If you are one of those unfortunate few who have never gone camping, you are in for a treat. Being able to become one with nature can be a very liberating experience for many people. This article will help both beginners and expert campers better enjoy their next trip.
You may think you can find enough wood for your fire in the woods, but the wood you find might be wet and not want to burn. It is good planning to take your own wood with you and store it where it is dry.
Make sure that you have a tent that is big enough for you and whomever else is going to be inside the tent. This makes it possible for everyone to sleep comfortably, and it also allows for room to move about and exit the tent if nature calls.
Camping can be extremely fun or extremely dangerous depending on the amount of preparation you do before heading out. You must make sure you are prepared for every conceivable situation that may occur before you go camping. If you’re traveling somewhere you’ve never been, do a little research about the area and surrounding areas.
Find out if there is cell phone service, emergency services close by, how long it may take for emergency transfer if the need arises, what are the weather patterns, learn about the local wildlife, and the layout of the land. If you are heading into a more remote area than make sure to leave some documentation in a plastic bag under your vehicle’s windshield wipers describing your game plan, when you left and expect to arrive back along with your name so forestry officials or concerned fellow campers know if someone needs to start looking for you.
You may miss the luxury the shower provides at your home when you are camping. Depending on the time of year, you can usually go swimming at the same time that you camp! Cool water can give you a feeling of exhilaration that may help you to miss your shower at home much less. You can purchase a small shower bladder system at most camping stores and discount stores if you want that rinsed feeling.
Keep a kerchief or bandanna close at hand. You can use it as a potholder, bag holder or a towel. They are quite versatile, so be sure to bring one every time you go on a trip.
A small luxury can help brighten up any camping trip. Your favorite candy bar or some prepackaged creamers for your morning coffee are light and simple to bring along. These little things can make your day!
Always pack enough of the proper foods. Depending upon how long your trip will last, you should have plenty of food that won’t spoil over the course of your trip. Getting food poisoning can bring an abrupt end to a camping trip and leave a lasting impression that may affect your decision to camp again. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain the highest level of preparation with your food.
The idea of camping is to live with just the essentials, but you should make sure to have some items to keep you happy. Bring extra blankets along with your sleeping bag. This will help you to stay warm, comfortable and safe during a cold or wet night.
Look for the softest and flattest ground you can possibly find for your tent. It is important to feel as level as possible to maximize the comfort that you feel. Ideally the spot will be higher than the surrounding ground to aid in dispersing water in the event that it rains. Put a tarp down before pitching your tent to prevent water from entering and dig a moat around the perimeter to collect the water so it doesn’t build up under your tent and seep through to your sleeping bags.
Don’t let your flashlight batteries get drained inadvertently. It is very easy to accidentally press the ‘on’ button of your flashlight when it is jostling in a bag with other camping equipment. If you put the batteries in your flashlight backwards, you can avoid this. This way, you’ll still have fresh batteries for your trip. You can also purchase a flashlight now with led lights and a self charging feature built into it at most local camping stores.
Pay attention to where you’re setting up camp. You have to figure out a spot that doesn’t have too many insects or problems with any animals. Whenever you are close to a great deal of vegetation, protective clothing layers are key to stave off insect bites. You might also want to carry bug repellent too.
After reading this article, you are now better prepared to set out on your next camping adventure. Use what you learned and you can become an expert in camping. Always fine tune your approach after every trip so the next one will be better than the last. Whether you go far away or settle for a nearby locale, you are sure to have an awesome adventure.
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