When you go camping, you probably can not order a pizza or just run a few minutes down to the store. You have to make sure that you have everything ready before you leave. To have some ideas of what to pack and what to expect on your camping trip, keep reading.
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.
Bring a large trash bag for dirtied laundry, and keep it in a central location, suitable for everyone in your party. Let them pack their clothing individually, as this makes it much easier to find than if you pile it all in a community storage box or bag. Toss in a dryer sheet to any bag you want smelling fresh.
Don't worry about over-packing for the kids. Camping can be very messy. Kids are always attracted to dirt. That all means that you will have very dirty children as the day progresses. While you can't do much about that, you should have extra clothing on hand. Prepare thoroughly!
Use separate coolers for perishables, ice and drinks. While it does not matter if the perishables and drinks go into the same one, make sure to pack your ice separately. This will keep the temperature down so that you will have ice for much longer than you would have otherwise.
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!
Try combining a swimming experience with your camping experience. While you are camping in the great outdoors, it can be very easy to miss taking your daily shower. Swimming is a great way to rinse off and can take the place of your daily shower.
Talk to your children about the dangers of camping before heading out on your trip. You can show them some pictures of poisonous plants on the Internet, for example, so they are aware of what to look out for.
Before you even leave your camping trip, try practicing pitching a tent in your backyard or some other open space. People do not know how difficult pitching a tent can be; you do not want to get to camp and realize you have no idea what you are doing. Practice makes perfect!
You should always have some duct tape along on any camping adventure. It is as convenient for repairs while you are camping as it is at home. You may need to patch up a punctured air mattress. It can seal a rip in your tent, sleeping bag, or tarp. It can be used on feet to help fight off blisters during long hikes. It can also work as a bandage.
Unless you are a wildlife expert, you should never drink water that you haven't brought to the campsite with you. Water may look crystal clear but actually be home to a host of diseases or bacteria. If you are in an emergency, always choose running water over stagnant water.
Make a list of things you need to take with you before you go camping. You may think you are great at packing, but little else is worse than being out in the middle of the woods and realizing you forgot your allergy medication. Sit down and create a tent you can live in comprehensive list of everything you might need during the week before your camping trip.
If camping with children, place each set of their clothing in a zippered plastic bag or a tied plastic grocery bag. By sorting and packing their clothes in this manner, each morning your child can grab a package and have an entire outfit of clothing for the day. When it is time to go to bed at night, each child can stuff the soiled clothing back into the plastic bag and place it back into their suitcase and not soil unworn clothing.
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.
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.
Your sleeping bag selection should be made with the expected climate in mind. For example, summertime camping calls for a lightweight bag that helps you stay cool. During the winter, however, a thick sleeping bag will trap your body heat and ensure that you don't freeze.
Many people associate camping with misery; bug bites, sunburns and poor food. While this can be a reality, it can also be avoided by preparing about one week ahead of time. Try to think of all the possible situations that could go wrong, and find a product to help you avoid that situation.
When you plan a camping trip with your family, take along extra clothing and bedding in case the weather turns cold or rainy. Check the weather forecast of the area you intend to travel to before you plan your trip, and make sure you have a weather radio along so you know of any alerts.
One easy tip to keep in mind is that you have to build your shelter before nighttime. Pitching tents in the dark can be almost impossible. It is possible to see what you are doing by the light of the campfire or with the aid of a flashlight. It is best to do this before dark so you can put it up correctly.
By now you can see that camping can be quite entertaining. If you want to have a great time, be sure to put these tips to use. The information can help you enjoy your time instead of fighting with nature during your stay.
