Are canvas tents worth the money?
Camping can be a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors. It can also be an experience that you would give anything to forget. If you properly plan for your trip, it will turn out great. Use the following tips to prepare for your next camping trip to make it one you want to remember.
When packing for your camping trip, make sure to pack either a pair of flip flops or water shoes. These will come in handy in and around the campground. For instance, if you are staying in a campground that has bathroom facilities and you plan on taking a shower, you need to wear shoes in the shower to protect your feet from foot fungus.
Bring your cellphone with you when you go camping. Even if you are serious about roughing it, cell phones are still very useful in emergencies and should not be left at home. A cell phone is no longer a hobby, and when you go camping it can help you reach police and emergency personnel--bring it.
Keep an eye on the weather. Rain or other conditions may impact your travel time and your experience at the campsite. Make sure that you have gear that is appropriate for the weather conditions that you may face. Adjust your departure time as necessary to try and avoid the bulk of the bad weather, if possible.
Pack and carry a survival kit on your person for the entire trip. Your survival kit should contain a survival knife, water-purifying tablets, waterproof matches, first aid kit, and a flare gun. You may find that this kit makes the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. Be sure to carry it on your person and not leave it at your campsite.
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!
Look up grocery stores near your campsite. Make sure you know how to get to them. Particularly, if your trip is spanning more than three or four days, the food you bring with you probably isn't going to last the length of your trip. Not only, that, but your family is going to get tired of eating the same things day after day. Variety is the key.
Before going to a new place to go camping, you need to know what dangers may be lurking. There may be spiders or bears near you that could pose a threat. Every camping spot has a few dangers to be aware of.
When planning a camping trip, be sure to plan on getting to your campsite before dark. This way you will have daylight in order to set up camp, check out your site for dangers, such as broken glass, dangerous tree branches and other potential dangers or problems that can be fixed before bedtime.
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.
Living off the land is part of camping, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't go prepared. You'll need a sleeping bag, as well as extra blankets. This will keep you warm if it gets really cool at night and/or you can use them for additional padding.
When you are camping, choose flat, soft ground to pitch your tent on. Pitching your tent on bumpy, rocky ground or on a slope won't make for a very comfortable night's sleep. Make sure you put down a tarp before you set up your tent. This will keep water from entering your tent at night.
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.
If you are traveling to a place with an abundance of animals, make sure you are prepared with respect to food. Keep things tightly wrapped and store them away from the site of your tent; if needed, avoid certain types of food altogether. Following these measures will keep you safe from attacks.
Bugs can be a major problem with camping; they can cause disease, get into your food, and just be a nuisance. Take the proper measures to keep them away. This includes not putting on perfume or cologne, lighting citronella candles, avoiding swamp lands, and covering your skin, so they are not attracted to your scent.
An easy, yet often forgotten tip is to find shelter before it gets dark. It's hard to start pitching a tent when waterproofing canvas tent it's dark outside. You need either a fire or a flashlight. It is so much easier to set up your shelter before dark.
Make sure that you dress appropriately for your camping trip. Your clothing should be loose, clean, and comfortable. You should also pay attention to the weather. If you notice it will be cold, make sure you wear several layers of thicker clothing. If there is a chance of rain, make sure you bring along a waterproof poncho. You do not want to be stuck in the wilderness without the proper clothing.
Whenever you select a sleeping bag, ensure that your selection is one that is appropriate for the season. You need a lightweight sleeping bag for the summertime. During the winter, however, a thick sleeping bag will trap your body heat and ensure that you don't freeze.
The best way to dress when you are camping is in layers. You want to make sure that you are comfortable in any weather. For example, it may be very chilly in the morning and very hot and humid in the afternoon. The evenings can then turn cold again. Wearing clothes in layers allows you to adjust to rapidly changing weather and temperatures throughout the day.
Many people will tell you that they have fond memories of camping. The information provided here should help make it so that you have a memorable trip as well, as long as you keep the information in mind. You should know be ready to field any curve balls that come your way!