What do you put under an air mattress when camping?
Camping can be one of the most affordable ways to get out of the home and have a good time with the family. If you are looking for a way to enjoy some time away from home with your family, camping may be just what you are looking for. Use the tips below to begin planning.
If you are going backcountry camping, you should probably carry a snake bite kit in your gear. The best snake bite kits are the ones that use suction. Some kits have scalpels and blood flow constrictors in them. Scalpels can actually cut the poison into the blood stream faster, and constrictors can be deadly if not used properly.
Make sure that you avoid any venomous plants. A good way to do this is to stop at the ranger station and ask what kinds of poisonous plants are in the area so you can identify them if you come into contact with them on the trail. Never eat anything while hiking on the trail if you do not know it is edible.
Build yourself a survival kit; keep it with you anywhere you go while camping. Must haves include, but aren't limited to, a knife, matches, a flare gun, and a first aid pack. This kit could be the difference between life and death. It is important that you carry your survival kit with you at all times.
A major mistake that campers make is they will get lost on occasion. Do not let this happen to you. If you are unfamiliar with the area you are camping in or if you are in a wilderness area, do not stray too far from your campsite. A portable GPS is an excellent investment if you are planning any kind of wilderness camping adventure.
Leave no trace of your outing at your campsite, for environmental reasons and as a courtesy to park officials who clean up and the next camping crew. Make sure all trash is picked up, you refill holes you may have dug and of course, that your campfire is completely out!
Giving yourself enough time to enjoy your camping trip is key. Plan out your trip far in advance and get a couple of days off from work if possible. You want to enjoy yourself camping for at least a few days, that way you feel like you got the full experience out of it.
You can make tasty meals even when you are camping. You do not necessarily need to eat just franks and beans or hamburgers. Pack a box with herbs and spices, olive oil, brown sugar or whatever else you like. You can fix meals that have flavor even when you are "roughing" it.
Before you bring your dog along for a camping trip, get him used to the idea with a little practice run in the back yard. Pitch the tent in an already familiar area, and let him sleep or play in it for a while. Bringing a dog can really add to the fun of camping, so long as the animal has been adequately prepared for the event.
Be certain you are prepared for any event when you're camping. Even if you plan in advance, something may still go wrong. There are many things that can go wrong, including illness, injury or extreme weather conditions. It's important to not be careless, not take any unnecessary risks, and to think before taking any actions.
Flashlights, lanterns and a few extra batteries must be taken for every camping trip. There will be times when you will need to see clearly after the sun goes down. A flashlight can prevent a fall and scare away unwanted wildlife. If you have canvas tent stove children with you on your camping trip, a smart thing to do is to give each of them a flashlight.
Pick out all of your clothing before you go camping. Consider how many outfits you will need for the number of days you plan to be on your trip and add in a few extra in case of bad weather. Always bring temperature appropriate clothing for your campsite. You should pack at least one pair of durable closed-toed boots.
It is a good idea to pitch your tent on a piece of land that is level. This will ensure you sleep better, which means you will have more energy for the next day. If you have to sleep on an incline, make sure that your head is tilted uphill.
Take along a battery operated radio when camping. A radio will keep you up-to-date on any late-breaking news and weather reports. A radio will also give you entertainment during those quiet evenings sitting around the campfire. Or if you prefer, pack a guitar for you and your campers' enjoyment.
When you go camping, try to pitch a tent in an area that is directly in a spot where the morning sun will beam. This is a great idea since it can get very cold in the forest. It will make your tent a little warmer so you can sleep a bit more comfortably.
When going camping, always remember to take waterproof matches with you when you're creating a survival kit. They should always be kept in a container where air cannot enter. You can waterproof regular matches by dunking them in nail polish or paraffin, a type of wax. Your canister for storing them could be a plastic medicine bottle or an old film-roll container.
If you are going camping with a tent you have never used before, put it up in your backyard before you leave. When you get to your campsite, it might be dark and raining, and you might have to go on feel and memory pitching the thing. So, it helps to have done it at least once before.
Whenever you are camping, be sure to adhere to proper safety protocol. Stay away from larger animals, and be cautious even around smaller ones. Smaller animals can be a lot more dangerous than expected, like squirrels for instance. If you encounter a bear, resist the urge to feed them.
Camping offers just about anyone the opportunity to peacefully commune with nature. But, in order to have the type of experience you truly desire, it is necessary to possess a certain degree of understanding and know-how. With any luck, the guidance contained above has provided the foundation every camper needs to have a wonderful outdoor experience.