If you have never camped, you don’t know how great it can be. Camping is a time to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. If your lack of camping knowledge has held you back in the past, the advice that follows may change all of that.
When you purchase a new tent for camping, take it home and completely set the tent up before going on a camping trip. That way, you won’t be missing any pieces, and you’ll be able to set it up correctly the first time. It also helps with the frustration of putting a tent up.
You might think that you can find all of the wood that you need to keep the fire going, but there is a good chance that the wood will be wet. It’s always prudent to bring wood that you have gathered beforehand, and to store it in a location where it will stay dry.
Set up a “jungle breakfast” when you are camping with your kids. To do this, tie cereal and juice boxes to trees so that your kids have to hunt for their breakfest. When they wake up, they’ll have to search the “jungle” for breakfast. This will add some adventure and fun to their day.
When you buy a new tent, set it up completely at home before you take it camping. This will allow you to get the experience needed for erecting your tent. You will find your frustration level diminishes greatly as well.
Try using dryer lint to help you start your campfire. Several weeks prior to your trip, start gathering up everything that collects in your lint trap. To make it easy to collect dryer lint, simply hang a bag next to the dryer and fill with your lint. Just grab your bag of dryer lint and go on camping day.
Don’t worry about over-packing for the kids. Camping can be messy. Your kids may love playing around in the grass and dirt. Therefore, you will need to understand that a clean trip is probably out of the question. Know that you must accept that fact, but have a change of clothing for them so they can be comfortable. Stay ahead of the game!
It is vital that you take a first-aid kit with you anytime that you go camping. What you include will depend on where you are going and when. Some extra things,like antivenom should be included for specific types of wildlife as well.
Make sure that the tent you take camping has enough space for everyone you are taking along. This will ensure you are able to comfortably move around without disturbing people you are sharing your tent with.
Double check that you have all of your necessary equipment prior to your camping trip. It would be horrible to forget something important like the tent or camp mat. Have a checklist of the items you need before you leave lest something be left behind.
Check weather reports in the area you plan to camp in. There are countless websites that contain information about what sort of weather you should expect at the area you are going camping at. Armed with the proper facts, you will know that to expect and what to pack.
Talk with your children about the dangers associated with camping before you leave home. Get online with them and show them what poison ivy, poisonous snakes, and other dangers look like. This will help your kids know what to avoid when exploring.
When camping alone or in the company of friends, always bring an emergency kit. 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. If you think there will be snakes, you might want to include antivenom.
You should always have some duct tape along on any camping adventure. It is versatile at camp, just like at home. You can slap a piece of it on a leaking air mattress. You can close up rips and tears, and bundle things together. Duct tape on your feet can be used to prevent blisters on a long hike. You can even use it to hold on a makeshift bandage.
There are many items in terms of camping equipment that you should bring on your trip. You can not afford to forget an important item like your sleeping bag or your tent. Make a comprehensive checklist of all of the items you will need on your camping trip and double check items in your bags and car against the list to ensure that you do not forget anything.
While camping’s purpose is to survive off the fat of the land, it is still important to prepare yourself. While a sleeping bag is obvious, it is still a good idea to bring extra blankets. They can be very handy when the evening temperatures drop. If not needed for warmth, they can be extra padding from the solid ground beneath.
Pack plenty of food of the proper variety. Take a decent amount of food that won’t spoil when you go camping. Food poisoning is a great way to make a good trip go bad. Know what you’re doing when it comes to food safety and take the proper precautions.
Are you a first time camper who has just bought your very first sleeping tent? If you are, practice setting up your tent before you go camping. This will give you the confidence to pitch your tent at any time. Doing this will help you pitch your tent quickly, just in case you get to your campsite when it starts to get dark.
When you find your camping spot, put the tent up on top of the patch of ground that is flattest and softest. If you pick out a sloped or a rocky spot it can make sleeping and hanging out in the tent very uncomfortable. Always lay down some tarp first to prevent any water damage to the tent.
Plan for every situation that you can think of before packing for your trip. Make sure you have put a little thought into things in case the unexpected does occur. The weather could turn sour, injuries could occur or other unforeseen events may happen. Do what you can to prevent any accidents or illnesses and bring what you need to treat it if it does happen.
Prior to your camping trip, create a list of all the equipment and personal items you need to take. This can be of particular importance if you are traveling a long distance and will be in more remote locations. Pack your bags at least a day or more ahead of time, and keep a list to check off your items.
Make sure you always know where your children are. There are many dangers associated with camping, from campers entering and leaving the campground to children getting lost. It doesn’t take more than a minute for something unexpected to happen.
Orange Peel
You should always bring a spare utility knife when camping. This knife is a must-have for campers, and you should have a spare in case something happens to the first one.
Pesky mosquito bites can be avoided with an orange peel. Don’t worry if the insect repellant was left behind on the kitchen counter. Authorities recommend rubbing the interior of an orange peel over exposed skin. This can help for many hours.
It is wise to leave a cell phone fully charged somewhere where you can reach it. You should also seriously consider bringing a spare battery for your cell phone in case the main battery dies. A cell phone is valuable in case of emergency, so verify that it is usable.
A wonderful tip for camping is to take extra utility knives. An utility knife is the most versatile tool you’ll have as a camper, and bring another one if you should lose the other.
You should be sure you have survival and first aid kits. These are things that can make a big difference when things go wrong so you don’t have to abort your trip early. This allows you to help someone should they become injured.
You should never leave your car or basecamp without a fully-charged cell phone. Even better, tote an extra battery in case your first one dies. A cell phone is perhaps the most useful item of emergency equipment that you can carry with you, but you do need to ensure that it does not run out of juice.
You next camping trip can turn out to be a weekend full of relaxation or it can be a nightmare. Preparation can be the factor that determines how your trip turns out. If you prepare for different scenarios, you’re more likely to have an enjoyable trip.
Make sure you know how to use a compass and map before you go camping. Even if you are familiar with your intended campsite, you could still get lost because many areas look the same. You can prevent disaster by knowing how to use these lifesaving items.
While creating a survival kit, include waterproof matches. Always store your matches in a container or packaging that is airtight. You can make regular matches waterproof by dipping them into either paraffin or nail polish. A great container for storage is a film canister. A plastic medicine bottle also works.
Food poisoning is important to avoid when going on a camping trip. Any food that is not canned, preserved, or vacuum sealed is at risk of spoiling or causing food poisoning. 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.
Seal the seams on your tent when you’re putting it up. You can purchase tubes of sealant at a sporting goods store, or your tent may have included some. Sealant keeps both insects and rain out of your tent.
While it may sound obvious, don’t forget to pack the toilet paper when you head out for a camping trip. If there are no restrooms in your camp area, you must go in the woods. Without toilet paper, your only option is to use a few leaves to wipe. This is not pleasant and might even contain poison ivy or poison oak.
Many people who are new to camping think that erecting a tent next to the campsite’s communal bathrooms is a good idea. Although the location is convenient, there are many downfalls to this location. Light and high traffic are usually found around the bathroom area. Therefore they can be more of a nuisance than anything else.
Now that you have good information, you can plan your camping trip. Just be sure to go prepared, use the tips you’ve learned and act cautiously in the woods. You can have the adventure of a lifetime, whether you are going out of state or staying nearby.
Snake proof your campsite if snakes live where you are camping. Refrain from camping near thick bushes and woodpiles, where snakes may reside. Always check camping gear before putting it on; perhaps a snake has made it home. Pack the area around your tent with sand so a snake can’t get in while you are sleeping.
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