What is the lightest backpacking tent?
Camping can be both the best time you ever have, or the worst. The difference can be the weather that happens while you camp, or how well prepared you are for it. To learn how to be as prepared as you can for camping, read on into the following paragraphs.
Reserve your spot at a campground as soon as possible. Particularly in the summer, many people are interested in camping with their families. If you make your reservation in the winter, you are much more likely to get the best rate possible. Those savings can translate into additional family fun while on your vacation.
Take only photos and leave only footprints. That is the rule of thumb when camping. Only use the natural resources that you need and do not leave any traces that you were camping when you leave. Pick up all trash, extinguish and cover any fire pits, bury all human waste, and make the area where you camped look exactly as it did when you found it.
You need to make sure your sleeping bag is sufficient for the climate. You are going to roast all night long in a sleeping bag designed for cold weather that you camp with during summer. And if you taking a sleeping bag that is light-weight, you are going to freeze. Extremely cold weather can bring about frostbite.
Purchase a multi-use tool to store with your camping gear. This tool should include an axe, hammer and saw. The multi-use tool will come in handy when you are searching for firewood, clearing a trail and setting up your tent. When purchasing a multi-use tool, get one of the good quality one for years of enjoyment.
Bring enough food and snack items to last you throughout the whole trip. You don't want to spend your time going to get food every meal, enjoy yourself while you are camping. Bring cereal, hot dogs, and all of your other favorite food items that will fuel you throughout your trip.
Before you plan to camp in an new area, it is important to be aware of any dangers commonly found there. This would include stuff like what spiders dwell there, how steep the terrain is, and if the area is prone to flooding. Each area can pose different dangers, so familiarize yourself whenever you venture somewhere new.
If your canteen is beginning to smell musty, you can give it a good cleaning with baking soda. Place a little bit of water in your canteen, and then add three tablespoons of baking soda. Shake gently, let it sit for sixty minutes, and then rinse with water. Your canteen will be refreshingly clean!
Take something to entertain yourself when you have some downtime. Bring some board games for the whole family, or bring a book in case you wake up before everyone else. This is a good idea so that you know you are entertained throughout your entire trip and there isn't a dull moment.
For your first camping trips, try to choose a place that you can drive to. If your car is nearby you can use it as a "fortress" of sorts when you are in the middle of nowhere. Not only can you enter it in case of wildlife attack; it can also protect you from the elements.
Pack things like oranges when you go camping. They are nutritious, and they also keep mosquitoes away. After you've eaten the flesh of the fruit, save all the peels. When you need bug repellant, rub the peels on your skin to repel mosquitos naturally and on the cheap!
If you are on a camping trip and forgot the bowls for stew, make your own from large plastic soda bottles that have been emptied. Just rinse the bottle and cut down the plastic to the depth you need. Lightly sand the edges to smooth out any rough spots and prepare to scoop up dinner!
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.
Learn how to mark the trails that you are exploring. It can be quite easy to get lost in the woods. Marking the trails that you are walking will make it easy to find your way back to camp. It can also help others find you if you get lost.
If you are camping for the first time, try to practice pitching a tent before your trip. This is a valuable camping skill to possess, especially when it can be done quickly. You don't want to be out on your trip and not know how to put up a tent right away when the weather takes an unexpected turn.
Part of the fun of camping is cooking over an open fire or on a camp stove. To make sure you don't forget to pack any key ingredients, make a list of the meals you plan on preparing. Don't forget to take a small cutting board along with you so you have a clean surface for food preparation. Also remember to pack a couple of potholder or oven mitts to handle hot utensils, such as marshmallow forks.
Trail mix is a classic snack and for a good reason. Throw a little beef jerky, a few fruits, and you've got yourself a full camper's meal. When the sun sets and you get too exhausted to cook that night's meal, you can cheat once or twice and eat some yurt tent rental of those tasty, filling snacks you've now decided to pack. Also, these foods keep well so if you don't eat them, you can enjoy them later.
Never hike alone. It may sound juvenile, but always use the buddy system. It can be easy to get lost or turned around in nature. You could slip and hurt yourself. In instances like these, it is best to have someone along. Even if you have your cellphone handy, you may find it doesn't get reception in the woods.
If you are trying to camp on a budget, make sure that you do not skimp when it comes to tents or 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.
No matter how you do it, camping is a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend your vacation. It can offer great relaxation, inspiration and even teach us a lot about our environment. Keep the tips from this article in mind as you set out on your camping adventure and remember to have fun!