With popular reality programming focused on the outdoors, it is no wonder that we are seeing a resurgence of interest in camping. If you are one of these people and you want some tips and strategies on how to have a fun and safe camping adventure, continue reading for some great advice.
Select the right sleeping bag for the season. If you’re camping in the heat of summer, a sub-zero bag just isn’t comfortable or appropriate. On the other hand, if you pack a lighter summer bag during cold weather camping, you are going to not get any rest. You could even develop hypothermia or frostbite if it’s very cold.
Remember that everything you bring along, including you and your family, will more than likely get dirty. If you are prepared for that before you go, it will cause less stress when it happens. Enjoy your time and don’t afraid to be messy. You can go back to normal when you go home.
Keep in mind that everything and everyone that goes camping is going to get quite dirty. When you know that going in, you won’t stress out when it happens. Just enjoy and appreciate being free in the wilderness; get stuck in and get messy. After all, you can be normal at home.
Ask family or friends who are camping with you for their input on your camping location. This will make everyone feel invested. The options are plenty, so do your research! If it makes things simpler, list your personal preferences and then have the family choose from them.
Make sure you know what’s covered in your medical insurance. Sometimes, being covered while out of state requires an additional policy. This can be especially important if you leave the country on your trip, such as camping across the border in Canada. Be sure that your insurance will cover you, no matter where you are.
Take along a survival kit and carry it at all times. You should have a bandanna (to use as a sling or tourniquet), wound coverings, something to use for sprains, matches, a knife, tablets to purify water and a compass in your kit. This kit may keep you alive if you are lost and these items are indispensable for a survival situation. Carry it at all times.
Camping is a great time but it can be dangerous if you’re not able to properly prepare. Only go camping once you are fully prepared. Do some research on the climate and wildlife if you are unfamiliar with the area.
Dryer lint is a great item to bring if you are trying to start a campfire. In order to have enough lint to start a fire, begin collecting it a month prior to your trip. Simply use a plastic grocery sack to collect each new crop of lint. Just grab your bag of dryer lint and go on camping day.
Take a bandana or handkerchief with you. It can be used as a hand towel, potholder or even a gag in a pinch. There are many uses for these, so you want to be sure you have one or both of them on your next camping trip.
The incredible orange should be on everyone’s camping supply list to keep away bugs and provide something healthy to eat. Rubbing orange peels on your body will function as a perfect insect repellent.
You don’t have to entirely rough it. Bring a little piece of luxury from home. Take something that is lightweight, like a chocolate bar or coffee creamer. These items can make your trip as pleasurable as possible.
If you are camping in uncharted territory, make sure that you understand potential dangers lurking there. This could be anything from wildlife to insects to poisonous plant life that could be a danger to you. Each spot can contain dangers which can really affect your trip.
Children love camping, but be sure that you provide them with activities. When you are in the woods with nothing around but trees, they may become bored. They may not know what it’s like to fish or do things in nature. If they have not spent much time outdoors, show them the basics before you leave.
Use specialty camping pillows when camping. The typical pillows will become sticky in hot and humid climates. Standard pillows will take in moisture and could mold or mildew. Pillows designed for camping have a coating on them that does not all the moisture to be absorbed.
Duct tape is a handy item to include in your camping gear. It has as many uses on the campsite as it does at home. This can be used to repair holes in air mattresses. It can also fix up a tarp, sleeping bag, or even the tent. Before embarking on an arduous hike, put it on each foot to stave off blisters. You can also use it to bandage injuries.
While camping’s purpose is to survive off the fat of the land, it is still important to prepare yourself. While you should bring a sleeping bag, you should bring additional blankets. This will keep you warm if it gets really cool at night and/or you can use them for additional padding.
Bring some duct tape on your camping trip. It has a myriad of uses for campers, just as it does for homeowners. You may need to patch up a punctured air mattress. Duct tape can also seal other rips, such as ripped tents or sleeping bags. It can be used on feet to help fight off blisters during long hikes. It can also be used in lieu of bandages.
It is extremely important to be properly equipped when you go camping. Overlooking even a small thing can ruin an entire trip. Make an all-inclusive list, and check each item off as you pack. A few things that you probably should pack include a sleeping bag, tent, knife, food, soap, and plenty of water.
Believe it or not, an orange’s peel may keep mosquitoes from biting you during your next camping excursion. If you’ve packed everything, except for mosquito repellant, do not fret. Instead, just rub the white part of an orange rind over your skin. This should stop any frustrating, itchy mosquito bites.
It is important to be prepared while camping. You should bring your sleeping bag, plus some extra blankets. This helps to warm you up in case it gets too cold at night. They are also good to use for extra padding.
Keep pictures of your children handy if they are camping with you. While it is a worst case scenario, a child can easily be separated from the rest of the party, and a picture will make it easier to locate them. Your should always have current pictures of your children with you, but this is especially true when camping.
As you can see, there are quite a few things to think about when it comes to camping. But you’re now likely feeling a little better prepared to handle the basics. Knowing what to expect goes a long way in planning the ideal camping trip.
When it comes to camping, always be prepared for whatever comes your way. It is important to be prepared for certain situations. However, your plans never unfold exactly how you want them. Weather conditions can turn on a dime, your surroundings can change suddenly and injuries can occur at any time. The more time you spend preparing for the unforeseen, the better off you will be when it comes to dealing with an emergency later on.
