Regardless of if you go in your backyard to camp, or are taking a mountain trip, preparing beforehand makes the time go better for everyone. Read through the advice below to gain some inspiration about how to prepare for your next camping trip. The information will be appreciated when you learn that you need it later.
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. Bringing your own small supply of wood and keeping it dry is a wise decision.
You need to make sure your sleeping bag is sufficient for the climate. If you bring sub-zero sleeping bags with you in the dead of summer, you will probably sweat all night. On the other hand, bringing a light-weight bag in the middle of winter could cause you to wake up freezing. You might even get hypothermia.
All participants should have a say in where you go camping. Discuss which state you would most like to visit. The many options may make it difficult to settle on one. This can get people engaged and ready to go camping.
Allow everyone who is going on the trip to have a say about the campsite. Have a conversation about where you want to go. The U.S. has dozens of great camping options. To aid in this decision, you may want to offer a few of those that you personally like the best and than let each family member vote.
Pack and carry a survival kit on your person for the entire trip. Must haves include, but aren’t limited to, a knife, matches, a flare gun, and a first aid pack. Your kit may be all that stands between you and certain death if you become lost, as the items within it are essential to survival. Always keep it nearby and never leave it behind at the campsite.
Survival Kit
Check out your medical insurance policy. You may need an additional policy when you are traveling on your camping trip. This is a bigger factor if you’re traveling to another country for a camping trip, such as Canada. Don’t get caught without the protection you need in case of an emergency situation.
Always pack and carry a survival kit. In your survival kit, be sure you have waterproof matches, a flare gun, a first aid kit, water-purifying tablets and a knife. If you are injured or lose your way, this will give you a greater chance of survival. It is important that you carry your survival kit with you at all times.
Emergency kits are a good thing to have prepared for any camping trip. You may need different supplies, depending on where you will be, but there are certain things that you should always have. Species specific antivenom should be packed to protect against animal bites.
Camping has the potential to be thrilling or hazardous, depending on your level of preparation. Try to be as prepared as possible when you go out camping; don’t just take off on a whim. Research the place that you are traveling to, which will help you to understand the climate and geography.
Oranges are great for camping since they’re healthy, easy to eat, and they also keep mosquitoes away. After you have eaten the orange, rub the peel onto exposed body parts and this will repel any blood-sucking bugs.
Set up a “jungle breakfast” when you are camping with your kids. Tie to the trees small boxes of cereal, fruit, and juice boxes. Let the kids go out hunt for their breakfast. This is a wonderful way to add fun to their camping enjoyment.
Make sure that your camp site is complete before night breaks. If you driving an RV, you should locate a safe parking spot. Seek out flat, dry ground if you are roughing it with a tent. Doing this when you still have daylight lets you get familiar with the area. It is also easier for you to see what is happening, so you won’t feel so frustrated.
Consider camping in an area that also provides you with a place to swim. You might long for a good shower when you are camping. Cool water will make you feel clean and fresh, so you may not miss your shower at all.
Make sure you have all the gear you need before you leave your driveway. Forgetting something crucial like your sleeping bag or a fire starter is not something you want to happen. Use a check list that you can use to double check, to be sure that you have everything before you leave home.
Dryer Lint
When taking a dog along, be certain they have a leash and are always supervised. A lot of people have a fear of dogs. Respecting others at the campsite is vital. Additionally, your dog may cause damage to the property of someone else if left untethered and unsupervised.
Dryer lint can be used as kindling for starting your campfire. Begin collecting dryer lint a few weeks before your trip. Hang up a grocery bag beside your dryer and collect the lint in it. Using this method, you can acquire kindling and camp in the same day.
If the area you are camping in is known for dangerous wildlife, you will need to be doubly careful with food storage. You should wrap up your food tightly, store it somewhere that isn’t close to your tent, and avoid certain types of food altogether. You will be less likely to have an attack with these procedures.
Not only are oranges a great snack for camping, but they also serve as a natural mosquito repellant. 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.
Plan ahead and come prepared. You should bring your sleeping bag, plus some extra blankets. This helps to warm you up in case it gets too cold at night. They are also good to use for extra padding.
Double Check
Bringing along a cell phone with a full charge isn’t a bad idea while camping. The best thing to do is bring some backup batteries. 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.
Double check that you have all of your necessary equipment prior to your camping trip. It would be a shame to arrive at your campsite only to realize you have forgotten some important items, like food and water. Check and double check your packing list and make certain that every item has been included.
Know how to use a compass and map before you head into the woods. Even if you are returning to a campsite you know well, the area could have changed and you could become lost. Your skill using a compass and a map can be a lifesaver one day.
Try to schedule activities for your children such as board games or card games. They could get bored if there isn’t anything to do. The may not be accustomed to activities like pitching a tent or fishing. Teach them how to perform these acts before you set out to camp.
So many people suffer from food poisoning because food is not stored and prepared correctly. If you don’t preserve, pack and prepare your food right, you’re at risk. Make sure you keep all perishable food on ice, but keep the drain open!
Protect your canine companion on the trip by keeping him leashed and under careful supervision. There are campers who do not like dogs. You must show respect for others when you camp. Furthermore, dogs could cause a lot of damage to your campsite, or someone else’s, if they are not properly supervised.
Food safety should be maintained while you are on your trip. Foods should be packed in airtight and waterproof containers. Also carry ice packs so you can insulate and cool your food. Prevent cross-contamination of raw and cooked foods by storing them separately. 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.
While the concept of camping involves getting away from it all, you still need to be prepared with some basic items. You need a sleeping bag, but you need to take extra blankets too. Blankets make good padding and can help you stay warm if it’s colder than you expect at night.
Do not forget to bring a lot of sunscreen. You must stay protected from the sun’s rays. Find sunscreen that will protect your skin adequately. This can also help to block your skin from bug bites too. This will keep your pack light and save you time.
It’s critical that you take along the right things with you when you go camping. Unfortunately, forgetting one or two key items can ruin your trip. Make a master checklist of everything that you will be needing on your trip and be sure to check off items as they are packed or loaded into the car. Some useful items are items to create a fire, your tent, tarp, a sleeping bag, water (and lots of it), soap, food that is already prepared, and a utility knife.
Dryer lint doesn’t always have to be thrown out. You can use it on your camping adventure. Many people use dryer lint as kindling to make a fire while camping. The lint also produces flames which are brighter than flames produced from wood chips. All that’s needed for a toasty fire is a spark and a pile of lint.
When selecting an area for your tent, look for the area of the campsite with the flattest and softest ground. An area that is sloped or rugged won’t make for the best place to put your tent. Make sure you place a tarp underneath your tent to keep water out, also.
Don’t forget to bring tablets to purify water. These tablets are great in case you ever run out of water and need an additional resource. At home, make sure you try the tablets out to be sure you know what the water tastes like. You do not want to dehydrate yourself on your trip because you hate the taste.
Sleeping Bag
Be sure you know how to recognize dangerous plants before camping. Poisonous plants can look like a lot of plants you find around your home, so it is important to know what to look for. Search the Internet for information on these plants for your safety. This can help you stay away.
Make sure that your sleeping bag is appropriate for where and when you are camping. For example, there are lightweight sleeping bag for warm weather and heavy sleeping bags for colder weather. The main goal with your sleeping bag is to conserve body heat, which means having a snug bag that hugs the body.
Pack every necessity your pet will require, if they camp with you. Bring a leash so that they are contained at all times. There are also times when a regular leash is needed as well. Also, ensure that vaccines are up-to-date. Your furry family need their own water, snacks and bowls. Always clean up after your pet.
It is possible to make a camping trip that will blow your friends and family away. When you apply all the ideas here, you can create a camping trip even those afraid of the woods can love. Head out into the wild and enjoy what nature has provided.
Talk to a doctor about any health risks that you or anyone in your group has, prior to leaving. There could be issues that you aren’t aware of. It may be as simple as some extra medication or other precaution to ensure a safe and fun camping trip.
