Are you going camping? In planning for it, have you fully prepared yourself for what might come up while you are out in the wild? Although most aspects of camping are basic, being prepared can make the difference between a great trip and a disastrous one. Keep reading for some great advice.
A great item to put in your camping backpack when going in the back country is a Ziploc bag filled with dryer lint. There is no better fire starting material than dryer lint. It will hold a spark and get your fire going quickly and efficiently. Dryer lint takes up almost no space in your pack and is very light weight.
As a courtesy to other campers, don't leave your lighting on overnight, if you are close to others. Pack a timer that you can attach to your lights that will automatically shut them off after a certain time. Leaving lights on overnight is a popular complaint among most American campers!
When planning for your camping trip, don't forget to pack the sunscreen. Just because you are not on the beach doesn't mean that you don't need protection from the sun's burning rays. A sport sunscreen can be a smart choice if you will be doing strenuous physical activities during your trip.
When you decide to go camping you want to make sure that you bring a flashlight with some batteries. You want to be able to see in the middle of the night just in case you have to get up and go to the bathroom, or just to move around.
Not only are oranges a great snack for camping, but they also serve as a natural mosquito repellant. Save the orange peels and rub them into your exposed skin. Insects will stay away from you for an affordable price.
Practice makes perfect when pitching a tent. Take the time to put the tent up before leaving for your trip. This allows you to build your proficiency at erecting the tent, and will also help locate any issues with the tent in case you need to exchange it for a better option.
Even if you're not going a long distance away on your camping trip, or even if you're going into familiar territory, always stay in touch with friends, family or neighbors. Tell someone where your trip will be, and how long you'll be gone. And if you can, check in regularly using a mobile phone.
Any time you go camping, do not forget to bring a first-aid kit along with you. Since accidents can happen at any time, a first-aid kit is a very valuable asset to possess. Be sure to include topical creams for bug bites, sun burns and poison ivy when putting your kit together.
When planning for a camping adventure with kids, be sure to speak to them about camping dangers. Check out the plants that elicit poison ivy to better prepare for the dangers of camping.
Unless you are a wildlife expert, you should never drink water that you haven't brought to the campsite with you. Water may look crystal clear but actually be home to a host of diseases or bacteria. If you are in an emergency, always choose running water over stagnant water.
Make sure you have everything you need for a camping trip. Forgetting just one or two things could ruin your trip. Write a list of essentials and as you pack the items, cross them off. Your list should include a sleeping bag, tent, tarp, water, food, knife, soap, fire-starting items and more.
Never park your vehicle under a single tree when you are at a campsite. If there is a storm, it will attract lightning. This also means that you should avoid sleeping under any trees that are in a particular area by themselves. Try to be in an area that is free of trees or one that has many.
If you are taking your children camping with you, don't forget to take walkie talkies along with you. Although each of you may own a cell phone, the area where you are camping may not have adequate coverage. It is best to invest in walkie talkies that have a range of several miles. By having walkie talkies or Family Radio Service (FRS) radio, you can remain in contact with all members of your family.
If you are camping in an area that has loose or very sandy soil, you should make sure that you place large, heavy rocks on top of all the stakes of your tent. This will keep the stakes planted firmly in the ground and your tent from collapsing on its own.
Be prepared if you get lost on a camping trip. You 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 overland sauna tent back quickly and safely.
Talk to everyone in your next camping party about the health of their backs. Some might not be able to sleep on hard ground or need more than a standard mat or cushion. Also, portable or foldable stools might be needed around the campfire, as constant standing or sitting on the ground is not good for their spine.
Reading a map and using a compass are two things that should be done before heading out for a camping trip. Even if this isn't your first time at the site, it's easy to get lost in the woods since a lot of things look the same. Also, this will help to avoid tragedy with friends or family.
If you will be camping for an extended amount of time, you may want to take the time to pack some entertainment. Don't bring a ton of electronics, but a book or music is great.
As you have seen, camping is an activity enjoyed by many people. If you use this information, you can create an adventure that even those that aren't crazy about the outdoors can have fun with too. Get outdoors and enjoy the beauty that nature has bestowed on you.
