You've never camped before? You're missing out! Nothing beats going out to live in nature with others for a few days. This article will help both beginners and expert campers better enjoy their next trip.
Pick out your sleeping bag according to what season it is. If you use a heavy winter sleeping bag in summer, this can be stifling and uncomfortable. The opposite is true as well, a summer bag won't keep you warm in the winter. You may even subject yourself to hypothermia.
While you may count on Mother Nature to have plenty of wood to stoke your campfire, you may encounter only wet wood that won't burn. It's always prudent to bring wood that you have gathered beforehand, and to store it in a location where it will stay dry.
Make sure that you get a tent that is big enough for you and whoever else is going to be inside the tent. This helps you to have a more comfy night's sleep, and trips in and out of the tent will be less disturbing for those who are sleeping.
A first aid session, especially if you have children, is essential. You will have all of the medical knowledge you will need in case of an accident. You should also do some research. Be sure you are aware whether there are any snakes or spiders that are poisonous and what kind of critters are out there in the area.
Look at the weather forecast prior to leaving for your trip. You can visit http://www.weather.com to check the weather just about anywhere. Be sure to look at the 10 day forecast along with extended weather patterns. When you know what the weather will be like beforehand, you can plan more appropriately.
Read up on your medical insurance. Sometimes when you go to a different place, you'll have to get an additional policy to cover you. This is a bigger factor if you're traveling to another country for a camping trip, such as Canada. Make sure you have prepared yourself, just in case of an accident.
Take a bandana or handkerchief with you. That small piece of cloth could become a potholder, a bag, a blotter or a towel. Make this multi-use item a standard addition to your camping supplies.
Camping Pillows
Use specialty camping pillows when camping. Regular house pillows will become sticky and uncomfortable when exposed to humidity. These pillows will also retain water from the air during humid conditions, so they can mildew. Camping pillows are specially coated to prevent moisture absorption.
It's important that you make an effort to ensure that all camping gear you will need is packed before you leave to go camping. It wouldn't be good if you forgot something you really need like your sleeping bag or a tent. Therefore, double check everything before you leave home.
Kids like camping, but they need structured activities. If you are deep in the woods, away from everything, they may get bored. Make sure that they get acquainted with different camping activities such as fishing and pitching the tent. Show them how to do these things before you leave if they haven't spent a lot of times outdoors.
If you bring a dog with you to go camping, keep it leashed up and keep an eye on it. There are those who fear dogs. This will maximize the respect that you have for others while camping. You do not want then to ruin anyone's campsite due to lack of supervision.
Pitching a tent can be complicated for anyone, but it is especially difficult for beginner campers. If you are, practice setting up your tent before you go camping. By doing this, you will know all the equipment that you will need to take with you to effectively pitch the tent. This also means that you can do it rather easily and speedily when you get to your campsite, meaning your tent might be up before the sun is totally gone.
Make sure not to drain the batteries in your flashlight by accident. It is all too easy to accidentally switch your flashlight on when digging through your bags. To prevent this, put flashlight batteries in backwards. That way, the flashlight cannot possibly drain the batteries if the ON button is bumped.
Sleeping Bag
Make sure that you choose the right sleeping bag for the conditions on the campsite. 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. If you are staying in a tent, use a sleeping bag that fits to the contours of your body in order to maintain your body temperature.
Now it's possible to plan your greatest camping trip yet thanks to this advice. By using the advice you've gathered here, you'll be a camping pro. No matter where you go, near or far, you can have a wonderful time.