Have you been thinking about going camping? No matter whether you just want to go for a day hike or spend weeks outdoors, you need to plan ahead. The information shared in this article will allow you to have an enjoyable camping trip of any length.
When you go camping, you wand to find shelter before the sun goes down. If you wait until after dark to set up you will find it to be nearly impossible, even if you have decent light. This is particularly true for those city-dwellers that are not used to pitch-black darkness. Do not get yourself into this situation, and find your shelter during daylight hours.
Sleeping Bag
Bring sleeping bags appropriate for the season. Don’t take a heavy sleeping bag out in the summer, it could make you sweat and be uncomfortable all night long. Also, during the winter, you should bring a sleeping bag that has down or heavy material. In the worst case, you could be putting yourself at risk of getting frostbite or even worse.
When it comes to children, don’t hesitate to over-pack. There is a lot of mess that goes along with camping. Children seem to be magnetically attracted to dirt. Children will get dirtier as the day goes on. Be sure to pack some extra clothes for your kids in case this happens. Be prepared!
You may wish to take a class that has to do with first aid, especially if you’re traveling with kids. If an accident occurs, you’ll need to know what you need to better the situation until you can receive medical attention. Additional research can also provide valuable information. Know about any poisonous snakes and spiders in the area, and learn what animals live there.
Make sure you know what’s covered in your medical insurance. Leaving your state may affect your policy. This becomes even more important if your camping trip takes you to another country. Be sure that you prepare yourself in case anything happens!
Duct tape is important to pack because it can be used for a good bit of things. Such tape can quickly fix holes in tents, leaking inflatables and worn soles on shoes. It can also be used to seal mosquito netting.
Make sure you have all the gear you need before you leave your driveway. Forgetting your sleeping bag or food is not what you want to happen. Make a list of the items you need, and double check it before you leave home.
Kids love camping, but you need to plan out activities for them to do on the trip. If you are deep in the woods, away from everything, they may get bored. Children may not be familiar with activities like pitching a tent or fishing. Take the time to demonstrate the activities prior to leaving, especially if they’ve never really lived outdoors.
Make sure that you bring things to occupy yourself when camping. Playing cards, board games and fishing poles can make for lots of fun. If your camping group includes children, consider bringing extra entertainment options.
If your campsite is known for wildlife, be extremely careful with food. Take safety precautions, such as wrapping your items in many layers for protection. Following these measures will keep you safe from attacks.
Duct Tape
One handy piece of equipment to take with you when you head out on your next camping trip is a roll of duct tape. Duct tape is very useful camping, the same as it is at home. Duct tape is useful for patching holes in air mattresses. It can also seal rips in tarps, a sleeping bag, or the tent. If you are hiking long distances, a strip applied to your feet can keep blisters from forming. In a pinch, it can even substitute as a bandage.
Camping’s main idea is to generally live off of the land, however, you still need to be well-prepared. While a sleeping bag is a necessity, you should bring extra blankets. This helps to warm you up in case it gets too cold at night. They are also good to use for extra padding.
Camping Trip
Now you should be better equipped to take a camping trip that goes well. Your planning process should remain about the same regardless of the length of your trip. Make use of your research and start planning for your camping trip today.