When you go camping, you probably can not order a pizza or just run a few minutes down to the store. You have to make sure that you have everything ready before you leave. To have some ideas of what to pack and what to expect on your camping trip, keep reading.
A good multi-purpose tool needs to be part of your camping gear. There are two kinds to bring. First is the saw/hammer/axe 3-in-1 tool to use for firewood and other chores. The other is the standard multi-purpose tool with a variety of tools on it like a can opener, tweezers, scissors, and a knife.
Purchase a quality tent. It can be tempting to score a good deal on a tent, but you want to find something that can hold both you, your family members and your belongings. Try visiting a store that specializes in outdoor gear. They tend to have well-made products that will last for a while.
Those big, colorful plastic storage bins make excellent places to store and organize all of your camping gear. While at home, keep it in a closet or the garage and right before you leave for your camping trip, pop it in the trunk. It should keep everything air-tight, dry and easily accessible.
Bring a plastic garbage bag and put all of you family’s dirty laundry in it. This keeps the items from mixing in with your clean clothing. It also makes things convenient for you when you return home. You can simply dump out the bag in your washing machine and begin working on it all immediately.
Bring a bandanna or a large handkerchief with you when you go camping. You can use that piece of material for many purposes, such as holding a hot pot, cleaning surfaces, etc. Because there are so many versatile uses for them, bringing one or two on each camping trip is a good idea.
Be certain your camp fire is completely out before you leave a campsite. To your eye it may seem like the fire is gone, but stir the ashes with a stick and you may find burning embers. Pour enough water and keep stirring until you see no more embers in the fire pit.
Inform your children of possible dangers before taking them camping. It is easy to go online together and look at pictures of poison ivy and other hazardous plants so they will know what not to touch as they explore the great outdoors.
Should you decide to bring your dog, pack a long leash and prepare everyone to keep careful watch on the pet. Other campers may not like dogs, or could even be afraid of them. Take others into consideration when you camp if you bring a dog. Additionally, dogs can wreak a lot of havoc on a campsite if they are not supervised properly.
Remember to bring along wilderness-friendly activities. Fishing poles, card games and even a scavenger hunt list will make great entertainment in the woods. Take extra things for entertainment if you have children.
On your next fishing trip, go fishing. Fishing is a great way to enjoy yourself while you’re out in nature, but it also helps you pack more lightly because you catch your food on the trip instead of having to bring it with you. Learn to de-bone a fish before leaving home and you’ll have easy fish dinners on your camping trip.
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!
Take along a battery operated radio when camping. A radio will keep you up-to-date on any late-breaking news and weather reports. A radio will also give you entertainment during those quiet evenings sitting around the campfire. Or if you prefer, pack a guitar for you and your campers’ enjoyment.
Beef jerky and trail mix are great foods to bring on your camping trip. These grab-and-go snacks are great for taking on a hike or as a snack after a long day when you don’t feel like preparing a meal. Such foods will also remain edible for quite some time, so will not go to waste if you don’t eat them up on your trip.
Be aware of the wildlife where you are setting up camp. You do not want to set up in a place where the opossums, racoons and skunks have already called home. Learn the signs of the animals so you can find a safe place to set up camp without worrying as much about these animals at night.
Learn how to mark the trails that you are exploring. It can be quite easy to get lost in the woods. Marking the trails that you are walking will make it easy to find your way back to camp. It can also help others find you if you get lost.
Talk to everyone in your next camping party about the health of their backs. Some might not be able to sleep on hard ground or need more than a standard mat or cushion. Also, portable or foldable stools might be needed around the campfire, as constant standing or sitting on the ground is not good for their spine.
Try to prevent your tent from getting wet and be sure it is properly ventilated. Condensation can form when you perspire and breathe in a completely sealed tent. This may cause you to awake wet. Tents are make with vents or windows that can be opened for cross-ventilation.
You need to be fully prepared for anything when you go camping. Now that you have read the ideas in this article, you can be truly prepared to do just this. Keep in mind all that you have read both in the days leading up to your trip and while you are in the great outdoors.
