It doesn’t get much better than lounging around a campfire under the stars surrounded by your friends and family. Camping isn’t just a favorite pastime for no reason. You need to know that camping is fun, but you have to think about certain things beforehand. Keep reading to properly prepare for your camping adventure.
Bring along a sleeping bag appropriate for the season. A bag that is intended for winter conditions will surely cause you to overheat when you are trying to sleep in summer weather. And if you taking a sleeping bag that is light-weight, you are going to freeze. You may even subject yourself to hypothermia.
It is always a smart idea to look into what the weather is going to be like, before going camping. There are websites available to provide information about the typical weather of the area for the time of your planned trip. Armed with the proper facts, you will know that to expect and what to pack.
Be sure your insurance policy is up-to-date before leaving for your camping trip. Traveling to a different area may necessitate that you purchase another policy. This is especially true if you are traveling out of the country. Be sure that your insurance will cover you, no matter where you are.
Dryer Lint
Did you know that dryer lint can make great kindling to get a campfire started? Collect your dryer lint about a month before you go camping. Collecting lint in a bag will allow you to have a fire building tool for your trip. You can just go about your business after that.
Camp needs to be set up before night begins. If you are in a vehicle, this means find a secure spot to park the vehicle. If you are camping in a tent, look for a dry and flat area of ground. If you don’t do this, you could find yourself in a precarious and unsafe area after dark. You can see how to set up your camp, which will save a good deal of frustration.
Bring everything that you will need before starting out on your camping trip. It wouldn’t be good if you forgot something you really need like your sleeping bag or a tent. Check to make sure you have everything you need with a check list prior to going on your trip.
Always pack enough food and the right kind. You don’t want to bring a lot of food that will easily spoil. A run-in with food poisoning can quickly put an end to a fun trip. Use proper food preparation techniques and make sure you are well-read regarding the precautions you should take.
Take along some things to entertain yourself and your family. Fishing poles, decks of cards and games will be fun campsite entertainment. If you have kids going with you, you may want to go a little overboard with the things you take for entertainment.
While camping’s purpose is to survive off the fat of the land, it is still important to prepare yourself. Bring creature comforts like a sleeping bag, extra blankets and even an air mattress. This can help you stay warm if it cools down at night or you may use them for extra padding.
Make a list of your required camping gear and double check it while packing. Unfortunately, forgetting one or two key items can ruin your trip. Take the time to create a list that can be checked off while you pack. Make sure that you bring a lot of water, knives, soaps and food on your camping trip for safety.
Select your campsite carefully. You don’t want to overlook something like a snake hole, take a little precaution. If you’re close to a lot of plants and things, long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn to protect you from bugs. Always bring insect repellent on any camping trip.
Always take along a survival and first aid kit when you’re going camping. These are things that can make a big difference when things go wrong so you don’t have to abort your trip early. Being prepared also keeps minor emergencies from becoming major emergencies.
Seal all your tent’s seams. If your tent doesn’t have a tube, you can find easily find them. Sealing your tent will keep out rainwater and unwelcome critters.
If you think a campsite right next to the bathrooms is ideal, think again. They do this in the belief that it will be very convenient, but quickly learn the truth. Bathrooms provide constant light, and people are always going to and from them. Therefore they can be more of a nuisance than anything else.
Plan out some activities to keep the trip interesting the entire time. Campfires and marshmallows provide hours of fun, but there is so much more to a camping trip. Use your creativity and plan activities that all family members can enjoy. Make sure to plan some fun for even the youngest members of your group.
A well ventilated and dry tent is a lot more comfortable. If your tent does not have adequate ventilation, condensation can occur. This can result in you getting wet. Make sure that vents are open to provide the ventilation that prevents this build up of moisture. If your tent does not have a vent, crack a door or window open instead.
If you’ve never gone camping before and think you might want to try it, you can quickly test whether this will be an enjoyable hobby for you. Pitch your tent in your yard and sleep in it for the night. Forbid yourself from entering the house. If your night goes well, and you don’t find yourself too tempted by the comforts of home, you will probably love camping.
Camping Trip
As discussed above, there are some things that you need to think about when planning a camping trip into the wilderness. Be sure to use these tips to enjoy a sage and fun camping trip with your loved ones.