Heading off the beaten path for a camping expedition can be fun and exciting, but it requires some basic knowledge and preparation to keep you safe and comfortable. These tips can really help you out for your next trip.
Always seek shelter before it is too dark to assess your surroundings. Once blackness falls out there in the woods, it can be extremely difficult to pitch a tent, find good firewood and prepare food. Those that live in urban areas find this to be the case even more than those that are used to pitch black darkness. To ensure you get your campsite operational arrive several hours before sunset.
Your sleeping bag should be seasonally appropriate. You don’t want to sweat all night because you brought a sleeping bag that is suitable for winter in the middle of the summer. The opposite is true as well, a summer bag won’t keep you warm in the winter. You could even experience hypothermia.
Sleeping Bag
Buy a sleeping bag which will suit the weather you will be in. A winter bag for the summer will cause you to sweat all night. The reverse is also true. Using a light, cool sleeping bag in the middle of winter will keep you very cold. Without protection, you are running the risk of developing hypothermia.
While you may think that nature will offer up enough wood to keep your fire embers burning, it could quite possibly be wet wood that doesn’t really want to burn. It’s always prudent to bring wood that you have gathered beforehand, and to store it in a location where it will stay dry.
Oranges can be used for insect repellent. When you get through eating an orange, rub the peel on exposed skin to keep pesky bugs away.
Research the area you are planning to camp in and familiarize yourself with its particular dangers. You need to know about the local insect population, wild animals, natural dangers like water or steep locations and weather conditions. Each spot can contain dangers which can really affect your trip.
Chances are, your family and your belongings are going to end up getting dirty. As long as you are prepared for getting dirty, you will not feel so stressed out when it happens. Take this as an opportunity to enjoy the freedom, let your hair down, and get a little dirtier than usual. You can get back to normal after returning home.
Make sure your children have something to do while camping. Many of today’s children are not used to downtime away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and the quiet outdoors can cause boredom for them. They may never have had a chance to set up a tent or catch a fish. Teach them the basics of these activities before leaving for your trip, especially if they don’t have lots of outdoor experience.
When you are planning a camping trip with children, take some time before you go to talk with them about common camping dangers. Show them pictures of plants that are poisonous so they know not to touch them.
Get everyone involved in choosing a campsite. Discuss which state you would most like to visit. Since the are so many great options to choose from across the U.S., it might be hard to select only one! To make your decision easier, pick a few favorites and then vote on the final choice.
Duct tape is a handy item to include in your camping gear. It is as convenient for repairs while you are camping as it is at home. You can use this to repair any holes in an air mattress. It can also seal rips in tarps, a sleeping bag, or the tent. Tape also does wonders for blisters by offering an additional layer of protection. In a pinch, it can even substitute as a bandage.
It is more enjoyable to go camping when you are properly prepared. By using the tips and advice mentioned here on your next trip, you can enjoy a safer, more relaxing adventure knowing that you have the skills and know-how to tackle any issues that may arise.
Anytime you buy a tent, be sure to practice setting it up and taking it down in your backyard prior to actually camping. By doing this you will be able to make sure that your tent does not have any missing parts. Furthermore, such a task will help to reassure you that you know how to errect your camping tent properly. This will also allow you to feel more comfortable about setting up the tent later.