Are you heading off for a camping trip? Are you prepared to handle any curve balls while you may encounter on your trip? While most things that come with camping are pretty basic, it is never a waste of time to become familiar with some great camping ideas. Read this article for some great tips.
Make sure your sleeping bag is right for the weather. You are going to be really hot and uncomfortable camping in the summertime if your sleeping bag is rated for sub-zero temperatures. The reverse is also true. Using a light, cool sleeping bag in the middle of winter will keep you very cold. Using a lighter sleeping bag in the winter could actually lead to you developing hypothermia.
Find your best place for camping shelter long before it gets dark. Once blackness falls out there in the woods, it can be extremely difficult to pitch a tent, necessary firewood and food preparation become near impossible. This is very true for anyone accustomed to city living and unfamiliar with pitch dark woods. Avoid this by setting up your shelter while it is still light.
When choosing a tent, pick one that has plenty of room for you and all of your camping companions. This ensures the most comfortable sleeping arrangement and allows you to move about without disturbing others.
It is important to remember that getting dirty during a camping trip. Enjoy your time and don’t worry too much about getting messy. You can return to being clean up when you’re at home.
Never forget to see what the weather will be like in the area you will be camping at, prior to leaving. The Internet is a great resource for finding weather related information for the area you will be camping in. This way you will know what type of clothing to pack and the equipment you need.
When purchasing a brand new tent, always set it up at home once before taking it camping. This helps you to get the experience needed for erecting your tent. This will also helps you not to be frustrated when you’re trying to pitch your tent.
You can use dryer lint as a kindling to start a campfire with. Collect some lint from your clothes dryer to bring with you. Place the lint you normally throw in the trash in a plastic bag to take with you. Your kindling will be ready for you to grab on the way out the door for your trip.
Take a first-aid class, particularly if you are traveling with children. Be sure to do some research too.
Even camping purists may find that having a small luxury item is a good thing. Bring a lightweight, easy-to-carry item like good chocolate, cream for coffee or another reminder of home with you. A few small indulgences can make you incredibly happy.
Make sure you know what the weather before going on your trip. There are numerous websites that will give you the weather forecast for the week. This information can help you better prepare by having the right clothes and equipment.
Plan your first camping trip close to home. You may find that your gear isn’t up to par, or your trip isn’t what you thought it would be. Others may find that they have a shortage of food or their clothing isn’t appropriate. There are a lot of different things that can come about and being closer to home will make it a lot easier.
Camping Trip
Take some things to do on your camping trip. 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 you’re bringing along kids, it doesn’t hurt to go overboard when thinking of what to bring for fun.
Check over your health insurance before going on a camping trip. You may need an additional policy if you’re going to a different state. This is especially true if your camping trip takes you are traveling out of the country. Be prepared in case anything happens!
Pitching a tent can be complicated for anyone, but it is especially difficult for beginner campers. Before you head off on that initial camping trip, practice pitching your tent. 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.
After you have eaten the orange, use the inside of the peel to rub on skin for a chemical free insect repellant.
Plan for every situation that you can think of before packing for your trip. Anything can happen while camping so it is crucial to be prepared. Someone could get hurt, the weather could change drastically or people could get sick. Do what you can to prevent any accidents or illnesses and bring what you need to treat it if it does happen.
Duct tape is a good bit of things. It works quickly for inflatable leaks, inflatables with leaks, shoes with worn soles, securing the tent to its pole, sealing up your mosquito netting and many, many more things.
Don’t let your flashlight batteries get drained inadvertently. Your flashlight’s power switch can be easily turned on by mistake while you search through your bag. An easy way to prevent this is to switch your batteries around when the flashlight isn’t being used. This prevents accidental switch nudges so that they will remain fresh when you need them.
Purchase pillows that are made specifically for a camping trip! Regular pillows do not hold up well in the weather is wet or humid. The tend to absorb ambient moisture from the air and grow mildew will form quickly.Pillows designed for camping offer a protective layer that keeps these things from happening.
When going on a camping trip, it is vital that you bring several lanterns and/or flashlights, as well as extra batteries with you. You will need a light source to see clearly once the sun sinks in the sky. After all, you don’t want to stumble in the dark, or accidentally step on a wild critter. If you’re taking kids along with you, give each one of them a flashlight.
Always pack enough of the right kind.A bout of food poisoning can quickly put an end a fun trip. Take the proper steps to prepare your food is packed and do research if necessary.
An orange may prevent you from getting mosquito bites when you’re on your camping trip. This can be used if you have forgotten your insect repellant. Rub the white, pithy insides of the orange skin over your skin. This should keep you free from mosquitoes and other pesky insects of the woods for hours.
When you are camping, seek out the softest, softest ground you can find. Choosing a slanted or rocky area to camp at can make your tent. Always put down some tarp first to prevent any water from getting into your tent.
Have the clothing you will pack planned out before your trip. Be sure you have a lot of clean clothes that will last you your whole trip. It is also important to have clothing that is right for the weather you might encounter. Include closed toe shoes or hiking boots if you want to do some hiking.
Keep pictures of your children on you if they are camping with you.This can help you locate your children quickly if they were to get separated from the group and lost. Always keep one ready for emergency use, especially if your campsite is far from your home.
Bring trail mix and beef jerky. When the sun sets and you get too exhausted to cook that night’s meal, you can cheat once or twice and eat some of those tasty, filling snacks you’ve now decided to pack. These foods also keep well, eliminating the worry of spoilage.
Pack carefully and smartly. Create a checklist of what you’re going to be bringing along and check off each item as it’s being packed. This is very important if you’re going to a far away place that doesn’t have first aid supplies or other items you might need when an emergency arises.
Having a roll of grey duct tape is a good idea when camping. You might have a nice tent, but tears can still happen. A little duct tape can be the difference between a comfortable and dry night’s sleep and a drippy night spent awake.
Make food brought along on a camping trip is preserved and prepared properly. Make sure to pack your food stays dry and safe by using airtight containers. Store your food that requires refrigeration in an insulated cooler.Cooked foods should be kept separate from raw foods so they don’t become contaminated. Make sure your hands are clean whenever you are preparing food either by washing them with soap and/or using hand sanitizer. Cook foods to proper temperatures and chill leftovers quickly.
Clean your campsite at the end of your stay. Consider taking along a few garbage bags so you have a place for all your trash. Dispose of any left over food as well as your trash. Leave only your footprints should be your motto as you clean your camp.
Plan a variety of activities to keep yourself busy while camping. There is a lot more to do than roasting marshmallows over the campfire. Use your imagination to come up with ideas that all family members can enjoy. Think about the ages of both your younger and older kids when making plans.
Follow the right procedures for safety when you go camping. Make sure to avoid all bears and larger wildlife in the wilderness. Even small animals can present a danger. Obviously, if you see bears, do not feed them.
A first aid kid is essential to any camping gear. The first aid kit should be well stocked in case of an accident does occur. Your personal first aid kit needs to contain pain reliever, bandages, splinting materials, and whatever else you think you’ll need.
It is important that you practice food safety while you are out camping. Use bags that are airtight and your containers should be waterproofed. Store food that requires refrigeration in an insulated cooler. Do not store cooked and raw foods together to avoid contamination. Wash your hands while preparing food and afterward, and keep any surfaces, utensils and cooking containers clean as well. Ensure that you heat food thoroughly and keep perishable items chilled at all times.
If you plan on camping more than a couple days, you may want to take the time to pack some entertainment. Try to limit the number of electronics you take and instead bring a book, enjoy the outdoors and only bring a radio or a book for those evenings sitting around the campfire.
Bring along plenty of water, food and snacks when you camp. If you don’t do this then you might find yourself going to the store a lot during your trip. You don’t want this to happen because you want to enjoy yourself camping.
Take along some indoor activities you when you’re going camping. Be certain you have a plan in case inclement weather is bad while you are camping. You could end up spending a lot of time in your tent if it rains. This doesn’t have to mean the trip is ruined. Be certain to have lots of activities along to pass time wherever you are.
Take some indoor entertainment options on your trip. Prepare for inclement weather. If rain happens to fall, you might end up spending a great deal of time in your accommodations. This doesn’t mean the trip is ruined. Armed with entertainment, you can easily pass the time inside your RV, cabin or tent.
Poisonous Plants
Your home is not nature. Therefore, make sure to respect your surroundings when out in the wild. Always make it your goal to leave with everything you brought in so the campsite stays pristine. Respecting natural environments is the best way to ensure their survival.
Know how to spot poisonous plants before you go camping. You might mistake them for plants you see all of the time if you do not know what to look for. Buy or borrow a book about poisonous plants before your trip. This will help you to prepare in advance to avoid any infection.
Try practicing packing and unpacking your bag before your next camping trip. This gives a better idea of how everything will fit and help you see if you’ve forgotten anything that’s important while packing.
Look for easy recipes you can make your camp meals more interesting. Don’t forget to pack spices and seasoning favorites.
There are many ways to use the ordinary newspaper on a typical camping trip. You can read it of course, but that isn’t it. If recent rain has left the local wood supply a bit damp, newspaper can be a fire starting necessity.
Now that you’ve read these tips, you should be aware of things that you must prepare for prior to your camping trip. While camping may seem like it is always a simple event, it’s important to be prepared for anything. Use the information shared here and have a great trip!
When using a public campsite, be courteous to others by turning off your lights at night. Inconsiderate people leave things like RV awning lights on all night long. There is no need to do this and it bothers fellow campers trying to sleep nearby.
