How long has it been since you’ve been camping? Camping can be a fun way to spend time outdoors, relax, and get in touch with your inner self. Being in the great outdoors without worrying about work calls or listening to the television blaring allows you time to rejuvenate your mind and body. All it takes is a little know how to make your camping adventure into a fantastic one.
Choose a sleeping bag that is seasonally appropriate. Bringing a sub-zero type of sleeping bag to use on a trip in the summer will make you sweat the entire night. Alternatively, taking a light bag in the winter can lead to great discomfort. In the worst case, you could be putting yourself at risk of getting frostbite or even worse.
Camping provides the inevitable experience that you, your family and most of your possessions will probably get dirty. If you are mentally prepared for this experience ahead of time, you can relieve the cause for a lot of stress when it does happen. Enjoy your time in the woods by letting yourself relax and get dirty. You can get clean when you get home.
You might imagine that nature has an inexhaustible supply of firewood, but there might be nothing but wet wood that refuses to burn. It is good planning to take your own wood with you and store it where it is dry.
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. Be sure to do some research as well. Find out if the area has poisonous snakes, what type of wildlife lives in the woods, etc.
Bring a survival kit that you can carry on your person at all times. Survival kits should contain waterproof matches, a survival knife, a first aid kit, a flare gun and water purifying tablets. If you were to get lost or were put in an emergency situation, the survival kit will be of great help. It is important that you carry your survival kit with you at all times.
Try using dryer lint to help you start your campfire. Start saving this lint a short time period prior to going camping and you’ll have enough lint in time. Keep a plastic bag right next to the dryer and put the lint in there. Using this for your kindling will save you time looking for it, and it will work even better than any kindling that you do find.
Check the weather before leaving for your camping trip. There are lots of websites that can give you an idea of what the typical weather is like in the area during the time of your travel. If you have the correct information, you can pack properly.
It is important that you remember all the camping gear when going on a trip. It wouldn’t be good if you forgot something you really need like your sleeping bag or a tent. Double check all your supplies to make sure they are accounted for and in working condition. Do this before you leave.
Camping can be extremely fun or extremely dangerous depending upon how prepared you are. Without proper preparation, a camping trip can turn into a disaster. Research the place that you are traveling to, which will help you to understand the climate and geography.
Kids love camping, but you need to plan out activities for them to do on the trip. Your kids may start to get bored when you are out in the woods. They may not be used to thing like fishing and pitching a tent. Teach them the basics of these activities before leaving for your trip, especially if they don’t have lots of outdoor experience.
Even when you’re trying to get away from the luxuries of life, it can help to bring something nice on your camping trip. This can be something simple like fresh coffee or a favorite candy. Small luxuries can make enduring a camping trip easier.
Have you just bought your first tent and want to begin camping? Practice putting your tent up before going camping. You should know what you need and how to do it before you actually have to do it. That way, you can get things done rapidly once you get to the campsite.
Have you just bought your first tent as a rookie camper? You should try pitching your tent before you head out for the first time. Doing so will ensure you know what tools you may need. This also allows you to get this done fast when you show up where you’re camping, prior to night falling.
Packing all the essentials is vital to the success of your camping venture. Even just a few missing items can turn your trip into a disaster. Write a list of essentials and as you pack the items, cross them off. You will want to include everything you need, no matter how big or small, to ensure that you have what you need while you are away from home.
When selecting an area for your tent, look for the area of the campsite with the flattest and softest ground. Choosing a rocky or sloped spot will result in you feeling discomfort when you have to spend time in the tent. Make sure you put down a tarp before you set up your tent. This will keep water from entering your tent at night.
Be prepared for anything when you go camping. Things can sometimes go awry, even when carefully planned. Weather problems, injuries and other unexpected things may occur. It’s vital to everyone’s well being that no severe risks are taken and that all safety precautions are heeded.
Make it a point to properly prepare your flashlight when you pack for your trip. It’s easy to accidentally turn on a flashlight when rummaging through your bags. To avoid this, store the batteries backwards in your flashlights. This will ensure they do not drain if the flashlight is accidentally turned on.
Plan to save the light of your flashlight before you go camping. It is all too easy to accidentally switch your flashlight on when digging through your bags. You can avoid dead batteries by installing them in the flashlight backwards until you need the light. They will stay handy but a thoughtless push of the button will not turn the flashlight on.
Make sure that you choose the right sleeping bag for the conditions on the campsite. Hot weather calls for a lightweight bag, while heavier bags are needed for colder temperatures. You also want to get a sleeping bag that is comfortable to sleep in as well, so test them out.
Make a plan as to what you’ll wear. Consider how many outfits you will need for the number of days you plan to be on your trip and add in a few extra in case of bad weather. Pack clothes that will allow you to dress properly for whatever weather is expected in the area where you will be camping. Closed toe shoes and hiking boots are generally needed for camping.
Don’t take your eyes of children while camping. It is easy for children to get lost, and cars often come and go. Therefore, children should always have close supervision.
If you go out camping with kids, have a photo of them on hand. If you lose them during your trip, that picture can help you immensely. You should bring another photo to keep in case of emergencies.
Pack ready to eat foods in your camping gear, like trail mix and jerky. When you reach the end of a long day, it may not sound appealing to cook, so it helps to have these things to eat when you’re too tired. Because these items will last a while, you don’t have to eat them right away if you don’t want to.
Pay attention to where you’re setting up camp. You need to avoid setting up your camping site close to wasp’s nests and other insect breeding grounds. If you are near lots of trees and leaves, wear long pants and sleeves so you aren’t upset by insects. It is also a good idea to carry insect repellent.
Make sure you pack a utility knife when going camping. One of the most useful camp items is a utility knife, so pack an extra one just in case one gets lost.
Trail mix and jerky are great snacks for a camping trip. You may find yourself too tired to prepare food and these nutritious snacks could be very satisfying. Because these items will last a while, you don’t have to eat them right away if you don’t want to.
It is wise to leave a cell phone fully charged somewhere where you can reach it. You might want to bring an extra battery as well just in case your original runs low. A cell phone will be your best friend in the event of an emergency, so keep it charged and available.
Use the appropriate sleeping bag for the current season. For instance, if it is summer, you are going to want a lighter bag so that you stay as cool as possible. When it’s wintertime, it’s a good idea to get a thicker bag so you’re not too cold.
Make sure that you pack strategically and efficiently when you go on a camping trip. Make a checklist of supplies that you will need on your camping trip, and check items off as you pack them. This helps to reduce the chance of an emergency impacting the quality of your trip.
Camping novices often erroneously decide to camp close to the restrooms. Although the location is convenient, there are many downfalls to this location. Bathrooms have constant light and lots of foot traffic. After a while, it becomes less of a convenience and more of a hindrance.
Whenever you are camping, be sure to adhere to proper safety protocol. 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 can present a danger. Don’t feed bears if you encounter any.
When you’re away camping, what cooking methods are you planning on using? Decide how you will cook early on, so that you can prepare accordingly. Open-flame cooking is great fun, but you need to be prepared with the right equipment to take advantage of this.
A shower curtain that is past its prime is a quick and inexpensive tarp for placement under your tent. You can also use it as a way to control run-off as you are washing or cooking. Instead of just sending your shower curtain to the trash, you can save it for another use when you go camping.
You can have a wonderful camping trip by using the tips shared here. These suggestions will help make your planning easier and more productive. It is a great idea to always look for any information that can enhance your experience.
When you are planning a long trip, bring games to increase the amount of fun that you have. Books, board games, a guitar or some music are all great options to bring along.
