Have you been thinking about going on a camping adventure for awhile now? Do you think that camping is something that seems out of the realm of possibility for you? Well it doesn’t have to be, you can figure out how to enjoy an exciting camping adventure with the following tips.
If you are planning any kind of backcountry camping, a must carry item is a fire starter kit. If you are in a survival situation, fire is a way to cook, keep you warm, purify water, and signal for help. Many camping stores sell fire starters that can be used when wet and do not require any fuel. Also, try making fire when you are not in a survival situation so you know you can do it if the need arises.
Prior to leaving, take a few minutes to make a checklist of everything that you need. There is nothing worse than getting to a campsite and then finding out that you don’t have what you need to be comfortable. A checklist is a great aid as you are packing. Try to start getting thing’s together several days before you leave so you have plenty of time.
Navigation is the key when it comes to camping. It is important to know where you are, and how to get back to civilization if you become lost. Always bring a map of the area, and a compass to help you. You can also use an outdoor GPS that will give you navigation information, as well as additional information such as altitude.
Make sure you buy a tent that is big enough for your needs. Many people find themselves crowded in a tent for no reason. Tents are lightweight and very compact, so there is no reason not to have enough space when you buy a tent. Make sure you’re buying for comfort.
Make sure you are aware of what hospitals are close to your campsite and how to get to them. While you don’t want to think about anything bad happening on your trip, it is a possibility. Certain injuries will necessitate a visit to the doctor, so it is best to know where to go before something happens, and you are in panic mode.
Try to add an activity having to do with swimming to your camping trip if at all possible. When you go camping, you can miss out on things like showers. Cool water can give you a feeling of exhilaration that may help you to miss your shower at home much less.
If you are interested in camping alone or with friends, make sure you have prepared an emergency kit. This kit will change depending on when and where you are camping but should always include the basics. Items that will help with possible snake bites or a sling in case of sprains or breaks is a good idea, too.
Even if you’re not going a long distance away on your camping trip, or even if you’re going into familiar territory, always stay in touch with friends, family or neighbors. Tell someone where your trip will be, and how long you’ll be gone. And if you can, check in regularly using a mobile phone.
Giving yourself enough time to enjoy your camping trip is key. Plan out your trip far in advance and get a couple of days off from work if possible. You want to enjoy yourself camping for at least a few days, that way you feel like you got the full experience out of it.
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.
If you are on a camping trip and forgot the bowls for stew, make your own from large plastic soda bottles that have been emptied. Just rinse the bottle and cut down the plastic to the depth you need. Lightly sand the edges to smooth out any rough spots and prepare to scoop up dinner!
Don’t let your flashlight batteries get drained inadvertently. It is not uncommon to accidentally bump the switch and turn your flashlight on when you are digging around in your bag. To prevent this, load batteries into the flashlight backwards. This way, you’ll still have fresh batteries for your trip.
Many people fail to plan properly in order to ensure that they get a good night’s sleep when camping. The temperature difference between the ground and your body can be quite different, even if the weather is warm. Make sure you bring the proper sleeping gear to make your evening comfortable for you.
Make sure your shelter is ready before dark. When it is daytime, it is a much easier setting for pitching a tent. You’d have to do it with the light from a fire or from a flashlight, both of which could be difficult. It’s much easier to arrive early enough to get set up before sundown.
Bring some toilet paper and baby wipes on your trip. Though leaves offer a natural alternative, it can be very unsavory to do so when paper and wipes are readily available.
Bring along sunscreen. Sun protection is important! Look for an optimum sunscreen for the conditions and make sure the SPF is sufficient. You might even consider a sunscreen with bug protection. This can minimize the amount of chemicals you are putting on your skin daily.
If you plan on camping, you should bring along shoes that can get wet. Shower shoes, slip-ons, water shoes, or flip-flops that you don’t mind getting wet work best. These can easily be used to walk around a shared shower facility, go to the bathroom at night, go to a swimming hole, or even a pool. They’re easy to put on and take off anytime you need.
Now that you know what it takes to have a good camping trip get ready for many exciting adventures to come. Use everything that you learned today about camping to enjoy yourself with a good time away from your normal routine of life, and to get an experience you’ll never forget.
