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.

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.

If you are traveling with children, give them the opportunity to assist you when you get to the campground. They can carry gear, support you as you set up the tent and look for firewood. Not only will it keep them busy and out of trouble, it will be fun for them as well.

Carry a survival kit on your person. Don’t forget things like knives, waterproof matches, flares, first aid, and a water purifier. If you were to get lost or were put in an emergency situation, the survival kit will be of great help. Always carry it on your person when you venture away from your campsite, or it won’t do you much good.

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.

If you’re camping with your family, try finding campsites that are pet-friendly. This is a great way for you to get your animals out in the fresh air. Your kids will be happy to have your animals there with you, so it can be a great experience for all of you.

An emergency kit is a very important component to have while camping. Your kit’s contents will change depending upon the season and location of your trip, but you should always bring the basics. If you think there will be snakes, you might want to include antivenom.

Purchase pillows that are made specifically for camping. If you use your bedroom pillows, the humid weather will make them feel hot and sticky. Because they absorb moisture from the air, they can quickly mildew. Camping pillows, on the other hand, possess a protective coating that prevents that from happening.

When preparing for a camping trip, people often fail to bring enough clothes. Remember that there will be no washing facilities, and you also need to think about how the weather can call for certain specific attire as well at times. You always want to be prepared, so pack accordingly.

Know the climate of your camping area. You will want to have the proper clothing packed for the trip. Knowing how cold the nights get or how hot the days are will help you dress best. You will not want to get caught in the great outdoors with inadequate protection.

If you bring a dog camping with you, be sure to keep an eye on them and be sure they’re on a leash. There are those who fear dogs. You must respect other campers. Also, dogs can cause damage if you let them run free, so be sure to keep control of them at all times.

Many people who are not very experienced with camping start out by doing day trips. This can be a great way to adjust to nature without the dangers associated with staying in the woods all night. The best way to do is to find a simple hotel near the campground, but only for sleeping purposes.

Are you just starting with camping and want to know what to do to make it enjoyable? It’s vital to learn all that you can before you leave about your tent. This will assure you can effectively pitch your tent and have everything you need to do so. Practicing how to pitch a tent will also ensure you can quickly set up your tent when you arrive at your campsite.

Take along a fire extinguisher! You never know when a fire can spread. Being prepared to put it out quickly could save your life, your gear and the woods around you. Find one that is capable of putting out fires of all kinds to be sure you are prepared to extinguish them all.

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.

You should always bring a spare utility knife when camping. A utility knife is a very versatile piece of equipment and one that every camper should have. In fact, you should also bring an extra utility knife with you in case you misplace your main utility knife.

If you are going camping with a tent you have never used before, put it up in your backyard before you leave. When you get to your campsite, it might be dark and raining, and you might have to go on feel and memory pitching the thing. So, it helps to have done it at least once before.

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.