As more people watch reality TV shows that focus on the joys of outdoor life, it's easy to understand why more people are becoming interested in camping. You may have been wondering if camping is something that would be fun for you, you've come to the right place to learn more about it.
Find your shelter before it gets dark. Once it gets dark outside, figuring out how to set up a tent, finding wood and making food may become impossible. This is particularly true for those city-dwellers that are not used to pitch-black darkness. Avoid this hazard completely, by finding adequate shelter long before the sun goes down.
Take the tent into your yard and set it up before you go on your camping trip. Doing this will allow to know ahead of time that all parts you need are there, and it will also help you learn the proper setup of your tent ahead of time. This also helps you not to be frustrated when you're trying to pitch your tent.
A 'jungle breakfast' can be a great activity for the kids. Tie up small boxes of juice, cereal and food to a tree. When the kids awake, you can tell them to "hunt" for breakfast. This is a wonderful way to spice up the whole camping trip.
Don't miss the opportunity to add swimming activities to your next camping trip. When camping, you may find you miss your home shower. When swimming, you will feel refreshed and cleaner. If you use some biodegradable soap, you can get just as clean as you would at home.
Carry a bandana or handkerchief with you. A bandana is very versatile and can be used as a blotter, potholder, mini-bag and more. As you can see, a handkerchief can serve many different purposes on a camping trip.
Always remember to bring a roll of duct tape with you when you go camping as it can be used for all manner of things. It has several uses like fixing a hole in a tent and holding moisture.
Always have all your gear prepared before the trip. It would be a shame to arrive at your campsite only to realize you have forgotten some important items, like food and water. Use a check list that you can use to double check, to be sure that you have everything before you leave home.
Pitching a tent can be complicated for anyone, but it is especially difficult for beginner campers. Before you head off on that initial camping trip, practice pitching your tent. This will help you to be prepared with the right equipment and skills to pitch your tent with ease. This is ideal, as even if you end up at your campsite while the sunlight is fading you will be able to quickly set up your camp.
Sleeping Bag
When you are camping, be sure you choose the right sleeping bag for the site conditions. Lighter bags are great for summer while heavy ones work well in fall and winter. You need a sleeping bag that fits snugly and keeps your body heat in if you're going to sleep outside in a tent.
Charge your cellular phone to maximum capacity before you leave on your trip. You may also want to bring a couple of extra batteries in case one runs out. A cellphone is a great way to get in touch with someone in case of an emergency so be sure yours isn't going to die.
Always pack a first aid kit and a survival kit. These two items can keep you from ending a trip abruptly and handling many situations swiftly and easily. A survival kits and first aid kits can save your life.
Don't forget waterproof matches in a camping survival kit. Store them in a container that is both airtight and watertight. You can make your own matches waterproof by putting them in nail polish or paraffin. Provide your own caddy for the matches by storing them in a plastic medicine bottle or 35mm film container.
As crazy as it might sound, do not forget to pack some toilet paper. Many camping trips involve trees as toilets. Leaves are not something you want to wipe with, since you can get poison ivy and a host of other issues. Pack toilet paper.
Plan to dress in layers. In nature the weather can alter dramatically quickly. It can be chilly in the early morning, only to be followed up with a sweltering, humid afternoon. Just as quickly, evening can become cold again. Layers allow you to adjust to the changing weather
Make sure to plan fun things to do from your trip's start to its finish. Camping trips shouldn't only be about roasting marshmallows and building a campfire. Get creative and plan for things that everyone will enjoy. Take everyone into consideration when you're making your camping trip plans.
Your tent should be kept ventilated and free of moisture. If you choose to sleep in a completely closed tent, by morning the condensation from humidity, sweating and breathing will really accumulate on everything inside. You may find yourself quite wet by morning. You want to check your tent before you sleep to see if there are any cracks or holes.
First aid kits are critical to any camping trip. This kit needs proper emergency gear in case there's an accident. Things like medication, snake precautions, bandages, and other essentials must be in the emergency kit. Accidents can occur, so safety is utterly important.
As you can see, there are quite a few things to think about when it comes to camping. Now, you should feel confident that you know the basic ins and outs of camping in the great outdoors. This knowledge can help to relieve many of your fears so you can get the utmost enjoyment out of your camping trip.