Are you planning a camping trip? Are you ready to learn the basics? While many aspects of camping are simple, you need to take some time to review the basics. The article below has what you need to know.
Anytime you buy a tent, be sure to practice setting it up and taking it down in your backyard prior to actually camping. This will not only familiarize you with the process, it will allow you to ensure there are no missing pieces or defects. You don’t want to waste time at your destination, so this will make you well prepared.
Bring a bandanna or a large handkerchief with you when you go camping. These can be used in a pinch if you need a potholder, towel or even something to carry an item in. There are many uses for these, so you want to be sure you have one or both of them on your next camping trip.
Take a luxury item with you when camping. Bring a lightweight, easy-to-carry item like good chocolate, cream for coffee or another reminder of home with you. Having these luxuries available can help lift your mood.
Before camping, get some camping pillows. Regular bed pillows will feel hot and sticky during humid weather. These types of pillows are prone to taking in the moisture in the air and can even mold if left in wet conditions for too long. Pillows designed for camping offer a coating that prevents moisture absorption.
Camping is great fun for kids if you plan things that they can do. Kids can easily get bored if you are in the woods for a long time. They may not know how to fish or pitch tents. If they aren’t used to camping activities, teach them before you leave.
When going camping with kids, explain to them some common camping problems you might run into. It only takes a few minutes of going online to look at photos of plants they should avoid, such as poison ivy or other such things, to make sure your camping venture is free from common mishaps.
If you bring along a canine companion on your trip, keep your pet leashed and watch him or her closely. Some people fear dogs. You must always respect the needs of others when camping. Additionally, your dog could really destroy anyone’s campsite if left on his own, including yours.
Take some things to do on your camping trip. Entertain yourself by taking cards and fishing poles. This is especially important if you are bringing children, as they tend to bore easily.
Though camping is meant to emphasize minimalism, some carefully chosen supplies can make all the difference. Not only should you carry a sleeping bag, a few blankets are a good idea also. This helps to warm you up in case it gets too cold at night. They are also good to use for extra padding.
Pitching a tent can be complicated for anyone, but it is especially difficult for beginner campers. Before you head into the wilderness, take some time to learn about your tent and pitch it. If you have successfully done it at home, pitching it at your campsite will be easier. This will help you quickly pitch a tent before darkness falls at your campsite.
Pick an appropriate sleeping bag for the camping climate. Lighter bags might be good ideas for warmer climates and seasons to avoid unnecessary weight and space usage, but make sure that you have a heavy enough bag to stay warm in cold conditions. Be sure the bags you bring hug your body so your body heat is contained.
Trail Mix
Pack ready to eat foods in your camping gear, like trail mix and jerky. At the end of the day, you might feel too tired to cook so having these nutrient-filled snacks on hand can be very useful. Trail mix and beef jerky are non-perishable foods, so they will keep for very long periods of time; you can even bring them home with you if you do not eat them at the campsite.
Waterproof matches should be added to your camping survival kit. Even though they are water proof, you still want to have them sealed off from liquid. You can waterproof regular matches by dunking them in nail polish or paraffin, a type of wax. Make a match holder out of a plastic medicine bottle or a 35mm film container.
Do not set your camp near a bathroom. They might feel that it’s convenient for them, but they’ll find out quickly it’s the opposite. For example, there is a lot of foot traffic in these areas, as well as bright lights. Thus the strategy of camping out close to the restrooms ultimately backfires.
Now that you’ve read these tips, you should be aware of things that you must prepare for prior to your camping trip. Camping is all about relaxing and enjoying yourself, but you need to be prepared. By using the insights discussed here, you’ll have a fun and memorable experience.