How do you store a tent for winter?
When done well, camping is among life's true pleasures. Before embarking on an outdoor adventure alone or with friends and family, it is important to familiarize yourself with tried and true camping tips and advice. The article that follows offers just the start any burgeoning outdoors enthusiast might need to plan their next outing.
Did you know that a simple mirror can save your life? If you are camping and end up in a survival situation, a simple hand held mirror can be used to signal for help many miles away. Do not buy the standard glass mirror, many camping supply stores sell mirrors made of Lexan that will float and are practically unbreakable.
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.
Bring a plastic garbage bag and put all of you family's dirty laundry in it. This keeps the items from mixing in with your clean clothing. It also makes things convenient for you when you return home. You can simply dump out the bag in your washing machine and begin working on it all immediately.
Let all of your family members have a chance to contribute to picking a campsite. Openly talk about the various options available to you. Try to keep a small list, as there is such an abundance of spots to choose from, it can be hard to pick one. If it simplifies things, pick four or five favorites and then give everyone a vote.
Pack a first aid kit. There may be different items in it depending on your camping location, but there are some things that should be in any kit. Be sure to do your research and bring along any location-specific items you will need.
If you're camping with your family, try finding campsites that are pet-friendly. This is a great way for you to get your animals out in the fresh air. Your kids will be happy to have your animals there with you, so it can be a great experience for all of you.
Take the time to get a map and to get to know the land. This will help prevent you from getting lost, and to help you figure out how to navigate around your camping grounds throughout your entire trip. This is a good idea to help save time and worry for you.
Combine your camping trip with some swimming. You are probably going to miss the shower you have at home while camping. The cool water helps you to feel fresher, and you may just miss your shower a bit less.
The supplies for your next camping excursion should include a couple rolls of duct tape. A roll of duct tape has a great number of uses on a campsite. You may need to patch up a punctured air mattress. Duct tape can also seal other rips, such as ripped tents or sleeping bags. If you're planning on taking a long hike, place it on your feet to prevent blisters. You can even use it to bandage up injuries.
Never park your vehicle under a single tree when you are at a campsite. If there is a storm, it will attract lightning. This also how to build a tent platform means that you should avoid sleeping under any trees that are in a particular area by themselves. Try to be in an area that is free of trees or one that has many.
If you will be camping somewhere that is very far away from civilization, then make sure you have told several people where you will be as well as how long you are intending to stay. Ask them to call you on the day you are supposed to return to ensure your safety.
Bugs can be a major problem with camping; they can cause disease, get into your food, and just be a nuisance. Take the proper measures to keep them away. This includes not putting on perfume or cologne, lighting citronella candles, avoiding swamp lands, and covering your skin, so they are not attracted to your scent.
For easier food preparation on a camping trip, prepare ingredients at home, and pack them in plastic zipper bags. You might want to chop, and other ingredients can be cooked quickly and easily when the prep work is done ahead of time. Throw a few bags of vegetables and meat into a pot over a fire, and you have soup or stew!
If you haven't camped before, then now is not the time to start being a hermit. Ask an experienced friend to go with you and show you the ropes. As you become more advanced in the hobby you can start to take small and then larger trips alone and get your hermitude on.
Be aware of the wildlife where you are setting up camp. You do not want to set up in a place where the opossums, racoons and skunks have already called home. Learn the signs of the animals so you can find a safe place to set up camp without worrying as much about these animals at night.
You should bring food on your camping trips. You should plan out what and how many meals you plan on eating before going on your trip. As far as how much food you should bring, a good rule of thumb is to only carry the amount of food that you need to prepare your meals.
Keep safety at the front of your mind. Stay away from larger animals, and be cautious even around smaller ones. Small animals such as squirrels and possums can prove more menacing than their diminutive sizes suggest. If you encounter a bear, resist the urge to feed them.
You can see that there is a lot to keep in mind when you are thinking about going camping. Utilize the tips you have seen in this piece to make your trip as safe and enjoyable as possible.