Going off the trail can be very fun but you need to know how to handle yourself to be safe. These tips can help you have a successful camping trip.
It is important to establish and set up your shelter before the sun goes down. When night falls, making food, finding wood, and pitching your tent can be very difficult. This is very true if you’re used to being in a city where there isn’t any darkness ever. Avoid these circumstances by finding the right shelter while it is still light.
Sleeping Bag
All participants should have a say in where you go camping. Talk about which state to go to. The many options may make it difficult to settle on one. To aid in this decision, you may want to offer a few of those that you personally like the best and than let each family member vote.
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. On the flip side, bring a sleeping bag meant for summer camping will make you very cold during your winter camping trip. You might even contract hypothermia.
If you have a new tent, practice setting it up at home before your trip. That way, you can make sure you have everything you need to set up the tent, including knowledge of how to do it properly. A little practice can eliminate the frustration of setting up a new piece of camping equipment.
Include the family in the selection of the campsite. Talk about which state you would like to go to. There are many sites in the country to visit that are nearby and are very beneficial. To aid in this decision, you may want to offer a few of those that you personally like the best and than let each family member vote.
A first aid kit or survival kit is imperative for camping. Survival kits should contain waterproof matches, a survival knife, a first aid kit, a flare gun and water purifying tablets. If you were to get lost or were put in an emergency situation, the survival kit will be of great help. Your kit should not be left behind at the camp site, but should be carried with you wherever you go.
Take the tent into your yard and set it up before you go on your camping trip. That way, you can make sure you have everything you need to set up the tent, including knowledge of how to do it properly. You don’t want to waste time at your destination, so this will make you well prepared.
Even when you’re trying to get away from the luxuries of life, it can help to bring something nice on your camping trip. Bring along something lightweight and easy to carry, like a little bit of cream for your coffee or a candy bar. These things can help to keep you happy and make your trip more enjoyable.
If you’ve brought the kids along, feed them a “jungle” breakfast. Bring some packaged foods, beverage boxes and even fruits, then tie them to trees near the campsite. Let the kids go out hunt for their breakfast. This is a wonderful way to spice up the whole camping trip.
Your camp should be set up before the sun goes down. If you are traveling in an RV, park it in a well secured area. Locate a flat area of dry ground if you plan to pitch a tent. Knowing the area around your campsite before it gets dark adds to your camping safety. It is also easier for you to see what is happening, so you won’t feel so frustrated.
Combine your camping trip with some swimming. When you’re out camping, it’s really easy to miss your shower at home. By taking a dip in a pool, lake or river, you will have fun and feel clean and refreshed at the same time!
Anytime you are camping in a location that features hazardous animals, you must take extra care in terms of food storage. Take safety precautions, such as wrapping your items in many layers for protection. This will reduce your chances of being attacked.
Did you know that dryer lint can make great kindling to get a campfire started? Start collecting lint from the filter in your tumble dryer several weeks before your camping adventure. An easy way to remember to save up your lint is to keep a plastic bag near your dryer as a reminder. Your kindling will be easily accessible when you are leaving for your destination.
When it comes to camping, it is important to be prepared. Things can sometimes go awry, even when carefully planned. The weather may change all of a sudden, illness and injuries can occur, your circumstance can change, etc. You should not be careless, take unnecessary risks, or perform any action without considering the consequences.
Bring oranges. Not only are they nutritious, but the peels can be used for mosquito repellant. Use the discarded peels to rub your exposed skin, and the insects will stay away from you.
Bring the right sleeping bag for the weather you choose to sleep in. Lightweight sleeping bags tend to work better in warmer weather and heavyweight sleeping bags tend to work better in colder weather. Cold weather and winter camping means that you need a sleeping bag that contours your physique so that you can keep body heat during your sleep.
Duct Tape
If you are taking your kids camping with you, make sure you bring a photo of them along. If you lose them at some point, a picture will be very helpful to local authorities. Keep pictures of your children on you when ever you are far from home.
You need duct tape because it is a versatile, handy tool. Duct tape is very useful camping, the same as it is at home. You may need to patch up a punctured air mattress. It is also useful for taping up tears in tents, tarps or sleeping bags. Before embarking on an arduous hike, put it on each foot to stave off blisters. Injuries can even be bandaged with it.
Always be aware of where your camp is located. You have to figure out a spot that doesn’t have too many insects or problems with any animals. When staying near plants, use long sleeved shirts as well as pants; this avoids insect issues. A strong bug spray is also something you want on hand, especially if the vegetation is very thick.
When out in the wilds camping, it is smart to be prepared for just about anything. Often times, even the best plans go awry. The weather is something that can change suddenly, and that can make the environment become more dangerous. It’s important that you take care of everything, don’t take risks that you don’t need to, and think things through before doing them.
You should never leave your car or basecamp without a fully-charged cell phone. Even better, try bring along some spare batteries in case your phone’s battery runs out. A cell phone will be your best friend in the event of an emergency, so keep it charged and available.
Before heading out to go camping, compile a checklist of items that you plan to bring. It’s especially important to make a checklist if you will be traveling a distance to the campgrounds. Start packing a few days ahead of your trip, and tick items off as you pack them.
Camping can be a great experience or it can be a miserable one. Preparation can mean the difference between a good or a bad trip. You will probably enjoy your trip more if you’re prepared for all sorts of situations that may arise.
Know where your kids are at all times. There are many people coming and going all of the time and you do not want them to get kidnapped or lost. Something could happen very quickly, so if you keep an eye on your kids, your supervision will help keep them safe.
While it may sound obvious, don’t forget to pack the toilet paper when you head out for a camping trip. Many camping trips involve trees as toilets. To keep from having to use potentially dangerous leaves, you need to have toilet paper on hand.
If you’re planning on camping, you need to remember to pack energy food like 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. Even if you don’t eat them, these are non-perishable snacks that have a long shelf life.
How will you prepare your food at the campsite? Knowing how you will prepare your food is essential for a smooth camping trip. Cooking over an open fire requires different supplies than cooking on a grill. Without the right items, preparing food over the open flame can be difficult.
Always make sure your mobile phone battery is fully charged. Another good idea is to keep an additional battery available. The cellular phone can be a lifesaver, so it is important to ensure its viability throughout your journey.
Plan out some activities to keep the trip interesting the entire time. You do not need to stick to just sitting around a campfire and roasting marshmallows. Use your creativity and plan activities that all family members can enjoy. Think about the ages of your children when making plans.
Always bring a roll or two of duct tape along when you camp. You might have a nice tent, but tears can still happen. Your tent can easily be repaired with some duct tape, which will keep you nice and dry in your damaged tent.
A used shower curtain can double as a cheap tarp to place on the ground before you set up your tent. Additionally, you can use it as a place to cook or wash up. Instead of just sending your shower curtain to the trash, you can save it for another use when you go camping.
Clean out your campsite before you leave to go back home. Get some trash bags and clean up your mess. Do not leave food there, either. One big camping rule is that only your footprints should remain when you go home.
You should bring toilet paper and baby wipes on every camping trip. You could certainly use leaves, but that is an unnecessary inconvenience as long as you plan in advance.
Improper food packing leads to food poisoning in many campers each year. Any food that is not canned, preserved, or vacuum sealed is at risk of spoiling or causing food poisoning. Bring a lot of ice in order to keep perishables fresh. Keep the drain open so your food does not end up in a pool of water.
If your trip is going to pull you down to a nearby stream, lake, or moving river, handle your “business” downstream; no one wants that to float by their fishing pole! This will keep any contaminants from flowing through your campsite. Also, your lavatory area should be 100 yards or more away from your campsite.
Camping outdoors is one of the best experiences in life. Forewarned is forearmed, and this will ensure that your next camping adventure is more fun and less worry.
Take some activities that can be enjoyed indoors. Be ready for bad weather while you’re out in the woods. You may have to spend a lot of time indoors should it rain. Rain does not have to ruin your trip. Bringing games or developing activities with your friends and family can help to improve the quality of your trip.
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