So, your plan is to go camping? In planning for it, have you fully prepared yourself for what might come up while you are out in the wild? While most things that come with camping are pretty basic, it’s always important to take a moment ahead of time to brief yourself. Read the tips below to help you make the most of your trip.
Pick out your sleeping bag according to what season it is. A bag that is intended for winter conditions will surely cause you to overheat when you are trying to sleep in summer weather. On the other hand, if you bring along a light-weight bag in the winter, you may feel like you are freezing to death. You might develop hypothermia.
Let everyone of your family members have a say on where to go camping. One of the things you will want to discuss is which state you would like to visit. There are a lot of choices in the USA; it is hard to choose just one. This can get people engaged and ready to go camping.
Let everyone help choose the perfect campsite for your family. Discuss things like the state you would like to see, particular parks that interest you and what type of camping experience you are looking for. Since the are so many great options to choose from across the U.S., it might be hard to select only one! You could even pick three or four possible destinations and allow a family vote from there.
Make sure that you both carry a survival kit and then get in the habit of always having it with you. Survival kits must include water purification tablets, a knife, a first aid box, flare gun and waterproof matches. This kit may just be what helps you to stay alive in case you get lost or something bad happens and you’re stuck outside for longer than planned. Never let it leave your side.
Consider taking a CPR and first aid class. This is especially important if young children are traveling with you. If you have an accident, you are going to know how to fix the situation before you can get professional medical help. Be sure to do some research as well. Know if there are any poisonous snakes in the area, what type of wild animals call those woods their home, etc.
Be sure your tent is big enough. This will ensure you are able to comfortably move around without disturbing people you are sharing your tent with.
It is always a smart idea to look into what the weather is going to be like, before going camping. There are many great websites that can also give you a good idea of what weather is typical for the area during the time you plan to visit. When you have some idea of how the weather will behavior while you are camping, you can pack appropriate clothing and equipment.
Make sure your medical insurance is up-to-date. If you go camping out of state, you may need to have coverage where you go. If you plan to travel to a different country, such as Canada, then its is especially important. Be prepared in case there is an injury or illness.
Dryer lint can make great kindling for creating campfires. Around four weeks prior to camping, start keeping the lint that you clean from your dryer filter. Simply hang a plastic bag near the dryer and stash the lint in the bag as it collects. This technique allows you to grab your kindling and go the day of your trip.
Pack a roll of duct tape with the rest of your supplies; this sticky wonder can help in a variety of circumstances. It works quickly in a pinch for tent holes, inflatables with leaks, shoes with worn soles, securing the tent to its pole, sealing up your mosquito netting and many, many more things.
If you are going camping with children, eat a “jungle breakfast”. Tie to the trees small boxes of cereal, fruit, and juice boxes. Let the kids go out hunt for their breakfast. It adds some fun to camping.
With your new-found knowledge, you are now ready for that camping trip. Camping is not intended to be an intense event, but there is a bit of know-how required to make it stress free. Have a most amazing time and ensure that you put this information to good use while away.