Camping can be an extremely rewarding and enriching experience and something in which people of all ages can participate. But, to get the most out of any outdoor adventure, a bit of knowledge and planning can be critical. Continue reading the piece that follows, and you will be ready to venture into the wild in no time.
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.
Figure out your new gear before you go camping. The practice does really help. No one wants to get to the campground, only to find out that they don't know how to use something or set up their own tent. Practice with your new gear before you ever set foot on the campground.
Reserve your spot at a campground as soon as possible. Particularly in the summer, many people are interested in camping with their families. If you make your reservation in the winter, you are much more likely to get the best rate possible. Those savings can translate into additional family fun while on your vacation.
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.
Before you embark on any camping trip you should be sure you have emergency supplies on hand, like a first aid kit and more. There are certain things you'll need to include at certain locations (i.e. a snake bite kit.) However, there some basics you should always have with you. Take precautions for wildlife too, so keep some anti-venom on hand.
Try to add an activity having to do with swimming to your camping trip if at all possible. While camping, you might really miss the luxury of showering. Cool water will make you feel clean and fresh, so you may not miss your shower at all.
Bring a survival kit on the trip and keep it on your person all the time. In your survival kit, be sure you have waterproof matches, a flare gun, a first aid kit, water-purifying tablets and a knife. This kit may keep you alive if you are lost and these items are indispensable for a survival situation. It is important that you carry your survival kit with you at all times.
If you are camping with others, ensure that there is something available to keep everyone entertained. There is nothing worse than a bored campmate, as they will constantly pester you for activities. Talk to your family and friends before hand and make sure they know how to entertain themselves for the trip.
Camping is fun, and camping with kids can be even more fun, but certain precautions need to be made for these little campers. Take plenty of extra clothes for them, because they will get dirty and wet. It's important they don't stay in wet clothes, because it's possible, it could result in hypothermia. This goes for adults, too.
Duct tape can be a camper's very best friend. When disaster strikes on a camping trip, a roll of heavy-duty duct tape will usually save the day. If the tent fabric needs patching in the rain, duct tape will hold back the water. When tent poles need reinforcing, the duct tape will provide support. Do you have holes in your tennis shoes? Duct tape right over it. Whatever the mishap, a roll of duct tape is sure to help!
If you're having trouble keeping warm at night, wear a hat. It can get cold out in nature. As cold as it gets, however, it can be quite stifling to keep your head tucked inside your sleeping bag at all times. Pack a warm woolen hat to wear while you sleep.
Make sure that your tent is ready before dark if you don't plan to sleep under the stars. Some camping locations get very dark and this can make setting up your campsite nearly impossible. You also never know when something could go wrong during set-up, such as a broken pole or a sudden tear canvas tents for camping with stove hole in your tent.
Make sure you secure all sources of food at night when you go to sleep. There are many animals that can frequent campgrounds at night and scavenge your food, especially when left open and unattended for hours. You don't want to wake up to your food scattered everywhere, and you left with a shortage.
When it comes to tents, you should understand that bigger is not always better. Keep in mind that you are going to have to drag your tent to the campsite. To make sure that your tent is not too large for you to haul and set up, test it out at your home first.
It is important that you dress appropriately for the outdoors when you go on a camping trip. Dressing in layers is the key! This proves perfect when temperatures increase in the summertime, or cool down in the wintertime. Don't forget to pack some rain gear in case the conditions turn wet.
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.
Think folding chairs when packing for your camping trip. You will want folding chairs to sit in around the campfire. The best type of folding chairs are those that have a case with a strap. This type of chair makes it easy to tote when hiking or visiting other campers.
As stated before, camping is a great experience that lets you see all of the beauty of nature. For any future campers, the tips above will certainly come in handy. They will help you enjoy your next outing into the wild and focus on the wonders of nature and its inhabitants.
