Discovering the outdoors and seeing what Mother Nature has to offer is not only fun, but filled with adventure; it is imperative that you take some precautions and gather some basic knowledge. Your future camping trips will be much more successful with the tips from this article.
Keep in mind that everything and everyone that goes camping is going to get quite dirty. If you are mentally prepared for this experience ahead of time, you can relieve the cause for a lot of stress when it does happen. Just enjoy and appreciate being free in the wilderness; get stuck in and get messy. When you’re home, you can be normal again.
Find where you will camp before sunset. You do not want to be stuck trying to put your tent together or finding a safe location for the tent when it’s pitch black outside. This is especially true if you are an urbanite whose sight is not used to the pitch dark. Don’t let this happen to you, and have a shelter set up before dark.
Make sure that the tent you take camping has enough space for everyone you are taking along. This will allow you to sleep more comfortably and get up easier during the night when you need to use the bathroom.
See if you can integrate swimming into your camping trip. Showering is one of the comforts of home you will have to do without while camping. The coolness of the water when you swim will help you feel clean and refreshed, so you may not miss your home shower as much.
Never assume that you will find enough wood to burn, because rain can change that in an instant. Make sure you bring some of your own dry kindling and make sure it stays in a dry area.
It’s important to take duct tape on every camping trip so that you can use it to solve problems. It works quickly for inflatable leaks, tent holes, worn soles on shoes, sealing mosquito nets, securing tent poles, and so much more.
Make sure to pack plenty of food, and pack the right kind too. It depends on how long you’ll be out, but you must have food that won’t spoil on your trip. Food poisoning can ruin your trip in no time. Properly prepare food and take any necessary precautions.
It is important to remember that getting dirty is inevitable. Being prepared for this will make sure you don’t stress too much when it occurs. Use your time in nature to enjoy the chance to be a little messy. You can reclaim the normalcy in your life when you arrive back home.
Duct Tape
Rolls of duct tape can be useful to take along on any camping trips you have planned in the future. Duct tape is very useful camping, the same as it is at home. You can use this to repair any holes in an air mattress. It can seal a rip in your tent, sleeping bag, or tarp. If you’re planning on taking a long hike, place it on your feet to prevent blisters. In a pinch, you can also bandage an injury with it.
Be sure your tent is big enough. With enough room, getting up during the night will not disturb others in the tent, and you can all be comfortable while sleeping.
Come prepared before you go camping. While it is vital to come up with a plan, sometimes things happen that were not in your plans. Anything can change without warning, such as the weather, your environment, or your physical condition. Try not to take unnecessary risks that can yield injury or illness.
Plan to save the light of your flashlight before you go camping. It can be really easy to inadvertently press the “on” switch on your flashlight when jostling through a bag of camping equipment. You can prevent your batteries from losing power by storing them backwards in your flashlight. This prevents the flashlight from coming on and will ensure it is ready for use when needed.
Pack a bandana. These can be used in a pinch if you need a potholder, towel or even something to carry an item in. This is an essential item that does not cost a lot of money and can provide a lot of benefits.
Sleeping Bag
Make sure you choose a sleeping bag that is appropriate for where you will be camping. Lighter weight bags are great for warm weather; however, if the climate is cooler, a heavier bag will be in order. Cold weather and winter camping means that you need a sleeping bag that contours your physique so that you can keep body heat during your sleep.
Double check that you have all of your necessary equipment prior to your camping trip. It is very inconvenient to forget to bring essential items like your sleeping bag or tent. Look over the items you plan to bring and create a checklist before leaving to ensure that all of your essential gear comes with you.
Don’t let your children out of your sight. There are many people coming and going all of the time and you do not want them to get kidnapped or lost. Accidents and mishaps occur in a split second; make certain your children are safely supervised at all times.
Camping outdoors is one of the best experiences in life. When you use the information laid out here, you will have a more relaxing trip because it is safer, and you will know you possess the skills to handle anything.
When first getting involved with camping, start out close to home. That way, if problems arise, you won’t be too far from help. You might realize you haven’t packed enough clothes or food. First-time camping is a learning experience and anything can happen, so find a campground near your home.