What's the point of camping?
Have you considered camping? Time in nature makes great memories for a family, couples or just yourself. As thrilling as camping is, it's important you know something about it before embarking on a trip. Look at this article to take advantage of your time camping.
Leave no trace of your outing at your campsite, for environmental reasons and as a courtesy to park officials who clean up and the next camping crew. Make sure all trash is picked up, you refill holes you may have dug and of course, that your campfire is completely out!
You will get dirty. If you prepare yourself for this ahead of time, it won't stress you out as much when it happens. Enjoy the outdoors and get down and dirty. Things will go to back to normal soon enough.
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.
Leave no trace of your outing at your campsite, for environmental reasons and as a courtesy to park officials who clean up and the next camping crew. Make sure all trash is picked up, you refill holes you may have dug and of course, that your campfire is completely out!
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!
Save space in your bag by leaving mixing spoons and containers behind, and instead just bring plastic zip-lock bags. Place the foods or liquids that you want to mix in the bag, and ensure that the zipper is well closed before mixing. Not only do the bags take up considerably less space than bowls and spoons, but they're much more lightweight as well!
Purchase a multi-use tool to store with your camping gear. This tool should include an axe, hammer and saw. The multi-use tool will come in handy when you are searching for firewood, clearing a trail and setting up your tent. When purchasing a multi-use tool, get one of the good quality one for years of enjoyment.
When camping, periodically do a tick check. Look for any brown or black spots that have just appeared on your skin. Ticks attach themselves to the skin without causing too much of a disturbance, so be sure to check yourself and your companions for ticks after spending time camping outdoors.
Make sure that you find out what sort of weather is forecast for the place that you are going to be camping at. You can find the average weather during a season for almost any location online. If you have the correct weather information, you will be better prepared with proper equipment and clothing.
Rolls of duct tape can be useful to take along on any camping trips you have planned in the future. A roll of duct tape has a great number of uses on a campsite. It can be used to repair holes in air mattresses. It can repair a rip in a sleeping bag, tarp or tent. You can also protect your feet against blisters while hiking long distances by putting duct tape on them. You can use duct tape for almost anything.
Pack extra flashlights and batteries. It can get quite dark at night, away from all the city lights. A light source is very important. Bring a few spare flashlights just in case. Make sure that you pack extra batteries as well. A light source is something you do not want to find yourself without.
When selecting an area for your tent, look for the area of the campsite with the flattest and softest ground. Spots that are rocky, steep or wet mean an uncomfortable sleeping experience for you. Just lay a tarp at the bottom of the tent to stop water from going into your tent or damaging your tent.
It is important to have a flashlight when you camp, but make sure the batteries are fully charged. One way to be sure the batteries don't accidentally drain on the journey is to put them into the flashlight backwards. That way if the switch is accidentally engaged, they stay charged. Plus, you know where the batteries are.
When setting up the tent, know how to seal every seam. You may find a tube at many sporting good stores if the tent didn't include any. By doing this, you will prevent wayward animals or rain from making it inside.
If you have never been camping before, then be sure to bring extra of everything. This is most important for things like food and drinks. Since you are inexperienced you may underestimate how much food you actually need. Remember, you will probably be very active, and therefore need more food than normal.
Think folding chairs when packing for your camping trip. You will want folding chairs to sit in around the campfire. The best type of folding chairs are those that have a case with a strap. This type of chair makes it easy canvas tent stove to tote when hiking or visiting other campers.
Plan activities to make the trip exciting from beginning to end. You do not need to stick to just sitting around a campfire and roasting marshmallows. Plan activities that create fun for everyone at the campsite. Take younger and older children into consideration when you are planning.
If you're outside in cold weather, keep warm by wearing layered clothing. Not only, can adding more layers make you warmer, but you can easily remove layers if the temperature rises later. Multiple layer's trap heat in between each piece, which will prevent you from losing heat. Try bringing thermal underwear, turtlenecks, sweaters, gloves, coats, and boots on your trip.
No matter how you do it, camping is a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend your vacation. It can offer great relaxation, inspiration and even teach us a lot about our environment. Keep the tips from this article in mind as you set out on your camping adventure and remember to have fun!