You can enjoy the time spent camping with all of your family and friends. Yet, many never try it because it sounds so hard to do. It won’t be if you know the right things in advance. Continue reading to get advice that will make your camping trip more enjoyable.
Sleeping Bag
You need to make sure your sleeping bag is sufficient for the climate. If you’re camping in the heat of summer, a sub-zero bag just isn’t comfortable or appropriate. On the other hand, if you bring along a light-weight bag in the winter, you may feel like you are freezing to death. You may even develop hypothermia.
Pick a sleeping bag which is appropriate for the season. 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. On the flip side, bring a sleeping bag meant for summer camping will make you very cold during your winter camping trip. In the worst case, you could be putting yourself at risk of getting frostbite or even worse.
Remember that your loved ones and possessions will get filthy. Don’t stress out when it inevitably happens. Allow yourself to be improper, messy and just “let go” while outside. There’s plenty of time for showers and being super clean once you’re home again.
Before going camping, take a course in first aid, especially if you plan to bring children with you. Should an emergency arise, your knowledge of first aid can prevent further issues until help arrives. You could also read about different first aid techniques online. Find out if the local snakes are poisonous or if there may be plants or animals that you need to avoid.
Always set up a new tent once at home before taking it camping. Doing this will allow to know ahead of time that all parts you need are there, and it will also help you learn the proper setup of your tent ahead of time. It can reduce the frustration that you could experience setting up the tent as well.
Ensure the tent is an adequate size for anyone that might be with you. A bigger tent means easier movement, which can be useful when you have to urinate at night.
If possible, incorporate swimming into your camping trip. A hot shower can be sorely missed. You will find yourself feeling clean and refreshed after a dip in cool water. This can lesson the desire for your home shower.
You can use dryer lint as a kindling to start a campfire with. Several weeks prior to your trip, start gathering up everything that collects in your lint trap. Just hang a grocery bag next to your dryer and stuff the lint into the bag. This is a good way to have kindling ready when it is time to go.
Bring along camping pillows to the campsite. Since standard pillows can pick up a lot of humidity, debris or even creepy-crawlers, leave them safely at home. These pillows will also retain water from the air during humid conditions, so they can mildew. Pillows specifically designed for camping will not draw in wetness like regular pillows will.
Your children will love to join you on your camping trip, but be sure to plan some fun activities for them. If you’re settled among the trees, they may become bored. Kids are often not used to outdoor activities such as pitching a tent or fishing. Teach them how to perform these acts before you set out to camp.
Ensure that you pack everything that you will need before leaving for a camping trip. It would be a shame to arrive at your campsite only to realize you have forgotten some important items, like food and water. Make a list of the items you need, and double check it before you leave home.
Before you plan to camp in an new area, it is important to be aware of any dangers commonly found there. Knowing what poisonous creatures to watch out for, where terrain gets rugged, and when to expect dangerous weather are key to ensuring your safety. Each area can pose different dangers, so familiarize yourself whenever you venture somewhere new.
Take some things to entertain yourself while in the wild. Scavenger hunts, card games and fishing poles all add up to wonderful diversions to do in the wild. Take as many entertainment items as you can fit if you are taking kids on your trip.
If you are traveling to a place with an abundance of animals, make sure you are prepared with respect to food. All of your foods should be tightly wrapped and not place near your tent. Some foods shouldn’t be brought at all. This can reduce the chances of wildlife coming near you on your trip.
While the concept of camping involves getting away from it all, you still need to be prepared with some basic items. While you should bring a sleeping bag, you should bring additional blankets. This helps to warm you up in case it gets too cold at night. They are also good to use for extra padding.
If you are camping in a location with dangerous wildlife, take safety precautions with your food. This means to wrap things up as tight as possible, keeping things away from your shelter and avoiding certain foods altogether. This can prevent an attack.
As you can see, camping isn’t that difficult at all. You can master it in no time. Take what you have learned here and apply it to your adventures. You will soon be on a great outdoor adventure.