People of any age can enjoy the fun and excitement of camping. But it's important to have some basic knowledge of camping to help ensure a safe and memorable trip. Use these ideas to prepare for your outdoor adventure.
You need to make sure your sleeping bag is sufficient for the climate. Bringing a winter bag camping in summer can cause you to roast all night. The reverse is also true. Using a light, cool sleeping bag in the middle of winter will keep you very cold. Packing the wrong sleeping supplies is certainly uncomfortable, and it might even become dangerous.
Let everyone know they have a say in the campsite and should help pick a favorite spot. Think about where it is you want to go. Try to keep a small list, as there is such an abundance of spots to choose from, it can be hard to pick one. To aid in this decision, you may want to offer a few of those that you personally like the best and than let each family member vote.
Take a first aid class, particularly if you are traveling with children. If something unexpected comes up, you will be ready to handle it. You should also research the area you plan on camping in. It is also best to know what exists in the area you will be in so that you can prepare for that as well.
Prior to heading out, be sure you are aware of the forecast for your destination. There are several websites that will give you the weather forecast for the week. When you know what the weather will be like, you can bring the proper gear and clothes.
Consider camping in an area that also provides you with a place to swim. Camping can make you miss your shower. Cool water will make you feel clean and fresh, so you may not miss your shower at all.
A bandana or handkerchief can be a great addition to your camping equipment. You can use these as hand towels, cleanup towels, pot holders or anything you need cloth for. There are many uses for these, so you want to be sure you have one or both of them on your next camping trip.
Even camping purists may find that having a small luxury item is a good thing. Take something like creamer for your coffee or a chocolate candy bar. Small things like this can increase your enjoyment of the trip.
Make sure to finish setting up camp during daylight hours. If you are in a vehicle, this means find a secure spot to park the vehicle. If you have a tent, find dry, flat ground. Choosing a site before night falls gives you an opportunity to get used to your surroundings. You will have an easier time seeing the task a hand, preventing frustration from setting in.
Camping Pillows
Bring along camping pillows to the campsite. Standard pillows can get hot and sticky in humid weather. As they absorb moisture from the air, they can become covered in mildew rather quickly. Camping pillows are coated to prevent this from happening, keeping you dry and comfortable.
When going camping with kids, explain to them some common camping problems you might run into. Make sure they understand what poison ivy looks like, to stay away from wild animals and to carry a light if they are walking around at night.
If the area in which you'll be camping is well known for wildlife that poses a danger, special precautions must be taken regarding your food. So, you will need to keep things wrapped well, keep them far removed from the tent, and you may need to steer clear of certain foods entirely. This will reduce the likelihood of experiencing an attack.
Is this the first time you are camping? You should try pitching your tent before you head out for the first time. This will help ensure that your trip goes smoothly, for a more enjoyable trip when you understand your tent. This will also help you be able to accomplish the task quickly and efficiently once you arrive at your campsite, even if it is near dark.
Take some preventative steps in order to avoid inadvertently draining the batteries in your flashlights during your next camping adventure. While searching your backpack or bag, it is not too hard to accidentally hit the power button on your flashlight. An easy way to prevent this is to switch your batteries around when the flashlight isn't being used. Doing this will prevent batteries from being wasted so that you can be confident they will be ready when the time comes to use them.
Camping Trip
People of all ages have and will continue to enjoy camping. For the best and most stress-free camping trip, it is essential to have a little know-how. Apply what you've just learned, and your camping trip is going to be a great one.