Camping is fun! You can connect with nature or connect with your inner self. You can make your own campfire and go hiking too. There are lots of things you can do, and lots of things to do before your next camping trip. Here are some helpful tips to assist you to have that great experience.
Sleeping Bag
Choose a sleeping bag that is seasonally appropriate. If you bring a sub-zero sleeping bag to go camping in mid-summer, you might find that you are sweating all night long. If you use a lightweight sleeping bag during the winter, you can spend your night shivering if it’s cold outside. Using a lighter sleeping bag in the winter could actually lead to you developing hypothermia.
Pick out your sleeping bag according to what season it is. If you’re camping in the heat of summer, a sub-zero bag just isn’t comfortable or appropriate. And if you taking a sleeping bag that is light-weight, you are going to freeze. You could even develop hypothermia or frostbite if it’s very cold.
Don’t assume you can find wood at or near your camp site. Bringing your own wood never hurts, especially when things are a little wet and you know a fire will be needed.
Make sure that all of your friends and family are involved in choosing the camping site. One of the things you will want to discuss is which state you would like to visit. There are various options throughout the United States that it may make it hard to pick only one. To make it easy, pick a few that you really like and then have a family vote.
Always pack and carry a survival kit. A first aid kit, matches in a water tight container, a good knife, flares and tablet to purify water are some essentials to include. These items are important to have in case you get lost. Always carry this pack with you instead of leaving it at the campsite.
Be certain that your tent has enough space for both yourself and whoever else comes with you. This assures there is enough sleeping and moving around room.
Attend a class in first aid; this is a really good idea if you are camping with children. In an emergency, your first aid training could be the difference between life and death. In addition, make sure you do enough research on the area. It is also best to know what exists in the area you will be in so that you can prepare for that as well.
To make your camping trip more enjoyable, bring along something luxurious. Carry something small and convenient, such as a chocolate bar or some coffee creamer. Just one small thing can feel luxurious if you start to miss the comforts of home.
Take along a specialized pillow or two for camping. Standard bed pillows can become hot and sticky in humid weather. They may also get mildew from all the moisture outside. Camping pillows are specially coated to prevent moisture absorption.
Never forget to see what the weather will be like in the area you will be camping at, prior to leaving. There are websites available to provide information about the typical weather of the area for the time of your planned trip. When you have some idea of how the weather will behavior while you are camping, you can pack appropriate clothing and equipment.
Camping is great fun for kids if you plan things that they can do. If you are just sitting in the woods, they will end up bored. They have probably never fished or set up tents. 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 bring a dog camping with you, be sure to keep an eye on them and be sure they’re on a leash. Many folks are scared of dogs. Respecting your fellow campers is essential when camping. Furthermore, dogs could cause a lot of damage to your campsite, or someone else’s, if they are not properly supervised.
Preparation could mean the difference between a good camping experience and a dreaded one. Always fully prepare before you head out on a camping trip. If you are camping in a new location, research the local wildlife, geography and the climate before leaving home.
Duct tape is a handy item to pack with you on any camping trip. This item has many uses and can help you save a lot of time and money. You could seal an air leak in your mattress. It is also useful for taping up tears in tents, tarps or sleeping bags. It can be used on feet to help fight off blisters during long hikes. It may also be used as emergency bandaging.
Packing all the essentials is vital to the success of your camping venture. Even just a few missing items can turn your trip into a disaster. It may be helpful to make a list of everything you need and cross it off the list when you pack it. You need a lot of things to take with you on a trip, and you don’t want to miss anything.
You can use dryer lint to kindle your campfire. Start saving this lint a short time period prior to going camping and you’ll have enough lint in time. Just hang a grocery bag next to your dryer and stuff the lint into the bag. This technique allows you to grab your kindling and go the day of your trip.
Take steps to prevent dead flashlight batteries while camping. You can easily turn on the flashlight while searching through bags and equipment. To prevent draining the batteries, place them in your flashlight backwards. You will be able to keep your battery life this way.
Make sure your sleeping bag is appropriate for the location. Lighter bags might be good ideas for warmer climates and seasons to avoid unnecessary weight and space usage, but make sure that you have a heavy enough bag to stay warm in cold conditions. You might even consider a body hugging one as it helps you retain your body heat.
Don’t forget to include special pillows made just for camping on your adventure. Since standard pillows can pick up a lot of humidity, debris or even creepy-crawlers, leave them safely at home. They also take moisture from the air and that makes them grow mildew fast. Camping pillows are made with a protective, moisture-proof coating to prevent these issues.
Think about where to set up camp before you do. Always avoid camping near a bee’s nest or insect breeding grounds. Keep an eye out for animals and insects around your camp, and make sure there aren’t any large populations of them close to you. Insect repellent is a life saver.
Beef Jerky
When taking children camping, you must make sure they understand camping hazards. The information contains pictures of poisonous plants that they can use as a guide of what to avoid.
It is recommended you bring lots of beef jerky and/or trail mix when you go camping. When the day ends, you may feel so tired you aren’t in the mood for cooking. Nutrient-rich treats like beef jerky and trail mix will help satisfy your hunger. They stay fresh for a while, so you do not have to worry about them going bad if you do not use them up right away.
A utility knife is one of the most useful camping tools. The versatility of a utility knife makes it priceless when you are out camping. Bring one to slip into your pocket and throw a backup knife into your bag. You never know when your utility knife will come in handy!
Plan several activities to do while camping. Pack such things as cards, fishing poles or even plan for a scavenger hunt. If your camping group includes children, consider bringing extra entertainment options.
Seal the seams on your tent when you’re putting it up. If tent sealer was not provided with the tent, you can purchase some at a sporting goods store. Sealing the seams of your tent will prevent any insects or water from getting inside.
Shower Curtain
When you are camping around dangerous creatures, you have to be even safer regarding food. This means wrapping things up tightly, keeping them far from your tent, and avoiding some types of food completely. This can reduce the chances of wildlife coming near you on your trip.
You can use a shower curtain in place of a tarp under your tent. This is good to use for areas where you cook and clean, since you can control the run-off. Instead of throwing away your old shower curtain, wash it and use it when you go camping.
With this advice, your camping trips are sure to be successful. Keep them in mind for your next outing. They can help you out immensely, so don’t forget them in order to fully enjoy your camping trip.
You need duct tape because it is a versatile, handy tool. There are multiple uses to put it to when camping, just like at home. It can repair an air mattress should it get a hole. 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. It can also work as a bandage.
