Some Camping

Camping can be very enjoyable. Experiencing fresh air and being surrounded by nature cannot be beaten. If you haven’t the slightest idea of how to start camping, you’re at the right place, go ahead and read.

Your sleeping bag should be seasonally appropriate. Bringing a winter bag camping in summer can cause you to roast all night. Conversely, if you bring a light-weight sleeping bag to a winter camping trip, you can be extremely uncomfortable the entire time. You may even subject yourself to hypothermia.

Make sure your tent is of ample size. Being stuffed into a tent can make it almost impossible to get any sleep, and you certainly do not want to be stepping on people if you have to get out during the night.

Before you leave home to go camping, check to see if inclement weather is predicted in the area you are planning to visit. There are several websites that will give you the weather forecast for the week. This will help you prepare by having the right clothes and equipment.

Try to camp near water, where you can also enjoy swimming. Camping can make you miss your shower. The coolness of the water will help you feel cleaner and more refreshed, so you won’t miss your shower as much as you thought you might!

Dryer lint makes wonderful kindling to start your campfires with. A month prior to your trip, start saving the lint you pull from the lint screen in your dryer. Keep a plastic bag right next to the dryer and put the lint in there. By doing this, you’ll be able to collect the kindling on the day you’re taking the trip.

Buy yourself some camping pillows for your trip. Standard bed pillows can become hot and sticky in humid weather. These types of pillows are prone to taking in the moisture in the air and can even mold if left in wet conditions for too long. Camping pillows have a protective coating on them to prevent the absorption of moisture.

As you set up your campsite, choose an area that is as smooth and as level as possible for the location of your tent. If you pick out a sloped or a rocky spot it can make sleeping and hanging out in the tent very uncomfortable. Put a tarp down before pitching your tent to prevent water from entering.

Prior to going camping, be sure to create a list of what you’ll need. For trips that take a while to arrive at the destination, this is crucial. Start getting things together a couple of days before you plan to leave, and check things off the list as you pack them.

Pack extra flashlights and extra batteries when you go camping. Once the sun has set it is nice to have a source of light. Adequate light can help you avoid falling in the dark, or encountering wildlife. Bring flashlights to safeguard against the dangers of darkness.

Always bring both a first-aid kit as well as a survival kit. These two items can keep you from ending a trip abruptly and handling many situations swiftly and easily. Carrying these items can help a situation stay safe, rather than turning very harmful or even fatal.

A simple and obvious piece of advice is that you should create your shelter when it is still light. It is much more difficult to pitch your tent after dark. If you plan on pitching a tent when its dark, you will need a flashlight. It is so much easier to erect your tent and organize your camping area before sunset.

A lot of people contract food poisoning because they don’t properly pack their food. Food that has not been preserved, vacuum sealed or canned can spoil and give you food poisoning. Make sure food and drinks stay at a safe temperature by using enough ice. Most coolers have a plug that you can open, this drains the excess water, so your food won’t get wet.

The best way to dress for camping is in layers. It is not uncommon for it to be hot and then cold within an hour in some areas. While the early morning may be freezing, by afternoon it can get hot and humid. This type of cycle can continue with a cold night. Make sure to layer your clothing so you are prepared for anything.

A shower curtain that’s old makes a good disposable and cheap tarp to put beneath your tent. You could also put it down in the area in which you are going to wash your dishes or prepare your food. Instead of throwing away your old shower curtain, wash it and use it when you go camping.

If you plan on camping more than a couple days, bring along some entertainment. Books, board games, a guitar or some music are all great options to bring along.

Bring along sunscreen. Sun protection is vital wherever you are. Choose a sunscreen that will provide plenty of protection given your location and skin type. It would be even better to get a sunscreen that also has bug protection. It’s not desirable to have a lot of chemicals on your skin as you camp.

Include a few indoor activities in your camping trip supplies. That way you will have something to do should the weather not cooperate. If you get stuck in the rain, you’re going to need to stay inside your shelter. Don’t let it ruin your trip. Be certain to have lots of activities handy that can be enjoyed inside.

If you are planning to take your pet with you make sure you take all the necessary items. Even if your pet is not usually crated, make sure to have one handy to protect your friend from animals in the wild. Always have a leash as well. Be sure you have all current licenses and vaccinations. Food, water and clean bowls are important to have with you. Try to clean up after your pet when possible.

If camping looks attractive and you start thinking of getting yourself prepared there’s a few places that could ease up the process and save your time. For those who live in the US there’s REI, Backcountry Patagonia or Marmot for the UK check GO Outdoors or COTSWOLD outdoor and if in Australia check ANACONDA Kathmandu or macpac This should give you some ground to begin with.

With the advice shared here, you will be ready for an enjoyable camping trip. Just be sure to go prepared, use the tips you’ve learned and act cautiously in the woods. No matter how far you travel, you will have a great camping experience.