Content by-Pace Currie
Camping is an activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Whether you're taking a family trip, or heading out to the wilderness with some close friends, camping can bond you to your loved ones like nothing else. However, there are many things to consider before venturing out on your next camping trip.
Although it is not an essential part of your back country camping gear, a machete is something that you may consider packing depending on where you are going. It is a very versatile tool in the wilderness. You can cut a trail, hack bamboo and vines for shelter, cut coconuts for water, chop firewood, and even use it as protection against wild animals.
Before you head out on your long-awaited camping trip, make sure the area where you plan to camp doesn't require a camping permit. If you happen to camp in a place that does require one and you didn't get one, then you could be facing quite a hefty ticket or fine from a local forest ranger.
When you buy a new tent, always set it up at home once before taking it camping. This helps you learn to put up your tent and make sure there aren't missing pieces. This also makes setting up your tent at the campsite a much smoother process.
Purchase some pillows that are made for camping prior to going on your trip. Regular bed pillows can become damp if the weather is wet or humid. As they absorb moisture from the air, they can become covered in mildew rather quickly. A good pillow intended for camping, however, will keep the moisture out, which will prevent any of the above problems.
Never forget to see what the weather will be like in the area you will be camping at, prior to leaving. There are many great websites that can also give you a good idea of what weather is typical for the area during the time you plan to visit. When you know what to expect, you will have the right clothes packed.
Do You Need A Tarp For A Tent?
Pack things like oranges when you go camping. They are nutritious, and they also keep mosquitoes away. Once you finish your orange, save the peel. Rub it easily on all your exposed skin for a chemical-free bug repellent.
When first getting involved with camping, start out close to home. You could have problems with your gear, or you may find you don't like camping. Perhaps you realize that you've run out of food or haven't packed enough clothing. So many things can go awry for the newbie camper; it's definitely best to find a campground near to home.
How Many People Can Sleep In A Tent?
When you are heading out for that long awaited camping trip, don't forget to take along your cell phone. You may be tempted to leave all the texting and calls behind, but your cell phone can be one of your most important safety lifelines in the event of an emergency. Make sure it is fully charged and keep it protected from the elements in a plastic bag or waterproof case.
Your list of camping supplies should include several flashlights with extra batteries and lanterns. There are times when you'll need light to help you see after sundown. Having that extra light source might help to prevent a fall or accident, or even getting lost in the woods. If you have kids with you on your camping trip, hand each of them a flashlight.
How Do I Keep My Canvas From Shrinking?
For easier food preparation on a camping trip, prepare ingredients at home, and pack them in plastic zipper bags. You might want to chop, and other ingredients can be cooked quickly and easily when the prep work is done ahead of time. Throw a few bags of vegetables and meat into a pot over a fire, and you have soup or stew!
If camping with children, place each set of their clothing in a zippered plastic bag or a tied plastic grocery bag. By sorting and packing their clothes in this manner, each morning your child can grab a package and have an entire outfit of clothing for the day. When it is time to go to bed at night, each child can stuff the soiled clothing back into the plastic bag and place it back into their suitcase and not soil unworn clothing.
When you select the location for your tent, be sure that it is the right place. The ground should be level and do what you can to avoid setting it up at the bottom of a hill. This will help you keep it dry if the weather should turn bad.
Be prepared if you get lost on a camping trip.
What To Bring Camping Overnight should know how to use a map, compass, and GPS device before leaving for your trip. You should also keep these on your person during your trip. If you stray too far from your campsite, these items can help you get back quickly and safely.
Try to keep your tent well ventilated and dry. You risk condensation building up inside the tent if you seal it up completely. This can cause you to wake up wet. Tents generally have built-in doors, windows, and vents that you can crack to create a cross-breeze and prevent a buildup of moisture.
You should be sure you have survival and first aid kits. These two items can keep you from ending a trip abruptly and handling many situations swiftly and easily. You can also prevent serious situations from becoming dire, and allow you to get an injured person to help safely.
When you plan a camping trip with your family, take along extra clothing and bedding in case the weather turns cold or rainy. Check the weather forecast of the area you intend to travel to before you plan your trip, and make sure you have a weather radio along so you know of any alerts.
Save any cardboard boxes and paper bags in the weeks leading up to your camping trip. You can use some of the the boxes to carry supplies, of course, but they are also great for starting fires. Laundry lint from your dryer screen also makes great kindling for a fire.
Although there are
view it associated with camping, don't let them deter you from venturing into the wild. Being aware of the dangers of camping is the first step towards avoiding them. If you avoid these dangers, then you can create an enjoyable camping experience that will be remembered for years.