When you go camping, you need the proper equipment to be fully prepared. There are many companies and stores that will try to sell you the most expensive equipment for your camping needs, but you shouldn’t listen to them. There is affordable camping equipment out there, and this article will show you what it is and how to find it.
If you are camping at a public campground, make sure you pack shower shoes for everyone in your party. Not only will they protect your feet from the bacteria on the shower floor, but they are great for those nighttime runs to the bushes when you need to use the restroom. They can be old flip flops, Crocs, or even slip-ons.
When it comes to food, bring only what you need on a camping trip. Extra food out in the wilderness is a calling card for wild animals to come visiting your campground. If you do find that you have additional food, tie it up in cloth and handg it as high as you can in a tree away from your immediate campground. This will help keep you from unwanted animal introductions.
Look up activities to engage in prior to getting to your destination. This will allow you to check for any deals that may be offered. Also, it will help you be more prepared when you actually get to your destination. You can find trails that may be appropriate for everyone in your family or restaurants that you would enjoy.
Make sure that you avoid any venomous plants. A good way to do this is to stop at the ranger station and ask what kinds of poisonous plants are in the area so you can identify them if you come into contact with them on the trail. Never eat anything while hiking on the trail if you do not know it is edible.
Get a sleeping bag that is warm enough. This is important. Even if you go camping in the summertime, nights can get very cold out in the wild. There are sleeping bags promising protection from varying cold temperatures; it is a good idea to opt for as low a temperature as you can find.
Look up grocery stores near your campsite. Make sure you know how to get to them. Particularly, if your trip is spanning more than three or four days, the food you bring with you probably isn’t going to last the length of your trip. Not only, that, but your family is going to get tired of eating the same things day after day. Variety is the key.
Pour out any water that has accumulated in your freezer each day. You want to do this to prevent the ice inside from melting into the water. It is also a good idea because any contaminants that have entered the water from foods you have in, can be poured off.
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.
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.
Before you head out for your camping trip, be sure that you take the time to practice setting up your tent. You do not want to get yourself frustrated at the site. Setting the tent up the second time will be much easier than it was the first time around.
When looking into a campground, inquire about the different fees they may charge. You may find that you are charged for water, electric, fire wood and additional campers. Learning the fees ahead of time will allow you to properly budget for your camping trip. It will help you avoid becoming stressed at the gates and ruining your trip.
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.
Always make sure your mobile phone battery is fully charged. Another good idea is to keep an additional battery available. Your cell phone makes for excellent emergency equipment, so you must ensure it does not die.
Especially if you live in a hotter climate, you need to make sure you know how to get ice. Ice melts rather fast, and you’re going to need more. Sometimes you can buy ice at the campsite, or sometimes at a store, but there are times when ice isn’t so close to where you’re camping.
Don’t forget waterproof matches in a camping survival kit. Keep them stored in an air and water tight container. To save money, dip regular matches in shellac, nail polish or wax to make your own waterproof matches. Your canister for storing them could be a plastic medicine bottle or an old film-roll container.
If you’re outside in cold weather, keep warm by wearing layered clothing. Not only, can adding more layers make you warmer, but you can easily remove layers if the temperature rises later. Multiple layer’s trap heat in between each piece, which will prevent you from losing heat. Try bringing thermal underwear, turtlenecks, sweaters, gloves, coats, and boots on your trip.
The next time you decide to go on a camping trip, don’t be fooled by all of the ads and sales jargon by stores and companies. Don’t be suckered into breaking the bank in order to buy camping equipment. Use this article to get the reliable and affordable camping equipment you need and have fun.
