Are you thinking about going camping? No matter if you wish to go for an entire week or just a quick overnight, planning is essential. The ideas presented in the following paragraphs are going to help you have a camping trip that is fun for all.
Make sure that your sleeping bag is right for the season and climate where you are camping. If you bring a sub-zero sleeping bag to go camping in mid-summer, you might find that you are sweating all night long. On the flip side, bring a sleeping bag meant for summer camping will make you very cold during your winter camping trip. You would in fact be risking your health and safety.
When camping, get your shelter squared away before nightfall. When night falls, making food, finding wood, and pitching your tent can be very difficult. This is particularly important if you are not used to doing things in the dark. Do not get yourself into this situation, and find your shelter during daylight hours.
Always keep a close eye on yourself, your family, and your possessions; as they will all get a little dirty. If you’re ready for this, it will bother you less 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.
If you have bought a brand new tent in preparation for your camping trip, set it up at home first before you use it for camping. That way, you won’t be missing any pieces, and you’ll be able to set it up correctly the first time. That can also cut down on the frustration some feel when setting a tent up for the first time.
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. If you use a lightweight sleeping bag during the winter, you can spend your night shivering if it’s cold outside. You may even develop hypothermia.
Make sure your tent is of ample size. With enough room, getting up during the night will not disturb others in the tent, and you can all be comfortable while sleeping.
Review your health insurance policy. Sometimes when you go to a different place, you’ll have to get an additional policy to cover you. If you are camping outside of your own country, it can be even more critical. Make sure that you that you are prepared, just in case!
Be sure that your tent will comfortably fit everyone that you will be sharing it with to have a good trip. A bigger tent means easier movement, which can be useful when you have to urinate at night.
When camping with children, create special themed breakfasts. Take juice boxes, mini cereal boxes and fruit and tie the food to trees. The kids can go on a treasure hunt for their breakfast when they wake up. The kids will love it.
Consider camping in an area that also provides you with a place to swim. You may miss the shower at your home when you are camping. Swimming is a great way to rinse off and can take the place of your daily shower.
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. You should also research the area you plan on camping in. Know if there are any poisonous snakes in the area, what type of wild animals call those woods their home, etc.
Always bring along a well-stocked emergency kit when you head out on a camping trip. 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. Items that will help with possible snake bites or a sling in case of sprains or breaks is a good idea, too.
Camping Pillows
Do a “jungle breakfast” if you are bringing kids. Bring several, small boxes of easy-to-fix foods, such as cereals, fruits, snacks, and other quick, yet healthy, meals. When they wake up, they’ll have to search the “jungle” for breakfast. The kids will love it.
Purchase a few camping pillows to take with you. Regular house pillows will become sticky and uncomfortable when exposed to humidity. As they absorb moisture from the air, they can become covered in mildew rather quickly. Camping pillows are specially coated to prevent moisture absorption.
Bring activities for you to have fun with while camping. Bring card and board games, proper attire for hiking or swimming, books (if you want quiet time) and any fishing or birding gear that you may need. If your camping group includes children, consider bringing extra entertainment options.
Bring oranges not only to eat but also to deter mosquitoes. After you’ve eaten the flesh of the fruit, save all the peels. When you need bug repellant, rub the peels on your skin to repel mosquitos naturally and on the cheap!
The supplies for your next camping excursion should include a couple rolls of duct tape. It has as many uses on the campsite as it does at home. You may need to patch up a punctured air mattress. You can close up rips and tears, and bundle things together. 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.
Don’t take your eyes of children while camping. There are many people coming and going all of the time and you do not want them to get kidnapped or lost. Something bad can occur in a split second, so it is necessary to watch children constantly.
Inform your children of possible dangers before taking them camping. It’s easy to look at photos online of harmful plants like poison ivy so that they are aware that they should not touch them when they’re camping.
The peel of an orange might save you from mosquito bites on your next camping trip. If you arrive at your camping destination and realize you’ve forgotten to pack bug repellant, fear not. Just rub the inside of the peel over any exposed body parts. The mosquitoes should steer clear of you for several hours.
With any luck, you now have what it takes to properly plan your camping adventure. You’ve probably already figured out that you’ll need to plan for a day and night adventure. When you start your planning this very day for your next trip, you will camp then appreciating your preparations.
Make sure to prepare in advance before you engage in a camping trip. While you should bring a sleeping bag, you should bring additional blankets. They can be very handy when the evening temperatures drop. If not needed for warmth, they can be extra padding from the solid ground beneath.
