What is a tent footprint?
This country is filled with a multitude of stunning nature reserves and national parks, yet every year more people opt out of communing with nature and opt into sterile hotels. It is time to get back to basics and a fun-filled camping trip is just the way to go. Read on for tips and hints on how to have a great time in the great outdoors.
Prior to leaving, take a few minutes to make a checklist of everything that you need. There is nothing worse than getting to a campsite and then finding out that you don't have what you need to be comfortable. A checklist is a great aid as you are packing. Try to start getting thing's together several days before you leave so you have plenty of time.
Before you start out on that relaxing camping trip, it is essential for your safety to make sure to let someone know you are going. Give a friend or neighbor the name of the campsite if you are using one. If you are headed out on a less structured trip, give your contact a general idea of where you are headed and a timeline for your return. If something goes wrong, there will be someone to know where to look for you.
It is better to over-pack than to under-pack, especially for kids. Camping is messy business. Kids are always attracted to dirt. As the day goes on, you may end up with messy, dirty kids. While there is nothing you can do about that, you can have some extra clothing just in case. Remember, always be prepared!
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.
Prior to leaving on your camping adventure, look at the weather forecast in the location your are going to be camping. This can give you an idea of what you will be experiencing on your trip. When you have accurate weather information, the right clothing and equipment can be included in your supplies.
Unless you are going to be spending a significant amount of time camping, buying expensive sleeping bags is really unnecessary. Even if your old and musty sleeping bag is rated for below freezing temperatures, it is excellent padding for the ground even when it is hot outside and you will feel comfortable sleeping on it.
When you go camping, be sure to have a few activities in mind other than just... "camping". The camping experience is enriched by hiking, swimming, exploring and things like that. Be sure to engage in some of these other activities so that you have the fullest camping experience you've ever had.
Oranges are not only a healthy snack to take on a camping trip, but they are also versatile when used as a mosquito repellent. After you have eaten the orange, rub the peel onto exposed body parts and this will repel any blood-sucking bugs.
Bring some plastic totes or canisters with you when you go camping so you can store any food products you have opened. This will keep any critters from swarming around your campsite and it will also keep various wildlife from being attracted to whatever it is you have in there.
Make sure to prepare in advance before you engage in a camping trip. Packing a sleeping bag is pretty obvious, but take the extra precaution of including extra blankets too. This makes sure that any warmth that is not handled by the sleeping bag can be augmented by using extra blankets.
Leave your camping spot as clean as, or cleaner than you found it. It is important to show respect to the land and to others by cleaning up your camping area. If it was a mess when you got there, you can do a good deed and make it cleaner.
Any time you go camping, do not forget to bring a first-aid kit along with you. Since accidents can happen at any time, a first-aid kit is a very valuable asset to possess. Be sure to include topical creams for bug bites, sun burns and poison ivy when putting your kit together.
In this modern age, there is no excuse for being in the woods without some form of communication ability. Of course, no one likes to receive phone calls when they are relaxing, so leave your phone off but fully charged, just in case there is an emergency, and you need to contact someone.
A great tip for anyone that is going camping is to take plenty of water. In this case, there is absolutely no such thing as too much water. Plan out how much water you will need and then try and at least double the amount just to be on the safe side.
Do not leave your sleeping bag rolled up until right before it is time burning man tents for you to get some sleep. Lay it out right away so that it can loft up and give you the highest level of insulation. Do the same for any sleeping pads you have brought along.
Take along some pocket or dryer lint when you're going camping. If might sound odd, but lint can help you start a campfire. Lint makes flames that burn hotter and brighter than wood. With some lint, a fire pit, and a spark, you'll soon have yourself a cozy campfire.
Use an old shower curtain as a camping tarp. The next time you switch out your shower curtain, save the old one and you can use it when you go camping. Tarps, or old shower curtains can be used for many things. You can put it under your tent or use it to keep you dry should it rain.
Be certain to bring water purification materials. Even if you are planning on bringing your own water or boiling it on site, you never know when an emergency might arise. Try using the tablets at home before heading out on your trip to ensure you understand how they work and what the water will taste like. The worst thing that could happen is that you become dehydrated, so be sure to plan to prevent this from happening.
With advice in hand, it's time to start planning your adventure! Use what you learned and you can become an expert in camping. No matter where you are headed, your trip will be truly memorable.