Camping is a truly unique experience that still remains unparalleled in our modern world. Nothing can match hanging out in nature, breathing clean air and living using your survival skills. 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.
It’s imperative that you pitch your tent before the sun goes down. Once things go dark, you will find it very hard to erect a tent, locate wood and cook a meal. This is even more true if you’re accustomed to city life, and your eyes haven’t adjusted to the darkness of the woods. Do whatever you can to make sure that you find a safe location for your tent and pitch it before you find yourself in this sticky situation.
Always find your shelter before it gets dark when you go camping. Once it is dark in the woods, pitching a tent can be next to impossible, finding firewood can be difficult and preparing food hard. This is particularly the case for city slickers who are unaccustomed to darkness. Avoid this hazard completely, by finding adequate shelter long before the sun goes down.
Go to a class to learn about first aid. Should an emergency arise, your knowledge of first aid can prevent further issues until help arrives. You should also research the area you plan on camping in. You should be aware of the poisonous snakes, wild animals, etc., that inhabit the area.
A bandanna or handkerchief should be brought along with you. Not only can it keep the hair out of your eyes, it can also be a sack to carry things, a towel to dry your hands or a potholder to grab your coffee pot from the fire. It does not take much space in your bag and can save the day in many different situations.
Pick a sleeping bag which is appropriate for the season. A sleep bag designed for winter camping would make you sweat during the summer. On the other hand, you don’t want a lightweight summer sleeping bag if you’re going to be out in the frigid temperatures of wintertime. You could even develop hypothermia or frostbite if it’s very cold.
Don’t wait until nightfall to start your camp site. When adventuring in an RV, be safely parked before dark. When forming your tent, find a spot that is level and dry. Doing this when you still have daylight lets you get familiar with the area. This will also let you avoid the frustration of doing it when it’s not at easy to see what you are doing.
Research the area you are planning to camp in and familiarize yourself with its particular dangers. You need to know about the local insect population, wild animals, natural dangers like water or steep locations and weather conditions. Every campsite can have its own dangers.
Put together a survival pack and have it on you all the time. This kit should feature a survival knife, waterproof matches, tablets for purifying water, a flare gun, and a first-aid kit. If you are injured or lose your way, this will give you a greater chance of survival. Be sure to carry it on your person and not leave it at your campsite.
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. They may not be familiar with things like fishing, putting up a tent or otherwise roughing it. Take the time to teach them these skills before the trip, especially if they don’t spend a great deal of time outdoors.
If you are traveling to a place with an abundance of animals, make sure you are prepared with respect to food. This means you must warp things up tightly, keep them away from the tent, and avoid some food types while camping. Making sure to do this, will lessen any chance of a wild animal attack.
Camping is a lot of fun, but it can be dangerous; the difference between the two is preparation. When you are prepared, you avoid many of the common mistakes that are made on camping trips. Find out about the weather, the wildlife and the terrain of any location that you have not been to before.
Camping Trip
Create a list of items you need for your camping trip. This is imperative when there is travel involved during your camping trip. Use your list to guide your packing and make sure to start packing a few days before the start of your trip.
Examine your medical insurance policy. Some policies will not cover you outside your own state. If you plan to travel to a different country, such as Canada, then its is especially important. Be sure you’re prepared to be on the safe side!
Flashlights, spare batteries and an oil lantern are always handy items to have with you on your trip. There are times when it is important to be able to see clearly in the dark. Having that extra light source might help to prevent a fall or accident, or even getting lost in the woods. When you camp with kids, having a flashlight for every child is a good idea.
Don’t take your eyes of children while camping. Cars often travel through campsites, and little kids are prone to getting lost. It can take just one second for a child to get into danger, so supervise them at all times to be safe.
Carry a bandana or handkerchief with you. That small piece of cloth could become a potholder, a bag, a blotter or a towel. It does not take much space in your bag and can save the day in many different situations.
Have the clothing you will pack planned out before your trip. Pack plenty of clothes that will last you the length of your trip. Clothing that is appropriate for the climate in which you will be camping should also be carried. You should pack at least one pair of durable closed-toed boots.
Camping is a neat experience. Fresh air, beautiful things to look at and that outdoor feeling are all part of the appeal. So find a great destination, prepare yourself well and get outside to enjoy the world of camping!
Don’t forget to include special pillows made just for camping on your adventure. Regular bed pillows can become damp if the weather is wet or humid. They may also get mildew from all the moisture outside. Camping pillows have a protective coating on them to prevent the absorption of moisture.