What are the 10 essentials for camping?
There are so many things to think about when it comes to camping, it can seem like there is too much to handle when you try and go camping. Yet once you break it down, it isn't all that difficult to plan out a camping trip, you can learn that ahead.
If you are traveling with children, give them the opportunity to assist you when you get to the campground. They can carry gear, support you as you set up the tent and look for firewood. Not only will it keep them busy and out of trouble, it will be fun for them as well.
A good multi-purpose tool needs to be part of your camping gear. There are two kinds to bring. First is the saw/hammer/axe 3-in-1 tool to use for firewood and other chores. The other is the standard multi-purpose tool with a variety of tools on it like a can opener, tweezers, scissors, and a knife.
When you buy a new tent, always set it up at home once before taking it camping. By doing this you will be able to make sure that your tent does not have any missing parts. Furthermore, such a task will help to reassure you that you know how to errect your camping tent properly. This can eliminate the frustration of trying to set up your tent in a hurry.
Just because your tent is labeled waterproof, do not count on it to keep you dry when it rains. Pack a couple extra-large tarps to take along with you. Use one to set on the ground under your tent and keep one dry to use to cover your tent if it looks like it is going to rain hard.
When you bring your dog on a camping trip, make certain he has adequate tick protection. Bugs thrive in forests, and many flea treatments do not extend protection to include ticks, so ask your vet before departing if your dog has everything he needs and what you should do for proper tick prevention and removal.
Keep a kerchief or bandanna close at hand. Not only can it keep the hair out of your eyes, it can also be a sack to carry things, a towel to dry your hands or a potholder to grab your coffee pot from the fire. You will find that you can use these in a lot of versatile ways, so bring one along when you're camping.
Ask a park ranger or a tour guide to let you know about all the places to check out while you are camping. This is a good idea so that you know you are getting the most out of your camping experience, you don't want to take a camping trip and miss out on a fun experience.
Save space in your bag by leaving mixing spoons and containers behind, and instead just bring plastic zip-lock bags. Place the foods or liquids that you want to mix in the bag, and ensure that the zipper is well closed before mixing. Not only do the bags take up considerably less space than bowls and spoons, but they're much more lightweight as well!
To start your fires at camp, use dryer lint as kindling. Start collecting the lint from your dryer's filter about a month before you go on your trip. Hang up a grocery bag beside your dryer and collect the lint in it. Your kindling will be ready for you to grab on the way out the door for your trip.
An emergency kit is a very important component to have while camping. This kit will change depending on when and where you are camping but should always include the basics. For example, if you will be camping in a Southern state you should certainly carry anti-venom for the local wildlife that you may encounter.
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.
An easy, yet often forgotten tip is to find shelter before it gets dark. Pitching tents in the dark can be almost impossible. You will have to have a flashlight or create a fire. It is easier if you do it while it is still daylight.
Flashlights, spare batteries and an oil lantern are always handy items to have with you on your trip. You will surely find it necessary to illuminate things once night falls. Having that extra light source might help to prevent a fall or accident, or even getting lost in the woods. Make sure you have at least enough flashlights for each person to have their own.
Bring along plenty of zip-lock bags on your camping trip, for a great mixing tool with foods as well as great storage. Always make sure the bag is completely sealed, then pop in any foods you need to combine, like chicken and batter or steak with marinade! Zip-lock bags are the best at keeping anything you need water-proofed too.
If you are taking children with on your camping trip be sure to bring pictures of them as well. If your children get lost during your trip, a picture of them can be very helpful. Always keep one ready for emergency use, especially when a good distance from the home.
Make a list of what to bring on your camping trip ahead of time. Planning ahead will save you the hassles of last-minute shopping. It will also ensure that you don't forget any essentials. You don't want to arrive at your campsite to discover you've forgotten your cookware, knives or soap.
It is a good idea to have a cell phone that is fully charged in your car or base camp. Even better, try bring along some spare batteries in case your phone's battery runs out. Your cell phone makes for excellent emergency equipment, so you must ensure it does not die.
Keep safety in mind on your camping trip. Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit along with the traditional bandaging supplies and antibiotic ointment. But throw into the mix some antihistamine for bug bites and rent a glamping tent bee stings, pain reliever, hand sanitizer and any other items that could come in handy in the outdoors.
As you can now tell, camping has a great deal more to offer than a tent and a night in the woods. There are certain safety precautions one must take in order to stay safe and enjoy the day. Use what you have learned today on your next camping trip and you can too, become a seasoned camper!