Are you planning a camping trip? Are you fully prepared? It may seem basic, but it is necessary to keep yourself prepared ahead of time. Keep reading for some top camping tips.
Find your shelter before it gets dark. Once darkness falls, it is very difficult to set up camp. This is even more true for city folks whose eyes are not used to the pitch black. Don’t get into this situation, look for proper shelter before you get to this point.
Find where you will camp before sunset. Once darkness falls, it is very difficult to set up camp. This is especially important to those who are not accustomed to the darkness associated with the great outdoors. Do not get yourself into this situation, and find your shelter during daylight hours.
Let everyone help choose the perfect campsite for your family. Discuss which state you wish to visit. Try to keep a small list, as there is such an abundance of spots to choose from, it can be hard to pick one. If it is easier, select a few of your personal favorites and then let the entire family vote.
If you’re bringing kids on your camping trip, over-pack for them. Camping is messy. Almost every child will want to play in the dirt or mud, constantly. Your kids may become filthy as the day goes on. Take extra clothing with you for your children. Be prepared for dirty clothes and dirty children by packing extra clothes.
You may feel that when you get to your campsite you will have enough wood to make a fire. This is not always the case because green and wet wood will not burn easily. It’s always a good idea to take along some wood of your own and keep it in a dry place.
Camping is a lot of fun, but it can be dangerous; the difference between the two is preparation. Make sure you always go camping only after preparing yourself fully. If camping at a new location, make sure you investigate the geography, climate, and local wildlife so you are prepared for any dangers.
Check out your medical insurance policy. You may need an additional policy when you are traveling on your camping trip. If you are camping outside of your own country, it can be even more critical. Be ready for any eventuality.
You will get dirty. Preparing for this in advance can help reduce the stress when it does happen. Enjoy your time in the woods by letting yourself relax and get dirty. Things will go to back to normal soon enough.
Did you just purchase a new tent for your trip? Practice pitching the tent that you purchase to gain experience and avoid stress. This practice will give you the opportunity to make sure you have everything you need to get set up quickly and easily. This lets you get it done before night falls.
Write down a list of all the materials you need before you go camping. This will really be handy if you have a long hike to get to your campground. Have a list ready before your trip that you can check off, and pack at least two days before heading out.
If you’re bringing kids on your camping trip, over-pack for them. Camping can be a messy affair. Children love the dirt. Your kids may become filthy as the day goes on. You may not be able to keep them clean, but you can bring a change of clothes. Remember, always be prepared!
Sleeping Bag
Your sleeping bag should be able to accommodate a variety of camping conditions. If the weather is warm, you want a lightweight bag. If frigid temperatures will be present, choose a sub-zero rated bag. You need a sleeping bag that fits snugly and keeps your body heat in if you’re going to sleep outside in a tent.
Before you leave home to go camping, check to see if inclement weather is predicted in the area you are planning to visit. There are dozens of websites that can tell you about local climates. When you know what the weather will be like, you can bring the proper gear and clothes.
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. Carrying these items can help a situation stay safe, rather than turning very harmful or even fatal.
Camping can be one of the most relaxing weekends of your life, or it can quickly turn into the trip from hell. The type of experience you’ll have depends on the type of preparation you do. By preparing for any eventuality, your trip stands a good chance of being a huge success.
If you are going camping, whether with others or alone, a survival kit is essential. Pack an emergency kit that contains basic first aid supplies as well as anything needed for the specific location in which you are camping. Take precautions for wildlife too, so keep some anti-venom on hand.
Bring waterproof matches to make sure you can start a fire while camping. These should be stored in an airtight container. You can add paraffin to regular matches, or even nail polish for a homemade waterproof match. You can stash them in a 35mm film canister or a plastic medicine bottle.
Many get food poisoning due to improperly stored food on a camping trip. If food is not properly vacuum-sealed, canned, or preserved, you risk getting sick from spoiled food. Make use of an abundance of ice so that your foods stay fresh and make sure to remove the cooler’s drain plug to prevent soaking of your items.
Look into pillows made specifically for camping. Don’t bring the pillows you use in your bedroom. These pillows can trap heat during humid weather. Standard pillows will take in moisture and could mold or mildew. Pillows made especially for camping have a protective outer layer that prohibits moisture absorption.
Remember to choose a sleeping bag that is suitable for the season you are camping in. If it’s summer time, look for the lightest weight bag you can find, to keep extra cool. Conversely, you’ll need a heavy bag during cold winter nights to keep you from freezing.
A common mistake with newer campers is to set their site up near bathrooms. Although this seems like a logical choice for them, soon they discover otherwise. Bathrooms provide constant light and also have a lot of traffic running through them at all hours. As a result, camper privacy and enjoyment can be seriously impacted.
Always bring ample food, and make sure you bring the right types. If you are going to be camping for a considerable duration, you need to ensure that you have food than will not go bad. A bout of food poisoning can end a wonderful trip very quickly. There are many great online sources to provide you with information on how to properly prepare and store food for your camping trip.
With your new-found knowledge, you are now ready for that camping trip. Camping is not intended to be an intense event, but there is a bit of know-how required to make it stress free. Take what you have found here and go forth into the woods!
