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.

Don’t assume you can find wood at or near your camp site. Bringing your own small supply of wood and keeping it dry is a wise decision.

A first aid kit or survival kit is imperative for camping. You should have a bandanna (to use as a sling or tourniquet), wound coverings, something to use for sprains, matches, a knife, tablets to purify water and a compass in your kit. 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.

Bring a first aid kit. Camping is fun. It can also be a bit dangerous. Always be prepared. Small scrapes and rashes can be especially common out in nature. Bring along an emergency first aid kit full of anything you might need. You’ll be happy you did if something goes wrong.

If you are new to camping and you are going without a more practiced friend, you should consider staying in a campground rather than camping in the wilderness. This will help you to learn the basics of camping while still having basic infrastructure and friendly people around you in case of emergency.

Before you even leave your camping trip, try practicing pitching a tent in your backyard or some other open space. People do not know how difficult pitching a tent can be; you do not want to get to camp and realize you have no idea what you are doing. Practice makes perfect!

The idea of camping is to live with just the essentials, but you should make sure to be well prepared. While it’s important to have a sleeping bag, it’s also recommended to have extra blankets. This is useful for nights where the temperature gets too cold or as extra padding when sleeping on hard ground.

If you are camping outdoors instead of in a travel trailer or RV, it is important to dress in (or carry with you) layers of clothing. While on a camping trip, temperatures can fluctuate widely. The easiest and most effective method to control your body temperature is through adding and removing layers of clothing. Having layers of clothing also protects you from bug bites.

Charge all of your electronic equipment such as your cell phones and gaming equipment for the children to the max before you go to a camping trip. You want to get the most out of their charge when you do decide to use them, so make sure they are charged.

If you decide to leave your campsite to participate in activities like fishing or hiking, be sure you know how to get back. Many people become lost when doing these things and it could be hard for you to be found; remember, most cell phones do not work in these areas.

Recreational camping is not just for warm weather. If you are feeling especially adventurous, you can go camping in early spring and late fall at most camping grounds. You can even camp in the snow if you have the right gear. Make sure your sleeping bags are suitable for whatever weather you are camping in.

A good way to pack eggs on a camping trip is to crack them open and pour them into a recyclable water bottle or other container. Shake a few times for scrambled eggs and omelets,or pour them one at a time into a frying pan for sunny- side- up!

Don’t forget the duct tape! While tents are generally well-made, it is not unusual for them to tear. The right strip of duct tape can mean sleeping dry at night after your tent has suffered damage during a day that was more exciting that you wanted.

Figure out how to use a compass and read a map in advance. If you have visited the campsite before, you can still get lost once you arrive. You can prevent disaster by knowing how to use these lifesaving items.

Bring waterproof matches as part of your survival kit. Keep them in a container that is airtight. You can add paraffin to regular matches, or even nail polish for a homemade waterproof match. An empty prescription bottle or an old film container makes great storage for your matches.

Pack glow sticks. It gets dark out in nature. If you’re just waking up in the middle of the middle of the night, the light from a flashlight or lantern can be too harsh. Bring glow sticks and keep them in an easily accessible location. These will provide a softer light.

Don’t make the rookie mistake of pitching camp too close to bathroom facilities. They think this is a convenience for them, but they find out differently. The bathroom areas are light sources and draw a great deal of traffic. When you camp by the bathrooms, it isn’t as convenient as you think.

If you are going to be camping during the winter, select a sleeping bag that is mummy-shaped. This type of sleeping bag fits around your feet well, which will help keep you warm by preserving your body heat. In addition, packing this mummy-shaped bag for your trip is very easy.

When building a fire at your campground, do not have one so close to your tent. Many fires at campgrounds could have been prevented has campers thought about this simple tip. It is typically recommended that you build your fire at least 15 feet away from your tent and other equipment.

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.