When you go camping with your family, you are likely to create memories that everyone remembers for a lifetime. But are the memories good ones filled with smiles and laughter? Or is just the trip that no one ever wants to talk about? The difference is largely in your knowledge and preparation for the trip. Read on for tips you can use towards camping success.
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.
You don’t have to be a boy scout to be prepared, if you plan to go camping. One of the first rules is to be sure to tell somebody where you will be. If there isn’t an exact location to give, then give a general idea of major roads nearby or even GPS coordinates if you know them and give a timeframe of when you plan to return.
Take the tent into your yard and set it up before you go on your camping trip. By setting the tent up you can ensure that you comprehend how to pitch your tent. A little practice can eliminate the frustration of setting up a new piece of camping equipment.
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.
Take along a bandanna or a small towel. These things can help you out of a bind and assist you in doing a variety of things. There are countless other uses for such items, so try your best to remember to bring a bandanna or a large handkerchief with you.
When you reach your campsite, the first thing, you should do is to start collecting wood for your fire. You won’t feel like it later on, and if you wait until dark you will have a harder time finding the kind of wood you need to keep a fire going. Do it right away.
Bring bug spray. If you forget your bug spray on a camping trip, you will deeply regret it. Try a few different bug sprays ahead of time. Find something that works and doesn’t irritate your skin. You also want to make sure that it isn’t so greasy you’ll be unwilling to sleep in it.
Make sure that you bring items along with you that will make your camping trip more fun. For instance, card games, fishing poles and footballs will help to ensure that you have a fun time in the woods. Take extra things for entertainment if you have children.
Avoid severe weather when going camping, and pay attention to forecasts. It is horrible trying to pitch a tent in the rain, and not much fun sitting in a tent during a rainstorm. It is equally as disturbing approaching a muddy campsite and trying to make a weekend out of it.
It is a good idea to pitch your tent on a piece of land that is level. This will ensure you sleep better, which means you will have more energy for the next day. If you have to sleep on an incline, make sure that your head is tilted uphill.
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.
Don’t forget to bring back-ups of things like batteries and flashlights. It is important to see clearly at night, especially if you are venturing away from your site. Sufficient light can help you avoid falling or bumping into to animals. When you camp with kids, having a flashlight for every child is a good idea.
When camping out, you’re going to have bugs. Some of them are fine, and some of them; you don’t want them around you. To limit the amount of bugs you must deal with, keep your campsite clean. Bees and ants are attracted to sugary soda cans and messes, so dispose of your trash immediately.
Bring along a sleeping bag made for the current weather. Lighter weight bags are great for warm weather; however, if the climate is cooler, a heavier bag will be in order. The main goal with your sleeping bag is to conserve body heat, which means having a snug bag that hugs the body.
Plan out your clothing prior to a camping trip. Make sure you pack enough appropriate clothing for the duration and activity planned for your outing. Also, be sure that you carry articles of clothing that are appropriate for the weather and climate of your camping location. Make sure to pack a good pair of shoes to hike in as well.
If you’re taking along the kids, pack current pictures of them. This picture could be used to help find them if they were to get separated from the group and lost. A picture should be carried anytime you are away from home, but even more importantly when camping in the woods.
If you have other people sleeping nearby your campsite, do not bother them by leave your awning lights on during the entire night. Instead, use a timer that you can set to turn the lights off after a certain time period. By doing this, you won’t bother others with your lights.
Camping trips with your family become the memories of legend. Sometimes these memories are good, sometimes they are bad. To give your next camping trip the highest chances of success, apply all the ideas that you have read in this article. They can serve as the tent of knowledge that protects you.
