Ah–going camping. Taking time out to appreciate nature is a great way to spend time with your family or just with yourself. There are many things you should learn in order to make your trip to the great outdoors as much fun and excitement as you expect. Check out the following tips to make the most out of your trip.
Be prepared to get dirty. When you know that going in, you won’t stress out when it happens. Allow yourself to be improper, messy and just “let go” while outside. When you return home, make sure to stay as organized as possible.
You might think that you can find all of the wood that you need to keep the fire going, but there is a good chance that the wood will be wet. It is good planning to take your own wood with you and store it where it is dry.
Survival Kit
Make sure you have a survival kit with you during your entire camping trip. A survival kit should include items like a flare gun, matches that are waterproof, a knife and other items you think you may need. You may find that this kit makes the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. Remember to take it everywhere you go when you’re away from your campsite.
It is always a smart idea to look into what the weather is going to be like, before going camping. There are countless websites that contain information about what sort of weather you should expect at the area you are going camping at. This information can help you better prepare for severe weather conditions.
Take a first-aid class, especially if children are camping with you. If something bad happens, you’ll be able to take care of it because you’ll know exactly what to do while waiting for a health professional to show up. Also remember to research other dangers near your camping location. Be aware of the potential for poisonous snakes, wild animals and other possible wildlife dangers.
Take a bandana or handkerchief with you. That small piece of cloth could become a potholder, a bag, a blotter or a towel. It is very versatile, so be sure you take one with you every time you go camping.
A bandanna or handkerchief should be brought along with you. This single fabric piece can be used as a carrying bag, hand towel, paper towel, potholder, and blotter. You will find that you can use these in a lot of versatile ways, so bring one along when you’re camping.
Prior to camping in a brand new area, you must understand its dangers. Knowing what poisonous creatures to watch out for, where terrain gets rugged, and when to expect dangerous weather are key to ensuring your safety. Every location has its own dangers.
When going camping with kids, explain to them some common camping problems you might run into. You can always visit websites that illustrate the dangers posed by poison ivy as well as other harmful plants.
Pack a first aid kit. Though your location can contribute to necessities in the kit, the basics will remain the same. Take into consideration all the possibilities that nature has to offer, and take precautions for them.
If the area you are camping in is known for dangerous wildlife, you will need to be doubly careful with food storage. Take safety precautions, such as wrapping your items in many layers for protection. This will reduce your chances of being attacked.
If this your first time going on a camping trip? Give your tent a test run before you set out to pitch it in your first camp site in the wild. You should know what you need and how to do it before you actually have to do it. This also allows you to get this done fast when you show up where you’re camping, prior to night falling.
Buy special camping pillows instead of using your standard ones. Standard bed pillows can become hot and sticky in humid weather. As they absorb moisture from the air, they can become covered in mildew rather quickly. Camping pillows are coated to prevent this from happening, keeping you dry and comfortable.
As you set up your campsite, choose an area that is as smooth and as level as possible for the location of your tent. Picking a sloped or rocky spot causes you to feel uncomfortable anytime you sit in your tent. Always put down a tarp in order to stop water from getting into your tent.
Take along a current picture of any kids you have camping with you. This picture could be used to help find them if they were to get separated from the group and lost. Bring one to use for emergencies, particularly if you are a long way from home.
If you camp in an area known to have dangerous wildlife, be sure to incorporate extra precautions to stow away food securely. You can wrap up leftovers well, keep them away from the tent and use other precautions to protect yourself. Taking these precautions can significantly lower you chances of being attacked.
Carry an additional utility knife in case your original one breaks. Utility knives have a variety of potential uses, so bring along an extra in your pack in case you drop or otherwise lose the knife you carry on your person.
One easy tip to keep in mind is that you have to build your shelter before nighttime. It’s hard and frustrating to set up a tent in the dark. It is possible to see what you are doing by the light of the campfire or with the aid of a flashlight. However, setting up your camp while it is still daylight is always your best option.
Plan to save the light of your flashlight before you go camping. It’s possible to accidentally hit the “on” button on your flashlight. To prevent draining the batteries, place them in your flashlight backwards. That way, there is no way to turn the flashlight on until you switch the batteries around.
At the end of your camping outing, try to leave the site cleaner than you found it. You’ll need some trash bags to clean up everything. Do not leave any left over food behind. The best practice to follow when camping is to clean the campsite well, and leave only your footprints behind.
Many get food poisoning due to improperly stored food on a camping trip. Make sure to maintain the best preservation possible to keep your food fresh for the longest period of time. Make sure food and drinks stay at a safe temperature by using enough ice. Most coolers have a plug that you can open, this drains the excess water, so your food won’t get wet.
Your sleeping bag should be able to accommodate a variety of camping conditions. Sleeping bags made of lightweight material are optimal for warmer climates. By contrast, you should invest in a heavy sleeping bag if you plan to camp in a cold area. Make sure your sleeping bag fits you well, hugs your body and helps you to retain heat.
Sleeping Bag
When choosing a sleeping bag, make sure that you pick one that is meant for the season and climate in which you plan to camp. Summer requires only a lightweight sleeping bag. However, if it is winter, a thicker sleeping bag will be needed so you won’t freeze during the night.
Don’t take your eyes of children while camping. Cars always are always coming and going from these sites, so young children may simply and quickly get lost inside the woods. In no time, your children could be harmed, so always keep a watchful eye on them.
If you think a campsite right next to the bathrooms is ideal, think again. Although this seems like a logical choice for them, soon they discover otherwise. Communal campsite bathrooms are a constant source of light, noise and unpleasant smells. Therefore, they end up not having the convenience and comfort that they expected.
While camping is among the best loved recreational activities, smart planning is necessary to prevent any trip from turning dangerous and unpleasant. With any luck, the piece above has given you the tools necessary to create a wonderful camping adventure.
Beef jerky and trail mix are two camping staples you should always bring with you. These snacks are nutritious enough to eat in the event you don’t feel like cooking. 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.