Can you live in a canvas tent?
Have you been thinking about going camping for a long time now? What has been holding you back? Is it the lack of knowledge? Well go ahead and read this article so that you know what it takes to enjoy yourself on a nice weekend camping trip with the whole family.
You don't have to be a boy scout to be prepared, if you plan to go camping. One of the first rules is to be sure to tell somebody where you will be. If there isn't an exact location to give, then give a general idea of major roads nearby or even GPS coordinates if you know them and give a timeframe of when you plan to return.
If you are traveling with children, consider staying at a campground that is specifically designated for families. Campers in these areas know what to expect and will not have an issue if you have a cranky toddler or your children want to run around, scream and play. You will probably be more relaxed as a result and have a better time.
You don't have to be a boy scout to be prepared, if you plan to go camping. One of the first rules is to be sure to tell somebody where you will be. If there isn't an exact location to give, then give a general idea of major roads nearby or even GPS coordinates if you know them and give a timeframe of when you plan to return.
When it is time for you to go to sleep, it is a good idea to put the coolers that you brought along into your vehicle. Bears have become quite savvy these days and have figured out that these coolers usually carry food items and this will attract them to your campsite.
Take along a box with essential supplies when you go camping. Include things like stick matches, a flashlight, cooking tools and hand cleaner. Prepare in advance. Think about all the things you might need days before you leave on your trip, especially if you will be far from any store.
Bring sufficient amounts of the right kinds of foods. Depending on the length of your stay, you will want food that is not very perishable. Food poisoning will put a damper on your trip and force you to end it quickly. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain the highest level of preparation with your food.
Be sure to pack a sufficient amount of the proper foods. Depending on the amount of time you will be out, it is important to have food that will not spoil while you are out. A run-in with food poisoning can quickly put an end to a fun trip. Always prepare food the right way and take extra precautions.
Cross contamination is not an issue that only affects people that cook at home. When you are cooking outdoors, you still have to worry about not using the same cutting board to cut meat that you do to cut any other foods. If you only have one board, use both sides.
While camping's purpose is to survive off the fat of the land, it is still important to prepare yourself. Though a sleeping bag is great, extra blankets can also be useful. These can be used for additional padding or for extra warmth on a chilly night.
Do summer camp wedding not dump any type of food waste on the ground. This is a great way to attract unwanted bugs and animals. The best way to get rid of excess food waste is to dump all of it into the fire pit. It is also not a good idea to bury them.
Learn how to pitch your tent ahead of time. First-time tent pitching can take time, and you may get frustrated if your first time is at the actual campsite. If you practice doing this ahead of time, it will be a breeze to do once you get to your destination.
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.
Be careful and wise when you are packing. Create a supply checklist for your trip and check off each item as it's being packed. This is something you should strive to do if you are camping in a secluded spot, away from first-aid or emergency amenities.
Zip-lock bags can be very handy in a camper's tool chest. Don't worry about hauling mixing bowls in your gear. A gallon size zip-lock bag is great for mixing foods together and is much easier to carry in your pack. Just secure the top of the bag very carefully, then squeeze, knead or shake the ingredients together. Then discard for super-easy cleanup too!
Make sure that your tent is ready before dark if you don't plan to sleep under the stars. Some camping locations get very dark and this can make setting up your campsite nearly impossible. You also never know when something could go wrong during set-up, such as a broken pole or a sudden tear in your tent.
If you haven't camped before, then now is not the time to start being a hermit. Ask an experienced friend to go with you and show you the ropes. As you become more advanced in the hobby you can start to take small and then larger trips alone and get your hermitude on.
Take along your lint! While this seems silly, lint costs you nothing and makes a great starter for a campfire. When you use lint rather than wood to start a fire, the flame is brighter. Keep some waterproof matches with you and a pocketful of lint if you need to step away from your campsite, and you're ready for a fire anywhere.
A camping trip is much less intimidating when you are properly prepared. By using the tips and advice mentioned here on your next trip, you can enjoy a safer, more relaxing adventure knowing that you have the skills and know-how to tackle any issues that may arise.