Are you getting ready to go camping? Are you prepared to learn about what could possibly happen when you’re out there camping? Though camping is a relatively straightforward prospect, it is important to learn as much as you can in advance. Keep reading to get some terrific guidance.
Did you know that a simple mirror can save your life? If you are camping and end up in a survival situation, a simple hand held mirror can be used to signal for help many miles away. Do not buy the standard glass mirror, many camping supply stores sell mirrors made of Lexan that will float and are practically unbreakable.
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.
Keep an eye on the weather. Rain or other conditions may impact your travel time and your experience at the campsite. Make sure that you have gear that is appropriate for the weather conditions that you may face. Adjust your departure time as necessary to try and avoid the bulk of the bad weather, if possible.
Water is very important when camping. When camping at a campground, there should be ample supply of water available, but on the trail, you will have to carry some with you. If you are going long distances, you should probably carry iodine tablets to sanitize any water you find before drinking. Be careful, dysentery can be deadly.
After buying a tent, make sure to pitch it in your yard before you leave for a trip. This will allow you to get the experience needed for erecting your tent. It also helps with the frustration of putting a tent up.
Over-packing is better than under-packing when it comes to children. Being out in the wild can result in all sorts of messes. Kids simply love to get dirty. So, you are likely to be dealing with grimy kids all day long. It is almost impossible to prevent, but luckily, you will not need to worry if you have extra clothes on hand. Remember, always be prepared!
If you are using a tent for camping, put a great deal of thought into buying your tent. Consider the climate. Consider your price range. How often will you be using this tent? You don’t want to buy a tent that won’t be able to stand up to the elements. At the same time, you don’t need to pay a fortune for a tent you plan to only use once.
Remember to pack a camera. There are some memories you’re going to want to capture on your camping trip. Bring along a small camera that can fit in your pocket. Try to pack something durable that could stand getting dropped or becoming a bit wet. Consider using a disposable camera.
When you go camping, be sure to have a few activities in mind other than just… “camping”. The camping experience is enriched by hiking, swimming, exploring and things like that. Be sure to engage in some of these other activities so that you have the fullest camping experience you’ve ever had.
Always remember to bring a roll of duct tape with you when you go camping as it can be used for all manner of things. It is good for patching holes in tents, shoes, and inflatables. It is also good for securing tents and sealing up mosquito nets.
Bring some plastic totes or canisters with you when you go camping so you can store any food products you have opened. This will keep any critters from swarming around your campsite and it will also keep various wildlife from being attracted to whatever it is you have in there.
If you have a young child with you, do the math in advance with respect to how much baby food or formula they will need. Make sure you have supplies for them that will last the entire length of your trip. There are no guarantees that a store near your campsite will have these items or will have the type of items that you want.
Make sure that the cooler you are taking with you is air tight. You do not want your food to spoil because the cooler was allowing the cool air to get out. Store your cooler in a shaded area where the sun will not work against it. This could save your food and your stomach.
When you are packing your clothing for a camping trip, remember that it is best to dress in layers. This way, you can add or remove clothing to make you more comfortable. Take along a rain coat that you can put on top of every other layer to keep you dry if it rains.
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.
Take some time to find the right sleeping bag for the climate conditions at your campsite. In warmer weather, you will probably want a lightweight sleeping bag, whereas in cooler weather, you will probably want a heavyweight sleeping bag. You need a sleeping bag that fits snugly and keeps your body heat in if you’re going to sleep outside in a tent.
After having read this article, it is easy to see that there are many things that can be overlooked in planning. Camping isn’t fancy, but it does require preparation. Use the tips from this article and you can have a fantastic trip.
