Are you getting the familiar urge to hit the road for a trip to the nearest campground? You must properly plan your trip, even if you spend one day or a week in the outdoors. The tips below are great for maximizing any camping journey.
You are going camping outdoors, so expect that you will all be getting dirty. If you prepare yourself for this ahead of time, it won’t stress you out as much 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.
Make sure your sleeping bag is right for the weather. If you bring a sub-zero sleeping bag to go camping in mid-summer, you might find that you are sweating all night long. If you use a lightweight sleeping bag during the winter, you can spend your night shivering if it’s cold outside. You might develop hypothermia.
Have everyone give their opinion on where you should camp. Engage in conversation about what state and location they would like to visit. Since the are so many great options to choose from across the U.S., it might be hard to select only one! Try to select a short-list and then put it to a family vote.
Always pack enough for your kids. Camping is messy business. Dirt and dust are like magnets for children. As a result, they are going to be seriously messy by the end of each day. Be sure to pack some extra clothes for your kids in case this happens. Don’t be caught without something you need!
Take the tent into your yard and set it up before you go on your camping trip. By doing this you will be able to make sure that your tent does not have any missing parts. Furthermore, such a task will help to reassure you that you know how to errect your camping tent properly. It’s a great way to avoid the frustration of having to set up a tent on site.
Consider taking a CPR and first aid class. This is especially important if young children are traveling with you. You will have all of the medical knowledge you will need in case of an accident. Be sure to research the area you are visiting. 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.
Double-check any medical insurance. If you go camping out of state, you may need to have coverage where you go. This can be even more important if you’re leaving to another country when you are camping, such as Canada. Be sure you’re prepared to be on the safe side!
Check over your medical insurance before going on a camping trip. If you are going camping out of state, you may have to add an additional policy for full coverage. This can be especially important if you leave the country on your trip, such as camping across the border in Canada. It is important to always be prepared.
Purchase some pillows that are made for camping prior to going on your trip. Regular house pillows will become sticky and uncomfortable when exposed to humidity. The moisture in the air can also cause mildew. Camping pillows, on the other hand, possess a protective coating that prevents that from happening.
Combine your camping trip with some swimming. Camping can make you miss your shower. The cool water at a beach or pool will help you feel clean and refreshed.
Try to schedule activities for your children such as board games or card games. Being in the woods can be boring for them as time goes on. They may not be familiar with things like fishing, putting up a tent or otherwise roughing it. Expose them to these activities prior to embarking on your trip.
Create a proper emergency kit if you plan to go camping. There are certain things you’ll need to include at certain locations (i.e. a snake bite kit.) However, there some basics you should always have with you. You should bring things like a flare and antivenom as well, you never know what might happen.
Bring some duct tape on your camping trip. Just like at home, its uses are nearly endless. Duct tape can be used to repair anything. You can also seal holes in sleeping bags or tents. If you are going on a long hike, you can put it on the sensitive parts of your feet for blister prevention. If anyone hurts themselves, it can be used for securing splints or for covering wounds, provided something soft is placed between the tape and skin.
Sleeping Bag
Find soft, flat ground for your tent and make sure to stick your flag in that soil before the other guy! An area that is sloped or rugged won’t make for the best place to put your tent. A tarp should be laid on the ground before the tent is set up to keep moisture out.
Bring the right sleeping bag for the weather you choose to sleep in. Sleeping bags made of lightweight material are optimal for warmer climates. By contrast, you should invest in a heavy sleeping bag if you plan to camp in a cold area. 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.
Never let your kids roam out of your sight. There are many people coming and going all of the time and you do not want them to get kidnapped or lost. It takes just a second and something can happen; therefore be certain you always give kids the proper supervision.
Be very aware of the place where you have decided to set up. Areas with insect nests and breeding grounds should always be avoided when setting up. If you’re near lots of vegetation, you should wear long sleeves and pants to protect your skin from insects. Also, carry insect repellent.
Your survival kit should include waterproof matches. Store them in a container that is both airtight and watertight. If you do not have waterproof matches, you can quickly convert regular matches by dipping them in either nail polish or paraffin wax. You can make a carrying case for matches by putting them in a film canister or a small plastic medicine bottle.
Trail mix and beef jerky are a couple great things to bring along on a camping trip. When the day ends, you may feel so tired you aren’t in the mood for cooking. Nutrient-rich treats like beef jerky and trail mix will help satisfy your hunger. These foods are non-perishable; if you do not use them, you can simply bring them home.
When setting up a tent, ensure that the seams are all sealed. If your tent kit did not contain a tube of sealant, it can be found at most sporting stores. This helps to keep animals, insects and rainwater out so you stay comfortable.
Cell Phone
Clean your campsite when you finish camping. Get some trash bags and clean up your mess. Dispose of any left over food as well as your trash. A basic camping rule of thumb is to only leave your footprints behind.
Try to keep your cell phone completely charged. If that’s not an option, bring an extra battery. Your cell phone is the best piece of emergency equipment you have so make sure it doesn’t die on you.
Whenever you’re choosing a sleeping bag, pick one out that’s for the climate you’re in. For example, in the summertime, a lighter bag will keep you cool. However, you’ll need a heavyweight sleeping bag to keep you warm at night.
You must have a first aid box as well as a distinct survival kit. These essential items can make all the difference between a ruined or shortened trip and being able to handle an unforeseen complication. Also, you can prevent dire situations and help you to get a sick person some help.
Lots of camping novices set up their camp beside the rest area. They have convenience in mind, but might find out the situation is different than they thought. Communal campsite bathrooms are a constant source of light, noise and unpleasant smells. Therefore, camping is not as comfortable and convenient as expected.
Make sure that you never go camping without duct tape. Tents are usually more durable than they used to be, but they can still get torn. The right strip of duct tape can mean sleeping dry at night after your tent has suffered damage during a day that was more exciting that you wanted.
Make sure to plan fun things to do from your trip’s start to its finish. There are many things to do other than roasting marshmallows and sitting by the campfire. Have some creativity and plan ahead for things that every member of your family finds entertaining. Don’t forget activities for children of different ages.
Before setting out on your camping adventure, make sure you can read a map and a compass. Even if you’ve been to your campsite before, getting lost one time can still happen since many areas will looks the same. You can prevent disaster by knowing how to use these lifesaving items.
Shower curtains make a great replacement for a tent tarp; keeping you dry and for a fairly cheap price. You can also use it as a way to control run-off as you are washing or cooking. Instead of getting rid of an old shower curtain, use it for your next camping trip.
While it may sound obvious, don’t forget to pack the toilet paper when you head out for a camping trip. If you take care of business in the woods, toilet paper is imperative to have. Avoid using leaves to wipe, as you may not be able to recognize poisonous plants such as poison ivy.
Always bring along your first aid kit. This should have all the necessary materials in case someone has an accident. The best way to ensure that you are prepared is to bring along both a first aid kit and a snake bite kit to ensure that you are prepared for any injury. Accidents can occur, so safety is utterly important.
Plan your whole entire trip and add some fun activities for the whole family. There is more to camping than roasting marshmallows over a campfire. Think about enjoyable activities for all family members. Consider the interests of the kids when you plan your activities.
If you’re going camping, you absolutely must pack lots of sunscreen. It is important that you protect yourself from the sun. Make sure to get a sunscreen with a high SPF and put it on regularly. Ideally, you may want to look for a sunscreen that provides protection from bugs at the same time. You certainly don’t want to be smothered in stinky, irritating chemicals while meandering about in the woods.
There are many ways that you can prepare for camping in the wildnerness. Spend one night in your own backyard in a tent. Do not let yourself enter the house at all. If you like this, you’ll like camping!
Make fire safety your top priority while camping. Know how to build a fire ring to keep your campfire safely contained. Always have water available to extinguish fires if they start to get out of control or become larger than you meant them to be. You should have water in pails for dousing fires. Never leave a fire unattended, and be prepared to stop a fire that gets out of hand.
First aid kits are crucial for camping. Such a kit should contain everything that one could need in the event of an accident. High quality bandages, emergency supplies in case of a snake bite, dressings for a wound, aspirin and anticeptic should all be included in your kit. You must be prepared for any type of accident or illness that could occur while camping.
Some of the most essential items needed for camping are flashlights with extra batteries, matches for your campfire, and any essential toiletries. Going to the toilet without light can be a little daunting so a flashlight or lantern is a must. A hat can shield you from the sun and hide wild hair, while toiletries can help you stay clean during your trip.
The information in the article above is just what you need to start planning a great camping trip. You should have figured it out that you need to do equal amounts of planning no matter how long the trip is. Get start now, and you will be very glad that you did.
Make sure to take a change of clothes and some extra food on a camping trip. It is always better to have extra clothing and food in case of emergency. In the event weather damages your food supplies, or you are trapped in the forest for an additional evening, preparations can make all the difference.
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