When was the first tent invented?
It's always important to do a little research about camping before setting off on your trip. There are so many different things that can happen while you are out there. It doesn't hurt to be prepared, and can save you a lot of trouble. Here is some advice to help you have the best camping trip possible.
When packing for your camping trip, do not forget chairs and a radio. One of the best parts of camping is sitting around the campfire. You could sit on an old log, but why bother when you can pack chairs and be comfortable. The radio is for entertainment sitting around the fire. An even better idea is to bring your guitar for a sing along.
Those big, colorful plastic storage bins make excellent places to store and organize all of your camping gear. While at home, keep it in a closet or the garage and right before you leave for your camping trip, pop it in the trunk. It should keep everything air-tight, dry and easily accessible.
Always keep a close eye on yourself, your family, and your possessions; as they will all get a little dirty. Don't stress out when it inevitably happens. Take this as an opportunity to enjoy the freedom, let your hair down, and get a little dirtier than usual. You can return to being clean and civilized when you're at home.
With camping, comes the campfire. Make sure your campfire is in an open space and far enough away from brush or trees so you don't run the risk of a stray spark catching them on fire. Surround the fire with stones to help keep it contained. Most importantly, never leave any campfire unattended. If you need to leave for any reason, make sure the campfire is extinguished completely.
Make sure you plan out your route in advance of your trip. Look to see if there are any special places that you can stop at along the way. It will make the drive much more enjoyable and you may have a lot of fun in the process. Granted, you may need to get to your destination quickly, but if you have time, taking the scenic route is worth it.
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.
When camping alone or in the company of friends, always bring an emergency kit. This kit must include the basics for the event of an emergency. If you think there will be snakes, you might want to include antivenom.
Clean up thoroughly when leaving a campsite. Try your best not to leave any trace of you at the campsite you stayed in. This is important, not just in terms of being considerate of other people. There are animals and insects that continue to live in the woods after you have left, so think of them as well.
Make sure you have a suitable water source. Even if you bring water with you, plan to need more water and know where you will be able to get more. It is a good idea to know where your water source will be before you go camping at all, but surely right after you arrive.
When you select the location for your tent, be sure that it is the right place. The ground should be level and do what you can to avoid setting it up at the bottom of a hill. This will help you keep it dry if the weather should turn bad.
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.
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!
You need duct tape because it is a versatile, handy tool. Just as it has myriad uses around the house, you can use it for a variety of needs in the woods, too. You could seal an air leak in your mattress. Use it to enclose a rip in a tent, sleeping bag or weather-proofing tarp you have laid down. If you want to take a long hike it can be put on feet to keep blisters at bay. It can also be used in lieu of bandages.
Do not leave your sleeping bag rolled up until right before it is time for you to get some sleep. Lay it out right away so that it can loft up and give you the highest level of insulation. Do the same for any sleeping pads you have brought along.
Never park your vehicle under a single tree when you are at a campsite. If there is a storm, it will attract lightning. This also means that you should avoid sleeping under any trees that are in a particular area by themselves. Try to be in an area that is free of trees or one that has many.
Always bring a roll or two of duct tape along when you camp. Tents may be durable, but eventually they can rip. If your tent has damage, duct tape can be used to fixed it so you do not have to worry about getting wet at night.
If you are trying to camp on a budget, make sure that you do not skimp when it comes to tents or how to clean a canvas tent 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.
Wrap up your fishing gear, like line and lures, in plain old aluminum foil! This will keep everything from tangling up and if you do it properly, water proofed as well. Foil will also prevent rust from ruining your valuable fishing gear, so make it part of your camping trip every time.
Camping is a great activity for anyone, but it will be so much more enjoyable if you plan for it properly and anticipate the many things that can go awry. Keep the helpful tips of this article in mind as you get ready for your camping outing and have a ball!