Going on vacation is a special time for everyone and camping can be one of the best experiences you have. Read through the advice in the article that follows to find ways to really enjoy your next outing. Here you will find wonderful suggestions to make camping even better.
Make sure that you both carry a survival kit and then get in the habit of always having it with you. A first aid kit, matches in a water tight container, a good knife, flares and tablet to purify water are some essentials to include. You need this if you become lost or stranded; the items in your kit may save your life. Always carry this pack with you instead of leaving it at the campsite.
Select your sleeping bag with the weather, season and location of your trip in mind. If you bring a sub-zero sleeping bag to go camping in mid-summer, you might find that you are sweating all night long. On the other hand, bringing a light-weight bag in the middle of winter could cause you to wake up freezing. You may even risk hypothermia.
Take a class on how to do first aid. This is especially important if you are taking kids with you. Camping can be very remote, so it is best to be able to deal with emergencies on your own, until help can be reached. Make sure to do your research. Find out what poisonous snakes or dangerous animals live in the area.
Pack a bandana. These can be used for several things, like drying your hands or holding a hot pot. There are many uses for these, so you want to be sure you have one or both of them on your next camping trip.
Always keep a close eye on yourself, your family, and your possessions; as they will all get a little dirty. Being prepared for the inevitable is the best way to avoid unneeded stress. Enjoy being in the woods and allow yourself to let loose and be messy. You can always clean up, and be “normal” when you return home.
Make sure you have activities to do while camping. You might want to take a deck of cards or a list of things to look for during a scavenger hunt as well as a fishing pole. If the kids are camping with you, you’ll need to increase the amount of entertainment items that you pack.
If you camp in an area known to have dangerous wildlife, be sure to incorporate extra precautions to stow away food securely. All of your foods should be tightly wrapped and not place near your tent. Some foods shouldn’t be brought at all. This will reduce your chances of being attacked.
After you buy your camping tent, set it up at home rather than waiting until your trip to set it up for the first time. This helps you learn to put up your tent and make sure there aren’t missing pieces. Also, this can help to reduce the difficulty that you have when out in the wilderness.
Though camping may be about roughing it in the wilderness, being prepared is a necessity. Blankets are essential, in addition to a sleeping bag, to maximize comfort. That helps you if the night gets really cold, and you are able to use them as padding, as well.
Are you a new camper with a brand new tent? Before you go out and start on your trip, practice setting up your tent. This will enable you to learn how to pitch the tent properly and make sure all of the equipment is fully functional. This will help you set up camp in a hurry if you get to the site just before dark.
A tent needs to be the proper size for all people staying in it. This assures there is enough sleeping and moving around room.
You must take the appropriate items with you when camping. Forgetting one or two key items could result in disaster. Write a list in advance of what you are going to need, and then you can check each item off when it is packed. 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.
Upon arrival at the campsite, find a soft, flat area of ground and pitch your tent there. Pitching your tent on bumpy, rocky ground or on a slope won’t make for a very comfortable night’s sleep. Prevent water from getting in by placing a tarp or plastic sheet under the floor of your tent.
Make sure you know what’s covered in your medical insurance. If you go to another state, you may have to have another policy. This is more crucial if you go camping in another country. Semper paratus doesn’t just apply to the military! Be prepared!
Camping can be a great experience or it can be a miserable one. Preparation can be the factor that determines how your trip turns out. If you are properly prepared for many different situations, then you will be more likely to enjoy your trip.
Make sure your shelter is ready before dark. When it’s dark, it’s hard to pitch your tent. You should pack a flashlight or make a fire while it is still light. It is simply much easier to do this while the sun is still out so that you are all set whenever it gets dark.
When camping with children, create special themed breakfasts. Bring some packaged foods, beverage boxes and even fruits, then tie them to trees near the campsite. Once the children are awake, tell them they need to forage for their meal. This makes the trip even more magical for kids.
Make sure you know how to use a compass and map before you go camping. Even if you are familiar with your intended campsite, you could still get lost because many areas look the same. To steer clear of calamities, learning the right way to use such lifesaving tools is key.
Make sure waterproof matches are in your survival kit. They should always be kept in a container where air cannot enter. Make some average matches waterproof by simply dipping them in nail polish or paraffin. A film container makes a great storage place for matches.
If you are camping in the summer, go swimming too. While you are camping in the great outdoors, it can be very easy to miss taking your daily shower. Cool water can give you a feeling of exhilaration that may help you to miss your shower at home much less.
As crazy as it seems, packing a roll or two of toilet paper is a great idea when you are going camping. If your campsite lacks toilet facilities, you will need to use the woods. Leaves may have poison on them, as you will want to use toilet paper to wipe.
Plan Activities
Be prepared to handle any emergency that may arise and have a plan in place. The contents of the kit may change depending on where you camp and who you are with, but it should contain basic supplies. For example, if you will be camping in a Southern state you should certainly carry anti-venom for the local wildlife that you may encounter.
Plan activities to make the trip exciting from beginning to end. Campfire songs and roasting marshmallows aren’t the only fun things to do while camping. Get creative with your trip and plan activities that appeal to all members of your family. Don’t forget activities for children of different ages.
Your camping trip will go a lot more smoothly if you are prepared. Hopefully, this article has helped you in that department! You will really enjoy your camping trip and all the outdoors has to offer you by using these tips.
Oranges taste great, but they can also help keep mosquitoes away from you. Don’t throw away the peels when you are finished with them and rub them on yourself. Apply to any skin that’s exposed to keep insects away with no chemicals. It’s a lot cheaper than spending your money on bug spray!
