If camping is something you have never done, you are truly missing out. It is very relaxing to wake up in the fresh air of the outdoors. If you’ve never been camping before and the idea worries you, read on for a few helpful hints and tips.
Anytime you buy a tent, be sure to practice setting it up and taking it down in your backyard prior to actually camping. This will not only familiarize you with the process, it will allow you to ensure there are no missing pieces or defects. This kind of “dry run” also helps lower your frustration level when setting up the tent at the campsite
Make sure that you get a tent that is big enough for you and whoever else is going to be inside the tent. You should have no problem sleeping and getting through the nights when camping.
Make sure to see what the weather forecast is for the town you are camping in. There are lots of websites that can give you an idea of what the typical weather is like in the area during the time of your travel. When you know what the weather will be like beforehand, you can plan more appropriately.
Preparation and organization are chief factors to facilitate a great camping trip. Only go camping once you are fully prepared. Research the area you are planning on camping at.
A ‘jungle breakfast’ can be a great activity for the kids. Take juice boxes, mini cereal boxes and fruit and tie the food to trees. When they wake up, they’ll have to search the “jungle” for breakfast. This adds a little sprinkle of adventure and excitement to any camping trip.
Try combining a swimming experience with your camping experience. Any time you go camping, you are likely to miss taking a shower. The cool water helps you to feel fresher, and you may just miss your shower a bit less.
Bring a bandanna or a large handkerchief with you when you go camping. You can use these as hand towels, cleanup towels, pot holders or anything you need cloth for. This is an essential item that does not cost a lot of money and can provide a lot of benefits.
When camping alone or in the company of friends, always bring an emergency kit. Always keep the bare basics with you in the kit, and make sure that you have water purification tablets in it as well. You should bring things like a flare and antivenom as well, you never know what might happen.
Do not forget to pack duct tape for your camping trip so that it can solve neraly any problem! 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.
Buy yourself some camping pillows for your trip. If you bring a standard pillow for the bedroom, they become sticky and hot when the weather is humid. Your average pillow will also become moldy from the excessive moisture in the outdoor air. Pillows specifically designed for camping have a barrier to stop this behavior.
While kids often have fun when camping, make sure to make plans to keep them entertained. If you are just sitting in the woods, they will end up bored. They may not have any experience with things such as fishing or setting up a tent. If you don’t normally spend time outside, show them before you go camping.
Sleeping Bag
Pick an appropriate sleeping bag for the camping climate. In warmer weather, you will probably want a lightweight sleeping bag, whereas in cooler weather, you will probably want a heavyweight sleeping bag. You also want to get a sleeping bag that is comfortable to sleep in as well, so test them out.
Make sure that duct tape is part of your supply arsenal while camping. Tents are pretty strong, but they can suffer tears. A piece of durable duct tape can keep you dry at night, even if your tent was damaged by accident.
When you’re setting up a tent it’s important to seal every seam. If sealant was not included in your tent, visit your local sporting goods store to purchase some. This will stop critters and rainwater from entering your tent.
Don’t forget the toilet paper. If there are no toilets at your campsite, you will need to use the bathroom outside. You definitely don’t want to depend on leaves for cleaning yourself, because they could have been in contact with poison ivy.
What do you plan to eat on your camping trip? This decision must be made prior to heading out on your trip so you can pack accordingly. Also, take the necessary supplies on your trip to facilitate cooking.
Multiple Layers
Dress yourself up in multiple layers when you go camping. Outdoor weather can change without much warning. The morning may have a chill, but the afternoon may be balmy or sweltering hot. The night can again turn back to cold. You can adapt to the changing weather over the course of any day when you have multiple layers of clothing.
First aid kits should be in everyone’s camping arsenal. This kit should include items that are necessary in the event of an accident. Your kit for first aid should contain painkillers, a kit for snake bites, bandages, and whatever else you think you’ll need. Safety is an important consideration when you are camping, but it is important to be prepared for accidents.
Take along some pocket or dryer lint when you’re going camping. Lint is an inexpensive way to start a campfire. When you use lint rather than wood to start a fire, the flame is brighter. Just a spark on the lint will do the trick!
You can now start to plan your camping adventure since you have read this excellent advice. Use what you learned and you can become an expert in camping. No matter what your destination, you are going to have the time of your life.