Camping is a delight to many! It is a great experience with nature, whether you’re with your family, spouse or by yourself. Camping allows everyone on the trip to bond with each other through living in nature, but it helps to know a bit first. The following advice can help you properly plan for your next camping trip.
Look for where you’re going to set up your shelter before darkness falls. Once it is dark in the woods, pitching a tent can be next to impossible, finding firewood can be difficult and preparing food hard. Some people cannot see very well at night, and this makes setting up camp at night next to impossible. Avoid this hazard completely, by finding adequate shelter long before the sun goes down.
Bring along a sleeping bag appropriate for the season. A winter bag for the summer will cause you to sweat all night. 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 get hypothermia.
You might think nature naturally provides all the wood you need, but the wood where you are could have already been picked clean, or it could be wet. To prevent this problem, bring along a few pieces of your own wood. Make sure to keep that wood dry in your car or another secure location.
Take oranges with you as a way to snack in a healthy, convenient way–and as a mosquito repellent that is organic. Save the orange peels and rub them into your exposed skin. Insects will stay away from you for an affordable price.
Duct tape is a handy tool to carry when you are camping. It’s easy to use, can hold out moisture and will even fix a leak or a broken shoe!
Kids love camping, but you need to plan out activities for them to do on the trip. Do not let the absence of TV and video games lead them to complain that they are bored. They may not know what it’s like to fish or do things in nature. This a great way for them to experience the great outdoors.
Pack plenty of food and make sure it’s the right type. Make sure to bring food that won’t go bad while you are on your trip. Food poisoning could put an end to your nice vacation. Learn the right type of food preparations meant for camping before you go.
One handy piece of equipment to take with you when you head out on your next camping trip is a roll of duct tape. It has as many uses on the campsite as it does at home. You can use it to repair a hole in an air mattress. It can also fix up a tarp, sleeping bag, or even the tent. If you’re planning on taking a long hike, place it on your feet to prevent blisters. It may also be used as emergency bandaging.
Camping is about being one with nature and living off the basics, but it is important to go prepared. You need a sleeping bag, but you need to take extra blankets too. That way, you will be prepared for an unexpected chill, or you can have a softer place to sleep.
Decide what clothing you will need before you make your trip. Clean clothes are important, as you will not want to feel dirty while out in the wilderness. Also, remember to bring clothing that is weather appropriate for the climate of your campsite. Include closed toe shoes or hiking boots if you want to do some hiking.
If you are camping with children, keep a picture of them handy. If your children get lost during your trip, a picture of them can be very helpful. Be sure to have a photo for an emergency, even more so if you’re camping far away from your home.
Be mindful of where exactly you put up your camp. You have to be sure you don’t set up next to stinging insects or anything unsafe. If there is a lot of nearby vegetation, protect yourself against insect bites by wearing pants and long sleeved shirts. Having insect repellent is a really sound idea.
Take time to learn map and compass reading. If you are lost, this skill can help you to navigate back to your destination. You can avoid a possible disaster by becoming knowledgeable about using these items that can save your life.
When setting up a tent, ensure that the seams are all sealed. You can buy a tube at most sporting goods stores if your tent did not come with any. This can keep rainwater, insects and animals from invading your tent.
Your sleeping bag selection should be made with the expected climate in mind. In summer weather, for example, you’ll need a light bag that will help you stay cool. Though, winter will require a heavy bag that traps body warmth during the night.
It’s a common mistake to set up your campsite near the restrooms. They think they are doing themselves a favor, but they aren’t. Bathrooms are a source of light, and they are also high traffic areas. After a while, it becomes less of a convenience and more of a hindrance.
Even though camping is a fun and popular getaway, things can turn sour without the right planning. Fortunately, the article above provided you with what you must know to enjoy a safe and enjoyable excursion.