Can you camp in 50 mph winds?
Camping has long been known as a cherished pastime for the young and old alike. It does not matter whether you plan to just kick back by a warm fire and relax, hike or any type of other recreation, you should always be prepared with some basic camping knowledge.
It's imperative that you pitch your tent before the sun goes down. Once it gets dark outside, figuring out how to set up a tent, finding wood and making food may become impossible. This is very true if you're used to being in a city where there isn't any darkness ever. Do not wind up in this position. Seek shelter and make camp for the night well before darkness sets in.
Pre-cool your ice chest by filling it with loads of ice, at least six hours prior to departure. When you are about to leave, pack up your refrigerated cooled drinks and block ice, not cubed. Popping room temp beverages will take up valuable ice-life, and the cubes will melt much quicker than a block!
Avoid any wildlife you may come into contact with. Bears have become a fairly large problem with campers. In some parks they have been known to rip open the trunk of a car to gain access to food. Raccoons are also a big problem in many campgrounds. Not only are they smart and can gain access to your food supplies easily, but they can carry disease as well.
Choose a tent large enough for everyone that will be expected to use it. This helps you to have a more comfy night's sleep, and trips in and out of the tent will be less disturbing for those who are sleeping.
You need to maintain your cleanliness while camping. Good hygiene is difficult when you are camping sometimes, but you can keep yourself clean. A bottle of hand sanitizer is excellent to have so you can clean hands before eating. You can also use rubbing alcohol on areas of your body that are not sensitive. A mild biodegradable soap and a sponge can be used to take mini-baths when water resources are low.
Make sure you have a first aid kit with you. As an alternative, you could pack some supplies in a plastic bag. While hopefully your trip will be free of injuries, you never know. It is best to be prepared so that you can handle anything that happens in the best way possible.
There are many items in terms of camping equipment that you should bring on your trip. You don't need to forget something important like your sleeping bag or tent. In order to ensure that this does not happen, make a checklist before you head out and cross off the items as you pack them.
Review your health insurance policy. If you are going camping out of state, you may have to add an additional policy for full coverage. This is a bigger factor if you're traveling to another country for a camping trip, such as Canada. Be sure that your insurance will cover you, no matter where you are.
If you have never been camping before, then be sure to bring extra of everything. This is most important for things like food and drinks. Since you are inexperienced you may underestimate how much food you actually need. Remember, you will probably be very active, and therefore need more food than normal.
For easier food preparation on a camping trip, prepare ingredients at home, and pack them in plastic zipper bags. You might want to chop, and other ingredients can be cooked quickly and easily when the prep work is done ahead of time. Throw a few bags of vegetables and meat into a pot over a fire, and you have soup or stew!
An orange may prevent you from getting mosquito bites when you're on your camping trip. If you arrive at your camping destination and realize you've forgotten to pack bug repellant, fear not. Experts have said that you can just rub inner side of an orange peel on any exposed skin. This will help you to avoid insects.
Be prepared if you get lost on a camping trip. You should know how to use a map, compass, and GPS device before leaving for your trip. You should also keep these on your person during your trip. If you stray too far from your campsite, these items can help you get back quickly and safely.
When you are packing your clothing for a camping trip, remember that it is best to dress in layers. This way, you can add or remove clothing to make you more comfortable. Take along a rain coat that you can put on top of every other layer to keep you dry if it rains.
Always take a map with you, and make sure you know how to read the map and a compass before you go. Even if you know what your campsite is like, you may still get lost because a lot of areas look similar around where you are. You can avoid a possible disaster by becoming knowledgeable about using these items that can save your life.
Recreational camping is not just for warm weather. If you are feeling especially adventurous, you can go camping in early spring and late fall at most camping grounds. You can even camp in the snow if you have the right gear. Make sure your sleeping bags are suitable for whatever weather you are camping in.
Learn how to mark the trails that you are exploring. It can be quite easy to get lost in the woods. Marking the trails that you are walking will make it easy to find your way back to camp. It can also help others find you if you get lost.
Plan your camping trips ahead of time if you are bringing children. Make sure to carry proper clothing for the weather and climate and be sure to practice safety drills with them frequently before the trip. They need to learn what to do if they get lost and they best tent fans should have their own glowstick or flashlight.
If you are trying to camp on a budget, make sure that you do not skimp when it comes to tents or sleeping bags. It is necessary for you to have top quality versions of these two items. Buying generic food and off-brand clothing would be a better way to save a few bucks.
So the next time you have some vacation days to enjoy, make sure you give air conditioning and cable television a big miss. Instead choose to enjoy seeing the natural beauty of the world around us. Camping does not have to mean discomfort, but it can mean a whole lot of family fun!