Camping is an experience that appeals to many individuals, and the high number of outdoor reality shows is adding to the appeal. If you are one of these people, and you want an adventure outdoors to remember, read on and learn some of the right things to do.
Sleeping Bag
Find your shelter before it gets dark. Once it gets dark, it is much harder to find wood for your fire, prepare food, and get your tent ready. This is especially important to those who are not accustomed to the darkness associated with the great outdoors. Don’t let this happen to you, and have a shelter set up before dark.
Your sleeping bag should be 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. The reverse is also true. Using a light, cool sleeping bag in the middle of winter will keep you very cold. Using a lighter sleeping bag in the winter could actually lead to you developing hypothermia.
While it may be that there’s enough wood around to keep a fire going for a long time, some of the wood may be wet and cannot burn no matter what you try. To prevent this problem, bring along a few pieces of your own wood. Make sure to keep that wood dry in your car or another secure location.
Make sure your sleeping bag is right for the weather. Bringing a sub-zero type of sleeping bag to use on a trip in the summer will make you sweat the entire night. On the other hand, if you bring along a light-weight bag in the winter, you may feel like you are freezing to death. In the worst case, you could be putting yourself at risk of getting frostbite or even worse.
Be sure that you have a big enough tent for everyone that’s going to need it for shelter at night. This helps you to have a more comfy night’s sleep, and trips in and out of the tent will be less disturbing for those who are sleeping.
If you’re going to be taking your children camping, attend a first-aid course. This way, if someone were to have an accident, you’ll possess enough knowledge to deal with it enough until medical help arrives. Be sure to research the area you are visiting. Be aware of poisonous flora and fauna, as well as of what sounds animals make.
Bring a hankerchief or a bandanna with you. You can use it as a potholder, bag holder or a towel. There are many uses for these, so you want to be sure you have one or both of them on your next camping trip.
Examine your medical insurance policy. If you are going camping out of state, you may have to add an additional policy for full coverage. If you plan to travel to a different country, such as Canada, then its is especially important. Semper paratus doesn’t just apply to the military! Be prepared!
Keep a kerchief or bandanna close at hand. You can use these as hand towels, cleanup towels, pot holders or anything you need cloth for. Because there are so many versatile uses for them, bringing one or two on each camping trip is a good idea.
Kids generally love camping, but plan some activities for them ahead of time. When you are in the woods with nothing around but trees, they may become bored. Are they used to pitching tents and fishing? Take the time to teach them these skills before the trip, especially if they don’t spend a great deal of time outdoors.
Your camp should always be set up before the sun sets. If you are in an RV, a safe parking spot should be found. Find a piece of ground that’s flat and dry if you are putting up a tent. As long as it is daylight, you should not have trouble with these tasks. This will also let you avoid the frustration of doing it when it’s not at easy to see what you are doing.
Bring duct tape with you since it can help you in many situations. You can patch holes in your tent, your mattress or your shoes, or secure your tent poles, seal mosquito netting and much, much more.
Teach your kids about camping safety before you bring them camping. You can always visit websites that illustrate the dangers posed by poison ivy as well as other harmful plants.
Camping Pillows
Before camping, get some camping pillows. Make sure that you bring camping pillows that do not absorb moisture. They can mildew quickly after absorbing moisture. A good pillow intended for camping, however, will keep the moisture out, which will prevent any of the above problems.
If you are a novice at camping, don’t stray far from home. If you have any equipment issues, it is better and easier to cut your trip short when you do not have so far to travel. Others may find that they have a shortage of food or their clothing isn’t appropriate. Lots of calamities can befall new campers, so sticking close to home at first is wise.
Don’t leave home without all of your essential camping equipment. You do not want to forget essential items. Be sure you double check everything you’re taking and create a checklist prior to taking off so you’re sure everything is there.
Is this the first time you are camping? You should try pitching your tent before you head out for the first time. This will help you to be prepared with the right equipment and skills to pitch your tent with ease. This also allows you to get this done fast when you show up where you’re camping, prior to night falling.
If you camp in an area known to have dangerous wildlife, be sure to incorporate extra precautions to stow away food securely. Keep all food items wrapped tightly and securely away from your tent. Some kinds of foods should be avoided altogether. This helps lower your attack risk.
It’s very important that you bring the proper items on your camping trip. Just neglecting to include a thing or two can completely ruin the outing. Creating a checklist of all the things you need can help you. You should bring along a knife, food, water, shelter and a sleeping bag.
When it comes to camping, always be prepared for whatever comes your way. While it is vital to come up with a plan, sometimes things happen that were not in your plans. Injuries, illnesses and the weather can change suddenly. To stay safe, plan ahead, do not take any risks and do not be careless.
Are you just starting with camping and want to know what to do to make it enjoyable? Give your tent a test run before you set out to pitch it in your first camp site in the wild. By doing so, you will know that the equipment is all included, and you will be familiar with the process of pitching it. That way, you can get things done rapidly once you get to the campsite.
Trail Mix
Pack plenty of jerky and trail mix when planning for a camping trip. When the sun sets and you get too exhausted to cook that night’s meal, you can cheat once or twice and eat some of those tasty, filling snacks you’ve now decided to pack. Trail mix and beef jerky are non-perishable foods, so they will keep for very long periods of time; you can even bring them home with you if you do not eat them at the campsite.
It is imperative that you are properly packed for your camping trip. Even letting one particular item slip your mind can devastate your trip. It may be helpful to make a list of everything you need and cross it off the list when you pack it. Some things you should bring include your tent, sleeping bag, tarp, lots of water, a utility knife, already-made food, soap or hand sanitizer and items to start a fire.
Make sure you have a charged phone somewhere near you, like in the car. Even better, bring extra batteries so you are prepared if there is an emergency. Your cell phone makes for excellent emergency equipment, so you must ensure it does not die.
There are several things to consider about camping. It’s important to be prepared. You are sure to enjoy your next camping trip now that you are better equipped.
When you find your camping spot, put the tent up on top of the patch of ground that is flattest and softest. If you pick a spot that is rocky or has a slope to it, you will be uncomfortable when you are inside your tent. Prevent water from getting in by placing a tarp or plastic sheet under the floor of your tent.