Nothing is quite like the experience of camping. Being in nature and having the opportunity to spend extended periods of time outdoors is incredible. Camping is an activity that you need to prepare for though, as going without proper preparation can lead to an uncomfortable, or even dangerous, situation.
Let all the members of your family have a hand in picking your campsite. Talk about which state to go to. With all of the options available, it is wise to let people decide for themselves. To make your decision easier, pick a few favorites and then vote on the final choice.
It is important to establish and set up your shelter before the sun goes down. When night falls, making food, finding wood, and pitching your tent can be very difficult. This is especially true if you are an urbanite whose sight is not used to the pitch dark. Don’t get into this situation, look for proper shelter before you get to this point.
Put together a survival pack and have it on you all the time. Your survival kit needs to have water-purifying tablets, a type of survival knife, a first-aid kit, a flare gun, and waterproof matches. This kit may keep you alive if you are lost and these items are indispensable for a survival situation. Remember to take it everywhere you go when you’re away from your campsite.
Be sure that your tent will comfortably fit everyone that you will be sharing it with to have a good trip. This makes it possible for everyone to sleep comfortably, and it also allows for room to move about and exit the tent if nature calls.
Always set up a new tent once at home before taking it camping. That will help you make sure your tent has all the pieces and you know how to properly set it up. This can eliminate the frustration of trying to set up your tent in a hurry.
Review your health insurance policy. If you go to another state, you may have to have another policy. It is even more critical if you are camping outside of your country. Better to be prepared and safe than sorry later.
If you are taking kids camping, have them eat a “jungle breakfast.” Tie juice boxes, tiny boxes of cereal and fruit to trees in the woods. Once the kids are awake, they can go search for their food. It’s a fun way to make camping a little more exciting for the children.
Ensure that your tent is large enough for all of the potential occupants. This ensures the most comfortable sleeping arrangement and allows you to move about without disturbing others.
Take either a bandanna or handkerchief with you when you go camping. These can be used in a pinch if you need a potholder, towel or even something to carry an item in. It is very versatile, so be sure you take one with you every time you go camping.
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 from your dryer’s filter about a month before you go on your trip. Collecting lint in a bag will allow you to have a fire building tool for your trip. Using this method, you can acquire kindling and camp in the same day.
Try to add an activity having to do with swimming to your camping trip if at all possible. While you are camping in the great outdoors, it can be very easy to miss taking your daily shower. When swimming, you will feel refreshed and cleaner. If you use some biodegradable soap, you can get just as clean as you would at home.
Learn about any dangers that may exist at your campsite before heading out on the highway. For example, there might be poisonous spiders or dangerous trails. Each camping spot is unique and can be dangerous in its own way.
Make sure your children have something to do while camping. Kids can easily get bored if you are in the woods for a long time. Children may not be familiar with activities like pitching a tent or fishing. Teach them about these activities prior to leaving.
Should you decide to bring your dog, pack a long leash and prepare everyone to keep careful watch on the pet. There are those who have a fear of dogs. This will maximize the respect that you have for others while camping. Also, your pet could be destructive to other people’s belongings.
It is extremely important to be properly equipped when you go camping. If you forget a key item, it can destroy the vacation. Making a list and checking things off is a good way to remember everything. The most basic requirements are a tent, water, sleeping bag, an all-purpose knife, food, matches and soap.
Make sure you have charged flashlights for the trip. You don’t want to waste your flashlight battery and not be able to see. Keep your flashlight in a secure place to avoid accidentally turning them on. Your batteries will remain fully charged until you turn them around the right direction, and you won’t be able to accidentally turn the flashlight on.
Safeguard your food from the local wildlife. So, you will need to keep things wrapped well, keep them far removed from the tent, and you may need to steer clear of certain foods entirely. This will reduce the chance of an attack.
A pre-made list will help you remember exactly what you need for your camping excursion. For trips that take a while to arrive at the destination, this is crucial. Get prepared well ahead of schedule; at least one day, maybe two, is required to gather all the “forgotten” items you would regret not having in the wild.
Always be aware of where your camp is located. You want to avoid things like wasp’s nest, ant hills and things of that nature. If you’re near lots of vegetation, you should wear long sleeves and pants to protect your skin from insects. You should also have insect repellent.
You should always have some duct tape along on any camping adventure. It is as convenient for repairs while you are camping as it is at home. You could seal an air leak in your mattress. Use it to cover any holes or rips that appear in tents or hold together items that break. Before embarking on an arduous hike, put it on each foot to stave off blisters. You can even use it to hold on a makeshift bandage.
Bring trail mix and beef jerky. Nutrient filled snacks can replace the need to cook if you don’t have the means or the energy. Also, these foods keep well so if you don’t eat them, you can enjoy them later.
Bringing your survival kit and first aid kit is crucial. This will help you take care of anything that happens so you do not need to cut your trip short. A survival kits and first aid kits can save your life.
Write down a list of all the materials you need before you go camping. This will be key, particularly if you are camping far away from home. Start packing a couple of days in advance of camping, making sure to follow a checklist.
Though camping can be the best relaxation you can have, things can go south easily. It all depends on the time you take to properly prepare for your trip. By being prepared for various situations, you’ll most likely have fun on your trip.
When going camping, always remember to take waterproof matches with you when you’re creating a survival kit. Use airtight container to hold the matches. You can convert standard matches into waterproof ones simply by dipping each one into substances like nail polish or paraffin. Make a match holder out of a plastic medicine bottle or a 35mm film container.
It is recommended you bring lots of beef jerky and/or trail mix when you go camping. At the end of the day, you might feel too tired to cook so having these nutrient-filled snacks on hand can be very useful. 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.
In closing, there are not very many activities that can compete with the experience of a camping adventure. Through camping, you can see and feel every aspect of nature. Use the tips you have learned in this article so you’re able to have the best camping trip possible wherever you may go.