Have you been pondering the idea of a camping trip? Whether you want to go for an overnight adventure or plan to stay a week, there is some basic information you need. The article below has information that can make your camping trip relaxing, pleasurable and safe.
Find your shelter before it gets dark. If you wait until after dark to set up you will find it to be nearly impossible, even if you have decent light. That can be especially true for someone who live in the suburbs and is not used to total darkness. Avoid this hazard completely, by finding adequate shelter long before the sun goes down.
Bring a survival kit on the trip and keep it on your person all the time. A first aid kit, matches in a water tight container, a good knife, flares and tablet to purify water are some essentials to include. These items are important to have in case you get lost. Never leave the kit behind, even for a short excursion.
Review your health insurance policy. Some policies will not cover you outside your own state. It is even more critical if you are camping outside of your country. Make sure you have prepared yourself, just in case of an accident.
Consider camping in an area that also provides you with a place to swim. You may miss the shower at your home when you are camping. The cool water at a beach or pool will help you feel clean and refreshed.
Pack some duct tape next time you embark on a camping trip. It is nearly as useful while camping as it is around the house. This can be used to close up any issues with your air mattress, which can save you money. It can repair a rip in a sleeping bag, tarp or tent. Putting some on your feet before hiking can prevent blisters. It may also be used as emergency bandaging.
Look for the softest and flattest ground you can possibly find for your tent. A sloped and/or rocky area will make any time spent inside the tent very uncomfortable. Always put a tarp down on the ground first so that water can’t get in and ruin the tent.
Make sure to bring several flashlights or lanterns and extra batteries on your camping trip. There are going to be moments when you must clearly see certain items when it gets dark. You can use light to make sure you’re not going to fall over due to the terrain, or run into a wild animal. If you have kids with you, be sure they each have their own flashlight.
Sleeping Bag
Make sure your sleeping bag is fit for the environment in which you are going to camp. Lighter bags are great for summer while heavy ones work well in fall and winter. If you are staying in a tent, use a sleeping bag that fits to the contours of your body in order to maintain your body temperature.
Don’t let your kids out of your sight. There are cars that pull in and out of campsites, and of course, young children can quickly and easily get lost in the woods. Things happen very quickly and your kids should be supervised.
Pack strategically. Prepare a list of supplies, and use this to check off items as they are packed. If you are going deep into the bush or backcountry where emergency supplies and services are inaccessible, then you really need to make sure you have first aid material and related equipment.
Be sure to create your shelter before it gets dark. Pitching a tent can be difficult enough in the daylight, let alone in the dark of night. A flashlight or fire will help you out. The easier thing is just to do it before darkness falls.
Waterproof matches are an essential part of any camping survival kit. Use an airtight container to store them. You can make your own matches waterproof by putting them in nail polish or paraffin. A great container for storage is a film canister. A plastic medicine bottle also works.
As you leave for home, clean up your space. Get some trash bags and clean up your mess. Pack up any leftover food and take it with you. A basic camping rule of thumb is to only leave your footprints behind.
It’s a common mistake to set up your campsite near the restrooms. They think this is a convenience for them, but they find out differently. There is usually light in that area, as well as heavy foot traffic. Thus, campers will find that they are greatly inconvenienced by their proximity to the restrooms.
How are you going to cook when you go camping? Decide this before you leave so you have everything you need. You can easily boil foods like hot dogs over a boiling pot of water and an open flame, but you need the right equipment.
Follow proper food safety guidelines when you go camping. Store all food in airtight and waterproof containers. Keep cold foods in ice in insulated containers. Make sure that raw or cooked meat is not stored in the same containers as other foods. Make sure your hands are clean whenever you are preparing food either by washing them or using hand sanitizer. Ensure that you heat food thoroughly and keep perishable items chilled at all times.
You are now armed with the information you need to plan a successful trip. You might have realized that you need the same things whether you camp out for a night or a week. Even if your trip is still in the future, this research can help make planning your trip much easier.