To protect your safety and have a truly wonderful camping experience, don’t forget that there are some basic tips you should know before you go. This article is filled to the brim with advice that can make any upcoming camping trip successful.
Make sure that your sleeping bag is right for the season and climate where you are camping. You are going to be really hot and uncomfortable camping in the summertime if your sleeping bag is rated for sub-zero temperatures. Conversely, if you bring a light-weight sleeping bag to a winter camping trip, you can be extremely uncomfortable the entire time. Using a lighter sleeping bag in the winter could actually lead to you developing hypothermia.
Always find your shelter before it gets dark when you go camping. It can be hard to set up camp when it’s dark outside. This is even more true for city folks whose eyes are not used to the pitch black. Don’t let this happen to you. Look for adequate shelter before it gets this dark.
Let your family members all have a decision when it comes to choosing a campsite. Discuss which state you would most like to visit. Choosing one can be really hard in the United States, given how many places there are to go! If it simplifies things, pick four or five favorites and then give everyone a vote.
Though you may believe that there will be sufficient wood lying around for your fire, you may only be able to find wet lumber that does not easily burn. It is good planning to take your own wood with you and store it where it is dry.
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. This kit could be the difference between life and death. This kit should be carried with you and not left back at camp.
Let all the members of your family have a hand in picking your campsite. Have a conversation about where you want to go. The options are plenty, so do your research! To aid in this decision, you may want to offer a few of those that you personally like the best and than let each family member vote.
Did you know that dryer lint can make great kindling to get a campfire started? A month before your camping trip, begin collecting the lint from your dryer’s lint filter. Hang up a grocery bag beside your dryer and collect the lint in it. This technique allows you to grab your kindling and go the day of your trip.
If possible, incorporate swimming into your camping trip. While camping, you might really miss the luxury of showering. Swimming can help you feel a little cleaner.
When planning for a camping adventure with kids, be sure to speak to them about camping dangers. 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.
Always have an emergency kit on hand when camping with family, or even staying alone. You may need different supplies, depending on where you will be, but there are certain things that you should always have. Having extras like anti-venom is a good defense for certain kinds of wildlife.
Bring activities for you to have fun with while camping. Playing cards, board games and fishing poles can make for lots of fun. If you have kids going with you, you may want to go a little overboard with the things you take for entertainment.
Set your campsite, tent and sleeping bags up before it gets dark. If you have an RV, find a secure place to park. If you have a tent, carefully select the plot of land you are going to use. Doing so before nightfall will allow you to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. It will also allow prevent the frustration of not being able to see while setting up your equipment.
If the area you are camping in is known for dangerous wildlife, you will need to be doubly careful with food storage. This means you must warp things up tightly, keep them away from the tent, and avoid some food types while camping. This will reduce your chances of being attacked.
Bring along some interesting activities when planning a camping trip with kids. Far from civilization, kids tend to get bored. They probably aren’t used to camping activities such as pitching a tent or fishing. Take the time to teach them these skills before the trip, especially if they don’t spend a great deal of time outdoors.
Prevent the hassle of accidentally draining your flashlight’s batteries when camping. It’s easy to accidentally turn on a flashlight when rummaging through your bags. To prevent this, load batteries into the flashlight backwards. This way they won’t activate if the switch is nudged and will stay fresh till you need them.
Duct Tape
Make sure your sleeping bag is appropriate for the location. For example, there are lightweight sleeping bag for warm weather and heavy sleeping bags for colder weather. You will need sleeping bags that hug your body and help you retain body heat if you’re sleeping in a tent.
Pack some duct tape next time you embark on a camping trip. It is versatile at camp, just like at home. Duct tape can be used to repair anything. It can repair a rip in a sleeping bag, tarp or tent. You can even use it to help prevent blisters on your feet. You can even use it to hold on a makeshift bandage.
Learn how to use a compass or read a map, beforehand. You can get lost in the woods even if you have been to the area before. You can prevent disaster by knowing how to use these lifesaving items.
The idea of camping is to live with just the essentials, but you should make sure to be well prepared. You’ll need a sleeping bag, as well as extra blankets. That helps you if the night gets really cold, and you are able to use them as padding, as well.
One of the most common problems campers have is food poisoning from spoiled or improperly handled food. When food is not properly preserved, it can increase the risk of becoming spoiled and make you sick. Bring a lot of ice, and don’t forget to drain your cooler.
Be certain you are prepared for any event when you’re camping. Sometimes camping trips don’t follow your plan. The weather could change suddenly, you could encounter hostile people or animals, and someone could become sick or injured. To stay safe, plan ahead, do not take any risks and do not be careless.
Be aware of food safety precautions on your trip. If you bring food, pack them in waterproof containers and airtight re-sealable plastic bags. Use a cooler that is insulated properly and filled with ice if need be. Do not place cooked and raw foods in the same area. Always wash your hands, cutting boards and preparation surfaces to optimize safety and keep yourself from getting food poisoning. Cook all your foods completely, and make sure to chill perishables as soon as possible.
Make sure not to drain the batteries in your flashlight by accident. Your flashlight’s power switch can be easily turned on by mistake while you search through your bag. You can prevent your batteries from losing power by storing them backwards in your flashlight. That way, the flashlight cannot possibly drain the batteries if the ON button is bumped.
Always wear your clothing in layers for camping outings. You may find that the weather conditions can change rapidly. Even if it is chilling in the morning, it may end up steaming hot in the afternoon. Nighttime can often be much colder than mornings and afternoons. The layers will allow you to adapt your attire to the changing weather throughout the day.
Sleeping Bag
Make sure you pack some basic first aid supplies into your camping equipment. You need to be able to deal with any accidents that may occur while away. First aid supplies to consider include dressings and wound cleansers, splints, snake bite kit and aspirin. It is important to be as safe as possible when camping, but unfortunately, no matter how careful you are, accidents do happen on occasion, so you must be properly prepared.
Make sure your sleeping bag is fit for the environment in which you are going to camp. Hot weather calls for a lightweight bag, while heavier bags are needed for colder temperatures. If you are going in cold weather, you will want a sleeping bag that hugs your body.
Toilet paper and baby wipes are smart items to pack on any camping trip. Of course, if you really want to, you can use leaves as toilet paper. However, there’s no reason to torture yourself trying to do this when you can easily buy baby wipes or toilet paper before your trip.
Carefully plan what types of clothing you will wear during your camping trip. You should have clean clothes that will last you the entire trip. Also, remember to bring clothing that is weather appropriate for the climate of your campsite. Shoes need to be closed and durable, especially for hiking.
Before it is dark, set up your camp site. If its sundown, it might be too late for you to finish your shelter before dark. If you have no tent, creating a shelter is easier in daylight.
Pay attention to where you’re setting up camp. You don’t want to overlook something like a snake hole, take a little precaution. If there is a lot of nearby vegetation, protect yourself against insect bites by wearing pants and long sleeved shirts. This way you ensure your safety as much as possible.
Know how to spot poisonous plants before beginning your camping trip. These plants can look like ordinary plants unless you are familiar with them. Search the Internet for information on these plants for your safety. Once you are armed with this knowledge, you can avoid being harmed by any poisonous plant life.
Create shelter before it gets dark out, as it can be very difficult to function when night falls. It’s very hard to set up your tent when it’s dark outside. A flashlight or a fire will be essential. This should be done when the sun is present so that you can use natural light.
During the planning stage of your next camping trip, take the time to look through some of your favorite recipe books. The old standby of hotdogs on the campfire is great for a couple of days, but will get old quickly. You can add variety to it. These simple recipes can make it a fun and enjoyable experience for your friends or family. Also, do not forget herbs and spices!
While creating a survival kit, include waterproof matches. They should always be kept in a container where air cannot enter. You can convert standard matches into waterproof ones simply by dipping each one into substances like nail polish or paraffin. An empty prescription bottle or an old film container makes great storage for your matches.
If you bring any pets on your camping trip, make sure you bring everything they might need. You need some proper restraints just in case they encounter other animals. Always have a leash as well. Be certain to have current licenses and vaccination records for your animals. Also address their needs for food by packing bowls, food and bottled water. Always clean up after your pet.
A well ventilated and dry tent is a lot more comfortable. If your tent is sealed up, condensation may form on it and the items inside. You might wake up wet if this happens. Find a tent with a built-in vent to reduce the moisture in your sleeping area.
Consult your physician if you plan to go camping with a significant medical issue. You could suffer from complications that you had not considered. Taking precautions in advance is the best way to avoid disaster while camping.
Shower Curtain
Take your map of local trails everywhere with you. You never know when you could make one wrong turn and find yourself lost. If you are carrying a map, you’ll be better equipped to find your camp.
For a cheap and disposable tarp to place under your tent, save an old shower curtain! This is good to use for areas where you cook and clean, since you can control the run-off. Instead of throwing a shower curtain in the trash, clean it and use it for camping.
Of course, nature isn’t your house. Never throw around your trash or leave things behind that can mess up a campsite. When you’re done camping, leave your campsite looking as it did before you got there. By respecting nature, you ensure that it will always be around.
Spending time in the outdoors can be more enjoyable when you’re properly prepared. Put the tips you’ve learned here to use the next time you are planning a camping trip and you will ensure that you have a fun, safe, and relaxing time.
When you’re out camping, take time to enjoy all that nature has to offer. Try to lose yourself in the stars, or if you know the area well, go for a walk on the trails through the woods. It can make you more relaxed.