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. If you’re looking for some helpful camping advice, all you need to do is read on. You will be thankful that you followed the advice from this article.
It is important to establish and set up your shelter before the sun goes down. Once darkness falls, it is very difficult to set up camp. Those that live in urban areas find this to be the case even more than those that are used to pitch black darkness. Avoid this hazard completely, by finding adequate shelter long before the sun goes down.
Be sure to bring a supply of oranges with you on your trip; they are both healthy and keep mosquitoes away. When you finish eating them, save all of your peels and rub them around your body to use as a natural insect repellent.
Bring a survival kit on the trip and keep it on your person all the time. In addition to your first aid kit, you need waterproof matches, a flare gun, water-purifying tablets and a knife. These are essential items for your survival if you ever get lost. Always carry this pack with you instead of leaving it at the campsite.
Choose a tent large enough for everyone that will be expected to use it. This will make it easy for you all to have a comfortable time sleeping, and moving around in the middle of the night when nature calls for people.
Duct tape is the cure-all for many mishaps in camping. It can help you out if something happens and your tent gets torn somehow. You can fix leaks on inflatable beds, tape up shoes, seal up any bug netting, and a lot more.
Keep a kerchief or bandanna close at hand. These can be used for several things, like drying your hands or holding a hot pot. Make this multi-use item a standard addition to your camping supplies.
Emergency Kit
While kids love camping, they need to have activities planned for them. When you are in the woods with nothing around but trees, they may become bored. They may not be used to thing like fishing and pitching a tent. Take the time to teach them these skills before the trip, especially if they don’t spend a great deal of time outdoors.
When camping alone or in the company of friends, always bring an emergency kit. This emergency kit changes depending on the place you go camping, but you have to be certain it has the basic tools. Take things for specific creatures as well, like antivenom.
Before you go camping in a new place, it is essential to have an understanding of what dangers are located there. There may be spiders or bears that could pose a threat to your safety. Every camping area has its dangers.
If you are new to camping, you should camp near your home. That way, if problems arise, you won’t be too far from help. You might realize you haven’t packed enough clothes or food. Many problems may occur for novice campers, so be sure to camp near home.
Kids love to camp, but make sure you plan activities for them. If you’re settled among the trees, they may become bored. Are they used to pitching tents and fishing? Teach them about these activities prior to leaving.
Take along things to do while you are in the wild. Playing cards, board games and fishing poles can make for lots of fun. If kids are coming along for the trip, take even more entertainment with you to keep them from getting bored without their electronics.
Always pack enough food and the right kind. If you are going to be camping for a considerable duration, you need to ensure that you have food than will not go bad. It could end up causing food poisoning and quickly end your trip. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain the highest level of preparation with your food.
Duct Tape
Don’t forget the duct tape. Just like around the home, it has many uses while camping. You can use it to repair a hole in an air mattress. Duct tape can also seal other rips, such as ripped tents or sleeping bags. Prior to heading off on a long nature hike, place some tape on your heels to avoid blistering. You can also use it to bandage injuries.
You need duct tape because it is a versatile, handy tool. Just like at home, its uses are nearly endless. It can be used to fix a hole in your air mattress. You could patch a hole or tear in your sleeping bag, tarp or tent. It can be used on feet to help fight off blisters during long hikes. Injuries can even be bandaged with it.
Make a list of your required camping gear and double check it while packing. Not planning properly can ruin a whole trip. Write a list in advance of what you are going to need, and then you can check each item off when it is packed. Your list should include a sleeping bag, tent, tarp, water, food, knife, soap, fire-starting items and more.
Sleeping Bag
When you are camping, choose flat, soft ground to pitch your tent on. Spots that are rocky, steep or wet mean an uncomfortable sleeping experience for you. Always lay down some tarp first to prevent any water damage to the tent.
Make sure your sleeping bag is appropriate for the location. Use a lightweight sleeping bag for hot weather and a heavy sleeping bag for cold weather. You want a sleeping bag that is close to your body and helps you retain your body heat if you plan to sleep in a tent.
Make sure to watch your children very closely. There are always cars arriving and leaving from campsites, and it is easy for little kids to get lost easily in wooded areas. It can take just one second for a child to get into danger, so supervise them at all times to be safe.
Try to keep your cell phone completely charged. You may also want to bring a couple of extra batteries in case one runs out. A cellphone can save your skin in bad situations, but only if it has a battery.
Now you know it is possible for everyone to enjoy camping. Taking what you have gained here, it is time to plan a camping trip everyone can enjoy. Get out and explore and enjoy the wonders that Mother Nature has provided you.
