Think about the last camping trip you went on. Camping is well known as a cherished pastime by many people for a variety of reasons. No phone, no TV, no work related problems… just relaxation and fun. Keep the information here in mind to help make your trip enjoyable.
Over-packing is better than under-packing when it comes to children. Camping is messy business. Kids love getting into dirt. As the day goes on, you may end up with messy, dirty kids. The solution is not to stop them from getting dirty, but to have clean clothes ready for them after they are done. It is important to be prepared.
Always seek shelter before it is too dark to assess your surroundings. Once darkness falls, it is very difficult to set up camp. This is particularly true for those city-dwellers that are not used to pitch-black darkness. Avoid these circumstances by finding the right shelter while it is still light.
Double check your medical insurance. You may need additional coverage in case you have an accident in a different state. If you plan to travel to a different country, such as Canada, then its is especially important. Be ready for any eventuality.
Keep a kerchief or bandanna close at hand. These can be used for several things, like drying your hands or holding a hot pot. They are quite versatile, so be sure to bring one every time you go on a trip.
Pick a sleeping bag which is appropriate for the season. Don’t take a heavy sleeping bag out in the summer, it could make you sweat and be uncomfortable all night long. On the other hand, light-weight sleeping supplies will never keep you warm enough in the dead of winter. You might even contract hypothermia.
Bring duct tape with you since it can help you in many situations. It is good for patching holes in tents, shoes, and inflatables. It is also good for securing tents and sealing up mosquito nets.
Look into pillows made specifically for camping. Standard bed pillows tend to get sticky in humid weather. They can mildew quickly after absorbing moisture. Pillows designed for camping have a coating on them that does not all the moisture to be absorbed.
A first aid kit or survival kit is imperative for camping. This kit should feature a survival knife, waterproof matches, tablets for purifying water, a flare gun, and a first-aid kit. You may find that this kit makes the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. Remember to take it everywhere you go when you’re away from your campsite.
Talk to your children about the dangers of camping before heading out on your trip. 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.
Duct Tape
Preparation is key to enjoying your camping trip. Make sure you always go camping only after preparing yourself fully. Research the area to learn about the wildlife and the geography and climate.
The supplies for your next camping excursion should include a couple rolls of duct tape. There are multiple uses to put it to when camping, just like at home. You can use this to repair any holes in an air mattress. You could patch a hole or tear in your sleeping bag, tarp or tent. You can also protect your feet against blisters while hiking long distances by putting duct tape on them. You can even use it to bandage up injuries.
You need to make sure you have everything you need when you go camping. If you forget a few things, it could ruin your entire trip. Creating a checklist of all the things you need can help you. You should bring along a knife, food, water, shelter and a sleeping bag.
Review your health insurance policy. If you go camping out of state, you may need to have coverage where you go. It is even more critical if you are camping outside of your country. Don’t get caught without the protection you need in case of an emergency situation.
Trail mix is a classic snack and for a good reason. Throw a little beef jerky, a few fruits, and you’ve got yourself a full camper’s meal. By nightfall, you may be too exhausted to prepare a campfire and cook, and having the quick, nutritious foods will really come in handy. Even if you don’t eat them, these are non-perishable snacks that have a long shelf life.
Cell Phone
Dryer lint can be used as kindling for starting your campfire. 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. Your kindling will be ready for you to grab on the way out the door for your trip.
Always make sure that your cell phone is with you when you get to your campsite, and it should be fully charged. The best thing to do is bring some backup batteries. The cell phone comes in handy in emergency situations, so you will need all the battery power you can get.
Set up camp before the sun goes down. Pitching tents in the dark can be almost impossible. If it’s already dark, you’ll need to create fire while using a flashlight. It is simply much easier to do this while the sun is still out so that you are all set whenever it gets dark.
Bring oranges with you since they are great for snacking and repelling insects. Save all the orange peels. Before mosquitoes attack, rub them on exposed skin.
Make sure waterproof matches are in your survival kit. Store waterproof matches in a canister that is airtight. Make some average matches waterproof by simply dipping them in nail polish or paraffin. Provide your own caddy for the matches by storing them in a plastic medicine bottle or 35mm film container.
After your trip, be certain you leave the campsite cleaner than it was when you found it. Be sure to bring plenty of garbage bags to put your trash in when you cleanup. Don’t forget to pack up your leftovers. A good rule of thumb is to only leave your footprints behind.
Buy yourself some camping pillows for your trip. 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. Camping pillows use a coating to lock moisture out to improve your comfort level.
Many people get food poisoning when camping because of improper packing every year. Make sure to maintain the best preservation possible to keep your food fresh for the longest period of time. Bring a lot of ice, and don’t forget to drain your cooler.
Select a sleeping bag that works with the temperature and season. During summer, lighter bags are the rule, allowing you to maintain your cool. In the winter, thicker bags are necessary to keep you warm.
Prior to camping in a brand new area, you must understand its dangers. This would include stuff like what spiders dwell there, how steep the terrain is, and if the area is prone to flooding. Each camping spot poses its own dangers.
Camping Trip
You can have a wonderful camping trip by using the tips shared here. This just scratches the surface of ways to make your camping trip great. Keep an eye open for other ways to improve your experiences at the campground.
While kids often have fun when camping, make sure to make plans to keep them entertained. Many of today’s children are not used to downtime away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and the quiet outdoors can cause boredom for them. They may never have had a chance to set up a tent or catch a fish. Teach them the basics of these activities before leaving for your trip, especially if they don’t have lots of outdoor experience.