Most people use camping as a way to escape daily life and stress. If you don’t prepare correctly your trip can end up being a disaster. The following paragraphs contain a number of ideas you can use to make sure that your next outdoors adventure is the kind of adventure you want.
You might imagine that nature has an inexhaustible supply of firewood, but there might be nothing but wet wood that refuses to burn. Therefore, take some wood with you on your camping trip and store it in a location where it can remain dry.
A first aid session, especially if you have children, is essential. Should an emergency arise, your knowledge of first aid can prevent further issues until help arrives. You should also research the area you plan on camping in. Find out if the area has poisonous snakes, what type of wildlife lives in the woods, etc.
Bring a hankerchief or a bandanna with you. They can serve many purposes, like potholder, blotter, hand towel or carrying bag. There are a lot of different uses for it, so make sure you bring one on every camping trip with you.
Oranges can be used as a food source and a way to repel mosquitoes while you camp. After you’ve enjoyed the orange, keep all the peels. If the mosquitoes are swarming, rub the peels over your body to keep them at bay.
Duct tape is the cure-all for many mishaps in camping. It is great for patching your tent, repairing your shoes, fixing your insect netting and various other tasks.
Plan several activities to do while camping. Entertain yourself by taking cards and fishing poles. Children often complain that they’re bored wherever they go, so bring along as many items as you can think of to keep them entertained.
Pack extra flashlights and batteries when you are packing for your trip. Flashlights will be essential at night. Adequate light can help you avoid falling in the dark, or encountering wildlife. It’s a good idea to bring along one flashlight for each person in your camping party.
Sleeping Bag
Make sure your sleeping bag is appropriate for the location. Hot weather calls for a lightweight bag, while heavier bags are needed for colder temperatures. Cold weather and winter camping means that you need a sleeping bag that contours your physique so that you can keep body heat during your sleep.
Plan out your clothing prior to a camping trip. Take extra pairs of clothes to last you throughout your whole trip. Also, make sure you’re taking along clothes that work with whatever the weather will be where you are camping. Include closed toe shoes or hiking boots if you want to do some hiking.
When camping with kids, have a photo of them at hand. In the unfortunate event of an accident, this will help you have some form of identification for seeking assistance. Bring at least one photo of each child for any emergencies.
Make sure to carry a utility knife with you when you are camping. Utility knives have a variety of potential uses, so bring along an extra in your pack in case you drop or otherwise lose the knife you carry on your person.
Make sure you have a charged phone somewhere near you, like in the car. You might want to bring an extra battery as well just in case your original runs low. A cell phone is a great emergency device; make certain it will keep working.
When setting up a tent, be sure its seams are all sealed. Tubes of sealer are readily available at the sporting good shop. That can keep rain and critters outside your tent.
Food poisoning afflicts many campers annually, since they don’t pack their food right. Any food that is not canned, preserved, or vacuum sealed is at risk of spoiling or causing food poisoning. Bring a lot of ice in order to keep perishables fresh. Keep the drain open so your food does not end up in a pool of water.
What will you do about cooking food while camping? It is essential to plan for cooking before you leave, so that you can have the tools on hand to do so successfully. You can easily boil foods like hot dogs over a boiling pot of water and an open flame, but you need the right equipment.
When camping in the cooler weather, dress in layers. Outdoors, the weather can change frequently and quickly. A cold morning can turn into a very hot afternoon. It can turn chilly again in the evenings. Layering helps you to adjust how you’re dressed and stay comfortable.
Empty the lint out of your dryer vent and bring it along on a camping trip. As silly as it may sound, it’s a great way to start a campfire. The lint can make fire that burns brighter than one created with sticks or wood chips. You just need your a spark and your lint to produce a warm fire.
When camping in snake-heavy areas, take steps to insulate your campsite from harm. Stay away from snake homes like woods, rocks or deep thickets. Look through your gear and equipment to make sure nothing is hiding anywhere. Keep your tent sealed, and pack the edges with sand or earth to prevent a snake from crawling under it when you’re asleep.
As stated earlier, camping can be a lot of fun. If you do not take the time to plan ahead, it can be disastrous. The great thing is that if you use the information above fully, you will almost surely have a wonderful time. Most of all, have a great time!