Are you going camping? Do you have any idea of what you may be experiencing? While many aspects of camping are simple, you need to take some time to review the basics. Follow along for great suggestions to help.
You might think nature naturally provides all the wood you need, but the wood where you are could have already been picked clean, or it could be wet. It is good planning to take your own wood with you and store it where it is dry.
Search out shelter before the sun sets when you are camping. You do not want to be stuck trying to put your tent together or finding a safe location for the tent when it’s pitch black outside. This is even more true for city folks whose eyes are not used to the pitch black. Avoid this situation by finding shelter before the moon is out.
When purchasing a brand new tent, put it together once at home before going on your camping trip. It will help you make sure that all of the parts are included and learn how to set it up right. It also helps with the frustration of putting a tent up.
Bring sleeping bags appropriate for the season. Make sure that your sleeping bags in the summer are not too heavy. On the other hand, light-weight sleeping supplies will never keep you warm enough in the dead of winter. You may even risk hypothermia.
A survival kit should be packed and carried on you everywhere you go. Survival kits should contain waterproof matches, a survival knife, a first aid kit, a flare gun and water purifying tablets. This kit could be the difference between life and death. Be sure to carry it on your person and not leave it at your campsite.
Do not assume you can collect firewood from the area. It’s always a good idea to take along some wood of your own and keep it in a dry place.
Prior to heading out, be sure you are aware of the forecast for your destination. There are websites available to provide information about the typical weather of the area for the time of your planned trip. If you have the correct weather information, you will be better prepared with proper equipment and clothing.
Get everyone involved in choosing a campsite. Talk about the state you wish to see. The options are plenty, so do your research! You can select a few places to have the family vote on to make it easier.
Preparation is key to enjoying your camping trip. It is a bad idea to go camping unprepared. Especially if you are camping in a new location, take the time to research the wildlife, plants, geography, and climate of the area.
Be sure that your tent will comfortably fit everyone that you will be sharing it with to have a good trip. You should have no problem sleeping and getting through the nights when camping.
Examine your medical insurance policy. You might need a new policy if you go to another state. If you are going to a foreign country, this is especially critical. Always be prepared.
Take a first-aid class, especially if children are camping with you. You will be prepared for any accidents that may occur and can survive until you reach professional medical care. You should also research the area you plan on camping in. Knowing about the native species in your camp area, such as snakes or other dangerous animals, is essential.
If you’ve brought the kids along, feed them a “jungle” breakfast. To do this, tie cereal and juice boxes to trees so that your kids have to hunt for their breakfest. Then your kids can go out searching for their own breakfast. This can add some magic to their camping trip.
Incorporate swimming into your camping trip. Showering is one of the comforts of home you will have to do without while camping. By taking a dip in a pool, lake or river, you will have fun and feel clean and refreshed at the same time!
Educate yourself about the area that you are camping in, and know what hazards you could encounter. You should know if there are deadly spiders found there, or if sheer cliffs or flash floods occur there. Each camping spot is unique and can be dangerous in its own way.
You can use dryer lint to kindle your campfire. Start collecting it in advance of your trip. Hang up a grocery bag beside your dryer and collect the lint in it. Doing this means you can just snag your kindling on the way out the door the morning your trip starts.
Camping is fun for children, but make sure to plan out some extra activities they will like. When you are in the woods with nothing around but trees, they may become bored. The may not be accustomed to activities like pitching a tent or fishing. If you don’t normally spend time outside, show them before you go camping.
Your camp should always be set up before the sun sets. When adventuring in an RV, be safely parked before dark. If you are in a tent, you need to find some flat, high ground. Doing this when you still have daylight lets you get familiar with the area. By setting up camp during the daylight, you can avoid the frustration associated with setting up camp.
Pack plenty of food of the proper variety. Also, you will want to keep food that does not spoil to put yourself in the safest position. Remember, food poisoning could quickly put an end to your camping adventure. Learn the right type of food preparations meant for camping before you go.
Make sure to bring duct tape on your camping trip to fix almost any problem. It works quickly for inflatable leaks, tent holes, worn soles on shoes, sealing mosquito nets, securing tent poles, and so much more.
Bring some duct tape on your camping trip. Just like at home, its uses are nearly endless. 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. It can be used on feet to help fight off blisters during long hikes. This can also be used for injuries when you do not have a regular doctor around.
Camping Pillows
While the concept of camping involves getting away from it all, you still need to be prepared with some basic items. While a sleeping bag is a necessity, you should bring extra blankets. That helps you if the night gets really cold, and you are able to use them as padding, as well.
Buy special camping pillows instead of using your standard ones. Make sure that you bring camping pillows that do not absorb moisture. They also take moisture from the air and that makes them grow mildew fast. Camping pillows do not have these problems.
Remember the Boy Scout motto – be prepared! Make sure you have put a little thought into things in case the unexpected does occur. Anything can change without warning, such as the weather, your environment, or your physical condition. Try not to take unnecessary risks that can yield injury or illness.
Bring along some fun activities on the trip. Pack such things as cards, fishing poles or even plan for a scavenger hunt. If you are bringing children on your trip, you should bring a few more entertainment supplies than you think you’ll need.
Think carefully on your next trip to prevent the drainage of your flashlight batteries. You don’t want to waste your flashlight battery and not be able to see. Keep your flashlight in a secure place to avoid accidentally turning them on. Your batteries will remain fully charged until you turn them around the right direction, and you won’t be able to accidentally turn the flashlight on.
Take extra precautions if you are camping in any area that has very dangerous wildlife. Take safety precautions, such as wrapping your items in many layers for protection. Doing so is going to decrease the likeliness of a random attack.
Write down a list of your necessary items before heading out on a camping excursion. This will be key, particularly if you are camping far away from home. Get prepared well ahead of schedule; at least one day, maybe two, is required to gather all the “forgotten” items you would regret not having in the wild.
Is this your first tent? Before you take it on your first trip, practice setting up your tent. This way, you will know the things you need to put your tent up. Doing this will help you pitch your tent quickly, just in case you get to your campsite when it starts to get dark.
When camping, pack carefully and wisely. Write down everything you will need, and cross them off as they are packed. This is crucial if you are camping in an area that is remote and has limited access to emergency assistance.
Cell Phone
When going camping, bring some duct tape with you. Tents can be quite durable, but they aren’t invincible. A piece of durable duct tape can keep you dry at night, even if your tent was damaged by accident.
Bringing along a cell phone with a full charge isn’t a bad idea while camping. You might want to bring an extra battery as well just in case your original runs low. A cell phone is perhaps the most useful item of emergency equipment that you can carry with you, but you do need to ensure that it does not run out of juice.
Novice campers often set up their tent near bathrooms, but this is an error. While this might be convenient, you’ll soon find out differently. Bathrooms provide constant light, and people are always going to and from them. Because of that, they aren’t really as convenient as one might think.
One simple tip that many people overlook is creating your shelter before dark. It’s very hard to set up your tent when it’s dark outside. You will need to make a fire or have flashlight to do this. This should be done when the sun is present so that you can use natural light.
Ensure that your food is safe while camping. Pack foods in airtight bags and containers that are waterproof. Keep food in insulated coolers. Make sure that raw or cooked meat is not stored in the same containers as other foods. Always wash your hands, cutting boards and preparation surfaces to optimize safety and keep yourself from getting food poisoning. Cook all of your food to the right temperature and get them chilled quickly.
Waterproof matches are an essential part of any camping survival kit. These need to be kept in a container that’s airtight. Matches can be made waterproof by simply placing them in either nail polish or paraffin for a quick dip. You can store them in a prescription bottle or film canister.
If your campsite is near a body of water, make sure you “take your business” downstream. This ensures that any water that flows through your camp site won’t be contaminated with your “special gift.” Try to take care of this business more than a hundred yards from your campsite.
Food poisoning happens for campers when food is not packed properly. Foods should be properly vacuum-packed, canned and sealed. Take a lot of ice for keeping food cold and pull out drain plugs so you don’t soak the food.
Snake-proof your campsite. This means avoid going near thick brush, piles of rocks and woodpiles. Always look through your things to make sure a snake has not gotten in. Always seal your tent, and surround the outside with mounds of dirt.
Whenever you’re choosing a sleeping bag, pick one out that’s for the climate you’re in. If it’s summer time, look for the lightest weight bag you can find, to keep extra cool. But during the cold of winter, you need a thermal bag that will keep you protected from the elements.
As you plan your outing, scour old recipe cards. The usual camping foods such as hot dogs and hamburgers can get boring. Try to add some variation to the meals that you create. These simple recipes can make it a fun and enjoyable experience for your friends or family. Do not forget to bring along your favorite seasonings and spices.
After reading this short article, you should now be aware of the fact that there are a few things that you need to consider before embarking on a camping adventure. While camping isn’t a fancy activity, it still requires preparation. Keep this information in mind for a great trip.
Never fail to bring extra food and clothes along when going on a camping trip. Food and clothing is important, as there may be dire situations that come about. Be prepared in case your food gets ruined, or you need to be in the forest an additional night.
