There are very few activities that one can engage in that will give one the same great feelings that one will experience during a camping adventure. Nature and fresh air are two of the best things in the world. Camping is an activity that you need to prepare for though, as going without proper preparation can lead to an uncomfortable, or even dangerous, situation.
Always locate your shelter before dark when you are camping. If you wait until after dark to set up you will find it to be nearly impossible, even if you have decent light. This is very true if you’re used to being in a city where there isn’t any darkness ever. Avoid this situation by finding shelter before the moon is out.
Make sure your sleeping bag is right for the weather. Bringing a winter bag camping in summer can cause you to roast all night. The opposite is true as well, a summer bag won’t keep you warm in the winter. You may even get hypothermia.
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. Then your kids can go out searching for their own breakfast. It’s a great way to add a little magic to the camping experience.
A bandanna or handkerchief should be brought along with you. That small piece of cloth could become a potholder, a bag, a blotter or a towel. There are a lot of different uses for it, so make sure you bring one on every camping trip with you.
Pack things like oranges when you go camping. They are nutritious, and they also keep mosquitoes away. Once you finish your orange, save the peel. Rub it easily on all your exposed skin for a chemical-free bug repellent.
Take along a specialized pillow or two for camping. Regular pillows do not hold up well in the outdoor air. On top of that, they will mildew rapidly as they suck in moisture. Camping pillows are specially coated to prevent moisture absorption.
Always become familiar with the potential dangers of a campsite before you enter it. This includes knowing the area’s deadly spiders, what the terrain is like, and whether flash flooding is possible or not. Each spot can contain dangers which can really affect your trip.
When first getting involved with camping, start out close to home. If you want to end your trip, you will be close to home. You may run out of supplies early. First-time camping is a learning experience and anything can happen, so find a campground near your home.
It is important to take even greater care storing food if you are planning to travel to an area with active and dangerous wildlife. Wrap your food up tight and keep it far away from seeing areas. Making sure to do this, will lessen any chance of a wild animal attack.
Duct Tape
Bring some duct tape on your camping trip. The tape that does it all at home, also does it all while camping. Duct tape is useful for patching holes in air mattresses. Use it to cover any holes or rips that appear in tents or hold together items that break. If you plan to take a long hike, be sure to place some on feet to avoid developing blisters. Injuries can even be bandaged with it.
Living off the land is part of camping, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go prepared. You should bring your sleeping bag, plus some extra blankets. Blankets make good padding and can help you stay warm if it’s colder than you expect at night.
Are you a novice at camping, having just bought your tent? Before you take it on your first trip, practice setting up your tent. This will enable you to learn how to pitch the tent properly and make sure all of the equipment is fully functional. With this practice under your belt, your tent will go up much quicker and have you sheltered before night falls.
The bottom line is that camping really can offer unsurpassed enjoyment. When you are camping you can enjoy the amazing scenery and fresh air of nature. If you put the information you read in the above article to use, you will surely have a wonderful, peaceful time.