Camping is one of the most enjoyable things to do with family and friends. If you have never gone camping, you are certainly missing out on a great experience, so give it a try when you can. However, camping does require know-how and preparation. Look to the post below for some excellent pointers to make your camping trip exceptional.
Take along a survival kit and carry it at all times. A survival kit should include items like a flare gun, matches that are waterproof, a knife and other items you think you may need. You may find that this kit makes the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. Always carry this pack with you instead of leaving it at the campsite.
Look for where you’re going to set up your shelter before darkness falls. Once the woods are dark, it is very difficult to find firewood, pitch your tent and prepare some food. Those that live in urban areas find this to be the case even more than those that are used to pitch black darkness. Avoid being in that position; find good shelter before the sun goes down.
If you’re bringing kids on your camping trip, over-pack for them. Camping can be a messy affair. Children seem to be magnetically attracted to dirt. Expect them to be all shades of dirty as the day moves on. While you can’t do much about that, you should have extra clothing on hand. Be sure you’re prepared!
Before leaving for a trip away, attend a comprehensive first aid tutorial. Undertaking such a task is particularly important if you are going to be camping with children. This way, if someone were to have an accident, you’ll possess enough knowledge to deal with it enough until medical help arrives. You should also do some research. Find out what poisonous snakes or dangerous animals live in the area.
Bring sleeping bags appropriate for the season. By bringing a winter sleeping bag in the summer you may end up sweating instead of sleeping. Also, during the winter, you should bring a sleeping bag that has down or heavy material. In the worst case, you could be putting yourself at risk of getting frostbite or even worse.
Keep a kerchief or bandanna close at hand. That small piece of cloth could become a potholder, a bag, a blotter or a towel. There are a lot of different uses for it, so make sure you bring one on every camping trip with you.
Emergency kits are one of the most important things to bring on a camping trip. This kit should contain the basics, but should evolve as you change your camping locations. Some extra emergency supplies like anti-venom may be included, too, depending on the types of wildlife you may encounter.
Do not assume you can collect firewood from the area. Bringing your own small supply of wood and keeping it dry is a wise decision.
To make your camping trip more enjoyable, bring along something luxurious. Whether this is a nice coffee creamer, or something as simple as candy, it will make you feel like you are at home. Just one small thing can feel luxurious if you start to miss the comforts of home.
Make sure to prepare in advance before you engage in a camping trip. Blankets are essential, in addition to a sleeping bag, to maximize comfort. This will help you to stay warm, comfortable and safe during a cold or wet night.
Make sure that all of your friends and family are involved in choosing the camping site. Talk about the state you would like to go to. There are millions of options just in the United States, and it can sometimes be difficult to choose the perfect one! You could even pick three or four possible destinations and allow a family vote from there.
Bring all of the essentials that you will need while camping. Even just a few missing items can turn your trip into a disaster. It’s very helpful to write out a list and cross each item off once you have packed it. Some useful items are items to create a fire, your tent, tarp, a sleeping bag, water (and lots of it), soap, food that is already prepared, and a utility knife.
Sleeping Bag
Try out your tent before going camping by testing it out at home. This will let you know that you’re not missing pieces from your tent and that you know how to pitch your tent in the right way. This will also allow you to feel more comfortable about setting up the tent later.
Make sure your sleeping bag is appropriate for the location. Heavy weight sleeping bags are best for cold weather, while lightweight bags works best for hot weather. You also want to get a sleeping bag that is comfortable to sleep in as well, so test them out.
As was stated earlier, you can have a ton of fun camping, but you do need to be educated, informed and prepared. Just be sure you follow the tips and advice given in this article to plan your next trip. The tips above, and many more, can only increase your safety, fun, and knowledge gained during a relaxing camping trip.
Camping can be incredibly fun or incredibly dangerous depending on just one factor: preparation. Be certain that your camping trips always involve proper planning. If you are camping somewhere new, research the area to familiarize yourself with the climate, wildlife and other factors.