How do you keep a tent warm in the winter?
Camping is truly one of the most amazing and unique types of vacations there are, and you will find yours so much more enjoyable if you make sure you are well prepared for it! Check out the following article for some very valuable advice on making your camping trip a total success!
Although it is not an essential part of your back country camping gear, a machete is something that you may consider packing depending on where you are going. It is a very versatile tool in the wilderness. You can cut a trail, hack bamboo and vines for shelter, cut coconuts for water, chop firewood, and even use it as protection against wild animals.
If you have a toddler, pack a blanket. You can lay it out on the ground and use it as a makeshift play area. Bring cars, dolls, or whatever items your child is into. They can play without getting too dirty and you can instruct them that they need to keep their toys on the blanket for safekeeping. This will help to keep things from getting too spread out.
If you're camping with kids, try a "jungle breakfast". Tie fruit, juice boxes, and small boxes of cereal to trees. When the kids awake, you can tell them to "hunt" for breakfast. This is a wonderful way to spice up the whole camping trip.
A big concern with many people who go camping is the bugs. Do not get stuck in the middle of nowhere without having some sort of bug repellant. Check your surroundings before setting up camp for any wasp nests or ant hills that could cause you problems. Wear long pants and long-sleeved whenever possible and inspect yourself for ticks occasionally.
If you'd like to prevent mosquito bites, but want to avoid using harsh chemicals, use an orange peel instead. Rub the orange peel over exposed areas of the skin, such as the neck, arms, face and legs to naturally repel mosquitoes. Not only will the orange peels feel better on your skin than traditional repelling chemicals, but they will smell better, too!
Make sure you buy a tent that is big enough for your needs. Many people find themselves crowded in a tent for no reason. Tents are lightweight and very compact, so there is no reason not to have enough space when you buy a tent. Make sure you're buying for comfort.
A major mistake that campers make is they will get lost on occasion. Do not let this happen to you. If you are unfamiliar with the area you are camping in or if you are in a wilderness area, do not stray too far from your campsite. A portable GPS is an excellent investment if you are planning any kind of wilderness camping adventure.
If you are new to camping and you are going without a more practiced friend, you should consider staying in a campground rather than camping in the wilderness. This will help you to learn the basics of camping while still having basic infrastructure and friendly people around you in case living in a canvas tent of emergency.
Bring enough food and snack items to last you throughout the whole trip. You don't want to spend your time going to get food every meal, enjoy yourself while you are camping. Bring cereal, hot dogs, and all of your other favorite food items that will fuel you throughout your trip.
One thing that many people forget to pack on a camping trip, and which quickly turns the trip into a nightmare is bug spray. This simple repellent will save you both annoyance and can protect your health as many types of bugs can do a great deal of damage to you quickly.
In this modern age, there is no excuse for being in the woods without some form of communication ability. Of course, no one likes to receive phone calls when they are relaxing, so leave your phone off but fully charged, just in case there is an emergency, and you need to contact someone.
Charge all of your electronic equipment such as your cell phones and gaming equipment for the children to the max before you go to a camping trip. You want to get the most out of their charge when you do decide to use them, so make sure they are charged.
When pitching your tent, always make sure you seal the seams. Some tents are sold with material to seal the seams, and the majority of sporting goods stores have tube available for the purpose. This helps to prevent bugs, as well as rainwater, from coming in your tent.
If you are camping outdoors instead of in a travel trailer or RV, it is important to dress in (or carry with you) layers of clothing. While on a camping trip, temperatures can fluctuate widely. The easiest and most effective method to control your body temperature is through adding and removing layers of clothing. Having layers of clothing also protects you from bug bites.
One great tip for anyone who is planning a camping trip is to bring along plenty of 550-cord. This cord is extremely useful for many things like staking guy-lines, installing tarp and hanging bear bags. It is always better to bring to much chord than too little and find that you really need it.
Plan your camping trips ahead of time if you are bringing children. Make sure to carry proper clothing for the weather and climate and be sure to practice safety drills with them frequently before the trip. They need to learn what to do if they get lost and they should have their own glowstick or flashlight.
Never hike alone. It may sound juvenile, but always use the buddy system. It can be easy to get lost or turned around in nature. You could slip and hurt yourself. In instances like these, it is best to have someone along. Even if you have your cellphone handy, you may find it doesn't get reception in the woods.
Bring along multiple methods for starting a campfire when car camping. Furthermore, be sure to keep them packed in different areas so you'll have a spare on hand if one gets wet or lost. For instance, you can pack a waterproof lighter in a backpack, some matches with your cookware, and some dry kindling in your trunk.
You need to be fully prepared for anything when you go camping. Now that you have read the ideas in this article, you can be truly prepared to do just this. Keep in mind all that you have read both in the days leading up to your trip and while you are in the great outdoors.