You may be familiar with camping from doing it as a child, but it is not something reserved for just children. If you have information to aid you and the drive, you can still have a good time. Use these tips for help.
When camping, get your shelter squared away before nightfall. When night falls, making food, finding wood, and pitching your tent can be very difficult. This is particularly important if you are not used to doing things in the dark. Avoid these circumstances by finding the right shelter while it is still light.
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, if you bring along a light-weight bag in the winter, you may feel like you are freezing to death. You would in fact be risking your health and safety.
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 allows you to check and see that all the pieces are there and that you know how to assemble your shelter correctly. This kind of “dry run” also helps lower your frustration level when setting up the tent at the campsite
Have everyone give their opinion on where you should camp. Talk about where you want to camp. The options are plenty, so do your research! Try to select a short-list and then put it to a family vote.
It is better to over-pack than to under-pack, especially for kids. Camping can be messy. The dirt is like a magnet that draws your children into the mess. As a result, they are going to be seriously messy by the end of each day. While you can’t do much to prevent that, you can at least provide clean clothing, so long as you brought extra. Remember, always be prepared!
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. This allows you to check and see that all the pieces are there and that you know how to assemble your shelter correctly. That can also cut down on the frustration some feel when setting a tent up for the first time.
Review your health insurance policy. Traveling to a different area may necessitate that you purchase another policy. This can be especially important if you leave the country on your trip, such as camping across the border in Canada. Be sure you’re prepared to be on the safe side!
The way you prepare will determine whether your camping trip will be fun or if it will be dangerous. Be sure you don’t go camping until you are fully prepared with all the supplies you need. Find out about the weather, the wildlife and the terrain of any location that you have not been to before.
A hankerchief is a great item to bring on your trip. Such an item can be used as a carrying bag, a potholder, a hand towel, a blotter or a paper towel. There are a lot of different uses for it, so make sure you bring one on every camping trip with you.
Try to combine a camping experience with a swimming experience of some kind. When camping, home showers can seem like a luxury. The cool water helps you to feel fresher, and you may just miss your shower a bit less.
Just the smallest luxuries can really brighten your camping trip. Whether this is a nice coffee creamer, or something as simple as candy, it will make you feel like you are at home. Comforts from home can really spice up the rustic outdoors!
Keep a kerchief or bandanna close at hand. You can use it as a potholder, bag holder or a towel. There are many uses for these, so you want to be sure you have one or both of them on your next camping trip.
Keep a close eye on your dog while you are camping and always keep him on a leash. Some people get frightened by dogs. This will maximize the respect that you have for others while camping. You do not want then to ruin anyone’s campsite due to lack of supervision.
Always prepare an emergency kit when camping, whether you are going by yourself or with others. This kit should contain the basics, but should evolve as you change your camping locations. Antivenom is another important component to bring with you, depending on the area where you visit.
Take extra precautions if you are camping in any area that has very dangerous wildlife. This means you must warp things up tightly, keep them away from the tent, and avoid some food types while camping. Making sure to do this, will lessen any chance of a wild animal attack.
Do not forget to pack duct tape for your camping trip so that it can solve neraly any problem! It’s easy to use, can hold out moisture and will even fix a leak or a broken shoe!
Look for the softest and flattest ground you can possibly find for your tent. If you pick a spot that is rocky or has a slope to it, you will be uncomfortable when you are inside your tent. Also, use a tarp under your tent to keep water out and prevent damage.
When you’re new to camping, make sure you camp close to home. You could experience a number of problems, such as equipment failure, and wish to cut the trip short. Perhaps you realize that you’ve run out of food or haven’t packed enough clothing. A lot of issues can happen for the new camper, so do not go too far for your first camp trip.
Prior to camping, write out a list of everything that you need to pack. This can be of particular importance if you are traveling a long distance and will be in more remote locations. Prepare for your trip a couple days prior to leaving and use a check list to ensure you have everything as you pack.
When you find your site, seek out the softest, most level ground to put your tent on. Picking a sloped or rocky spot causes you to feel uncomfortable anytime you sit in your tent. Make sure you put down a tarp before you set up your tent. This will keep water from entering your tent at night.
Believe it or not, an orange’s peel may keep mosquitoes from biting you during your next camping excursion. If you neglected to pack mosquito spray, fear not. Just rub the inside of the peel over any exposed body parts. This should give you the protection that you need while out in the wilderness.
Prior to going camping, be sure to create a list of what you’ll need. If you have to travel a long way to reach the campsite, this is particularly vital. Have a list ready before your trip that you can check off, and pack at least two days before heading out.
Decide what clothing you will need before you make your trip. You should have clean clothes that will last you the entire trip. Pack clothes that will allow you to dress properly for whatever weather is expected in the area where you will be camping. You want to bring durable shoes that are closed toed like hiking boots since they work in many situations.
Flashlights, lanterns and a few extra batteries must be taken for every camping trip. There are going to be moments when you must clearly see certain items when it gets dark. Having enough light can prevent nasty falls or unwanted encounters with wildlife. If you are bringing children on your trip, it’s a good idea to provide each of them with their own light.
Make sure you have a charged phone somewhere near you, like in the car. Or, bring an extra battery just in case your battery dies. The cell phone comes in handy in emergency situations, so you will need all the battery power you can get.
Sleeping Bag
It is important that you have first aid and survival kits on hand when you go camping. These can be useful for any situation and can extend your trip. Also, you can prevent dire situations and help you to get a sick person some help.
Make sure your sleeping bag is fit for the environment in which you are going to camp. Lighter bags might be good ideas for warmer climates and seasons to avoid unnecessary weight and space usage, but make sure that you have a heavy enough bag to stay warm in cold conditions. If you are going in cold weather, you will want a sleeping bag that hugs your body.
Camping is something that can relax you, or you may find yourself enduring a trip that isn’t so great. Being prepared creates the division between the two possibilities. If you are properly prepared for many different situations, then you will be more likely to enjoy your trip.
All you need to enjoy camping as much as you did as when you were a kid is sheer will and a solid knowledge base. This article should serve as a catalyst for inspiration that will help you plan a camping trip that will rival your childhood memories.
Make sure you pack carefully and wisely. Create a checklist of what you’re going to be bringing along and check things off while you’re packing them. If you are planning to camp in an area away from first aid access, then this will be especially necessary.
