Whether you are planning a backyard camp-out or a backpacking trip up a mountain, the proper preparation can make the experience more pleasant for everyone. Read the following tips to learn more about preparing to go camping. There is nothing worse than going camping unprepared.
Remember, wet wood won’t burn right, so nature may not always provide the wood you need. To prevent this problem, bring along a few pieces of your own wood. Make sure to keep that wood dry in your car or another secure location.
Look for where you’re going to set up your shelter before darkness falls. Once blackness falls out there in the woods, it can be extremely difficult to pitch a tent, find good firewood and prepare food. This is really important for people who live in the city. Avoid this by setting up your shelter ahead of time.
Expect that camping is not typically a time you can stay clean easily. If you are prepared for that before you go, it will cause less stress when it happens. Enjoy being in the woods and allow yourself to let loose and be messy. You can get back to normal after returning home.
Let everyone of your family members have a say on where to go camping. Think about where it is you want to go. Try to keep a small list, as there is such an abundance of spots to choose from, it can be hard to pick one. If it makes things simpler, list your personal preferences and then have the family choose from them.
While you think nature will provide enough wood for your fire to continue burning, it may be wet, which will not burn. Bring along some dry wood and store it where it remain dry.
Consider taking a CPR and first aid class. This is especially important if young children are traveling with you. If you have an accident, you are going to know how to fix the situation before you can get professional medical help. Be sure to research the area you are visiting. Be aware of the potential for poisonous snakes, wild animals and other possible wildlife dangers.
Make sure you know what’s covered in your medical insurance. When you travel to camp, you may need to have this updated or add an additional policy. This can be especially important if you leave the country on your trip, such as camping across the border in Canada. Don’t get caught without the protection you need in case of an emergency situation.
When you purchase a new tent for camping, take it home and completely set the tent up before going on a camping trip. This will not only familiarize you with the process, it will allow you to ensure there are no missing pieces or defects. This will also eliminate some of the frustration associated with setting up a tent.
If you’ve brought the kids along, feed them a “jungle” breakfast. Bring several, small boxes of easy-to-fix foods, such as cereals, fruits, snacks, and other quick, yet healthy, meals. Once the kids are awake, they can go search for their food. It’s a great way to add a little magic to the camping experience.
Even if you are roughing it, your camping experience can be brightened by bringing along a small token piece of luxury. It could be something as simple as coffee or nice hand cream. These little things can make your day!
A bandanna or handkerchief should be brought along with you. You can use these as hand towels, cleanup towels, pot holders or anything you need cloth for. They are quite versatile, so be sure to bring one every time you go on a trip.
Make a list of your required camping gear and double check it while packing. Overlooking even a small thing can ruin an entire trip. Making a list and checking things off is a good way to remember everything. Some useful items are items to create a fire, your tent, tarp, a sleeping bag, water (and lots of it), soap, food that is already prepared, and a utility knife.
When it comes to camping, it is important to be prepared. Often times, even the best plans go awry. The weather may change all of a sudden, illness and injuries can occur, your circumstance can change, etc. Do what you can to prevent any accidents or illnesses and bring what you need to treat it if it does happen.
When camping alone or in the company of friends, always bring an emergency kit. What you include will depend on where you are going and when. For example, if you will be camping in a Southern state you should certainly carry anti-venom for the local wildlife that you may encounter.
Sleeping Bag
Bring the right sleeping bag for the weather you choose to sleep in. So bring a lighter sleeping bag for the hotter months out of the year, and a thicker one for the colder months out of the year. A good sleeping bag will cling to the human body and help it to retain as much body heat as possible.
Ensure that you have everything you need before you go out camping. You can not afford to forget an important item like your sleeping bag or your tent. Make a comprehensive checklist of all of the items you will need on your camping trip and double check items in your bags and car against the list to ensure that you do not forget anything.
As you have read, you can make camping something that everyone can really enjoy. The information above can turn even the biggest nature-hater into a lover through a camping trip. Mother Nature has a lot to offer, so get out there and enjoy it!
