How often should you waterproof a canvas tent?
Have you been thinking about going camping for a long time now? What has been holding you back? Is it the lack of knowledge? Well go ahead and read this article so that you know what it takes to enjoy yourself on a nice weekend camping trip with the whole family.
Pre-cool your ice chest by filling it with loads of ice, at least six hours prior to departure. When you are about to leave, pack up your refrigerated cooled drinks and block ice, not cubed. Popping room temp beverages will take up valuable ice-life, and the cubes will melt much quicker than a block!
When you decide to go camping you want to make sure that you bring a flashlight with some batteries. You want to be able to see in the middle of the night just in case you have to get up and go to the bathroom, or just to move around.
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.
Always set up a new tent once at home before taking it camping. This allows you to check and see that all the pieces are there and that you know how to assemble your shelter correctly. In addition, it will eradicate a portion of the frustration often associated with erecting a new tent.
Before you start out on that relaxing camping trip, it is essential for your safety to make sure to let someone know you are going. Give a friend or neighbor the name of the campsite if you are using one. If you are headed out on a less structured trip, give your contact a general idea of where you are headed and a timeline for your return. If something goes wrong, there will be someone to know where to look for you.
Incorporate swimming into your camping trip. When camping, home showers can seem like a luxury. Cool water will make you feel clean and fresh, so you may not miss your shower at all.
Do you know how to pitch a tent? Before you go out and start on your trip, practice setting up your tent. This will help ensure that your trip goes smoothly, for a more enjoyable trip when you understand your tent. This is ideal, as even if you end up at your campsite while the sunlight is fading you will be able to quickly set up your camp.
Do not forget your cooking supplies. You will need pots, pans, utensils and dishes to cook on and eat with. Make sure that you double-check to be sure that you have packed these supplies before you leave the house. You do not want to get all set up and ready to cook your first meal and find that you have left your pot at home.
Be certain your camp fire is completely out before you leave a campsite. To your eye it may seem like the fire is gone, but stir the ashes with a stick and you may find burning embers. Pour enough water and keep stirring until you see no more embers in the fire pit.
Before you head out for your camping trip, be sure that you take the time to practice setting up your tent. You do not want to get yourself frustrated at the site. Setting the tent up the second time will be much easier than it was the first time around.
Make sure you have cover in case of rain. When you're out in the woods, a rainstorm can be wet, cold and uncomfortable. Make sure you have some kind of protection against the rain, whether it be a tent, cabin or lean-to. In a pinch, you can use a garbage bag as a poncho!
Always make sure that your cell phone is with you when you get to your campsite, and it should be fully charged. Better yet, bring along an extra battery or two in case your phone runs out of juice. This is an important thing to have and you need to make sure you can use it if you need.
If you're going camping with a pet, take them for a vet visit beforehand. Inform your veterinarian of where you plan to go camping. Get your pet updated on all their vaccinations and be sure they have protection against ticks, mites, and fleas. You can never be too careful when it comes to the safety of a pet.
A polite thing you can do for the campers who follow you is leaving wood for them. Think about how difficult it can be to find some wood if there is none on the campsite, especially when it is dark. So, be courteous to others and leave as much wood as you can.
It is advisable to bring beef jerky or trail mix with you on a camping trip. These grab-and-go snacks are great for taking on a hike or as a snack after a long day when you don't feel like preparing a meal. Even if you don't eat them, these are non-perishable snacks that have a long shelf life.
Pick out all of your clothing before you go camping. Make sure you have plenty of clean clothes for the duration of your trip. Clothing that is appropriate for the climate in which you will be camping should also be carried. You should also have a pair of hiking boots or some other type of durable, protective shoe.
Make sure that you only pack the food that is absolutely necessary during your camping trip. Excess food that is packed will likely end up being spoiled. If your trip only website has 2 people, you should not bring along numerous servings of food, especially meat, that can feed 4 or 5 people.
Camping can be a fun pastime as it offers something for the whole family. Though, in the absence of sound planning, camping can become rather difficult and unpleasant. By using the camping tips and advice you've learned here, you can be sure your next trip will be exciting and memorable for all the right reasons. And don't forget to have fun!