Must-Read Camping Tips For Your Next Outdoor Excursion
It doesn’t get much better than lounging around a campfire under the stars surrounded by your friends and family. Camping is one of the most popular pastimes for a good reason. However, while camping can be fun, it is important that proper planning is taken before the trip. Read on to learn some tips that will help you prepare properly for a camping trip.
Check over your medical insurance before going on a camping trip. You may need additional coverage in case you have an accident in a different state. This is very important if you will be camping in a foreign country. Always be prepared.
Ensure that you pack everything that you will need before leaving for a camping trip. It would be a shame to arrive at your campsite only to realize you have forgotten some important items, like food and water. Verify all the things that you need or should take and write out a list of all of them. Then, check your final packing according to the list to be sure.
Take along things to do while you are in the wild. Create a good scavenger hunt list, pack some fishing poles, and carry along some board or card games to entertain you while sitting in the middle of the woods. Take as many entertainment items as you can fit if you are taking kids on your trip.
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. This can be used to close up any issues with your air mattress, which can save you money. You can also use it to patch up a tent, tarp, or sleeping bag. If you are hiking long distances, a strip applied to your feet can keep blisters from forming. It can even be used to bandage injuries.
Be certain you are prepared for any event when you’re camping. Even if you plan, something may still go wrong. Someone could get hurt, the weather could change drastically or people could get sick. Don’t take risks, think ahead before doing anything, and be careful.
Before camping, write out a list of everything that you need to pack. This is crucial when traveling to a campground. Pack a few days before your camping trip is supposed to happen and check off your list while you go through things.
Have the clothing you will pack planned out before your trip. A ready supply of clean clothing should be included in your inventory. Also, be sure that you carry articles of clothing that are appropriate for the weather and climate of your camping location. You should pack at least one pair of durable closed-toed boots.
A great camping tip that everyone should use is to bring along an extra utility knife. A utility knife is the most versatile tool you’ll have as a camper, and bring another one if you should lose the other.
Don’t forget to bring first aid and survival kits. These essential items can make all the difference between a ruined or shortened trip and be able to handle an unforeseen complication. This precaution can prevent loss of life and give you the time you need to get needed medical assistance in case of injury.
When setting up a tent, ensure that the seams are all sealed. A handy tube is available at many sporting goods stores to help you do this. This helps to prevent bugs, as well as rainwater, from coming into your tent.
Follow proper food safety guidelines when you go camping. Foods should be packed in airtight and waterproof containers. Insulated coolers are best for keeping food. Keep cooked food separate from raw food to prevent contamination. Always wash any food surfaces, as well as your hands. Use antibacterial soap to wash and follow with sanitizer. Cook all food to safe temperatures, and chill foods as soon as they cool down.
Make sure that your camping trip schedule is full of fun activities. There is so much more than you can do than the traditional camping activities like roasting marshmallows. Get creative with your trip and plan activities that appeal to all members of your family. Think about the ages of your children when making plans.
Your tent should be kept dry and well ventilated. If your tent does not have adequate ventilation, condensation can occur. This will result in you waking up soaking wet. Tents typically have integrated vents or windows that may be opened slightly to keep moisture accumulations at bay.
An old shower curtain makes the perfect DIY tent tarp. A shower curtain can also serve other purposes, including a place to wash your cooking utensils and a place to take quick showers without getting your feet and legs muddy. Rather than getting rid of a shower curtain, wash it with your laundry and use it the next time you go camping.
Bring pocket or dryer lint when you camp. Lint can be great kindling, even though it sounds funny. Lint creates brighter flames than those kindled from twigs or wood chips. All that’s needed for a toasty fire is a spark and a pile of lint.
As was mentioned in this article, there are many things to keep in mind when you go camping. Make sure to implement the tips mentioned so that you can safely enjoy your time in the wilderness with friends and family.
