Camping is booming in popularity right now, and this might be due in large part to the plethora of reality television shows feature the great outdoors. If you think it’s time to take an adventure of your own, learn a few tricks to make your experience into a great one.
Camping has the potential to be thrilling or hazardous, depending on your level of preparation. Only go camping once you are fully prepared. Especially if you are camping in a new location, take the time to research the wildlife, plants, geography, and climate of the area.
Remember that you, your possessions and your family members are inevitably going to 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. Just enjoy and appreciate being free in the wilderness; get stuck in and get messy. You can return to being clean and civilized when you’re at home.
A surprising tip you may not know about is that the lint from your dryer also doubles as great kindling for your camp fire. Start collecting the lint about a month prior to your trip from the filter in your dryer. Hang up a grocery bag beside your dryer and collect the lint in it. As such, you’ll have kindling ready whenever you are.
Camping Pillows
When going camping you need to ensure that the tent you build can easily hold you and anybody else that comes along. This ensures the most comfortable sleeping arrangement and allows you to move about without disturbing others.
Use specialty camping pillows when camping. Regular pillows do not hold up well in the outdoor air. They also absorb moisture out of the air and can mildew quickly. Camping pillows do not have these problems.
If your intended camping destination is known for its prowling wildlife, take more than enough precautions to secure food. Wrap your food up tight and keep it far away from seeing areas. This will reduce the likelihood of experiencing an attack.
Make sure that you know basic first aid before you go out on a camping trip. If you have an accident, you are going to know how to fix the situation before you can get professional medical help. You should also do some research. You should be aware of things like whether there are snakes around and what kind of animals live there.
Duct Tape
Duct tape is an interesting item to be included in your inventory while camping. A roll of duct tape has a great number of uses on a campsite. You can slap a piece of it on a leaking air mattress. You can also use it to patch up a tent, tarp or sleeping bag. If you plan to take a long hike, be sure to place some on feet to avoid developing blisters. You can also put it over bandages for extra protection.
A bandanna or a handkerchief can be beneficial to bring on your trip. This item has many different uses such as a hand towel and carrying bag. There are various uses for this fabric piece, so be sure to carry one on your trip.
It is important to be prepared while camping. Though a sleeping bag is great, extra blankets can also be useful. This can help you stay warm if it cools down at night or you may use them for extra padding.
If this your first time going on a camping trip? Practice pitching the tent that you purchase to gain experience and avoid stress. This will help ensure that your trip goes smoothly, for a more enjoyable trip when you understand your tent. This will help you set up camp in a hurry if you get to the site just before dark.
A surprising tip you may not know about is that the lint from your dryer also doubles as great kindling for your camp fire. Collect some lint from your clothes dryer to bring with you. Keep a used grocery bag on your laundry room door to collect the lint. This technique allows you to grab your kindling and go the day of your trip.
Pack lanterns, flashlights and extra batteries when you go camping. There are going to be moments when you must clearly see certain items when it gets dark. Make sure areas are well-lit to avoid falls or animal issues. Bring flashlights to safeguard against the dangers of darkness.
Be mindful of where exactly you put up your camp. Beware of wasp nests, or breeding territory of other animals. When staying near plants, use long sleeved shirts as well as pants; this avoids insect issues. A strong bug spray is also something you want on hand, especially if the vegetation is very thick.
Pack oranges on your camping trip for nutritious and convenient snacking as well as organic mosquito repellant. When you finish eating them, save all of your peels and rub them around your body to use as a natural insect repellent.
It’s always smart to bring beef jerky and trail mix when you decide to take a camping trip. When the sun sets and you get too exhausted to cook that night’s meal, you can cheat once or twice and eat some of those tasty, filling snacks you’ve now decided to pack. Such foods will also remain edible for quite some time, so will not go to waste if you don’t eat them up on your trip.
Camping can be a great experience or it can be a miserable one. It all depends on the time you take to properly prepare for your trip. If you prepare yourself for the wide variety of situations you may encounter, you are more likely to have fun and enjoy yourself in the woods.
Bring sufficient amounts of the right kinds of foods. Depending on how long you’re planning to be camping, it’s important to have things that won’t go bad during the trip. It could end up causing food poisoning and quickly end your trip. Always prepare food the right way and take extra precautions.
Make sure you pack carefully and wisely. Keep a checklist of the things you need and check them off as you collect and pack them. If you are planning to camp in an area away from first aid access, then this will be especially necessary.
Learn how to use a compass or read a map, beforehand. Although you might know your site, it is still easy to get lost, as many places in the woods look similar. You can avoid potential tragedy by learning how to use these lifesaving items.
If you are camping in a location with dangerous wildlife, take safety precautions with your food. This means wrapping things up tightly, keeping them far from your tent, and avoiding some types of food completely. Doing this means you cut down on your possibilities of an animal attack.
When erecting your tent, ensure that all of the tent’s seams are sealed. Tubes of sealer are readily available at the sporting good shop. The seals keep water and pests from entering your tent.
It might silly, but remember to take toilet paper along when you go camping. If there are no restrooms in your area, you will need to go out in nature. If you forget the toilet paper, you may be forced to use leaves, some of which could be poison ivy.
It’s very important that you bring the proper items on your camping trip. Omitting just an item or two can be calamitous. Making a list and checking things off is a good way to remember everything. Some important things to put on the list are your tent, tarp, water, food, fire-starters, soap and sleeping bag.
Having fun when camping involves knowledge and skill. Fortunately, you now have some great advice to work with in your preparations. With a better idea about what you can expect from your next outdoor adventure, you’ll be able to maximize your odds of a fun, successful trip.