One of the things holding many potential campers back from their future experience in the great outdoors, is the idea of what to bring camping. Knowing what to bring on a camping trip is important, as it allows you to be prepared without bringing too many items. Keep reading for advice on what to bring on a camping trip.
Did you know that a simple mirror can save your life? If you are camping and end up in a survival situation, a simple hand held mirror can be used to signal for help many miles away. Do not buy the standard glass mirror, many camping supply stores sell mirrors made of Lexan that will float and are practically unbreakable.
Take only photos and leave only footprints. That is the rule of thumb when camping. Only use the natural resources that you need and do not leave any traces that you were camping when you leave. Pick up all trash, extinguish and cover any fire pits, bury all human waste, and make the area where you camped look exactly as it did when you found it.
When packing for your camping adventure, make sure you pack only what you need for mealtimes. If you are at the campground, your food will have to stay cold so it does not spoil. If you are on the trail, any additional or excess food can be a burden. If you pack just enough food for the time you are on the trail, you will not be weighed down by excess weight.
Review your health insurance policy. You might need a new policy if you go to another state. This can be even more important if you're leaving to another country when you are camping, such as Canada. Don't get caught without the protection you need in case of an emergency situation.
Before you leave on your trip, use your backyard to help you work out the kinks in your camping equipment. Put up your tent to make sure you know (or remember!) how to put it up. This will also allow you to see if anything needs to be patched up. It will make it that much easier for you when you get to the campsite.
Emergency kits are one of the most important things to bring on a camping trip. Always keep the bare basics with you in the kit, and make sure that you have water purification tablets in it as well. Some extra things,like antivenom should be included for specific types of wildlife as well.
Let people know where your group is headed. Just in case anything happens to any of you, you want to know that there are people who know where you are at. This is a good precautionary measure to take if something were to happen to your camping group, because help will be on the way soon.
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.
Even when you're trying to get away from the luxuries of life, it can help to bring something nice on your camping trip. This can be something simple like fresh coffee or a favorite candy. These small luxuries can really brighten your spirits!
Take along a fire extinguisher! You never know when a fire can spread. Being prepared to put it out quickly could save your life, your gear and the woods around you. Find one that is capable of putting what is canvas in tent out fires of all kinds to be sure you are prepared to extinguish them all.
When you are purchasing your camping supplies, spend a little extra on the better supplies. If you buy the better quality products, you will only have to buy these things once. After you have them bought, camping can be a very affordable way to get away from home for a weekend.
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.
Be sure to check your first-aid kit before you leave for your trip. You need to be sure it has all the basic necessities. Make sure it includes items like bandages, tweezers, disinfectant, ointment, etc. You never know when something may injure you or another person on your trip, so it's best to be prepared.
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.
Take along plenty of drinking water. You need to stay hydrated, and you will need the water to prepare your food. Depending on the nature of your camping trip, this water may also be needed for clean-up and washing of the hands. It is better to bring along more than you need than not enough.
Take a first aid kit with you so you know that you can take care of any wounds that you get on the trip. You want to take every precaution necessary when you decide to go camping. So make sure that you bring a first aid kit with some bandaids just in case anyone gets scratched or hurt on your trip.
Clean out your campsite before you leave to go back home. Bring enough trash bags for the anticipated clean up. Take any leftover food with you. The best practice to follow when camping is to clean the campsite well, and leave only your footprints behind.
Now that you are aware of some of the best tips you can get about camping, you are on your way to enjoying the outdoors with your family. Make use of the tips so you do not find yourself in a miserable trip that you wish you could get out of.
