Regardless of if you go in your backyard to camp, or are taking a mountain trip, preparing beforehand makes the time go better for everyone. This article will help prepare you for a camping trip of a lifetime, and inspire you with some great activities. The information you find will no doubt be useful on your trip.
Ask family or friends who are camping with you for their input on your camping location. Discuss what state you want to visit. There are many sites in the country to visit that are nearby and are very beneficial. If necessary, select a few locations yourself, then let the family decide among your choices.
Bring along a bandana or handkerchief. These can be used in a pinch if you need a potholder, towel or even something to carry an item in. It is very versatile, so be sure you take one with you every time you go camping.
Camping Pillows
Before camping, get some camping pillows. Regular bed pillows can become damp if the weather is wet or humid. The will also pull moisture from the air and mildew will form quickly. Camping pillows are specially coated to prevent moisture absorption.
Don’t leave home without all of your essential camping equipment. You definitely don’t want to leave something essential behind, such as your sleeping bag or tent. Double check all your supplies to make sure they are accounted for and in working condition. Do this before you leave.
Before you camp in a new location, you should familiarize yourself with the local dangers and risks. You need to know about the local insect population, wild animals, natural dangers like water or steep locations and weather conditions. Every camping spot has a few dangers to be aware of.
Pack plenty of food and make sure it’s the right type. You don’t want to take food with you that will spoil easily, no matter the length of time of your trip. If you get sick on your outing because of the food, that will put a damper on things. Prepare all of your food in the proper way and take any necessary precautions.
Anytime you are camping in a location that features hazardous animals, you must take extra care in terms of food storage. All of your foods should be tightly wrapped and not place near your tent. Some foods shouldn’t be brought at all. This can prevent an attack.
Sleeping Bag
Pick an appropriate sleeping bag for the camping climate. Sleeping bags made of lightweight material are optimal for warmer climates. By contrast, you should invest in a heavy sleeping bag if you plan to camp in a cold area. You must have a bag that surrounds the body closely so that body heat can be retained.
Pay attention to where you’re setting up camp. You have to figure out a spot that doesn’t have too many insects or problems with any animals. If the campsite has a lot of vegetation, protect exposed skin by wearing long pants and sleeves. Insect repellent is a life saver.
You should leave your car or basecamp with a cell phone that’s fully charged. As an added safety precaution, you may wish to bring an additional battery so you have plenty of power. Your cell phone can help should an emergency arise.
Be careful and wise when you are packing. A checklist of all supplies can help you be sure that you have everything you need as you are packing. A checklist is especially crucial if your campsite is located remotely, making it less likely that you will have access to first-aid items or other emergency supplies.
Don’t make the mistake of waiting until dark to pitch your tent. Tent building in the dark is a major obstacle to confront. You should pack a flashlight or make a fire while it is still light. It will obviously be much easier to pitch your tent if the sun hasn’t gone down yet.
Duct Tape
Make sure to pack some duct tape for your camping trip. Although tent fabric technology has come a long way, tearing is still a possibility. A piece of durable duct tape can keep you dry at night, even if your tent was damaged by accident.
Make sure you know how to read both a map and a compass. Even if you are familiar with your intended campsite, you could still get lost because many areas look the same. Avoid problems by learning to use these items that can save your life.
When erecting your tent, ensure that all of the tent’s seams are sealed. Tubes of sealer are readily available at the sporting good shop. By doing this, you will prevent wayward animals or rain from making it inside.
At the end of your trip, be sure to leave your campsite as clean as you found it. You’ll need some trash bags to clean up everything. Do not leave any left over food behind. A good rule of thumb is to only leave your footprints behind.
Toilet paper is one of the essential items that you need while camping. If you camp in a place with no toilets, you’ll need to go in the woods. If you forget the toilet paper, you may be forced to use leaves, some of which could be poison ivy.
As this article described, camping can be fun for everyone. When you use the information here, you are able to plan a trip that anyone can enjoy, even those who dislike nature. Go outside, and take advantage of nature’s pristine bliss.