Going camping can be an enjoyable experience, but basic preparations and knowledge can keep you comfy and safe. The following advice will help your future camping trips be more enjoyable.
Your sleeping bag should be seasonally appropriate. If you bring a sub-zero sleeping bag to go camping in mid-summer, you might find that you are sweating all night long. If you are going to bring a light bag in the winter, you may end up freezing and having a miserable time. You may even develop hypothermia.
When packing for your camping adventure, make sure you pack only what you need for mealtimes. If you are at the campground, your food will have to stay cold so it does not spoil. If you are on the trail, any additional or excess food can be a burden. If you pack just enough food for the time you are on the trail, you will not be weighed down by excess weight.
Navigation is the key when it comes to camping. It is important to know where you are, and how to get back to civilization if you become lost. Always bring a map of the area, and a compass to help you. You can also use an outdoor GPS that will give you navigation information, as well as additional information such as altitude.
When you decide to go camping you want to make sure that you bring a flashlight with some batteries. You want to be able to see in the middle of the night just in case you have to get up and go to the bathroom, or just to move around.
As a courtesy to other campers, don’t leave your lighting on overnight, if you are close to others. Pack a timer that you can attach to your lights that will automatically shut them off after a certain time. Leaving lights on overnight is a popular complaint among most American campers!
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.
Dryer lint can be used as kindling for starting your campfire. Collect some lint from your clothes dryer to bring with you. To make it easy to collect dryer lint, simply hang a bag next to the dryer and fill with your lint. You can just go about your business after that.
Bring everything that you will need before starting out on your camping trip. You would be pretty irritated if it turned out that you left your sleeping bag or tent back at home. Check and double check your list to ensure that you pack everything you need.
Many people are deterred from camping because they have to sleep on the ground, but you do not have to be uncomfortable when you go camping. Stop by the local drug store and purchase some inexpensive pool floats. These are far more comfortable than the ground to sleep on, and will keep you high and dry as well.
One of the most important things to remember when camping is to keep yourself relaxed. The entire point of a camping trip is to get away, so if you are finding yourself stressed by something, leave it alone and go enjoy nature until you are able to calm down. This will keep you happy and safe.
Any camping experience is enhanced when you make the proper preparations beforehand. If you use the advice provided to you here, your next camping trip should be much more relaxing and fun!