With popular reality programming focused on the outdoors, it is no wonder that we are seeing a resurgence of interest in camping. If camping is something that you have been considering for some time, but you are not sure where to begin, you can find the information you need in the article below.
While you may think that nature will offer up enough wood to keep your fire embers burning, it could quite possibly be wet wood that doesn’t really want to burn. Bring along some dry wood and store it where it remain dry.
Be certain that your tent has enough space for both yourself and whoever else comes with you. This will allow everyone in your tent to be comfortable at night and to easily get up if they need to use the bathroom.
Be prepared to get dirty. If you prepare yourself for this ahead of time, it won’t stress you out as much when it happens. Enjoy hanging out in the wilderness and don’t worry too much about getting messy. You can clean up when you get back home.
Take a first-aid class, especially if children are camping with you. If an accident occurs, you’ll need to know what you need to better the situation until you can receive medical attention. Make sure to do your research. Be sure you are aware whether there are any snakes or spiders that are poisonous and what kind of critters are out there in the area.
When purchasing a brand new tent, put it together once at home before going on your camping trip. It will help you make sure that all of the parts are included and learn how to set it up right. Also, this can help to reduce the difficulty that you have when out in the wilderness.
An emergency kit is a very important component to have while camping. What you include will depend on where you are going and when. Species specific antivenom should be packed to protect against animal bites.
Pack and carry a survival kit on your person for the entire trip. A first aid kit, matches in a water tight container, a good knife, flares and tablet to purify water are some essentials to include. This kit may keep you alive if you are lost and these items are indispensable for a survival situation. Always keep it nearby and never leave it behind at the campsite.
Try to get your camp fully set up by nightfall. If you’re driving an RV, find a safe parking spot. Locate a flat area of dry ground if you plan to pitch a tent. If you do that before it gets dark, you can get a good look at your immediate surroundings. Since you will know what you are doing, you’ll prevent frustration.
Check the weather updates for the camping site that you choose to go to. You can find the average weather during a season for almost any location online. This information can help you better prepare for severe weather conditions.
If your intended camping destination is known for its prowling wildlife, take more than enough precautions to secure 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 will reduce your chances of being attacked.
Camping can be incredibly fun or incredibly dangerous depending on just one factor: preparation. Prepare fully before going on a camping trip. If you are camping in a new location, research the local wildlife, geography and the climate before leaving home.
A checklist is essential before embarking on any camping journey. This can be of particular importance if you are traveling a long distance and will be in more remote locations. Pack a day or two before going camping, and check off things on your list as you go along.
Set your campsite, tent and sleeping bags up before it gets dark. If you are in an RV, park it safely. If you are in a tent, you need to find some flat, high ground. If you do it before nighttime, it is easier to get familiar with the area. It is also easier for you to see what is happening, so you won’t feel so frustrated.
Utility Knife
Buy special camping pillows instead of using your standard ones. Regular bed pillows will feel hot and sticky during humid weather. Standard pillows will take in moisture and could mold or mildew. Pillows specifically designed for camping will not draw in wetness like regular pillows will.
Make sure to carry a utility knife with you when you are camping. The versatility of a utility knife makes it priceless when you are out camping. Bring one to slip into your pocket and throw a backup knife into your bag. You never know when your utility knife will come in handy!
Make sure you have all the gear you need before you leave your driveway. You can not afford to forget an important item like your sleeping bag or your tent. In order to ensure that this does not happen, make a checklist before you head out and cross off the items as you pack them.
Make sure that you never go camping without duct tape. Although tents tend to be more durable nowadays, they may still get torn. Having some duct tape can help you repair many things that unexpectedly tear or break.
Learn about any dangers that may exist at your campsite before heading out on the highway. You should know if there are deadly spiders found there, or if sheer cliffs or flash floods occur there. Every camping spot has a few dangers to be aware of.
It is important in tent building to close any and all seams on the tent. If sealant was not included in your tent, visit your local sporting goods store to purchase some. This can keep rainwater, insects and animals from invading your tent.
Duct tape is a handy item to include in your camping gear. Just like at home, its uses are nearly endless. This can be used to close up any issues with your air mattress, which can save you money. You could patch a hole or tear in your sleeping bag, tarp or tent. You can even put some under your feet before long hikes so that you don’t get blisters. In a pinch, it can even substitute as a bandage.
At the end of your camping trip, make sure your camping site is clean. You’ll need some trash bags to clean up everything. Get rid of things like trash and leftover food. The only thing you want left are your footprints when you are gone.
If this your first time going on a camping trip? Practice setting up and taking down your tent before your trip. This way, you will know the things you need to put your tent up. This will also speed up your ability to pitch a tent and keep you safe if nighttime is approaching when you’re ready to camp.
While it may seem silly, make sure that you pack some toilet paper before you go camping. If you are going camping in a place that has no toilets, it will be necessary for you to use the bathroom outside. Rather than using leaves as a substitute, just bring your own toilet paper.
Write down a list of all the essentials that are required before embarking on your trip. This is imperative when there is travel involved during your camping trip. Start packing a few days ahead of your trip, and tick items off as you pack them.
Sleeping Bag
Bring the right sleeping bag for the weather you choose to sleep in. If you are camping in a colder climate, purchase a heavyweight sleeping bag; people who camp in warm weather should use a lightweight sleeping bag. A good sleeping bag will cling to the human body and help it to retain as much body heat as possible.
Always make sure that your sleeping bag is light enough or heavy enough for the season you will be using it in. For instance, if it is summer, you are going to want a lighter bag so that you stay as cool as possible. When it’s cold, you need to have a sleeping bag that will handle sub zero temperatures.
A utility knife is one of the most useful camping tools. Utility knives have a variety of potential uses, so bring along an extra in your pack in case you drop or otherwise lose the knife you carry on your person.
Always follow safety guidelines during your camping trip. In other words, stay away from wild animals, large or small. You may be surprised at just how dangerous little critters can be. And, unless you’re in Jellystone Park, don’t feed any bears!
You must have a first aid box as well as a distinct survival kit. Without such kits, you may have to end your camping trip early if an unfortunate incident occurs. You may be able to keep an emergency from going from bad to worse.
Food safety is very important while you are camping. Make sure your food stays dry and safe by using airtight bags and waterproof containers. Insulated coolers are best for keeping food. Keep your raw food away from cooked foods. Before you handle your food, clean your hands properly with soap or other sanitizers, and clean the food prep surfaces. Chill foods in a prompt manner and cook your foods to proper temperatures.
Pack your food properly to avoid food poisoning. If food is not properly vacuum-sealed, canned, or preserved, you risk getting sick from spoiled food. Pack numerous ice packs to keep perishable foods chilled and do not forget to pull your cooler’s drain plug so that food products do not get soaked.
When you are camping, clothing layers are ideal. Weather can change on a dime. Even if it is chilling in the morning, it may end up steaming hot in the afternoon. Evenings a lot of times get a little chilly It is best to bring all types of clothing so that no matter what the weather is, you will be prepared.
Though it might seem like a no-brainer, do not forget your toilet paper. If there are no toilets at your destination, you will need to use nature as a bathroom. You definitely don’t want to depend on leaves for cleaning yourself, because they could have been in contact with poison ivy.
As you must now realize, there are many variables to consider when planning a camping trip. It’s important to be prepared. With a grasp of what you can expect, your focus can be on having a great time.
Follow the right procedures for safety when you go camping. This includes avoiding interaction with any wildlife. Small animals such as squirrels and possums can prove more menacing than their diminutive sizes suggest. Obviously, you should never try to feed a bear, should you encounter one.
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