So, you’ve decided to go camping? Are you prepared for common situations that you may encounter on your trip? Though common sense can cover most of these situations, it never hurts to do some homework to ensure that you cover your bases. Keep reading for smart tips.
If you are traveling with children, give them the opportunity to assist you when you get to the campground. They can carry gear, support you as you set up the tent and look for firewood. Not only will it keep them busy and out of trouble, it will be fun for them as well.
Before you leave on your trip, use your backyard to help you work out the kinks in your camping equipment. Put up your tent to make sure you know (or remember!) how to put it up. This will also allow you to see if anything needs to be patched up. It will make it that much easier for you when you get to the campsite.
When going camping, try to buy non-perishable items to eat. There are no refrigerators in the wild, so everything you bring has to be kept in good order. You can certainly bring a cooler to put food in, but the cooler will be added bulk on your trip. Therefore, make an effort to bring more non-perishable foods than perishable.
Proper planning and preparation can keep you safe and make your camping experience more enjoyable. Be certain that your camping trips always involve proper planning. If you are going to a new place, make sure you do some research about the local wildlife, as well as the local geography and climate.
Get everything you need ready for your meals before you get to your campsite. If you are only camping for a few days, this initial trip to the store should be all that you need to do. Stock up on nonperishable items, too. You don’t want you or your family members to be hungry on your trip.
Bring your cellphone with you when you go camping. Even if you are serious about roughing it, cell phones are still very useful in emergencies and should not be left at home. A cell phone is no longer a hobby, and when you go camping it can help you reach police and emergency personnel–bring it.
Make sure you have cover in case of rain. When you’re out in the woods, a rainstorm can be wet, cold and uncomfortable. Make sure you have some kind of protection against the rain, whether it be a tent, cabin or lean-to. In a pinch, you can use a garbage bag as a poncho!
Bring some duct tape on your camping trip. Not only is it useful around the home, but it serves many purposes while camping. It can repair an air mattress should it get a hole. It works well for repairing tears in tent material, sleeping bags or tarps. If you’re planning on taking a long hike, place it on your feet to prevent blisters. You can use duct tape for almost anything.
Living off the land is part of camping, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go prepared. Bring creature comforts like a sleeping bag, extra blankets and even an air mattress. They can be very handy when the evening temperatures drop. If not needed for warmth, they can be extra padding from the solid ground beneath.
Since you’ve looked at this piece, you now know the most important parts of camping. Camping doesn’t have to be a huge ordeal, but there are things you need to prepare for. Have a most amazing time and ensure that you put this information to good use while away.