Camping is a fun activity that anyone can do. It's just you and the great outdoors, allowing you to fully appreciate nature. Before heading out into the wild, it is important to know exactly what you'll need to bring. There are some useful camping tips in the following article, so be on the look out for them.
Although it is not an essential part of your back country camping gear, a machete is something that you may consider packing depending on where you are going. It is a very versatile tool in the wilderness. You can cut a trail, hack bamboo and vines for shelter, cut coconuts for water, chop firewood, and even use it as protection against wild animals.
Always take a fully stocked first-aid kit when you venture out on a camping trip. You can put together your own kit with bandages, gauze pads, tweezers, scissors, anti bacteria cream and antiseptic wipes in a sturdy container. You can also buy one of the many excellent ready-made kits to save time.
To increase your sleeping experience while camping, bring a pad along that you can place under your sleeping bag. This pad acts as a barrier between you and the hard ground where twigs and tree knots may cause strange sleeping conditions. If a pad isn't handy, bring a few extra blankets that you can fold over on themselves to create some cushion.
Practice makes perfect when pitching a tent. Take the time to put the tent up before leaving for your trip. This allows you to build your proficiency at erecting the tent, and will also help locate any issues with the tent in case you need to exchange it for a better option.
Consider purchasing inexpensive walkie-talkies to take with you on your next camping trip to provide a way to keep in touch with everyone in your party in areas where cell phone reception may not be available. This can be especially important if you are camping with children and need to keep track of their whereabouts.
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.
Camping often sounds like a great deal of fun, and it is; however it does require some special preparation. Before going camping for the first time, make sure you have done some research on tents, food and wildlife survival. It can make the difference between a great trip and a dangerous one.
Bugs do not like fire at all, so it is a good idea to keep your fire burning all night while you are sleeping. If you find that there is a huge bug problem during the day, it would help to keep a fire burning at that time as well.
Duct tape is important to pack because it can be used for a good bit of things. It is great for patching your tent, repairing your shoes, fixing your insect netting and various other tasks.
When you are going camping, do your best to get as early of a start as possible. It will be your job to pitch your tent so you have somewhere to rest comfortably, and that will be much harder for you to do once it starts to get dark outside.
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.
Choose an appropriate sleeping bag for the conditions in which you will be camping. Heavy weight sleeping bags are best for cold weather, while lightweight bags works best for hot weather. Make sure that your sleeping bag hugs your body. You want to be able to retain body heat.
Pack lanterns, flashlights and extra batteries when you go camping. This will ensure everyone remains safe. Having the ability to light up an area well can prevent injuries and potentially dangerous encounters with wildlife. If you have kids with you on your camping trip, hand each of them a flashlight.
Start setting up camp well before dark. It's hard to start pitching a tent when it's dark outside. It is possible to do by firelight or by flashlight, but it will more than made in usa tent likely be frustrating and can be downright impossible in areas where there are hazards nearby. It's much easier to arrive early enough to get set up before sundown.
As silly as it may seem, be sure to pack toilet paper with you on your camping trip. If you camp in a place with no toilets, you'll need to go in the woods. You certainly don't want to be wiping yourself with leaves.
After your trip, be certain you leave the campsite cleaner than it was when you found it. You should have trash bags on hand for this purpose. Get rid of things like trash and leftover food. The main rule when you're leaving a campsite is that you should only leave your footprints behind.
Bring plenty of water, food and other drinks in your supplies. If bears are known to live in the area, be sure to stow your food a good distance away from where you are sleeping. Burn your garbage so the food smells don't attract any bears.
You should carry a survival knife on your camping trips. This portable knife can be used for hunting, for protection, and for a signal if you need help. You need to carry one that is durable, so try to invest in a quality knife from an outdoor goods or camping store.
When you go camping, you are really doing a lot of things. You are being equal parts explorer, nature enthusiast and reveler. Use the tips in this article to make sure you make the most of every role you assume when you go camping, and have a great time out there!
