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Camping is undeniably fun for all ages. One way to make sure you have a safe and happy trip is to make yourself aware of the best camping tips and tricks. Go over the ideas in the article that follows, and you’ll find yourself better prepared to go on your camping journey.
Make sure to find your shelter before it gets dark. Once it is dark in the woods, pitching a tent can be next to impossible, finding firewood can be difficult and preparing food hard. That is particularly true if you aren’t used to the blackness of the wilderness. Do not get yourself into this situation, and find your shelter during daylight hours.
Bring along a sleeping bag appropriate for the season. A sleep bag designed for winter camping would make you sweat during the summer. Also, during the winter, you should bring a sleeping bag that has down or heavy material. You might even get hypothermia.
Remember that your loved ones and possessions will get filthy. When you know that going in, you won’t stress out when it happens. Then, you can be as messy as you want, without worry of getting dirty. You can get clean when you get home.
Don’t fear that you are overpacking for your kids on a camping trip. Going camping can get really dirty. Children, in particular, love to get their hands in the dirt. Therefore, you will need to understand that a clean trip is probably out of the question. You can’t avoid the dirt, but some extra clothes will help out. Be sure you’re prepared!
You may wish to take a class that has to do with first aid, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Camping can be very remote, so it is best to be able to deal with emergencies on your own, until help can be reached. Be sure to research beforehand. Be aware of poisonous flora and fauna, as well as of what sounds animals make.
Check over your medical insurance before going on a camping trip. Sometimes when you go to a different place, you’ll have to get an additional policy to cover you. Popping over the border into Canada could also cause an issue. Always be prepared.
If possible, incorporate swimming into your camping trip. When you go camping, you can miss out on things like showers. You’ll feel much cleaner by swimming in cool water. Therefore, you aren’t going to miss your home shower as much.
Set your campsite, tent and sleeping bags up before it gets dark. If you are in a vehicle, this means find a secure spot to park the vehicle. If you have a tent, carefully select the plot of land you are going to use. If you don’t do this, you could find yourself in a precarious and unsafe area after dark. It will also save some time and frustration since you will be able to see better.
Before camping, get some camping pillows. Regular pillows do not hold up well in the outdoor air. As they absorb moisture from the air, they can become covered in mildew rather quickly. Specialized pillows for campers feature protective fabric that resists moisture absorption.
It’s important to have all your equipment with you when camping. You certainly don’t want to forget something important like your sleeping bag or tent. Make a list of the items you need, and double check it before you leave home.
Teach your kids about camping safety before you bring them camping. Ensure you children know what poison ivy and poison oak looks like, what to do if they get lost or stumble upon wildlife.
Plan ahead to avoid draining flashlight batteries on your next camping trip. You can easily press the “on” switch on a flashlight when digging in your camping bag. Keep your flashlight in a secure place to avoid accidentally turning them on. It will keep the power from draining from the batteries and have them easily installed when you need it.
Make a list of essential items to take on your camping trip before you leave. This is particularly helpful if you have to travel quite far to get where you are going. Get all your things together a few days before your trip and mark them off on your list.
Sleeping Bag
Always pick an appropriate sleeping bag for the weather. If you are camping in a colder climate, purchase a heavyweight sleeping bag; people who camp in warm weather should use a lightweight sleeping bag. You might even consider a body hugging one as it helps you retain your body heat.
Before setting out on your camping adventure, plan for what you will wear. Take extra pairs of clothes to last you throughout your whole trip. Also, before you leave, check the climate to determine what types of clothes to bring. Shoes that are durable enough to handle rough terrain should be worn at all times.
Bringing along a cell phone with a full charge isn’t a bad idea while camping. Another good idea is to keep an additional battery available. Your cell phone is the best piece of emergency equipment you have so make sure it doesn’t die on you.
Pack carefully and wisely. Write down everything you will need, and cross them off as they are packed. This is very helpful if you’ll be far from civilization.
Camping novices often erroneously decide to camp close to the restrooms. Many people believe this is more convenient, but it’s simply not true. Bathrooms get a lot of traffic, and they keep the lights on all night. Therefore they can be more of a nuisance than anything else.
Be aware of food safety precautions on your trip. Make sure your food stays dry and safe by using airtight bags and waterproof containers. Store food that requires refrigeration in an insulated cooler. Cooked food should be kept separate from raw in order to prevent cross-contamination. Wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer before you prepare your food. Make sure that you cook foods throughout so that you do not risk any sickness.
People of every age love camping. As you can see, some basic camping information can help to make sure that everyone on the trip has a pleasant and enjoyable time. Hopefully, the tips in this piece have given you what you need.