So, you’ve decided to go camping? Are you prepared for even the most simple aspects of camping? While many aspects of camping are simple, you need to take some time to review the basics. Keep reading to get some terrific guidance.
Pack a survival kit and carry it on you at all times. You should have a bandanna (to use as a sling or tourniquet), wound coverings, something to use for sprains, matches, a knife, tablets to purify water and a compass in your kit. For any life threatening situation, these items may be the only thing standing between you and disaster. Never leave the kit behind, even for a short excursion.
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 many great websites that can also give you a good idea of what weather is typical for the area during the time you plan to visit. This way you will know what type of clothing to pack and the equipment you need.
When you purchase a new tent for camping, take it home and completely set the tent up before going on a camping trip. This will allow you to get the experience needed for erecting your tent. It also helps with the frustration of putting a tent up.
Proper planning and preparation can keep you safe and make your camping experience more enjoyable. Be certain that your camping trips always involve proper planning. Do your research and understand the local conditions and wildlife, as well as climate concerns. This is the best way to keep yourself safe and enjoy your trip.
Bring along an emergency survival kit, and keep it on you for the duration of your camping trip. Survival kits must include water purification tablets, a knife, a first aid box, flare gun and waterproof matches. You need this if you become lost or stranded; the items in your kit may save your life. Carry it at all times.
If you’ve brought the kids along, feed them a “jungle” breakfast. You can tie small food and drink boxes into the trees. Let the kids go out hunt for their breakfast. This makes the trip even more magical for kids.
Before you set out on your camping trip take the time to check the weather forecast for the area that you will be visiting. You may even be able to find a website that gives you a general idea of the normal weather patterns in that area. When you know what to expect, you will have the right clothes packed.
It is vital that you take a first-aid kit with you anytime that you go camping. Though your location can contribute to necessities in the kit, the basics will remain the same. If you think there will be snakes, you might want to include antivenom.
Camping can be incredibly fun or incredibly dangerous depending on just one factor: preparation. Make sure you always go camping only after preparing yourself fully. If you’re going somewhere you’ve never been, do a little research about the land. Find out the weather, wildlife and the layout of the land.
As you plan your camping adventure, take children aside and go over common dangers and issues they may encounter. Make sure they understand what poison ivy looks like, to stay away from wild animals and to carry a light if they are walking around at night.
Make sure you know what’s covered in your medical insurance. You may need to purchase additional coverage if you will be camping in another state. Popping over the border into Canada could also cause an issue. Be sure that your insurance will cover you, no matter where you are.
You need to take things to entertain yourself during your camping trip. Fishing poles, decks of cards and games will be fun campsite entertainment. If your camping group includes children, consider bringing extra entertainment options.
Oranges will not only fill you up, but they’ll keep mosquitoes away. Just keep the peels in a plastic bag after you eat the orange and then use them to rub on your skin as the sun begins to go down. It is a cheap and effective way to keep the mosquitoes at bay.
Be prepared for your next camping adventure by taking precautions on conserving flashlight batteries. It can be really easy to inadvertently press the “on” switch on your flashlight when jostling through a bag of camping equipment. To prevent draining the batteries, place them in your flashlight backwards. It will keep the power from draining from the batteries and have them easily installed when you need it.
Before the sun goes down, make sure that you have your camp completely set up. When adventuring in an RV, be safely parked before dark. If you are camping in a tent, look for a dry and flat area of ground. It is much easier to do these things during the day, and you can become familiar with the area. It will also allow prevent the frustration of not being able to see while setting up your equipment.
Write down a list of all the essentials that are required before embarking on your trip. This is particularly helpful if you have to travel quite far to get where you are going. Get all your things together a few days before your trip and mark them off on your list.
Make sure that you understand the dangers and risks of the camping site that you choose. You should be aware of any venomous insects or snakes, dangerous weather or cliffs in the area. Each camping spot is unique and can be dangerous in its own way.
Pick an appropriate sleeping bag for the camping climate. Heavy weight sleeping bags are best for cold weather, while lightweight bags works best for hot weather. A good sleeping bag will cling to the human body and help it to retain as much body heat as possible.
Be certain you are prepared for any event when you’re camping. Make sure you have put a little thought into things in case the unexpected does occur. The weather may change all of a sudden, illness and injuries can occur, your circumstance can change, etc. The more time you spend preparing for the unforeseen, the better off you will be when it comes to dealing with an emergency later on.
Always keep an eye on your children, no matter where they are. Cars constantly come and go at campsites, and kids can quickly lose their way in the woods. It can happen in an instant, so make sure they are always supervised.
Have the clothing you will pack planned out before your trip. Make sure you have plenty of clean clothes for the duration of your trip. Also, be sure that you carry articles of clothing that are appropriate for the weather and climate of your camping location. Shoes that will hold up and have closed toes are what you should wear for the most part.
It is always a good idea to bring plenty of trail mix and/or beef jerky when you are planning a camping trip. Both items are fairly healthy and will come in handy when you don’t feel like cooking. They are also convenient because they keep well and don’t need to be refrigerated.
One great piece of equipment to carry while camping is a spare utility knife. Utility knives are the most diverse tools you can carry, so be sure to carry an additional one just in case it gets lost.
Start setting up camp well before dark. It’s hard enough to throw up a tent, but it’s even harder with the lights out. You will need a flashlight or you’ll have to build a fire. It is so much easier to erect your tent and organize your camping area before sunset.
After reading the article you are better prepared to start your camping adventure. Camping trips need not be complicated, but, as you can see, there are some basic tips that can really help. Apply what you’ve just learned, and have a wonderful trip.
Any survival kit you assemble for camping needs to include waterproof matches. These matches should be kept in a container that’s airtight. Make some average matches waterproof by simply dipping them in nail polish or paraffin. A great container for storage is a film canister. A plastic medicine bottle also works.
