your survival kit can be the difference between you making it out of the woods on a stretcher or your own two feet. Never let it leave your side.
Anytime you buy a tent, be sure to practice setting it up and taking it down in your backyard prior to actually camping. This helps you learn to put up your tent and make sure there aren’t missing pieces. You don’t want to waste time at your destination, so this will make you well prepared.
If you’re going to be taking your children camping, attend a first-aid course. This way, if someone were to have an accident, you’ll possess enough knowledge to deal with it enough until medical help arrives. Be sure to do some research as well. Knowing about the native species in your camp area, such as snakes or other dangerous animals, is essential.
Put together a survival pack and have it on you all the time. This kit should feature a survival knife, waterproof matches, tablets for purifying water, a flare gun, and a first-aid kit. For any life threatening situation, these items may be the only thing standing between you and disaster. Never let it leave your side.
The way you prepare will determine whether your camping trip will be fun or if it will be dangerous. It is a bad idea to go camping unprepared. If you’re going somewhere you’ve never been, do a little research about the land. Find out the weather, wildlife and the layout of the land.
Don’t be afraid of bringing too much if you have kids. Camping can be messy. Children love the dirt. As the day moves along, your children are going to get really messy. You can not really prevent it from happening, but you can pack extra clothes. It’s best to be prepared.
A bandana or handkerchief can be a great addition to your camping equipment. A bandana is very versatile and can be used as a blotter, potholder, mini-bag and more. There are many uses for these, so you want to be sure you have one or both of them on your next camping trip.
Incorporate swimming into your camping trip. You might long for a good shower when you are camping. The coolness of the water will help you feel cleaner and more refreshed, so you won’t miss your shower as much as you thought you might!
Duct tape is a handy tool to carry when you are camping. It has several uses like fixing a hole in a tent and holding moisture.
Bring duct tape with you since it can help you in many situations. It works quickly for inflatable leaks, tent holes, worn soles on shoes, sealing mosquito nets, securing tent poles, and so much more.
If you are a novice camper, choose a destination close to home for your first trip. If you have any equipment issues, it is better and easier to cut your trip short when you do not have so far to travel. You might find that you do not have 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.
Talk to your children and friends about the dangers and risks of camping before embarking on your journey. Go on the Internet together and read about safety, look at poison ivy pictures and poisonous animals.
Always bring ample food, and make sure you bring the right types. Make sure the food you bring won’t spoil while you’re camping. A bout of food poisoning can end a wonderful trip very quickly. Prepare your food properly and research any precautions you need to take.
Although you want to live on as little as possible while camping, you need to prepare yourself for your trip. Blankets are essential, in addition to a sleeping bag, to maximize comfort. That way, you will be prepared for an unexpected chill, or you can have a softer place to sleep.
One great piece of equipment to carry while camping is a spare utility knife. An utility knife is the most versatile tool you’ll have as a camper, and bring another one if you should lose the other.
Make sure you have what you might need in case of any event. Try to plan your camping trip as best you can, but know that unexpected events can arise. Someone could get hurt, the weather could change drastically or people could get sick. To stay safe, plan ahead, do not take any risks and do not be careless.
Think carefully when you pack. Prepare a list of supplies, and use this to check off items as they are packed. This is something you should strive to do if you are camping in a secluded spot, away from first-aid or emergency amenities.
Don’t take your eyes of children while camping. There are cars that pull in and out of campsites, and of course, young children can quickly and easily get lost in the woods. It takes just a second and something can happen; therefore be certain you always give kids the proper supervision.
A simple and obvious piece of advice is that you should create your shelter when it is still light. When it’s dark outside it can be very hard to put your tent up. You’d have to do it with the light from a fire or from a flashlight, both of which could be difficult. The process is far easier during daylight hours, and you will be relieved to be finished before darkness hits.
When bringing the kids along for the ride, keep a picture on your person at all times. If you lose a child at any point, having a picture to show rescuers or search parties could be very useful. Be sure that you have one on hand if you are far from home so that you are fully prepared.
Seal all the seams when pitching your tent. You may find a tube at many sporting good stores if the tent didn’t include any. Sealing the seams of your tent will prevent any insects or water from getting inside.
Bring waterproof matches to make sure you can start a fire while camping. These should be stored in an airtight container. You could also make your own by coating them with nail polish before you leave for your trip. Your container can be an empty film holder or even a plastic medicine bottle.
Food poisoning happens for campers when food is not packed properly. If the food that you pack for camping is not canned, vacuum sealed or preserved, you exposing yourself to the possibility of experiencing food poisoning from eating spoiled food. Pack numerous ice packs to keep perishable foods chilled and do not forget to pull your cooler’s drain plug so that food products do not get soaked.
Seal all of your tent’s seams when erecting your tent. If your tent doesn’t have it, you may purchase a tube at a sporting goods store. This will keep any critters and/or rainwater from getting inside your tent.
Toilet paper is one of the essential items that you need while camping. If you are going camping in a place that has no toilets, it will be necessary for you to use the bathroom outside. If you forget the toilet paper, you may be forced to use leaves, some of which could be poison ivy.
One of the most common problems campers have is food poisoning from spoiled or improperly handled food. If food is not properly vacuum-sealed, canned, or preserved, you risk getting sick from spoiled food. Bring a lot of ice in order to keep perishables fresh. Keep the drain open so your food does not end up in a pool of water.
Novice campers often set up their tent near bathrooms, but this is an error. While this might be convenient, you’ll soon find out differently. While you can use the bathroom area for lighting, it also is an attraction point for a lot of people. This location can result in excess noise and nuisance.
Toilet paper is one of the essential items that you need while camping. If you camp in a place with no toilets, you’ll need to go in the woods. You definitely don’t want to depend on leaves for cleaning yourself, because they could have been in contact with poison ivy.
What is your plan for cooking during your camping trip? Decide how you will cook early on, so that you can prepare accordingly. Cooking over an open campfire can be tasty and fun, but if you are not prepared for it, it can be impossible.
Make sure the sleeping bag you choose for your camping trip is right for the time of year and all the weather it brings. For example, if it’s summertime you need a bag that’s lighter so you’re not too hot during the night. Conversely, you’ll need a heavy bag during cold winter nights to keep you from freezing.
There are many ways that you can prepare for camping in the wildnerness. Pitch a tent in your yard and sleep under the stars. During your night in the tent, do not access any of the facilities in your house. If your night goes well, and you don’t find yourself too tempted by the comforts of home, you will probably love camping.
Now you should be ready to conquer your next camping excursion with these tips. Apply these tips on your next adventure camping. If you use them, you’ll have a camping trip that will always be in your memory.
Always bring entertainment with you on a camping trip, even if you think you won’t need it. Try to limit the number of electronics you take and instead bring a book, deck of cards and fishing pole to make it easier to enjoy the nature around you.
