Camping is a great activity, but there are some risks associated with it. There are many natural hazards in the wild that can be dangerous and even deadly to campers if they encounter them. The following article will keep you safe by showing you what hazards to look out for while camping.
One of the most important parts of your camping gear is your tent. The tent you buy should suit your needs and the size of your camping party. If you have young children, you probably want to purchase a large tent so they can sleep in the same tent with you. If your children are old, buy them their own tent so they don’t have to bunk with the adults.
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.
When you pack up your camp site to go home, leave a few logs and some kindling for the next camping group that comes along. If you have ever arrived at your site after dark, you know how tough it can be to find firewood! It’s a very nice pay-it-forward gesture that will probably help out more than you can imagine.
Consider purchasing inexpensive walkie-talkies to take with you on your next camping trip to provide a way to keep in touch with everyone in your party in areas where cell phone reception may not be available. This can be especially important if you are camping with children and need to keep track of their whereabouts.
Be prepared for colder weather than expected when choosing a sleeping bag to bring on your camping trip. Always choose a sleeping bag rated for a temperature range just below what you’re expecting, even in the summertime. Also, sleeping bags made with synthetic fibers will dry out faster if it rains unexpectedly, but natural fiber sleeping bags will be lighter to carry.
Prepare some of the food ahead of time so you will not have to mess around with it at the camp site. Make up some sandwiches, precook the pasta and take along foods that can be eaten as is to make each meal less tedious. Other meals can be enjoyable to prepare in the woods, but some should be ready to go on the days the weather is not perfect.
Do not forget your cooking supplies. You will need pots, pans, utensils and dishes to cook on and eat with. Make sure that you double-check to be sure that you have packed these supplies before you leave the house. You do not want to get all set up and ready to cook your first meal and find that you have left your pot at home.
Make sure that you know how to get a campfire burning before you head out into the woods. If you have difficulties getting a fire started, look for fire starting supplies to take with you. These supplies make it easy for just about anyone to start a fire on the spot.
If you are camping for the first time, try to practice pitching a tent before your trip. This is a valuable camping skill to possess, especially when it can be done quickly. You don’t want to be out on your trip and not know how to put up a tent right away when the weather takes an unexpected turn.
Do not underestimate the power of Duct tape It is an essential tool when you camp, so make sure it is in your box of “essentials.” Duct tape can be used to repair tent poles, patch shoes, fix holes in mosquito netting, as well as many other things. Duct tape is a life saver.
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.
Pay close attention to where your kids are when camping. Cars and campers will be pulling in and out, and there is always the possibility of little ones getting quickly lost in an unfamiliar forest. In no time, your children could be harmed, so always keep a watchful eye on them.
When camping, many people wake up in the morning, only to find out they they have left items out that are now wet. This is because of the morning dew, which can hardly be avoided. If the weather conditions are right, dew is inevitable, so make sure you put things away.
One great tip for anyone who is planning a camping trip is to bring along plenty of 550-cord. This cord is extremely useful for many things like staking guy-lines, installing tarp and hanging bear bags. It is always better to bring to much chord than too little and find that you really need it.
A Frisbee is a great toy to take for entertainment when camping. It is easy to pack and fun. But in addition to its use as a game, it is also a great way to strengthen a paper plate. Just place the plate into the middle of the Frisbee at meal times and the plate will not collapse no matter how big your hamburger.
Be aware of the wildlife where you are setting up camp. You do not want to set up in a place where the opossums, racoons and skunks have already called home. Learn the signs of the animals so you can find a safe place to set up camp without worrying as much about these animals at night.
Although there are hazards associated with camping, don’t let them deter you from venturing into the wild. Being aware of the dangers of camping is the first step towards avoiding them. If you avoid these dangers, then you can create an enjoyable camping experience that will be remembered for years.
