How heavy should your backpacking tent be?
There are so many things to think about when it comes to camping, it can seem like there is too much to handle when you try and go camping. Yet once you break it down, it isn't all that difficult to plan out a camping trip, you can learn that ahead.
A good multi-purpose tool needs to be part of your camping gear. There are two kinds to bring. First is the saw/hammer/axe 3-in-1 tool to use for firewood and other chores. The other is the standard multi-purpose tool with a variety of tools on it like a can opener, tweezers, scissors, and a knife.
Before you head out on your long-awaited camping trip, make sure the area where you plan to camp doesn't require a camping permit. If you happen to camp in a place that does require one and you didn't get one, then you could be facing quite a hefty ticket or fine from a local forest ranger.
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.
If you are planning any kind of backcountry camping, a must carry item is a fire starter kit. If you are in a survival situation, fire is a way to cook, keep you warm, purify water, and signal for help. Many camping stores sell fire starters that can be used when wet and do not require any fuel. Also, try making fire when you are not in a survival situation so you know you can do it if the need arises.
While you think nature will provide enough wood for your fire to continue burning, it may be wet, which will not burn. Bring some wood and store it in an area that is not moist when you camp.
Bring everything that you will need before starting out on your camping trip. Forgetting your sleeping bag or food is not what you want to happen. 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.
Be sure to choose the right site for your camping experience. The camping site can make or break your trip. Try to choose a site that is not too far away from help should you need it. Choose a site that is flat and somewhat apart from trees. You want a location that is far from critters and close to aid.
Keep the environment in mind when you are at your campsite. Enjoying nature is one of the main benefits of camping, so it is important to respect the Earth. Throw away all your trash, and don't get too rowdy. You can even bring along a solar-powered device if you have one to use.
Should you decide to bring your dog, pack a long leash and prepare everyone to keep careful watch on the pet. Your neighboring campers may be afraid of dogs. You must respect other campers. Additionally, your dog could really destroy anyone's campsite if left on his own, including yours.
If you are camping in uncharted territory, make sure that you understand potential dangers lurking there. Knowing what poisonous creatures to watch out for, where terrain gets rugged, and when to expect dangerous weather are key to ensuring your safety. Every campsite can have its own dangers.
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.
Prior to leaving for a camping journey, be sure to draft a list of necessary supplies. This can be of particular importance if you are traveling a long distance and will be in more remote locations. Pack in advance to avoid the stresses of packing before your trip.
Be mindful of where exactly you put up your camp. You want to avoid erecting your tent near a wasp's nest or other insect habitats. If the campsite has a lot of vegetation, protect exposed skin by wearing long pants and sleeves. You might also want to carry bug repellent too.
If you have more than three people camping with you, take along more than one tent. You are going to want to have some privacy at one time or another. The additional tent will make it possible to get some "me" time while at the camp site. It also gives you additional storage to keep animals out of your supplies.
Make sure you secure all sources of food at night when you go to sleep. There are many animals that can frequent campgrounds at night and scavenge your food, especially when left open and unattended for hours. You don't want to wake up to your food scattered everywhere, and you left with a shortage.
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.
Pack an emergency repair kit for your tent. You can get them at any camping supply shop. These kits will make it easy for you to repair rips, broken poles and failing zippers. The last thing you want while camping is to have your tent fail and not have the tools and supplies to fix it.
Always carry a first-aid kit with you while camping. It should include bandages, antibiotic ointment, wrap bandages for sprains and strains, and peroxide or alcohol for cleaning wounds. Scissors, living in a bell tent tweezers and other small tools can be used to remove splinters or ticks. Antacids, over-the-counter pain medicines, and allergy medicines should also be included.
You can relax when you're camping, and when you're enjoying yourself you can get a bit more in tune with yourself. Use the tips in this article to make sure you really enjoy all there is to enjoy on your camping trip. Look for ways to make your experience one you will remember.