Camping is one of Americas greatest traditions, however many people make common mistakes when venturing out to the great outdoors. The following article has some helpful advice on how you can make your next camping trip more enjoyable while also remaining as safe as possible. Read on to learn some key camping tips.
Select a sleeping bag which is right for the season. If you take a sub-zero bag camping in the middle of summer, you will probably sweat all night, or even overheat. The opposite is true as well, a summer bag won't keep you warm in the winter. You may even develop hypothermia.
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.
Take only photos and leave only footprints. That is the rule of thumb when camping. Only use the natural resources that you need and do not leave any traces that you were camping when you leave. Pick up all trash, extinguish and cover any fire pits, bury all human waste, and make the area where you camped look exactly as it did when you found it.
With camping, comes the campfire. Make sure your campfire is in an open space and far enough away from brush or trees so you don't run the risk of a stray spark catching them on fire. Surround the fire with stones to help keep it contained. Most importantly, never leave any campfire unattended. If you need to leave for any reason, make sure the campfire is extinguished completely.
Know what is available in the area around your campsite. You may get lucky and have beautiful weather the entire time. However, you may also face inclement weather, too. Have a backup plan in case you need a diversion. This is particularly crucial if you have kids, but adults need a little entertainment as well!
Dryer lint makes wonderful kindling to start your campfires with. A month prior to your trip, start saving the lint you pull from the lint screen in your dryer. Simply hang a plastic bag near the dryer and stash the lint in the bag as it collects. When you are ready to leave on your trip, just pack your bag of lint for kindling.
Introduce yourselves to other families camping in your immediate area, as a means of being social and more apt to help each other out. If another crew arrives after you've set up, offer to help with their tent or equipment. If something goes awry during the trip for anyone, it's much easier to ask for help from somebody who was courteous enough to introduce themselves.
If you are camping with others, ensure that there is something available to keep everyone entertained. There is nothing worse than a bored campmate, as they will constantly pester you for activities. Talk to your family and friends before hand and make sure they know how to entertain themselves for the trip.
Bring bug spray. If you forget your bug spray on a camping trip, you will deeply regret it. Try a few different bug sprays ahead of time. Find something canvas teepee for sale that works and doesn't irritate your skin. You also want to make sure that it isn't so greasy you'll be unwilling to sleep in it.
When camping out, you're going to have bugs. Some of them are fine, and some of them; you don't want them around you. To limit the amount of bugs you must deal with, keep your campsite clean. Bees and ants are attracted to sugary soda cans and messes, so dispose of your trash immediately.
A handy tool that will make your life easier when camping, is duct tape. It is nearly as useful while camping as it is around the house. You can use it to repair a hole in an air mattress. It be used to seal tears in tarps, tents, and even sleeping bags. It can be used on feet to help fight off blisters during long hikes. It can even be used to bandage injuries.
Create a list of the items you must bring before you go camping. This is doubly important for campgrounds that are far away. Get all your things together a few days before your trip and mark them off on your list.
If you're having trouble keeping warm at night, wear a hat. It can get cold out in nature. As cold as it gets, however, it can be quite stifling to keep your head tucked inside your sleeping bag at all times. Pack a warm woolen hat to wear while you sleep.
Two essential piece of camping gear are your first aid kit and your survival kit. Without such kits, you may have to end your camping trip early if an unfortunate incident occurs. Also, you can prevent dire situations and help you to get a sick person some help.
When you're finished camping and ready to go home, you should pick up after yourself. Keeping nature clean and preserved can allow future campers to enjoy it too. Before you leave, clean up any messes, you've made at your site and try your best to leave nature as you originally found it.
Ensure that you clean your campsite up whenever you finish using it. Pick up any piece of trash you can find. This is just common courtesy for the people who will be using it whenever you finish. You would want and expect the same thing in return from other people.
If you have other people sleeping nearby your campsite, do not bother them by leave your awning lights on during the entire night. Instead, use a timer that you can set to turn the lights off after a certain time period. By doing this, you won't bother others with your lights.
Now that you possess a great deal of new information, you should have a new sense of confidence about camping. Knowing what to do makes it even more fun. But the info shared here should make the trip a blast!
