Camping is a great adventure! It is a great time outdoors, which makes a wonderful respite for couples, singles and families alike. As thrilling as camping is, it’s important you know something about it before embarking on a trip. Review the ideas that follow to have the best trip possible.
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’s a great idea to carry your own wood with you and to keep it secure in a dry area.
When you’re camping, always look for shelter prior to dark. If you wait until after dark to set up you will find it to be nearly impossible, even if you have decent light. It can be even more difficult for those who are not accustomed to trying to see in complete darkness. Avoid this situation by finding shelter before the moon is out.
Keep in mind that you, your family, and everything you take with you is probably going to be dirty. Don’t stress out when it inevitably happens. Enjoy hanging out in the wilderness and don’t worry too much about getting messy. Things will be normal again once you are home.
Make sure that the sleeping bag you bring camping is right for the weather. A sleep bag designed for winter camping would make you sweat during the summer. On the other hand, if you bring along a light-weight bag in the winter, you may feel like you are freezing to death. You could even experience hypothermia.
Go to a class to learn about first aid. If an accident occurs, you’ll need to know what you need to better the situation until you can receive medical attention. You should also research the area you plan on camping in. Know the types of wild animals that inhabit the woods and gain understanding of any poisonous snakes or plants nearby.
Do not worry that you have packed too much stuff for the kids. Camping can be very messy. Dirt and dust are like magnets for children. As the day moves along, your children are going to get really messy. You may not be able to keep them clean, but you can bring a change of clothes. There is nothing like being prepared!
It is vital that you take a first-aid kit with you anytime that you go camping. The content of this kit should be personalized to the type of camping you will be doing. For example, if you are camping in an area that may have poison ivy, make sure you pack hydro-cortisone.
Make sure your medical insurance is up-to-date. Out-of-state traveling will sometimes require additional coverage. This comes into effect, more so, when you are traveling out of the country. It is important to always be prepared.
Just the smallest luxuries can really brighten your camping trip. Carry something small and convenient, such as a chocolate bar or some coffee creamer. It is these simple luxuries that can lift your mood.
Take either a bandanna or handkerchief with you when you go camping. You can use that piece of material for many purposes, such as holding a hot pot, cleaning surfaces, etc. It has a multitude of uses and should be an essential part of your camping gear.
Bring oranges with you since they are great for snacking and repelling insects. After you have eaten the orange, rub the peel onto exposed body parts and this will repel any blood-sucking bugs.
You can use dryer lint as a kindling to start a campfire with. Several weeks prior to your trip, start gathering up everything that collects in your lint trap. Keep a used grocery bag on your laundry room door to collect the lint. This technique allows you to grab your kindling and go the day of your trip.
If your dog goes with you, always keep up with him. Other campers may not like dogs, or could even be afraid of them. You should be respectful of other campers while at the site. In addition, dogs are capable of causing a great deal of damage to a campsite if not well supervised.
Oranges can be used as a food source and a way to repel mosquitoes while you camp. After you have eaten the orange, rub the peel onto exposed body parts and this will repel any blood-sucking bugs.
Although you want to live on as little as possible while camping, you need to prepare yourself for your trip. You need a sleeping bag, but you need to take extra blankets too. If the temperature drops at night, you can use the blankets for warmth, or as padding, too.
It’s important that you make an effort to ensure that all camping gear you will need is packed before you leave to go camping. You would be pretty irritated if it turned out that you left your sleeping bag or tent back at home. Have a checklist of the items you need before you leave lest something be left behind.
Find the most level, rock-free ground possible to set up your tent on. If you choose an uneven area, being in your tent will be uncomfortable and unenjoyable. Also, use a tarp under your tent to keep water out and prevent damage.
Always bring ample food, and make sure you bring the right types. If you are going to be camping for a considerable duration, you need to ensure that you have food than will not go bad. Your camping trip will be ruined if you get food poisoning. Prepare all of the food you will take with your properly and find out what sort of precautions you should take.
Pick out all of your clothing before you go camping. Be sure you have a lot of clean clothes that will last you your whole trip. Be sure to also carry clothing that is weather and climate appropriate on your trip. You should also have a pair of hiking boots or some other type of durable, protective shoe.
Protect your canine companion on the trip by keeping him leashed and under careful supervision. You may encounter people with a fear of dogs. Respecting your fellow campers is essential when camping. Also, because it is a new territory, dogs can get into trouble and cause damage to the site if not supervised.
Be conscious of where you set up camp. You don’t want to overlook something like a snake hole, take a little precaution. Keep an eye out for animals and insects around your camp, and make sure there aren’t any large populations of them close to you. You might also want to carry bug repellent too.
Make it a point to properly prepare your flashlight when you pack for your trip. You can easily press the “on” switch on a flashlight when digging in your camping bag. To avoid drained batteries, store your flashlights with the batteries backwards. That way, there is no way to turn the flashlight on until you switch the batteries around.
A camping trip could be a relaxing, tranquil experience, or it could end up being a vacation from hell. The key difference? Preparation. When you prepare correctly, your trip will be great.
A pre-made list will help you remember exactly what you need for your camping excursion. If you have to travel a long way to reach the campsite, this is particularly vital. Use your list to guide your packing and make sure to start packing a few days before the start of your trip.
Pack strategically. A checklist of all supplies can help you be sure that you have everything you need as you are packing. If you are going deep into the bush or backcountry where emergency supplies and services are inaccessible, then you really need to make sure you have first aid material and related equipment.
Even though camping is a fun and popular getaway, things can turn sour without the right planning. The above article has given you all the advice you need to ensure your next camping trip is enjoyable.
Make sure your shelter is ready before dark. It is much more difficult to pitch your tent after dark. You’d have to do it with the light from a fire or from a flashlight, both of which could be difficult. It is so much easier to set up your shelter before dark.
