Can I put my tent in the washing machine?
Many people have preconceived notions about camping such as how boring it is and the potential insect bites. Your camping trip doesn't have to be like this! If you plan well, it is possible to have fun, eat well and keep bugs away. You can learn more about how to have a good camping trip by reading this article.
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.
Particularly, if you have children, you need to consider what to do if you have inclement weather one day. Gather together a few supplies to have on hand in case you need to stay in your tent. Bring a board game, play doh and art supplies. Don't let your family members touch these items until it rains so that they don't lose their appeal.
As a courtesy to other campers, don't leave your lighting on overnight, if you are close to others. Pack a timer that you can attach to your lights that will automatically shut them off after a certain time. Leaving lights on overnight is a popular complaint among most American campers!
When you are heading out for that long awaited camping trip, don't forget to take along your cell phone. You may be tempted to leave all the texting and calls behind, but your cell phone can be one of your most important safety lifelines in the event of an emergency. Make sure it is fully charged and keep it protected from the elements in a plastic bag or waterproof case.
If you are a camping amateur, keep your camping adventure near your home. You may run into problems that will require you to shorten your trip, like problems with equipment. You may come to realize that you should have packed different clothing, or need more food. Many problems may arise for a new camper, so camping close to where you live can help you.
A Frisbee makes for excellent support under paper plates, and can avoid the usual camping spillage and drops! Grab as many of them as you have around your home or yard, or pick up a few at your local dollar-type store. They conveniently stack for easy, space-saving packing and are tremendously helpful with little one's meals.
When out in the wilds camping, it is smart to be prepared for just about anything. Remember, though, that you can't plan for every eventuality. Weather problems, injuries and other unexpected things may occur. To stay safe, plan ahead, do not take any risks and do not be careless.
When camping, periodically do a tick check. Look for any brown or black spots that have just appeared on your skin. Ticks attach themselves to the skin without causing too much of a disturbance, so be sure to check yourself and your companions for ticks after spending time camping outdoors.
An indispensable item to pack for your camping trip is Ziploc bags. You can separate items in your gear like sunscreen and bug spray so if they puncture they do not get all over your gear. You can also use them to keep items like matches and cellphones dry if it rains.
Do not forget to pack duct tape for your camping trip so that it can solve neraly any problem! From mending tent holes bell tent carpet to fixing shoes, duct tape can be used for a lot of repair work in a pinch.
A Swiss Army Knife is a tool that no camper should be without when camping. A Swiss Army Knife contains many useful tools including a screwdriver, a pair of tweezers, a screwdriver as well as a knife. This ingenious tool will come in handy many times during your camping trip.
If you're taking along the kids, pack current pictures of them. Should you lose track of your children at some point during your camping trip, having a picture handy could make a world of difference. Be sure that you have one on hand if you are far from home so that you are fully prepared.
When you are going camping, do your best to get as early of a start as possible. It will be your job to pitch your tent so you have somewhere to rest comfortably, and that will be much harder for you to do once it starts to get dark outside.
When it comes to tents, you should understand that bigger is not always better. Keep in mind that you are going to have to drag your tent to the campsite. To make sure that your tent is not too large for you to haul and set up, test it out at your home first.
It is a good idea to have a cell phone that is fully charged in your car or base camp. You may also want to bring a couple of extra batteries in case one runs out. A cellphone is a great way to get in touch with someone in case of an emergency so be sure yours isn't going to die.
Part of the fun of camping is cooking over an open fire or on a camp stove. To make sure you don't forget to pack any key ingredients, make a list of the meals you plan on preparing. Don't forget to take a small cutting board along with you so you have a clean surface for food preparation. Also remember to pack a couple of potholder or oven mitts to handle hot utensils, such as marshmallow forks.
When setting up a tent, ensure that the seams are all sealed. If your tent kit did not contain a tube of sealant, it can be found at most sporting stores. This can keep rainwater, insects and animals from invading your tent.
After reading this article, you should see how much fun camping is. Use this advice for help in preparing for your next camping trip. It will help your experience to be a positive one.