Very few things will beat getting out and under the bright stars with the people you love. Camping is one of the most enjoyable pastimes. However, it is important to note that while camping can be great fun, there are many things to consider when planning a trip. In this article, there are some great ideas on how you can better prepare the next time you go camping.
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. It’s always prudent to bring wood that you have gathered beforehand, and to store it in a location where it will stay dry.
Make sure that you both carry a survival kit and then get in the habit of always having it with you. You need to pack a flare gun, utility knife, matches and a first aid kit. For any life threatening situation, these items may be the only thing standing between you and disaster. Remember to carry it with you and do not leave it in your camp.
Camping Trip
A camping trip provides fun experiences or dangerous experiences. Which you will experience depends on your level of preparation. Without proper preparation, a camping trip can turn into a disaster. If you are camping in a new location, research the local wildlife, geography and the climate before leaving home.
Before you go camping in a new place, it is essential to have an understanding of what dangers are located there. Knowing what poisonous creatures to watch out for, where terrain gets rugged, and when to expect dangerous weather are key to ensuring your safety. Each camping spot is unique and can be dangerous in its own way.
Camping’s main idea is to generally live off of the land, however, you still need to be well-prepared. While you should bring a sleeping bag, you should bring additional blankets. Blankets make good padding and can help you stay warm if it’s colder than you expect at night.
Always pick an appropriate sleeping bag for the weather. Lightweight sleeping bags tend to work better in warmer weather and heavyweight sleeping bags tend to work better in colder weather. You must have a bag that surrounds the body closely so that body heat can be retained.
Always keep a close eye on your kids. There are always cars arriving and leaving from campsites, and it is easy for little kids to get lost easily in wooded areas. It doesn’t take more than a minute for something unexpected to happen.
Bring along a photo of any children that will be camping with you. This is the perfect tool in case you can’t find them during the trip. Be sure that you have brought one for urgent situations, particularly if your camping destination is quite a ways from home.
When planning for a camping trip, make sure you bring beef jerky and trail mix. You may find yourself too tired to prepare food and these nutritious snacks could be very satisfying. These items keep for a long time so it won’t be like your wasting food if you don’t use them.
Make sure waterproof matches are in your survival kit. Store them in airtight containers. You can make your own matches waterproof by putting them in nail polish or paraffin. You can use an old 35mm film canister to store them. A medicine bottle also works as a viable storage container.
Many people get food poisoning each year while camping because they do not pack properly. Food that has not been preserved, vacuum sealed or canned can spoil and give you food poisoning. Bring lots of ice to prevent food from spoiling, and remove the drain plug on the cooler so your food stays dry.
Remember to choose a sleeping bag that is suitable for the season you are camping in. For example, if it’s summertime you need a bag that’s lighter so you’re not too hot during the night. For wintertime, you will need to ensure that you have a heavyweight bag that will keep you warm in cold temperatures.
Food safety is very important while you are camping. Keep food in waterproof containers of airtight bags. Keep your food in coolers that are insulated. Keep cooked food separate from raw food to prevent contamination. Keep surfaces and hands clean when you’re dealing with your food. Use hand sanitizer or soap. Make sure your food is thoroughly cooked, and keep perishable foods cold.
Maintain your tent well ventilated and dry. When you’re sleeping in a fully sealed tent, the condensation will build up everywhere just from you sweating and sleeping. You’ll wake up wet. Tents typically have integrated vents or windows that may be opened slightly to keep moisture accumulations at bay.
If you’re interested in going to the woods for your camping trips and you haven’t done so before, be sure to test it out to see if you’ll like it first. Set up your tent in your backyard and camp out for a night. Stay out of the house. If you find that you have fun, there’s a good chance that camping in the mountains or woods will be even more of a blast for you.
Spending time outdoors is a wonderful experience, but you must ensure that you take advantage of what you have learned from this article. Ensure that you take head of the tips featured above, as by doing so, you will be able to enjoy a safe adventure into the great outdoors with family and friends.