Camping provides an exhilarating and fun-filled adventure for a variety of age groups. One way to make sure you have a safe and happy trip is to make yourself aware of the best camping tips and tricks. Go over the ideas in the article that follows, and you’ll find yourself better prepared to go on your camping journey.
Although it is not an essential part of your back country camping gear, a machete is something that you may consider packing depending on where you are going. It is a very versatile tool in the wilderness. You can cut a trail, hack bamboo and vines for shelter, cut coconuts for water, chop firewood, and even use it as protection against wild animals.
If you are going on a camping adventure, make sure you have enough time to set up camp before dark. It can be extremely difficult to set up camp in the dark and possibly unsafe. You need to be able to scout the terrain, prepare bedding, and possibly build some temporary shelter prior to the sun going down.
Let everyone help choose the perfect campsite for your family. This will make everyone feel invested. There are so many options around the U.S. that it can actually be difficult to pick one! If it is easier, select a few of your personal favorites and then let the entire family vote.
Before you start out on that relaxing camping trip, it is essential for your safety to make sure to let someone know you are going. Give a friend or neighbor the name of the campsite if you are using one. If you are headed out on a less structured trip, give your contact a general idea of where you are headed and a timeline for your return. If something goes wrong, there will be someone to know where to look for you.
If you’d like to prevent mosquito bites, but want to avoid using harsh chemicals, use an orange peel instead. Rub the orange peel over exposed areas of the skin, such as the neck, arms, face and legs to naturally repel mosquitoes. Not only will the orange peels feel better on your skin than traditional repelling chemicals, but they will smell better, too!
Before you leave on your trip, use your backyard to help you work out the kinks in your camping equipment. Put up your tent to make sure you know (or remember!) how to put it up. This will also allow you to see if anything needs to be patched up. It will make it that much easier for you when you get to the campsite.
Take a class on how to do first aid. This is especially important if you are taking kids with you. You will be prepared for any accidents that may occur and can survive until you reach professional medical care. Be sure to do some research as well. Be sure you are aware whether there are any snakes or spiders that are poisonous and what kind of critters are out there in the area.
At night, create “bear bags.” Tie a rope around the bags with your food and your trash. Then, find a tree and toss bags over a branch, raising until they are at least seven or eight feet off the ground. Tie the rope around the tree so it is secure. This way, bears and other animals will not be able to get into your food and trash during the night.
Make sure you have cover in case of rain. When you’re out in the woods, a rainstorm can be wet, cold and uncomfortable. Make sure you have some kind of protection against the rain, whether it be a tent, cabin or lean-to. In a pinch, you can use a garbage bag as a poncho!
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.
Bugs and mosquitoes are a common camping annoyance. You could buy a commercial repellent with chemicals, but a good natural way to keep bugs away from your body is by using an orange peel. Rub the inside of the peel on your arms and legs. This is a inexpensive, responsible way to repel annoying pests.
Make it a point to properly prepare your flashlight when you pack for your trip. It is very easy to accidentally press the ‘on’ button of your flashlight when it is jostling in a bag with other camping equipment. You can avoid dead batteries by installing them in the flashlight backwards until you need the light. They will stay handy but a thoughtless push of the button will not turn the flashlight on.
Part of the fun of camping is cooking over an open fire or on a camp stove. To make sure you don’t forget to pack any key ingredients, make a list of the meals you plan on preparing. Don’t forget to take a small cutting board along with you so you have a clean surface for food preparation. Also remember to pack a couple of potholder or oven mitts to handle hot utensils, such as marshmallow forks.
Believe it or not, an orange’s peel may keep mosquitoes from biting you during your next camping excursion. If you forgot your mosquito repellant, do not worry. Instead, just rub the white part of an orange rind over your skin. This should effectively repel mosquitoes for hours.
Plan your camping attire in advance of your trip. You will need an adequate supply of clean clothes to last the entirety of your trip. It is also important to have clothing that is right for the weather you might encounter. Even if you don’t plan to do any hiking, you should wear study shoes or boots meant for hiking, in case your vehicle breaks down or you get lost.
People of every age love camping. For the best and most stress-free camping trip, it is essential to have a little know-how. Hopefully, the information provided to you here has given you all you need.
