Are you getting ready to go camping? In planning for it, have you fully prepared yourself for what might come up while you are out in the wild? Though plenty of what you need to know is basic, you must take the time to educate yourself. Read the following advice for planning and executing a great trip.
Select the right sleeping bag for the season. A bag that is intended for winter conditions will surely cause you to overheat when you are trying to sleep in summer weather. On the other hand, light-weight sleeping supplies will never keep you warm enough in the dead of winter. In the worst case, you could be putting yourself at risk of getting frostbite or even worse.
Get everyone involved in choosing a campsite. Discuss which state you wish to visit. There are so many options around the U.S. that it can actually be difficult to pick one! To make it easy, pick a few that you really like and then have a family vote.
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’s a great idea to carry your own wood with you and to keep it secure in a dry area.
Make sure that all of your friends and family are involved in choosing the camping site. Think about where it is you want to go. The United States offers so many choices that choosing one can be hard! You can select a few places to have the family vote on to make it easier.
Before camping, check out your medical insurance to affirm that it is intact. You may need another policy if you’re going to a different state. This can be even more important if you’re leaving to another country when you are camping, such as Canada. Be sure to be properly prepared!
If you’re going to be taking your children camping, attend a first-aid course. You will have all of the medical knowledge you will need in case of an accident. Make sure you do the proper research. You should be aware of the poisonous snakes, wild animals, etc., that inhabit the area.
Make sure you know what the weather will be before going on your trip. There are websites available to provide information about the typical weather of the area for the time of your planned trip. This will help you prepare by having the right clothes and equipment.
Consider having a “jungle breakfast” if you are on a camping trip with children. Use serving sized boxes of cereal, pieces of fruit and juice boxes and tie them to trees near your campsite. Your children can then hunt these foods when they wake up. This is a wonderful way to spice up the whole camping trip.
Take either a bandanna or handkerchief with you when you go camping. A bandana is very versatile and can be used as a blotter, potholder, mini-bag and more. As you can see, a handkerchief can serve many different purposes on a camping trip.
Bring along camping pillows to the campsite. Regular bed pillows can become damp if the weather is wet or humid. These types of pillows are prone to taking in the moisture in the air and can even mold if left in wet conditions for too long. Pillows specifically designed for camping have a barrier to stop this behavior.
Don’t miss the opportunity to add swimming activities to your next camping trip. While you are camping in the great outdoors, it can be very easy to miss taking your daily shower. When swimming, you will feel refreshed and cleaner. If you use some biodegradable soap, you can get just as clean as you would at home.
Be sure and give children a thorough explanation of what camping is all about and entails, before hauling them off on a potentially dangerous adventure. You can show them some pictures of poisonous plants on the Internet, for example, so they are aware of what to look out for.
Pack plenty of food and make sure it’s the right type. It is very important to make sure the food you bring will not spoil during your trip. A bout of food poisoning can end a wonderful trip very quickly. Know what you’re doing when it comes to food safety and take the proper precautions.
The lint from your dryer’s lint filter will help you start a campfire. Collect the lint in your dryer and store it in a bag a few weeks before you go camping to prepare for this. Collecting lint in a bag will allow you to have a fire building tool for your trip. By doing this, you’ll have all the kindling you need.
Protect your canine companion on the trip by keeping him leashed and under careful supervision. Many folks are scared of dogs. It is essential to respect the feelings of your fellow campers. Also, dogs can damage your campsite or another person’s campsite if they’re not watched carefully.
Plan for every situation that you can think of before packing for your trip. Try to plan your camping trip as best you can, but know that unexpected events can arise. The weather could turn sour, injuries could occur or other unforeseen events may happen. It’s vital to everyone’s well being that no severe risks are taken and that all safety precautions are heeded.
If you are interested in camping alone or with friends, make sure you have prepared an emergency kit. Pack an emergency kit that contains basic first aid supplies as well as anything needed for the specific location in which you are camping. Antivenom is another important component to bring with you, depending on the area where you visit.
Bring along a photo of any children that will be camping with you. If your children get lost during your trip, a picture of them can be very helpful. Always have one on you for emergencies.
Keep an eye out on your camping area. Try to steer clear of wasp nests or other pest havens. To keep the bugs off of your skin, wear garments that cover your skin especially if plant life is abundant. You might also want to carry bug repellent too.
Bring all necessary camping gear with you prior to going on your trip. You would be pretty irritated if it turned out that you left your sleeping bag or tent back at home. Check and double check your packing list and make certain that every item has been included.
It is advisable to bring beef jerky or trail mix with you on a camping trip. After a long and tiresome day, you may want to eat these nutritious snacks instead of cooking. Even if you don’t eat them, these are non-perishable snacks that have a long shelf life.
Cell Phone
Make sure to pack plenty of food, and pack the right kind too. Food that is resistant to spoiling, or that can be kept cold in your cooler, are the best options to choose. Food poisoning can quickly put an ugly end to any outdoor vacation. Cook and store your food properly during the trip to avoid food poisoning.
Try to keep your cell phone completely charged. You might want to bring an extra battery as well just in case your original runs low. Your cell phone makes for excellent emergency equipment, so you must ensure it does not die.
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. For example, if it’s summertime you need a bag that’s lighter so you’re not too hot during the night. But during the cold of winter, you need a thermal bag that will keep you protected from the elements.
A handy tool that will make your life easier when camping, is duct tape. Its multipurpose properties aren’t only useful at home, they can be used in the wild too. 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. If you’re planning on taking a long hike, place it on your feet to prevent blisters. In a pinch, it can even serve as a bandage for injuries.
Lots of camping novices set up their camp beside the rest area. While this may appear a wise idea, it does not take long to discover otherwise. Bathrooms are a source of light, and they are also high traffic areas. This can lead to difficulty sleeping and other discomforts that you want to avoid.
Safety comes first when camping. It’s always important to understand that while you may be curious about wildlife, do not get too close or encourage them to come near you, no matter their size. Even though they are small, any animal can be dangerous, even a squirrel. And, unless you’re in Jellystone Park, don’t feed any bears!
Do you know how to pitch a tent? Before going on the trip, set up the tent at home. Doing so will ensure you know what tools you may need. Doing this will help you pitch your tent quickly, just in case you get to your campsite when it starts to get dark.
Armed with the advice in the piece above, you ought to have a good feel for what you should consider prior to your trip. Camping is not a luxury vacation, and you should go into it prepared and ready. The information given here can help you have a memorable trip!
