Can you camp in 50 mph winds?
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.
Water is critical for your survival when hiking in the backcountry. Carry water purification tablets with you or some sort of water filter that is capable of filtering out bacteria. There are many different kinds available at your local sporting goods store. Whenever you are looking for a water source, make sure the water is flowing; stagnant water can kill you if not treated properly.
Pack a few shovels if there are children with you on your trip. Kids love nothing better than digging in the dirt, and having the right accessories is crucial. If you have room, bring a bucket too. The children will happily entertain themselves in the dirt while you unpack, set up camp and do everything that you need to do.
If you're new to camping, you're going to want to arrive early to the campground. The reason for this is you will be new to the campground site and rules, and this will slow you down. You don't want to be stuck setting up camp after dark, so just arrive a little earlier than you usually would.
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!
Make sure you have a first aid kit with you. As an alternative, you could pack some supplies in a plastic bag. While hopefully your trip will be free of injuries, you never know. It is best to be prepared so that you can handle anything that happens in the best way possible.
Bring everything that you will need before starting out on your camping trip. You certainly don't want to forget something important like your sleeping bag or tent. Make a list of the items you need, and double check it before you leave home.
Double-check any medical insurance. Sometimes when you go to a different place, you'll have to get an additional policy to cover you. This becomes even more important if your camping trip takes you to another country. It always pays to be prepared for anything!
Rolls of duct tape can be useful to take along on any camping trips you have planned in the future. Just as it has myriad uses around the house, you can use it for a variety of needs in the woods, too. This can be used to close up any issues with your air mattress, which can save you money. It can also fix up a tarp, sleeping bag, or even the tent. It can be used on feet to help fight off blisters during long hikes. If anyone hurts themselves, it can be used for securing splints or for covering wounds, provided something soft is placed between the tape and skin.
A large number of camping related injuries are due directly to carelessness with fire, so be sure to use fire with caution. First, make sure that fires are permissible in the area of your camp site. Set a ring of stones around the fire to keep it contained. Never leave children unsupervised near an open fire.
People who are going camping would be wise to stay away from axes to do their chopping. Sure an Ax might make you feel manly, but in many conditions, particularly when it is wet outside, or you are tired, an ax is a one-way ticket to the hospital.
Before you head out for your camping trip, be sure that you take the time to practice setting up your tent. You do not want to get yourself frustrated at the site. Setting the tent up the second time will be much easier than it was the first time around.
Purchase some pillows that are made for camping prior to going on your trip. Don't bring the pillows you use in your bedroom. These pillows can trap heat during humid weather. They also absorb moisture out of the air and can mildew quickly. Pillows made specifically for camping have a protective layer that keeps these things from happening.
Do not leave your sleeping bag rolled up until right before it is time 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.
Consider leaving a handwritten note to the following campers. In this note, you can inform them of some things that interested you during your camping experience. You could even wish them well during their stay. This is a nice gesture they are certain to appreciate, and it only takes a few short minutes of your time.
Keep bears away by properly storing your food and disposing of your waste. When you leave food out or in your tent or shelter, nearby bears may destroy your site to find it. Keep it safe and way from your camp. Try placing it in a high place like on a tall tree branch or on a rope.
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.
Take along some water purification tablets when you go camping. Even if you pack what should be enough water or plan on boiling water you collect, you might run out of time or need more than you think. You ought to try your purification methods a couple of times while still at home so you know what the final product will be like. Don't build a tent platform get dehydrated because you dislike the taste.
With this advice, your camping trips are sure to be successful. Take your time and get familiar with this advice for the next time you go camping. Good information will help you plan ahead and have a great experience when you are camping.