Camping is a great activity that allows you to get away. Your trip can be an unmitigated disaster, however, if proper plans are not made. In this article, we are going to discuss some of the things that you need to do in order to make sure that your camping trip is a success.
Be sure to know the recent conditions of where you will be staying. For example, you will want to know if the area will be dry enough to find suitable firewood. As an added precaution, bring along wood from around your yard or logs from a home store, and keep them where they will stay dry.
It is important to keep in mind the fact that your person and all of your possessions will get dirty during a camping trip. If you are prepared for that before you go, it will cause less stress when it happens. Take this as an opportunity to enjoy the freedom, let your hair down, and get a little dirtier than usual. There’s plenty of time for showers and being super clean once you’re home again.
If you have a new tent to take on your camping trip, you should set it up at home before you go on your camping trip. You can be sure there are no missing pieces and learn ahead of time the correct way to set your tent up. In addition, it will eradicate a portion of the frustration often associated with erecting a new tent.
When you buy a new tent, always set it up at home once before taking it camping. This will ensure that your tent is not missing pieces and that you understand how to set up your tent correctly. This will also eliminate some of the frustration associated with setting up a tent.
It is better to over-pack than to under-pack, especially for kids. Going camping can get really dirty. The dirt is like a magnet that draws your children into the mess. Your kids may become filthy as the day goes on. You can not really prevent it from happening, but you can pack extra clothes. Be prepared for dirty clothes and dirty children by packing extra clothes.
Survival Kit
A surprising tip you may not know about is that the lint from your dryer also doubles as great kindling for your camp fire. Collect the lint in your dryer and store it in a bag a few weeks before you go camping to prepare for this. Simply hang a plastic bag near the dryer and stash the lint in the bag as it collects. Doing this means you can just snag your kindling on the way out the door the morning your trip starts.
Bring a survival kit on the trip and keep it on your person all the time. Your survival kit should contain a survival knife, water-purifying tablets, waterproof matches, first aid kit, and a flare gun. These are essential items for your survival if you ever get lost. Never leave the kit behind, even for a short excursion.
Create a proper emergency kit if you plan to go camping. What you include will depend on where you are going and when. You may want to pack bear repellent or antivenom.
Enroll in a first aid course, especially if your trip will include kids. With the training you receive, you will be better prepared to handle an accident or other emergency situation while you wait for medical assistance. Also be sure to do all the research you can about the area. Find out what poisonous snakes or dangerous animals live in the area.
Make sure that your camp site is complete before night breaks. Find a safe place to park if you’re in an RV. When pitching a tent, a level, dry area is needed. Doing this during daylight hours will save you hassle and frustration. It will also make it easier to see what you’re doing, saving you a lot of frustration.
Emergency kits are one of the most important things to bring on a camping trip. Always keep the bare basics with you in the kit, and make sure that you have water purification tablets in it as well. Having extras like anti-venom is a good defense for certain kinds of wildlife.
If you camp in an area known to have dangerous wildlife, be sure to incorporate extra precautions to stow away food securely. Wrap your food up tight and keep it far away from seeing areas. This will help prevent wild animals from being tempted to visit your campsite.
A small luxury can help brighten up any camping trip. It could be something as simple as coffee or nice hand cream. These small treats for yourself can really boost morale.
Be sure that you have a good amount of lighting devices with you, as well as means of keeping them running. Once the sun has set it is nice to have a source of light. Having the ability to light up an area well can prevent injuries and potentially dangerous encounters with wildlife. If you have kids with you, be sure they each have their own flashlight.
Make sure that your bags include oranges, since these double up as both a handy and healthy snack but also serve as an organic and natural repellant of mosquitoes. After you have eaten the orange, rub the peel onto exposed body parts and this will repel any blood-sucking bugs.
Take some time to think about the appropriate camping clothing ahead of time. Be sure you have enough clean clothes to last the entire trip. Also, make sure you’re taking along clothes that work with whatever the weather will be where you are camping. You want to bring durable shoes that are closed toed like hiking boots since they work in many situations.
Make sure that you are aware of the perils around the camping site that you choose. There may be spiders or bears near you that could pose a threat. Every location has its own dangers.
Try to keep your cell phone completely charged. Even better, tote an extra battery in case your first one dies. Your cell phone makes for excellent emergency equipment, so you must ensure it does not die.
Teach your kids about camping safety before you bring them camping. Show them pictures of plants that are poisonous so they know not to touch them.
Learn how to use a compass and read a map before your trip. Even if you know what your campsite is like, you may still get lost because a lot of areas look similar around where you are. This skill can potentially save your life.
Duct tape is a handy item to include in your camping gear. It is as convenient for repairs while you are camping as it is at home. You can slap a piece of it on a leaking air mattress. It can seal a rip in your tent, sleeping bag, or tarp. If you plan to take a long hike, be sure to place some on feet to avoid developing blisters. Injuries can even be bandaged with it.
When setting up a tent, be sure its seams are all sealed. If sealant was not included in your tent, visit your local sporting goods store to purchase some. This helps to keep animals, insects and rainwater out so you stay comfortable.
You need to make sure you have everything you need when you go camping. Overlooking even a small thing can ruin an entire trip. Keeping a checklist is very helpful for this. Your list should include a sleeping bag, tent, tarp, water, food, knife, soap, fire-starting items and more.
It may seem trivial to remind you of this, but do not forget to bring toilet paper along when you pack. If there are no restrooms in your camp area, you must go in the woods. Wiping yourself with leaves is an uncomfortable task, especially in areas where poison ivy is common, so toilet paper is a must-have item.
Flashlights, lanterns and a good supply of extra batteries are necessary supplies during any camping trip. Even after the sun is gone, you may need to see. You can prevent accidents, such as falling or coming face-to-face with wild animals, if you have enough light available. Make sure you have at least enough flashlights for each person to have their own.
Make sure that you choose a sleeping bag that fits the temperature of the region you plan to visit. For example, in the summertime, a lighter bag will keep you cool. However, you’ll need a heavyweight sleeping bag to keep you warm at night.
Sleeping Bag
What is your plan for cooking during your camping trip? Knowing how you will prepare your food is essential for a smooth camping trip. Cooking over an open fire requires different supplies than cooking on a grill. Everyone likes the idea of cooking over an open flame, but without the proper cooking supplies, it can be very difficult.
When you are camping, be sure you choose the right sleeping bag for the site conditions. Sleeping bags made of lightweight material are optimal for warmer climates. By contrast, you should invest in a heavy sleeping bag if you plan to camp in a cold area. You must have a bag that surrounds the body closely so that body heat can be retained.
Stay safe while you camp. This means you’re going to have to stay away from various forms of wildlife that may be in the area you’re camping in. Even small animals in the wild can be dangerous. This should not have to be said, but never feed any bears you see.
Most of the time, camping is fun. However, if you do not prepare yourself, the trip can quickly turn into a nightmare. Use the tips you have been provided with in the above article to ensure your next camping trip goes off without a hitch. Always keep in mind that you should be enjoying yourself!
You don’t have to purchase a tarp to put under your tent; use a cheap or old shower curtain instead. It also doubles as a ground base for cooking, washing, etc; basically anything you need safe above the dirt. Rather than getting rid of a shower curtain, wash it with your laundry and use it the next time you go camping.
