How heavy should your backpacking tent be?
Are you ready to pack and go on a camping trip? Whether you are planning for a week long stay in the wild or a simple one night adventure, you must plan. The tips below are great for maximizing any camping journey.
If you are camping at a public campground, make sure you pack shower shoes for everyone in your party. Not only will they protect your feet from the bacteria on the shower floor, but they are great for those nighttime runs to the bushes when you need to use the restroom. They can be old flip flops, Crocs, or even slip-ons.
Know what is available in the area around your campsite. You may get lucky and have beautiful weather the entire time. However, you may also face inclement weather, too. Have a backup plan in case you need a diversion. This is particularly crucial if you have kids, but adults need a little entertainment as well!
If you have little ones camping with you, pack a few art supplies. When you get to your site, show them how to do leaf rubbings. There are always a variety of leaves in all shapes and sizes, so trying them all out will take a while. The kids will be happy and you will have some peace and quiet while you relax and watch them.
Try to get to the campsite well before nightfall. This allows you to get a feel for the lay of the land and gives you the opportunity to set up camp while you can still see what you are doing. In addition, it lets your children feel a little more comfortable with their surroundings because they will have time to explore.
Get a big enough tent to fit everyone and gear properly. This will ensure comfort while inside the tent.
Pour out any water that has accumulated in your freezer each day. You want to do this to prevent the ice inside from melting into the water. It is also a good idea because any contaminants that have entered the water from foods you have in, can be poured off.
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.
Set up a "jungle breakfast" when you are camping with your kids. Take mini-boxes of cereal, juice boxes and fruit out into the woods, and tie them to the trees. Make your children "hunt" them in the wild; like a great outdoorsman. This makes an interesting diversion for them during the trip.
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 out fires of all kinds to be sure you are prepared to extinguish them all.
Create a list of items you need for your camping trip. If you have to travel a long way to reach the campsite, this is particularly vital. Make sure you have everything you need and pack a couple days before leaving.
If you are taking your children camping with you, don't forget to take walkie talkies along with you. Although each of you may own a cell phone, the area where you are camping may not have adequate coverage. It is best to invest in walkie talkies that have a range of several miles. By having walkie talkies or Family Radio Service (FRS) radio, you can remain in contact with all members of your family.
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.
If you have other people sleeping nearby your campsite, do not bother them by leave your awning lights on during the entire night. Instead, use a timer that you can set to turn the lights off after a certain time period. By doing this, you won't bother others with your lights.
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 out fires of all kinds to be sure you are prepared to extinguish them all.
Pack extra flashlights and batteries when you are packing for your trip. Flashlights will be essential at night. Having enough light can prevent nasty falls or unwanted encounters with wildlife. When camping with children, give each child a flashlight.
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.
When choosing a sleeping bag, make sure that you pick one that is meant for the season and climate in which you plan to camp. For example, if you are going camping during the summer months, you will probably want a lightweight sleeping bag, so that your body does not overheat during the night. However, if it is winter, a thicker sleeping bag will be needed so you won't freeze during best glamping tent the night.
Now that you have learned a little bit more about camping, it should ease your mind and help you prepare for anything that may happen on your trip. Camping can be memorable, but if you don't know what you're doing, you can end up frustrated. You are fortunate to know that after today, fun is in your future.