So, are you thinking of taking a camping trip? In planning for it, have you fully prepared yourself for what might come up while you are out in the wild? Although most aspects of camping are basic, being prepared can make the difference between a great trip and a disastrous one. Keep reading for some great advice.
Select a sleeping bag which is right for the season. If you bring sub-zero sleeping bags with you in the dead of summer, you will probably 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 could even experience hypothermia.
Let everyone know they have a say in the campsite and should help pick a favorite spot. Discuss things like the state you would like to see, particular parks that interest you and what type of camping experience you are looking for. Choosing one can be really hard in the United States, given how many places there are to go! You could even pick three or four possible destinations and allow a family vote from there.
Do not hesitate to pack too much for your kids. Camping can get very messy and dirty when you bring your children. Kids love to play in dirt. As a result, they are going to be seriously messy by the end of each day. While you can’t do much to prevent that, you can at least provide clean clothing, so long as you brought extra. Be prepared!
If you are taking kids camping, have them eat a “jungle breakfast.” Use serving sized boxes of cereal, pieces of fruit and juice boxes and tie them to trees near your campsite. Make your children “hunt” them in the wild; like a great outdoorsman. This activity adds a bit more fun to camping.
Fabric Piece
Bring things like a bandanna and handkerchief along with you. This single fabric piece can be used as a carrying bag, hand towel, paper towel, potholder, and blotter. There are various uses for this fabric piece, so be sure to carry one on your trip.
Bring oranges. Not only are they nutritious, but the peels can be used for mosquito repellant. Save all the orange peels. Before mosquitoes attack, rub them on exposed skin.
Try to get your camp fully set up by nightfall. If you are in a vehicle, this means find a secure spot to park the vehicle. Search for flat, dry ground when camping in a tent. If you do this before dark, you can become accustomed to the area around you. This can help you see what you are doing and prevent frustration.
Don’t leave home without all of your essential camping equipment. It wouldn’t be good if you forgot something you really need like your sleeping bag or a tent. Make a list of the items you need, and double check it before you leave home.
As you plan your camping adventure, take children aside and go over common dangers and issues they may encounter. 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.
Bring adequate amounts of food. You don’t want to take food with you that will spoil easily, no matter the length of time of your trip. Your camping trip will be ruined if you get food poisoning. Always prepare food the right way and take extra precautions.
If the area you are camping in is known for dangerous wildlife, you will need to be doubly careful with food storage. You will need to keep your food in airtight containers or securely wrapped, and store it away from your tent. Some foods should be avoided entirely. Doing this means you cut down on your possibilities of an animal attack.
Flashlights, lanterns and a good supply of extra batteries are necessary supplies during any camping trip. You will need a light source to see clearly once the sun sinks in the sky. Sufficient light can help you avoid falling or bumping into to animals. If you have little ones with you, make sure to pack a flashlight for them, too.
It’s always smart to bring beef jerky and trail mix when you decide to take a camping trip. Nutrient filled snacks can replace the need to cook if you don’t have the means or the energy. These foods are non-perishable; if you do not use them, you can simply bring them home.
Pack your things with care. Have a checklist of everything you need on your next camping trip, and then use that list in full to pack. This is imperative if you’re camping in an area that does not have alternative access to essential safety items.
Duct Tape
Always bring a roll or two of duct tape along when you camp. Although tent fabric technology has come a long way, tearing is still a possibility. Duct tape can seal up your tent and keep you dry, especially when the weather is not cooperating with you like you thought it would.
Make sure waterproof matches are in your survival kit. Use airtight container to hold the matches. You also can create waterproof matches yourself by taking regular ones and dipping them in nail polish or paraffin. Make a match holder out of a plastic medicine bottle or a 35mm film container.
After reading this short article, you should now be aware of the fact that there are a few things that you need to consider before embarking on a camping adventure. Camping isn’t fancy, but it does require preparation. Put the information you read above to use so that you can have the best time possible.
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