Oh the joys of camping! This is time well spent with nature and discovery for those seeking solitude. Camping is a terrific way to commune with nature, though it is important to understand a fair bit about it first. Look at this article to take advantage of your time camping.
Find your shelter before it gets dark. Once it grows black in the woods, you can have a hard time setting up your tent, preparing food, and getting adequate firewood. This is particularly the case for city slickers who are unaccustomed to darkness. Try to avoid setting up after the sun sets.
When purchasing a brand new tent, put it together once at home before going on your camping trip. 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 also helps you not to be frustrated when you’re trying to pitch your tent.
When camping, there is a good chance that your items will get dirty. Don’t stress out when it inevitably happens. Have fun in nature and don’t be afraid to get dirty! Things will go to back to normal soon enough.
Before leaving on a camping trip, check the forecast for your destination. This can give you an idea of what you will be experiencing on your trip. When you know what the weather will be like, you can bring the proper gear and clothes.
Let all the members of your family have a hand in picking your campsite. Discuss what state you want to visit. Try to keep a small list, as there is such an abundance of spots to choose from, it can be hard to pick one. If it is easier, select a few of your personal favorites and then let the entire family vote.
A bandanna or handkerchief should be brought along with you. These can be used in a pinch if you need a potholder, towel or even something to carry an item in. Make this multi-use item a standard addition to your camping supplies.
Bring a survival kit with you and be sure to always have it on you. This kit should include water-purifying tablets, a first-aid kit, flare gun, survival knife and waterproof matches. For any life threatening situation, these items may be the only thing standing between you and disaster. Never leave the kit behind, even for a short excursion.
A surprising tip you may not know about is that the lint from your dryer also doubles as great kindling for your camp fire. Several weeks prior to your trip, start gathering up everything that collects in your lint trap. Keep a plastic bag right next to the dryer and put the lint in there. You can just go about your business after that.
Consider taking a CPR and first aid class. This is especially important if young children are traveling with you. With the training you receive, you will be better prepared to handle an accident or other emergency situation while you wait for medical assistance. Never forget to research. Knowing about the native species in your camp area, such as snakes or other dangerous animals, is essential.
Purchase pillows that are made specifically for camping. Don’t bring the pillows you use in your bedroom. These pillows can trap heat during humid weather. On top of that, they will mildew rapidly as they suck in moisture. Pillows designed for camping offer a coating that prevents moisture absorption.
Read up on your medical insurance. When you travel to camp, you may need to have this updated or add an additional policy. This is especially true if you are traveling out of the country. Make sure that you that you are prepared, just in case!
Talk with your children about the dangers associated with camping before you leave home. You can all get together and check out pictures of various plants that are hazardous so they can learn what they can’t touch when they’re looking around.
If you’re camping with kids, try a “jungle breakfast”. Take juice boxes, mini cereal boxes and fruit and tie the food to trees. This hunting experience adds a sense of excitement to the trip. It adds some fun to camping.
If you are camping for the first time, stay close to home. You don’t want to be far away if you decide you’ve had enough of camping, or if you have problems with your equipment. You might not pack enough food, or you may run short on clothing. A lot of issues can happen for the new camper, so do not go too far for your first camp trip.
Educate yourself about the area that you are camping in, and know what hazards you could encounter. This means, research what types of animals and insects are deadly or which weather patterns you need to watch for. Every camping spot has a few dangers to be aware of.
Be certain to have multiple lanterns or flashlights handy as well as additional batteries. There will be times when you will need to see clearly after the sun goes down. If you have the proper lighting, you can prevent experiencing bad falls or wildlife encounters. If you are camping with your children, a flashlight for each child is a wise idea.
Kids love to camp, but make sure you plan activities for them. Far from civilization, kids tend to get bored. They may not be familiar with things like fishing, putting up a tent or otherwise roughing it. Teach them about these activities prior to leaving.
Bring along a photo of any children that will be camping with you. In the unfortunate event of an accident, this will help you have some form of identification for seeking assistance. Always keep one ready for emergency use, especially when a good distance from the home.
Talk to your kids about common dangers before taking them on a camping trip. 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.
Learn how to use a compass and read a map before your trip. Even if you know the area well, getting lost is always a possibility. Using a map or compass can actually save your life if you’re lost. Learn to use them so that you don’t suffer a tragic fate.
If Fido is coming with your on your camping trip, don’t forget his leash. Some people are afraid of dogs. You must always respect the needs of others when camping. Also, dogs have the potential to wreck your campsite, or that of someone else, if they are allowed to run loose.
Waterproof Matches
Make sure you have charged flashlights for the trip. It is very common for flashlights to be turned on inadvertently when going through camping supplies or while being stored. You can prevent your batteries from losing power by storing them backwards in your flashlight. You will be able to keep your battery life this way.
Waterproof matches are an absolute essential addition to your camping survival kit. Store waterproof matches in a canister that is airtight. You can make regular matches waterproof by dipping them into either paraffin or nail polish. Provide your own caddy for the matches by storing them in a plastic medicine bottle or 35mm film container.
Prior to your camping trip, create a list of all the equipment and personal items you need to take. This is particularly helpful if you have to travel quite far to get where you are going. To ensure that everything gets packed, mark each item off the list as you pack it.
Follow proper safety procedures when camping. It’s always important to understand that while you may be curious about wildlife, do not get too close or encourage them to come near you, no matter their size. Even small animals in the wild can be dangerous. This should not have to be said, but never feed any bears you see.
Use an orange peel mosquito repellant. If everything was packed but you didn’t remember the bug spray, don’t worry! Use the insides of an orange peel, rubbed gently on any exposed skin. Mosquitoes should be repelled from you for a few hours.
It’s is important to have first aid essentials or a kit with you. If an accident happens, you will have what you need. These bandages and aspirin can help improve the quality of your trip when included with your first aid supplies. While camping is generally a safe activity, accidents can occur and it always pays to be prepared.
Plan what you’re going to wear before setting off on a camping trip. Make sure you have plenty of clean clothes for the duration of your trip. It’s imperative that you have clothing on hand that is right for the weather in the location you will be camping in. Robust hiking boots that do not tear are another great item to bring while camping.
You should bring toilet paper and baby wipes on every camping trip. Though leaves offer a natural alternative, it can be very unsavory to do so when paper and wipes are readily available.
Always pack a roll of duct tape when you go camping. Although modern tents are more durable than older ones, you still may tear your tent. If you have duct tape, you can fix tears and sleep safely and dryly even if your tent suffers damage during an unexpectedly exciting day.
Collect dryer lint for your next camping trip. Lint is an inexpensive way to start a campfire. The lint creates flames that are brighter than those made with wood chips or twigs. You just need to use some lint with a spark, and you can enjoy a nice, warm fire.
Learn how to use a compass or read a map, beforehand. Even if you are returning to a campsite you know well, the area could have changed and you could become lost. Avoid problems by learning to use these items that can save your life.
Bring plenty of water, food and other drinks in your supplies. If the area in which you are camping is known for bear activity, properly store your food in an area in which you are not sleeping. Take any garbage and burn it so that bears aren’t attracted to where your camp is set up.
Seal all your tent’s seams. If your tent kit did not contain a tube of sealant, it can be found at most sporting stores. This will keep any critters and/or rainwater from getting inside your tent.
Always set up your shelter before the sky turns dark. As the sun is setting, you may not have enough time to finish setting up before it gets completely dark. When not camping in a tent, building your shelter is far simpler if you have daylight to guide you.
Choose an appropriate sleeping bag for the season. Choose a lighter bag for summer months, as an example. During the winter, however, a thick sleeping bag will trap your body heat and ensure that you don’t freeze.
Camping can be one of the most fun activities there is. However, without the proper packing and planning, it might be a disaster–in some cases dangerous as well. Fortunately, the article above provided you with what you must know to enjoy a safe and enjoyable excursion.
What will you do about cooking food while camping? Decide this before you leave so you have everything you need. Know what cooking method you will use so you can be prepared to fix meals over the fire if you so desire.
