You’re missing out on a lot if you haven’t been camping. Sleeping and waking up to nature is one of the most relaxing things imaginable. If your lack of camping knowledge has held you back in the past, the advice that follows may change all of that.
Make sure that you know how to set up your tent before going on your trip. That will help you make sure your tent has all the pieces and you know how to properly set it up. It’s a great way to avoid the frustration of having to set up a tent on site.
Sleeping Bag
You can easily start campfires using dryer lint as a starter material. Collect the lint in your dryer and store it in a bag a few weeks before you go camping to prepare for this. You can hang a bag next to the dryer and just stuff your lint into it. The morning of your departure, all you need to do is grab the bag and depart, kindling sorted!
Select the right sleeping bag for the season. Don’t take a heavy sleeping bag out in the summer, it could make you sweat and be uncomfortable all night long. On the other hand, if you pack a lighter summer bag during cold weather camping, you are going to not get any rest. You could even develop hypothermia or frostbite if it’s very cold.
Oranges can be used as a food source and a way to repel mosquitoes while you camp. When you get through eating an orange, rub the peel on exposed skin to keep pesky bugs away.
Although you might assume the woods will offer you plenty of firewood for your camping needs, nature may surprise you with rain-soaked logs or wood that will not easily ignite. Bring along some dry wood and store it where it remain dry.
Buy some camping pillows. Make sure that you bring camping pillows that do not absorb moisture. They can mildew quickly after absorbing moisture. Camping pillows use a coating to lock moisture out to improve your comfort level.
When you’re getting a brand new tent for your camping trip, take it out and set it up at home before you go camping. This will ensure that your tent is not missing pieces and that you understand how to set up your tent correctly. This will also allow you to feel more comfortable about setting up the tent later.
It is important that you remember all the camping gear when going on a trip. It would be horrible to forget something important like the tent or camp mat. Make sure you check for the items you need, and create a list before leaving to be certain you have everything you want.
Make sure that you know basic first aid before you go out on a camping trip. If something unexpected comes up, you will be ready to handle it. Also remember to research other dangers near your camping location. Find out if the area has poisonous snakes, what type of wildlife lives in the woods, etc.
Always bring ample food, and make sure you bring the right types. Depending on the length of your stay, you will want food that is not very perishable. Food poisoning is a great way to make a good trip go bad. Cook and store your food properly during the trip to avoid food poisoning.
Duct Tape
If you bring your dog with you on your trip, make sure they are on a leash and that you watch them carefully. There are those who fear dogs. Respecting your fellow campers is essential when camping. Also, because it is a new territory, dogs can get into trouble and cause damage to the site if not supervised.
Pack the duct tape. Duct tape is good for so many things. It works quickly in a pinch for tent holes, inflatables with leaks, shoes with worn soles, securing the tent to its pole, sealing up your mosquito netting and many, many more things.
Write down a list of your necessary items before heading out on a camping excursion. This is particularly helpful if you have to travel quite far to get where you are going. To ensure that everything gets packed, mark each item off the list as you pack it.
Children love camping, but be sure that you provide them with activities. Your kids may start to get bored when you are out in the woods. They probably aren’t used to camping activities such as pitching a tent or fishing. Get them used to it prior to leaving on the trip.
Pack extra flashlights and plenty of batteries for your camping trip. There are going to be moments when you must clearly see certain items when it gets dark. You can prevent accidents, such as falling or coming face-to-face with wild animals, if you have enough light available. You may want to get each child a flashlight of his or her own if you’re taking kids on your camping trip.
Talk to your kids about common dangers before taking them on a camping trip. It only takes a few minutes of going online to look at photos of plants they should avoid, such as poison ivy or other such things, to make sure your camping venture is free from common mishaps.
Be aware of the location of your campsite. Don’t set up camp near wasps or other insect homes. Make sure that everyone wears long sleeved clothing if you camp near abundant vegetation, to minimize poison and insect issues. You might also want to carry bug repellent too.
When it comes to camping, anything can happen and it’s important to always be prepared. While it is vital to come up with a plan, sometimes things happen that were not in your plans. The weather may change all of a sudden, illness and injuries can occur, your circumstance can change, etc. Do not be careless, because this can get in the way of you having fun.
Duct tape is an important piece of camping equipment. Tents are generally well-made nowadays, but rips and tears do happen. A little duct tape can means you can still sleep dry through a rainy night.
Find the most level, rock-free ground possible to set up your tent on. Pitching your tent on bumpy, rocky ground or on a slope won’t make for a very comfortable night’s sleep. Always put down a tarp in order to stop water from getting into your tent.
It is important in tent building to close any and all seams on the tent. If your tent kit did not contain a tube of sealant, it can be found at most sporting stores. By sealing the seams on your tent, you will keep out rainwater and any small critter that might want to join your tenting party.
It’s a great idea to go to your main camp when you have a cell phone that you’ve fully charged. You might want to bring an extra battery as well just in case your original runs low. A cellphone is a great way to get in touch with someone in case of an emergency so be sure yours isn’t going to die.
Improper food packing leads to food poisoning in many campers each year. Food that has not been preserved, vacuum sealed or canned can spoil and give you food poisoning. Make sure there is plenty of ice in the cooler for perishables, and do not fail to drain the cooler regularly to prevent soaking the food.
Be sure to create your shelter before it gets dark. Tent building in the dark is a major obstacle to confront. You will have to have a flashlight or create a fire. Making the effort to do the work before the sun goes down will make for a more enjoyable trip.
It may seem trivial to remind you of this, but do not forget to bring toilet paper along when you pack. If your campgrounds or location doesn’t have a properly installed restroom, you will need to go outdoors in the woods. Leaves are not something you want to wipe with, since you can get poison ivy and a host of other issues. Pack toilet paper.
Having a roll of grey duct tape is a good idea when camping. You might have a nice tent, but tears can still happen. A few strips of this durable tape can keep you dry and cozy at night if your tent is damaged during the day.
Camping novices often erroneously decide to camp close to the restrooms. While this might be convenient, you’ll soon find out differently. Bathrooms attract many people and also end up lit up at night. Thus, campers will find that they are greatly inconvenienced by their proximity to the restrooms.
Ensure that your food is safe while camping. Keep food in waterproof containers of airtight bags. Also, use insulated coolers. Make sure that raw or cooked meat is not stored in the same containers as other foods. Always wash your hands, cutting boards and preparation surfaces to optimize safety and keep yourself from getting food poisoning. Cook all your food thoroughly and chill leftovers quickly.
Always bring along your first aid kit. This should have all the necessary materials in case someone has an accident. First aid supplies to consider include dressings and wound cleansers, splints, snake bite kit and aspirin. You, of course, want to avoid injury, but sometimes it can be unforeseen, so being prepared is your best bet.
make sure your tent stays dry and there is plenty of ventilation. If your tent does not have adequate ventilation, condensation can occur. The moisture can drip on you, which can be a big problem during the winter. Tents generally have built-in doors, windows, and vents that you can crack to create a cross-breeze and prevent a buildup of moisture.
When the camping trip will be longer, pack activities to entertain during downtime. Try to leave the electronics at home, enjoy the outdoors and only bring a radio or a book for those evenings sitting around the campfire.
Use older shower curtains as a cheap tarp. It also doubles as a ground base for cooking, washing, etc; basically anything you need safe above the dirt. Rather than getting rid of a shower curtain, wash it with your laundry and use it the next time you go camping.
Do not forget to bring a lot of sunscreen. Protecting yourself from UV rays is very important. Look for an optimum sunscreen for the conditions and make sure the SPF is sufficient. Consider finding a product that protects from insects as well as the sun. When you go camping, you won’t want to have a lot of chemicals on you.
With the advice offered in this article, you have the information you need to plan a successful camping trip. With the knowledge gained from this article, you will become a pro in no time. No matter what your destination, you are going to have the time of your life.
Do not underestimate the amount of food and water you will need for your trip. If bears are known to live in the area, be sure to stow your food a good distance away from where you are sleeping. Burn your garbage and any left over food so bears are not attracted by the smell.
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