Can you fit two people in a one person tent?
Going camping can be an enjoyable experience, but basic preparations and knowledge can keep you comfy and safe. The tips and hints in this article provide useful advice that you can use to make your next camping trip a success.
To increase your sleeping experience while camping, bring a pad along that you can place under your sleeping bag. This pad acts as a barrier between you and the hard ground where twigs and tree knots may cause strange sleeping conditions. If a pad isn't handy, bring a few extra blankets that you can fold over on themselves to create some cushion.
If you are going on a camping adventure, make sure you have enough time to set up camp before dark. It can be extremely difficult to set up camp in the dark and possibly unsafe. You need to be able to scout the terrain, prepare bedding, and possibly build some temporary shelter prior to the sun going down.
Though you may believe that there will be sufficient wood lying around for your fire, you may only be able to find wet lumber that does not easily burn. Bring some wood and store it in an area that is not moist when you camp.
Always take a fully stocked first-aid kit when you venture out on a camping trip. You can put together your own kit with bandages, gauze pads, tweezers, scissors, anti bacteria cream and antiseptic wipes in a sturdy container. You can also buy one of the many excellent ready-made kits to save time.
If you are going camping with your pets or children, you need to take a few extra precautions. Try to teach your kids the basics of camping safety. They need to know what to do if they get lost and should each have a small survival kit. Make sure you have leashes for any pets and make sure they are current with all vaccinations.
Make sure you plan out your route in advance of your trip. Look to see if there are any special places that you can stop at along the way. It will make the drive much more enjoyable and you may have a lot of fun in the process. Granted, you may need to get to your destination quickly, but if you have time, taking the scenic route is worth it.
Practice makes perfect when pitching a tent. Take the time to put the tent up before leaving for your trip. This allows you to build your proficiency at erecting the tent, and will also help locate any issues with the tent in case you need to exchange it for a better option.
Camping in the wilderness alone is one of the most dangerous things that you can do. It is essential that you always bring at least one friend with you unless you are incredibly knowledgeable about the wilderness. Additionally, bringing several friends with multiple tents is the ideal situation, but this is not always possible.
Make sure you have cover in case of rain. When you're out in the woods, a rainstorm can be wet, cold and uncomfortable. Make sure you have some kind of protection against the rain, whether it be a tent, cabin or lean-to. In a pinch, you can use a garbage bag as a poncho!
Make sure that you bring items along with you that will make your camping trip more fun. Card games, fishing poles, scavenger hunt lists and other supplies can make hanging out in the woods more fun. If your kids are along on your camping trip, include as many entertainment items as possible.
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.
Make a list of the things you need for your camping trip and check each item off once you pack it. Then, make sure you bring each bag to the car. The last thing any camper wants is to reach the sight and find out they forgot something important, like matches or the food.
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.
Look into the temperature rating of the sleeping bag you are considering. If you are not going to be camping in living in a wall tent cold climates, you do not need one that is rated for the cold temperatures. Finding the sleeping bag that will keep you warm enough without cooking you will make a huge difference in your camping experience.
Recreational camping is not just for warm weather. If you are feeling especially adventurous, you can go camping in early spring and late fall at most camping grounds. You can even camp in the snow if you have the right gear. Make sure your sleeping bags are suitable for whatever weather you are camping in.
It is important that you practice food safety while you are out camping. Pack food and drinks in airtight pouches and containers. Keep cold foods in ice in insulated containers. Make sure that raw or cooked meat is not stored in the same containers as other foods. And always wash your hands before touching food. Cook all food to safe temperatures, and chill foods as soon as they cool down.
Take foods that are easy to prepare and pack. Always take clean water with you. Powdered milk and drink mixes are great beverages to take along. Also take some snacks like prepared meats, cheese sticks, marshmallows, dried fruit, and protein bars. Cooking elements like butter and oil are also nifty for both hot and cold meals.
Now that you have a good idea about how to plan for your camping trip, you can start planning and packing. Explore the wonders that nature has provided you to enjoy. Keep your camera ready! You are going to want to capture as many memories as possible on your next camping excursion.