Sleeping under the night sky with family is magical. Camping is a great pastime for a reason. You need to know that camping is fun, but you have to think about certain things beforehand. This article contains excellent advice to prepare properly for a camping excursion.
Make sure that your sleeping bag is right for the season and climate where you are camping. Bringing a sub-zero type of sleeping bag to use on a trip in the summer will make you sweat the entire night. On the other hand, light-weight sleeping supplies will never keep you warm enough in the dead of winter. Packing the wrong sleeping supplies is certainly uncomfortable, and it might even become dangerous.
If you have a new tent, practice setting it up at home before your trip. That way, you can make sure you have everything you need to set up the tent, including knowledge of how to do it properly. This will also allow you to feel more comfortable about setting up the tent later.
Survival Kit
Bring a survival kit that you can carry on your person at all times. Your survival kit should contain a survival knife, water-purifying tablets, waterproof matches, first aid kit, and a flare gun. This kit can save your life if you get into a dangerous situation. Never leave the kit behind, even for a short excursion.
Take a first aid class, particularly if you are traveling with children. You will have all of the medical knowledge you will need in case of an accident. Also be sure to do all the research you can about the area. You should be aware of the poisonous snakes, wild animals, etc., that inhabit the area.
Dryer lint makes surprisingly good kindling for starting campfires. Start collecting the lint about a month prior to your trip from the filter in your dryer. Simply hang a plastic bag near the dryer and stash the lint in the bag as it collects. That technique lets you simply grab the kindling you’ll use right before you go on your trip.
Emergency kits are one of the most important things to bring on a camping trip. Always keep the bare basics with you in the kit, and make sure that you have water purification tablets in it as well. Some extra emergency supplies like anti-venom may be included, too, depending on the types of wildlife you may encounter.
Camping Pillows
Before camping, get some camping pillows. Make sure that you bring camping pillows that do not absorb moisture. They may also get mildew from all the moisture outside. Pillows specifically designed for camping have a barrier to stop this behavior.
You need to take things to entertain yourself during your camping trip. For instance, card games, fishing poles and footballs will help to ensure that you have a fun time in the woods. If you brought kids along, you might want to pack a lot of things for entertainment.
Have you just bought your first tent and want to begin camping? Long before you set off in the woods for the real thing, get some practice in on setting up the tent. When you do this, you’ll know exactly what it takes to get your tent set up in a timely manner. Doing this will help you pitch your tent quickly, just in case you get to your campsite when it starts to get dark.
When you find your camping spot, put the tent up on top of the patch of ground that is flattest and softest. Choosing a rocky or sloped spot will result in you feeling discomfort when you have to spend time in the tent. Put a tarp down before pitching your tent to prevent water from entering.
Watch your kids closely. Cars constantly come and go at campsites, and kids can quickly lose their way in the woods. An accident can occur quickly, so it is important to be vigilant.
Make sure to have a picture of your children when camping with them. This is the perfect tool in case you can’t find them during the trip. Always keep one ready for emergency use, especially when a good distance from the home.
Create shelter before it gets dark out, as it can be very difficult to function when night falls. It is much more difficult to pitch your tent after dark. If you plan on pitching a tent when its dark, you will need a flashlight. Doing it during sunlight hours makes it easier and more prepared for the dark.
Clean out your campsite before you leave to go back home. Consider taking along a few garbage bags so you have a place for all your trash. Make sure you pick up any food that you have as leftovers too. The major rule for leaving a campsite is to just leave behind footprints.
Select a sleeping bag that works with the temperature and season. For example, summertime camping calls for a lightweight bag that helps you stay cool. Though, winter will require a heavy bag that traps body warmth during the night.
Shower Curtain
A shower curtain that’s old makes a good disposable and cheap tarp to put beneath your tent. You can use it for a variety of other purposes as well. Instead of getting rid of an old shower curtain, use it for your next camping trip.
If you’re going camping, you absolutely must pack lots of sunscreen. Protecting yourself from the sun’s rays is important. Look for an optimum sunscreen for the conditions and make sure the SPF is sufficient. You may also want to consider a sunscreen that keeps bugs away too. After all, you do not want to have to put too many different lotions and potions on your skin while you are trying to enjoy your camping trip.
As you’ve read, there are many things to plan for prior to taking a trip to the great outdoors. Implement these tips to enjoy the time spent camping with all of your family and friends.