Anyone who has ever been camping knows how enjoyable it can be. Being able to become one with nature can be a very liberating experience for many people. If you have been hesitant to try camping because you’re not sure how to go about it, the following article can help.
Your sleeping bag should be seasonally appropriate. A sleep bag designed for winter camping would make you sweat during the summer. Conversely, if you bring a light-weight sleeping bag to a winter camping trip, you can be extremely uncomfortable the entire time. You might even contract hypothermia.
Let everyone know they have a say in the campsite and should help pick a favorite spot. Talk about where you want to camp. With all of the options available, it is wise to let people decide for themselves. If it simplifies things, pick four or five favorites and then give everyone a vote.
After you buy your camping tent, set it up at home rather than waiting until your trip to set it up for the first time. That way, you won’t be missing any pieces, and you’ll be able to set it up correctly the first time. Also, this can help to reduce the difficulty that you have when out in the wilderness.
Choose a tent large enough for everyone that will be expected to use it. You should have no problem sleeping and getting through the nights when camping.
Examine your medical insurance policy. You may need an additional policy when you are traveling on your camping trip. This can be even more important if you’re leaving to another country when you are camping, such as Canada. Be ready for any eventuality.
Try to combine a camping experience with a swimming experience of some kind. You are probably going to miss the shower you have at home while camping. By taking a dip in a pool, lake or river, you will have fun and feel clean and refreshed at the same time!
Take along a bandanna or a small towel. Such an item can be used as a carrying bag, a potholder, a hand towel, a blotter or a paper towel. As you can see, a handkerchief can serve many different purposes on a camping trip.
An emergency kit is a very important component to have while camping. Your kit’s contents will change depending upon the season and location of your trip, but you should always bring the basics. For example, if you will be camping in a Southern state you should certainly carry anti-venom for the local wildlife that you may encounter.
It’s important to have all your equipment with you when camping. It would be a shame to arrive at your campsite only to realize you have forgotten some important items, like food and water. Look over the items you plan to bring and create a checklist before leaving to ensure that all of your essential gear comes with you.
If camping is something that you are new to, have your first trip close to where you live. You could run into problems with your gear, or decide to cut the trip short. It could be that you didn’t pack enough food or your clothing is not warm enough. All sorts of things can happy the first time you go camping. It’s better for mishaps to occur close to home.
One smart thing to bring along camping is duct tape. It is versatile at camp, just like at home. It can repair an air mattress should it get a hole. You can also seal holes in sleeping bags or tents. If you’re planning on taking a long hike, place it on your feet to prevent blisters. In a pinch, it can even serve as a bandage for injuries.
Sleeping Bag
Make sure that you choose the right sleeping bag for the conditions on the campsite. Heavy weight sleeping bags are best for cold weather, while lightweight bags works best for hot weather. Make sure that your sleeping bag hugs your body. You want to be able to retain body heat.
Keep pictures of your children on you if they are comping with you. This can come in handy if they are separated from you while on your trip. You should bring another photo to keep in case of emergencies.
It’s vital to pack first aid and survival kits. These items can literally save your life, or to a lesser extent, prevent you from returning from your trip before you are ready to do so. You can keep a potentially serious injury from getting worse until you can get help for the injured person.
You next camping trip can turn out to be a weekend full of relaxation or it can be a nightmare. The type of experience you’ll have depends on the type of preparation you do. If you are able to think ahead about what you might come across, and protect yourself against it, you will have a great time camping.
A simple and obvious piece of advice is that you should create your shelter when it is still light. It’s hard and frustrating to set up a tent in the dark. A flashlight or a fire will be essential. The easier thing is just to do it before darkness falls.
Bring waterproof matches to make sure you can start a fire while camping. Store them in airtight containers. You could also make your own by coating them with nail polish before you leave for your trip. Your container can be an empty film holder or even a plastic medicine bottle.
When erecting your tent, ensure that you are able to seal all seams. If your tent kit did not contain a tube of sealant, it can be found at most sporting stores. This helps to prevent bugs, as well as rainwater, from coming in your tent.
After reading this article, you are now prepared to set out on your next camping adventure. Remember what you have learned here, and you will become a master camper. No matter where you go, near or far, you can have a wonderful time.