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You can enjoy the time spent camping with all of your family and friends. Many people avoid camping because it seems hard or requires too much effort. As long as you have the information you need ahead of time, camping is very easy. Keep on reading for advice that you can use to be a great camping expert in no time.
After you buy your camping tent, set it up at home rather than waiting until your trip to set it up for the first time. This will not only familiarize you with the process, it will allow you to ensure there are no missing pieces or defects. This kind of “dry run” also helps lower your frustration level when setting up the tent at the campsite
Sleeping Bag
Bring a hankerchief or a bandanna with you. These can be used in a pinch if you need a potholder, towel or even something to carry an item in. There are various uses for this fabric piece, so be sure to carry one on your trip.
Pick a type of sleeping bag that happens to be appropriate for the season. Make sure that your sleeping bags in the summer are not too heavy. Conversely, if you bring a light-weight sleeping bag to a winter camping trip, you can be extremely uncomfortable the entire time. You may even subject yourself to hypothermia.
Buy yourself some camping pillows for your trip. The typical pillows will become sticky in hot and humid climates. Those big pillows can also mildew, because they absorbs moisture. Camping pillows, on the other hand, possess a protective coating that prevents that from happening.
You are going camping outdoors, so expect that you will all be getting dirty. If you are prepared for that before you go, it will cause less stress when it happens. Enjoy hanging out in the wilderness and don’t worry too much about getting messy. When you’re home, you can be normal again.
Bring all necessary camping gear with you prior to going on your trip. Forgetting something crucial like your sleeping bag or a fire starter is not something you want to happen. Create a checklist if you feel like you are going to forget something.
Let everyone help choose the perfect campsite for your family. Discuss which state you wish to visit. With all of the options available, it is wise to let people decide for themselves. It may be easier to choose a few front runners and have family members vote.
When taking children camping, you must make sure they understand camping hazards. Show them pictures of plants that are poisonous so they know not to touch them.
If you have bought a brand new tent in preparation for your camping trip, set it up at home first before you use it for camping. That will help you make sure your tent has all the pieces and you know how to properly set it up. This will also allow you to feel more comfortable about setting up the tent later.
Carefully plan what types of clothing you will wear during your camping trip. Pack plenty of clothes that will last you the length of your trip. Pack ample clothing items appropriate to the climate you will be visiting. Shoes that are durable enough to handle rough terrain should be worn at all times.
Learn proper first aid. Should an emergency arise, your knowledge of first aid can prevent further issues until help arrives. Be sure to research beforehand. Knowing about the native species in your camp area, such as snakes or other dangerous animals, is essential.
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 bring an emergency photo, especially if your campsite is far from your home.
Bring a hankerchief or a bandanna with you. Such an item can be used as a carrying bag, a potholder, a hand towel, a blotter or a paper towel. This is an essential item that does not cost a lot of money and can provide a lot of benefits.
When going camping, bring some duct tape with you. Tents are usually more durable than they used to be, but they can still get torn. Your tent can easily be repaired with some duct tape, which will keep you nice and dry in your damaged tent.
Talk to your children and friends about the dangers and risks of camping before embarking on your journey. Check out the plants that elicit poison ivy to better prepare for the dangers of camping.
Learn how to read a map or use a compass ahead of time. It is still possible to get lost at the camp grounds even though you have already been there, because campsites look similar. You can avoid a possible disaster by becoming knowledgeable about using these items that can save your life.
Always bring ample food, and make sure you bring the right types. Also, you will want to keep food that does not spoil to put yourself in the safest position. Just a little food poisoning can turn a camping trip upside down. Properly prepare food and take any necessary precautions.
When you’re getting a survival kit together for camping, it’s recommended to bring waterproof matches. These should be stored in an airtight container. You can take ordinary matches and make them waterproof when you dip them into nail polish or paraffin. You can use an old 35mm film canister to store them. A medicine bottle also works as a viable storage container.
Bring some duct tape on your camping trip. It has a myriad of uses for campers, just as it does for homeowners. This can be used to repair holes in air mattresses. Also, it can help to seal any tears, which can make your item usable for the duration of your trip. Putting some on your feet before hiking can prevent blisters. You can even use it to hold on a makeshift bandage.
It is important in tent building to close any and all seams on the tent. A handy tube is available at many sporting good stores to help you do this. This will keep any critters and/or rainwater from getting inside your tent.
When you are at your campsite, pitch your tent on the softest and most level ground you are able to find. If you pick a spot that is rocky or has a slope to it, you will be uncomfortable when you are inside your tent. Make sure to put a tarp down so that water cannot penetrate your tent.
Keep food safe when you’re out in the wild camping. Keep food in containers that can’t get water in them, and bags that are airtight. Also, use insulated coolers. Keep cooked food separate from raw food to prevent contamination. Keep surfaces and hands clean when you’re dealing with your food. Use hand sanitizer or soap. Thoroughly cook foods and store them right away.
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. Pack ample clothing items appropriate to the climate you will be visiting. Sturdy shoes or boots with closed toes are essential gear for any camping trip.
Keep old shower curtains around to use as disposable tarps for under your tent. You can also use it as a way to control run-off as you are washing or cooking. Whenever you replace a shower curtain, simply launder the old one, and stow it away with your camping gear for your next outdoor adventure.
If you are taking children with on your camping trip be sure to bring pictures of them as well. If they get separated from you, having a picture will make finding them a lot easier. This is particularly useful if you will be camping somewhere far from where you live.
It’s is important to have first aid essentials or a kit with you. Make sure the kit contains everything you may need for any type of mishap. High quality bandages, emergency supplies in case of a snake bite, dressings for a wound, aspirin and anticeptic should all be included in your kit. You must always keep safety in mind while camping and be ready for accidents that may occur.
Be conscious of where you set up camp. You have to be sure you don’t set up next to stinging insects or anything unsafe. If there is a lot of nearby vegetation, protect yourself against insect bites by wearing pants and long sleeved shirts. A strong bug spray is also something you want on hand, especially if the vegetation is very thick.
One tip that every camper would be wise to use is to bring along some baby wipes and toilet paper. Sure you could rough it and use the leaves as nature intended but why put yourself through that torment when toilet paper and baby wipes are readily available at your local store.
Bring a good utility knife when you camp. Utility knives have many uses in a campers tool kit. It may even be a good idea to bring an extra in case your first one gets lost.
Always take sufficient amounts of sunscreen. You want to keep your skin protected during your trip. Find sunscreen that offers good coverage. Your ideal sunscreen will also contain a bug repellent. After all, you do not want to have to put too many different lotions and potions on your skin while you are trying to enjoy your camping trip.
Cell Phone
Pack some tablets for water purification. Use these for emergency situations where you either run out of water, or do not have to time or means to clean the water otherwise. You should test these tablets at home before using them on your camping trip; this ensures you are familiar with the taste. It would be silly to risk dehydration because of a bad taste.
It makes sense to keep a totally charged cell phone on hand. Even better, bring extra batteries so you are prepared if there is an emergency. A cell phone is valuable in case of emergency, so verify that it is usable.
Bring lots of water and food on your camping trip. If bears are common where you will be camping, keep your food away from your sleeping area. Also, throw away all of your garbage and do not leave food out in the open.
Pack carefully and intelligently. Have a checklist of everything you need on your next camping trip, and then use that list in full to pack. This is very important if you’re camping in some remote region without quick access to first-aid items or any other emergency supplies.
Ensure that you go to the bathroom downstream if applicable. This makes sure your waste won’t get into the water that goes near your campsite. Try to keep everything around 100 yards from the campsite that could contaminate the water.
An easy, yet often forgotten tip is to find shelter before it gets dark. Pitching tents in the dark can be almost impossible. You’d have to do it with the light from a fire or from a flashlight, both of which could be difficult. It’s much easier to pitch your tent while it’s light out.
Try to pitch your tent before night falls. When the sun is setting, you may not have enough time to finish your shelter before dark. If you are without a tent, it is even more important to create a shelter in the daytime.
Camping is an easy thing to do now, isn’t it? No matter your skill level, you can advance very quickly. Apply what you’ve just learned on your upcoming camping trip. You will soon be on a great outdoor adventure.
Flip through your cookbooks before you go camping. Eating hot dogs and hamburgers can get old when camping. You can mix it up. Look through your cookbooks to find easy recipes that are conducive to outdoor preparation. Don’t forget to pack spice and seasoning favorites.