So, are you thinking of taking a camping trip? Are you prepared for even the most simple aspects of camping? Though common sense can cover most of these situations, it never hurts to do some homework to ensure that you cover your bases. The information below will help you to plan.
Always seek shelter before it is too dark to assess your surroundings. 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 particularly true for anyone accustomed to city living and unfamiliar with pitch dark woods. Don’t get into this situation, look for proper shelter before you get to this point.
Let those you are camping with help pick the site. Talk about where you want to camp. The options are plenty, so do your research! Narrow down your top choices and let your entire family decide.
Sleeping Bag
Pick a type of sleeping bag that happens to be appropriate for the season. If you take a sub-zero bag camping in the middle of summer, you will probably sweat all night, or even overheat. And if you taking a sleeping bag that is light-weight, you are going to freeze. Hypothermia can be experienced, as well.
Camping is a lot of fun, but it can be dangerous; the difference between the two is preparation. Always be well prepared prior to leaving on your camping trip. Find out about the weather, the wildlife and the terrain of any location that you have not been to before.
Be sure that you have a big enough tent for everyone that’s going to need it for shelter at night. This will ensure you are able to comfortably move around without disturbing people you are sharing your tent with.
Make sure you know what the weather will be before going on your trip. There are dozens of websites that can tell you about local climates. When you have some idea of how the weather will behavior while you are camping, you can pack appropriate clothing and equipment.
Be sure your insurance policy is up-to-date before leaving for your camping trip. You may need to purchase additional coverage if you will be camping in another state. 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!
Duct tape is a valuable item to carry for many different situations. It is great for patching your tent, repairing your shoes, fixing your insect netting and various other tasks.
Find soft, flat ground for your tent and make sure to stick your flag in that soil before the other guy! If you choose an uneven area, being in your tent will be uncomfortable and unenjoyable. Also, put a tarp down on your site to repel water in the best fashion.
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.
If you go out camping with kids, have a photo of them on hand. In the unfortunate event of an accident, this will help you have some form of identification for seeking assistance. Be sure that you have one on hand if you are far from home so that you are fully prepared.
When planning for a camping trip, make sure you bring beef jerky and trail mix. 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. Because these items will last a while, you don’t have to eat them right away if you don’t want to.
Buy some camping pillows. Don’t bring the pillows you use in your bedroom. These pillows can trap heat during humid weather. Those big pillows can also mildew, because they absorbs moisture. Camping pillows, on the other hand, possess a protective coating that prevents that from happening.
Every camper should possess a basic utility knife. Utility knives are the most diverse tools you can carry, so be sure to carry an additional one just in case it gets lost.
It is wise to leave a cell phone fully charged somewhere where you can reach it. The best idea is to bring a couple of extra batteries to maintain your phone. Your phone could be the most important equipment you have in an emergency.
Take care to pack sufficient, non-perishable foods. You don’t want to bring a lot of food that will easily spoil. Food poisoning can ruin your trip in no time. Properly prepare food and take any necessary precautions.
Figure out how to read maps and use a compass before your camping trips. If you have visited the campsite before, you can still get lost once you arrive. This skill can potentially save your life.
When preparing your survival kit for your camping trip, pack some waterproof matches. Always store your matches in a container or packaging that is airtight. Make some average matches waterproof by simply dipping them in nail polish or paraffin. Your canister for storing them could be a plastic medicine bottle or an old film-roll container.
Should you decide to bring your dog, pack a long leash and prepare everyone to keep careful watch on the pet. Many people fear dogs. It’s important to think of other people when you’re out there camping. Also, because it is a new territory, dogs can get into trouble and cause damage to the site if not supervised.
When erecting your tent, ensure that all of the tent’s seams are sealed. If sealant was not included in your tent, visit your local sporting goods store to purchase some. This helps to keep animals, insects and rainwater out so you stay comfortable.
Improper food packing leads to food poisoning in many campers each year. If the food that you pack for camping is not canned, vacuum sealed or preserved, you exposing yourself to the possibility of experiencing food poisoning from eating spoiled food. Make sure food and drinks stay at a safe temperature by using enough ice. Most coolers have a plug that you can open, this drains the excess water, so your food won’t get wet.
When you are camping around dangerous creatures, you have to be even safer regarding food. These precautions include tightly wrapping your foods and storing them away from your tent. You also have to just forgo certain foods entirely. This can prevent an attack.
Now that you’ve gone over this article, it should be understood that camping takes some planning before it can be done. While camping isn’t a fancy activity, it still requires preparation. The information given here can help you have a memorable trip!
