People all over the world enjoy a nice camping trip as a means of leaving life’s problems behind for a few days. If you don’t prepare correctly your trip can end up being a disaster. This article will provide you with tips to help you have a smooth camping experience.
Did you know that a simple mirror can save your life? If you are camping and end up in a survival situation, a simple hand held mirror can be used to signal for help many miles away. Do not buy the standard glass mirror, many camping supply stores sell mirrors made of Lexan that will float and are practically unbreakable.
If you are planning any kind of backcountry camping, a must carry item is a fire starter kit. If you are in a survival situation, fire is a way to cook, keep you warm, purify water, and signal for help. Many camping stores sell fire starters that can be used when wet and do not require any fuel. Also, try making fire when you are not in a survival situation so you know you can do it if the need arises.
Water is very important when camping. When camping at a campground, there should be ample supply of water available, but on the trail, you will have to carry some with you. If you are going long distances, you should probably carry iodine tablets to sanitize any water you find before drinking. Be careful, dysentery can be deadly.
Keep in mind that everything and everyone that goes camping is going to get quite dirty. If you’re ready for this, it will bother you less when it happens. Allow yourself to be improper, messy and just “let go” while outside. You can clean up when you get back home.
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.
While a campfire gives off enough light in the general area around it, you want to be sure you take along a flashlight on your camping trip if you plan to venture outside of the campfire’s glow. This is a definite safety precaution you don’t want to ignore. It can be quite dark out there in the woods at nighttime.
If your canteen is beginning to smell musty, you can give it a good cleaning with baking soda. Place a little bit of water in your canteen, and then add three tablespoons of baking soda. Shake gently, let it sit for sixty minutes, and then rinse with water. Your canteen will be refreshingly clean!
Check weather reports in the area you plan to camp in. There are lots of websites that can give you an idea of what the typical weather is like in the area during the time of your travel. With the right weather information, you can be prepared with the proper clothing and equipment.
Make sure you are aware of what hospitals are close to your campsite and how to get to them. While you don’t want to think about anything bad happening on your trip, it is a possibility. Certain injuries will necessitate a visit to the doctor, so it is best to know where to go before something happens, and you are in panic mode.
As mentioned initially in this article, taking a camping trip is usually a fun adventure. Without being prepared properly, the trip can go belly-up. By using the camping tips and advice you’ve learned here, you can be sure your next trip will be exciting and memorable for all the right reasons. Most important of all, make sure you have a great time.