Where can I pitch a tent?
Camping can be great fun, but it really isn't something you just want to do on a whim. It will work out much better if you plan a camping trip and plan it well. The following article outlines important things you should consider before heading out for that weekend getting in touch with nature.
You don't have to be a boy scout to be prepared, if you plan to go camping. One of the first rules is to be sure to tell somebody where you will be. If there isn't an exact location to give, then give a general idea of major roads nearby or even GPS coordinates if you know them and give a timeframe of when you plan to return.
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.
Bring supplies for 'Smores. 'Smores are an integral part of any camping trip. Simply pack graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. Toast the marshmallows, then make it the filling to a graham cracker/chocolate sandwich. When you have a 'Smore, you will want 'some more'--bring enough for everyone to have at least two of them!
Make sure to see what the weather forecast is for the town you are camping in. The Internet is a great resource for finding weather related information for the area you will be camping in. By knowing the weather, you can ensure you pack the proper equipment and clothing for your camping trip.
If camping is new for you, start somewhere nearby. That way, if problems arise, you won't be too far from help. Perhaps you realize that you've run out of food or haven't packed enough clothing. Many problems may occur for novice campers, so be sure to camp near home.
Purchase camping pillows for a camping trip! If you take along a regular bedroom pillow, it can get hot and sticky when it's hot outside. They may also get mildew from all the moisture outside. Camping pillows are made with a protective, moisture-proof coating to prevent these issues.
Rolls of duct tape can be useful to take along on any camping trips you have planned in the future. This item has many uses and can help you save a lot of time and money. This can be used to repair holes in air mattresses. You can also seal holes in sleeping bags or tents. If you're planning on taking a long hike, place it on your feet to prevent blisters. This can also be used for injuries when you do not have a regular doctor around.
Prepare some of the food ahead of time so you will not have to mess around with it at the camp site. Make up some sandwiches, precook the pasta and take along foods that can be eaten as is to make each meal less tedious. Other meals can be enjoyable to prepare in the woods, but some should be ready to go on the days the weather is not perfect.
Camping is fun, and camping with kids can be even more fun, but certain precautions need to be made for these little campers. Take plenty of extra clothes for them, because they will get dirty and wet. It's important they don't stay in wet clothes, because it's possible, it could result in hypothermia. This goes for adults, too.
Avoid severe weather when going camping, and pay attention to forecasts. It is horrible trying to pitch a tent in the rain, and not much fun sitting in a tent during a rainstorm. It is equally as disturbing approaching a muddy campsite and trying to make a weekend out of it.
Don't wait until nightfall to start your camp site. When traveling in an RV, locate a safe parking area. If you have a tent, carefully select the plot of land you are going to use. If you do that before it gets dark, you can get a good look at your immediate surroundings. It will also make it easier to see what you're doing, saving you a lot of frustration.
Though camping is meant to emphasize minimalism, some carefully chosen supplies can make all the difference. Packing a sleeping bag is pretty obvious, but take the extra precaution of including extra blankets too. These can be used for additional padding or for extra warmth on a chilly night.
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.
Zip-lock bags can be very handy in a camper's tool chest. Don't worry about hauling mixing bowls in your gear. A gallon size zip-lock bag is great for mixing foods together and is much easier to carry in your pack. Just secure the top of the bag very carefully, then squeeze, knead or shake the ingredients together. Then discard for super-easy cleanup too!
When preparing a survival kit for a camping trip, you should bring along waterproof matches. Always store your matches in a container or packaging that is airtight. You can convert standard matches into waterproof ones simply by dipping each one into substances like nail polish or paraffin. A film container or pill bottle can serve for storage.
If you're ready to head to the wildnerness to camp but haven't ventured outside of your home in the past, it's easy to test your readiness. Set up a tent in your backyard, 6m bell tent and do a campout back there. During your night in the tent, do not access any of the facilities in your house. If your night goes well, and you don't find yourself too tempted by the comforts of home, you will probably love camping.
The climate in which you are camping will determine the type of tent that you need. If you are not going to be in cold and windy climates, you will not need a tent that is built for it. Do your research about tents before you buy one to be sure it will keep you warm and dry when you need it to.
Now that you know what camping entails, you'll be able to come up with a plan so your trip goes more smoothly. Knowing what to expect is only part of the fun though, the main part would be actually getting out there and doing it. Use what you have learned here, and have a stress free trip!