When done well, camping is among life's true pleasures. Before embarking on an outdoor adventure alone or with friends and family, it is important to familiarize yourself with tried and true camping tips and advice. The article that follows offers just the start any burgeoning outdoors enthusiast might need to plan their next outing.
Make sure that the sleeping bag you bring camping is right for the weather. If you bring sub-zero sleeping bags with you in the dead of summer, you will probably sweat all night. On the other hand, bringing a lightweight sleeping bap for a winter trip can make you really uncomfortable the entire trip. You may even subject yourself to hypothermia.
When packing for your camping adventure, make sure you pack only what you need for mealtimes. If you are at the campground, your food will have to stay cold so it does not spoil. If you are on the trail, any additional or excess food can be a burden. If you pack just enough food for the time you are on the trail, you will not be weighed down by excess weight.
You may feel that when you get to your campsite you will have enough wood to make a fire. This is not always the case because green and wet wood will not burn easily. It's important that you bring extra wood with you that you can keep in a dry area.
Navigation is the key when it comes to camping. It is important to know where you are, and how to get back to civilization if you become lost. Always bring a map of the area, and a compass to help you. You can also use an outdoor GPS that will give you navigation information, as well as additional information such as altitude.
Before you embark on any camping trip you should be sure you have emergency supplies on hand, like a first aid kit and more. Depending on the location, the kit may have extra items, but the basic items should be there. For example, if you are camping in an area that may have poison ivy, make sure you pack hydro-cortisone.
While kids love camping, they need to have activities planned for them. Far from civilization, kids tend to get bored. Kids are often not used to outdoor activities such as pitching a tent or fishing. Take the time to teach them these skills before the trip, especially if they don't spend a great deal of time outdoors.
If you are camping and the weather is starting to rise significantly, tale the coolers that you have with you and put them somewhere in the shade. It will also help to keep them covered with some type of tarp. This will keep the temperature inside the cooler from rising too much.
Remember, when you are camping you will not have access to many kitchen luxuries. At most, you will have a can opener as well as a basic burner. This means canned foods make a great meal, but even better are things that need very little preparation, like peanut butter sandwiches.
On your next fishing trip, go fishing. Fishing is a great way to enjoy yourself while you're out in nature, but it also helps you pack more lightly because you catch your food on the trip instead of having to bring it with you. Learn to de-bone a fish before leaving home and you'll have easy fish dinners on your camping trip.
If you're camping with your family, try finding campsites that are pet-friendly. This is a great way for you to get your animals out in the fresh air. Your kids will be happy to have your animals there with you, so it can be a great experience for all of you.
Many people are deterred from camping because they have to sleep on the ground, but you do not have to be uncomfortable when you go camping. Stop by the local drug store and purchase some inexpensive pool floats. These are far more comfortable than the ground to sleep on, and will keep you high and dry as well.
Keep pictures of your children on you if they are comping with you. Should you lose track of your children at some point during your camping trip, having a picture handy could make a world of difference. Be sure that you have brought one for urgent situations, particularly if your camping destination is quite a ways from home.
When you're new to camping, make sure you camp close to home. You could run into problems with your gear, or decide to cut the trip short. Other problems can be food shortage or inadequate clothing. There could be a lot of reasons why you need to end your trip early, so keeping your first trip close to home can save a lot of headaches.
Bringing your survival kit and first aid kit is crucial. These kits can help to reduce the impact of injuries on your trip. This precaution can prevent loss of life and give you the time you need to get needed medical assistance in case how to season a canvas tent of injury.
Always carry a first-aid kit with you while camping. It should include bandages, antibiotic ointment, wrap bandages for sprains and strains, and peroxide or alcohol for cleaning wounds. Scissors, tweezers and other small tools can be used to remove splinters or ticks. Antacids, over-the-counter pain medicines, and allergy medicines should also be included.
A great tool to take whenever you go camping is duct tape. Duct tape is a very versatile tool that can be used from anything to mend broken tent poles, to patching up tent holes, all the way to serving as a band aide if you get a cut.
Do not approach any wild animals while you are camping. Something that may appear harmless and adorable could be incredibly territorial. Furthermore, be sure not to feed any animals, as doing so may lead to injuries. Avoid keeping any food inside of your tent to prevent animals from destroying your campsite. Keep it stored away safely or in a nearby tree.
Again, camping has the potential to make for a wonderful trip, but a certain amount of know-how is essential. Be certain to utilize the information above prior to your next outdoor excursion. If you take the advice that was shared above, you'll be more likely to enjoy your experience.
