Is going on a camping trip something you are considering? Whether for a week or a day, planning must be done. The information that you will read below can help you make camping a relaxing and enjoyable trip for everyone involved.
Pick out your sleeping bag according to what season it is. A winter bag for the summer will cause you to sweat all night. On the other hand, light-weight sleeping supplies will never keep you warm enough in the dead of winter. You could even experience hypothermia.
You may feel that when you get to your campsite you will have enough wood to make a fire. This is not always the case because green and wet wood will not burn easily. Bringing your own wood never hurts, especially when things are a little wet and you know a fire will be needed.
You are going camping outdoors, so expect that you will all be getting dirty. If you prepare yourself for this ahead of time, it won’t stress you out as much when it happens. Allow yourself to be improper, messy and just “let go” while outside. You can always take a bath back at the house.
Let your family members all have a decision when it comes to choosing a campsite. Talk about which state you would like to go to. With the many parks and preserves in the world, deciding where to go can be a task into itself. You can select a few places to have the family vote on to make it easier.
You will get dirty. If you’re ready for this, it will bother you less when it happens. Part of the whole camping experience includes allowing yourself to get dirty. You can get clean when you return home.
Don’t be afraid to over-pack for your children. Being out in the wild can result in all sorts of messes. Kids are always attracted to dirt. As the day goes on, you may end up with messy, dirty kids. Know that you must accept that fact, but have a change of clothing for them so they can be comfortable. Always prepare!
Combine your camping trip with some swimming. While you are camping in the great outdoors, it can be very easy to miss taking your daily shower. 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.
Carry a survival kit on your person. This kit should include water-purifying tablets, a first-aid kit, flare gun, survival knife and waterproof matches. You need this if you become lost or stranded; the items in your kit may save your life. Carry it at all times.
It is vital that you take a first-aid kit with you anytime that you go camping. There are certain things you’ll need to include at certain locations (i.e. a snake bite kit.) However, there some basics you should always have with you. For example, if you are camping in an area that may have poison ivy, make sure you pack hydro-cortisone.
Bring along some interesting activities when planning a camping trip with kids. Being in the woods can be boring for them as time goes on. They may not be used to thing like fishing and pitching a tent. Get them used to it prior to leaving on the trip.
Pack a bandana. In a pinch, that single piece of fabric can serve as a potholder, carrying bag, blotter, hand towel and paper towel. It is very versatile, so be sure you take one with you every time you go camping.
When you go camping for the first few times, be sure that your camp is close to where you live. You could have problems with your gear, or you may find you don’t like camping. Other problems can be food shortage or inadequate clothing. All sorts of things can happy the first time you go camping. It’s better for mishaps to occur close to home.
One handy piece of equipment to take with you when you head out on your next camping trip is a roll of duct tape. It is nearly as useful while camping as it is around the house. This can be used to repair holes in air mattresses. You can also use it to patch up a tent, tarp or sleeping bag. If you’re planning on taking a long hike, place it on your feet to prevent blisters. In a pinch, it can even substitute as a bandage.
Dryer lint makes wonderful kindling to start your campfires with. Start collecting the lint about a month prior to your trip from the filter in your dryer. To make it easy to collect dryer lint, simply hang a bag next to the dryer and fill with your lint. Your kindling will be ready for you to grab on the way out the door for your trip.
If this your first time going on a camping trip? Before you go out and start on your trip, practice setting up your tent. This way, you will know the things you need to put your tent up. You can do this best before it gets dark outside.
Stand ready for all possibilities when you camp. Sometimes camping trips don’t follow your plan. Someone could get hurt, the weather could change drastically or people could get sick. You need to pay attention to what you’re doing, avoid unnecessarily risky behavior, and think before you act whether you are in a crisis or a normal camping situation.
It is important that you remember all the camping gear when going on a trip. It would be a shame to arrive at your campsite only to realize you have forgotten some important items, like food and water. Use a check list that you can use to double check, to be sure that you have everything before you leave home.
Do you feel more prepared to go camping? You should have figured it out that you need to do equal amounts of planning no matter how long the trip is. Use the great tips in the article above as your guide to a camping trip to remember.