In an age filled with technology, electronics and a daily battle to escape from these communication pressures, vacation time should be as far removed from these intrusions as possible. Escaping into the great outdoors for some fresh air and no power outlets is always a great option. Everything you need to know about camping but were afraid to ask can be answered in the following article.
Make sure to find your shelter before it gets dark. After night falls, it becomes harder to prepare your camp ground and set up the tent. Someone who isn't very familiar with the outdoors can come to harm by placing their tent in an unsafe area due to being unable to see. Avoid this situation by finding shelter before the moon is out.
When you are planning a camping adventure, make sure you pack the appropriate clothing for your trip. Check the weather forecast and bring the clothing that will be needed on your trip. If it is going to be cold, make sure you have the appropriate coats, gloves, and shoes. Remember to also pack a rain poncho no matter what the weather forecast predicts.
Create a proper emergency kit if you plan to go camping. There may be different items in it depending on your camping location, but there are some things that should be in any kit. Don't forget to pack the extra for your location, too, such as antivenom for snake bites.
You might think nature naturally provides all the wood you need, but the wood where you are could have already been picked clean, or it could be wet. To prevent this problem, bring along a few pieces of your own wood. Make sure to keep that wood dry in your car or another secure location.
When you go camping, be sure to have a few activities in mind other than just... "camping". The camping experience is enriched by hiking, swimming, exploring and things like that. Be sure to engage in some of these other activities so that you have the fullest camping experience you've ever had.
When collecting wood for a campfire, focus on three different sizes: the finger-size wood, that will catch fire right away, the arm-size wood that will keep it going, and the leg-size wood that will allow you to keep the fire going for a long time. Getting different sizes of wood helps you to start the fire and keep it going.
Clean up thoroughly when leaving a campsite. Try your best not to leave any trace of you at the campsite you stayed in. This is important, not just in terms of being considerate of other people. There are animals and insects that continue to live in the woods after you have left, so think of them as well.
Do not leave your sleeping bag rolled up until right before it is time for you to get some sleep. Lay it out right away so that it can loft up and give you the highest level of insulation. Do the same for any sleeping pads you have brought along.
One thing that many people forget to pack on a camping trip, and which quickly turns the trip into a nightmare is bug spray. This simple repellent will save you both annoyance and can protect your health as many types of bugs can do a great deal of damage to you quickly.
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.
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!
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.
It is perfectly normal to set a budget for your overall camping trip. Sit down and make a plan of what you must spend on your entire trip. Make sure you factor in the campground costs, gasoline prices as well as food and any other materials you will need to purchase. This will ensure that you don't spend more than you have on your trip.
When you're finished camping and ready to go home, you should pick up after yourself. Keeping nature clean and preserved can allow future campers to enjoy it too. Before you leave, clean up any messes, you've made at your site and try your best to leave nature as you originally found it.
Zip-lock bags can be very handy in a camper's tool chest. Don't worry about hauling mixing bowls in your gear. A gallon size zip-lock bag is great for mixing foods together and is much easier to carry in your pack. Just secure the top of the bag very carefully, then squeeze, knead or shake the ingredients together. Then discard for super-easy cleanup too!
A great idea when planning your camping trip is to make a list of everything you need before vintage canvas tent you go. As you pack each item, you can cross it off your list. This is really essential because you do not want to be stuck blowing up your air mattresses because you forgot to pack an air pump.
The camping stove that you select can make a huge difference in the ease of meal preparation in the woods. If you are camping with a large group of people, you are likely going to need a few camping stoves to feed everyone. Be sure to take along enough fuel to keep them lit as you cook.
Be aware of food safety precautions on your trip. Foods should be packed in airtight and waterproof containers. Store food that requires refrigeration in an insulated cooler. Don't keep raw and cooked food together, so there is no contamination. Keep surfaces and hands clean when you're dealing with your food. Use hand sanitizer or soap. Make sure cooked foods reach the correct temperature and make sure perishable foods are kept chilled.
Learning and living with nature is one of the best ways to spend your hard earned vacation time. Pack and prepare with everything you need to make your camping adventure a success, and be sure to keep all the tips from this article in mind to make it go more smoothly.
