Preparation is the key to having a memorable camping experience, whether you are just pitching a tent out back or jetting off for a trek through the Rockies. Look at these tips to find out how to properly prepare for a camping excursion. Once you’re done reading, you’ll be glad you found this information.
Pick out your sleeping bag according to what season it is. You don’t want to sweat all night because you brought a sleeping bag that is suitable for winter in the middle of the summer. The opposite is true as well, a summer bag won’t keep you warm in the winter. You might even contract hypothermia.
It is important to remember that getting dirty is inevitable. If you are prepared for this situation, you will find that when it occurs, you will be less stressed. Then, you can be as messy as you want, without worry of getting dirty. When you return home, make sure to stay as organized as possible.
Remember that everything you bring will get dirty on your trip. If you are prepared for that before you go, it will cause less stress when it happens. Have fun and go with the moment rather than stressing and worrying about it. You can clean up when you get back home.
Allow everyone who is going on the trip to have a say about the campsite. Talk over what your destination state should be. The United States offers so many choices that choosing one can be hard! If it simplifies things, pick four or five favorites and then give everyone a vote.
Bring a survival kit with you and be sure to always have it on you. Survival kits should contain waterproof matches, a survival knife, a first aid kit, a flare gun and water purifying tablets. This kit can keep you alive! Always keep it nearby and never leave it behind at the campsite.
Make sure that you know how to set up your tent before going on your trip. That will help you make sure your tent has all the pieces and you know how to properly set it up. A little practice can eliminate the frustration of setting up a new piece of camping equipment.
If you are going camping with children, eat a “jungle breakfast”. Take mini-boxes of cereal, juice boxes and fruit out into the woods, and tie them to the trees. When they wake up, they’ll have to search the “jungle” for breakfast. It adds some fun to camping.
Make sure you have a survival kit with you during your entire camping trip. You need to pack a flare gun, utility knife, matches and a first aid kit. Your kit may be all that stands between you and certain death if you become lost, as the items within it are essential to survival. Your kit should not be left behind at the camp site, but should be carried with you wherever you go.
Try to combine a camping experience with a swimming experience of some kind. Showering is one of the comforts of home you will have to do without while camping. The water helps you feel refreshed and a bit cleaner so that you don’t miss showering quite as much.
Make sure that the tent you take camping has enough space for everyone you are taking along. This makes it possible for everyone to sleep comfortably, and it also allows for room to move about and exit the tent if nature calls.
Before you embark on any camping trip you should be sure you have emergency supplies on hand, like a first aid kit and more. What you include will depend on where you are going and when. You may want to pack bear repellent or antivenom.
Don’t forget to pack up some duct tape when you’re camping because it’s very versatile. It has several uses like fixing a hole in a tent and holding moisture.
You don’t have to entirely rough it. Bring a little piece of luxury from home. Something small and lightweight is appropriate, like candy or some cream for coffee. Small luxuries can make enduring a camping trip easier.
While kids often have fun when camping, make sure to make plans to keep them entertained. If you are deep in the woods, away from everything, they may get bored. They may never have had a chance to set up a tent or catch a fish. Get them used to it prior to leaving on the trip.
Don’t forget to include special pillows made just for camping on your adventure. The typical pillows will become sticky in hot and humid climates. Mildew can grow in it when they absorb the moisture from the air. Camping pillows have a protective coating on them to prevent the absorption of moisture.
If you are camping in a location with dangerous wildlife, take safety precautions with your food. Keep all food items wrapped tightly and securely away from your tent. Some kinds of foods should be avoided altogether. Taking these precautions can significantly lower you chances of being attacked.
Camping is fun for children, but make sure to plan out some extra activities they will like. If you are deep in the woods, away from everything, they may get bored. They may not know how to fish or pitch tents. Take the time to demonstrate the activities prior to leaving, especially if they’ve never really lived outdoors.
Duct tape is an imperative item to bring with you on your camping trip into the wilderness. Just as it has myriad uses around the house, you can use it for a variety of needs in the woods, too. You could seal an air leak in your mattress. Use it to enclose a rip in a tent, sleeping bag or weather-proofing tarp you have laid down. Before embarking on an arduous hike, put it on each foot to stave off blisters. In a pinch, you can also bandage an injury with it.
If camping is something that you are new to, have your first trip close to where you live. This is so you can easily get home if you don’t enjoy your camping experience. Maybe you’ll run low on food or not have enough clothing with you. People that are camping for the first time may have a lot of problems, so being close to home is recommended.
Make a list and check it twice before packing for your camping excursion. This will really be handy if you have a long hike to get to your campground. Use your list to guide your packing and make sure to start packing a few days before the start of your trip.
Did you just purchase a new tent for your trip? Long before you set off in the woods for the real thing, get some practice in on setting up the 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 help you be able to accomplish the task quickly and efficiently once you arrive at your campsite, even if it is near dark.
Sleeping Bag
Pack lanterns, flashlights and extra batteries when you go camping. Flashlights will be essential at night. Having ample light sources can prevent falls or surprise encounters with local wildlife. If you have little ones with you, make sure to pack a flashlight for them, too.
Bring the right sleeping bag for the weather you choose to sleep in. If you are camping in a colder climate, purchase a heavyweight sleeping bag; people who camp in warm weather should use a lightweight sleeping bag. You will need sleeping bags that hug your body and help you retain body heat if you’re sleeping in a tent.
Have the clothing you will pack planned out before your trip. Make sure that you pack enough clothes to last you for the whole trip. Also, check the weather so that you can dress accordingly. Shoes need to be closed and durable, especially for hiking.
It is recommended you bring lots of beef jerky and/or trail mix when you go camping. When you reach the end of a long day, it may not sound appealing to cook, so it helps to have these things to eat when you’re too tired. As an added benefit these snacks have a long shelf life, so if you do not eat them while camping you can enjoy them for months to come.
Utility knives are great to have when camping. It is even better if you have more than one. Utility knives are among the most versatile pieces of equipment in a camper’s arsenal so make sure you Pack an extra one in your bag just in case you lose the one you carry around.
You must have a first aid box as well as a distinct survival kit. These are things that can make a big difference when things go wrong so you don’t have to abort your trip early. This is a great way to avoid a situation getting out of control.
Two essential piece of camping gear are your first aid kit and your survival kit. These two kits are essential for your safety and well being. Being prepared also keeps minor emergencies from becoming major emergencies.
Camping can be an activity that many people will enjoy. The information above can turn even the biggest nature-hater into a lover through a camping trip. Go ahead and explore everything that nature has to offer.
When setting up a tent, ensure that the seams are all sealed. If your tent doesn’t have a tube, you can find easily find them. This will stop critters and rainwater from entering your tent.