How can I make my tenting more comfortable?
Camping has become a popular pastime, thanks in part to all the reality shows depicting outdoor activities. If you feel the need to get out there into the wild and go camping then keep reading and you'll learn all you need to know.
You don't have to be a boy scout to be prepared, if you plan to go camping. One of the first rules is to be sure to tell somebody where you will be. If there isn't an exact location to give, then give a general idea of major roads nearby or even GPS coordinates if you know them and give a timeframe of when you plan to return.
Ensure the tent is an adequate size for anyone that might be with you. This will ensure you are able to comfortably move around without disturbing people you are sharing your tent with.
If you are interested in camping alone or with friends, make sure you have prepared an emergency kit. The contents of the kit may change depending on where you camp and who you are with, but it should contain basic supplies. If you think there will be snakes, you might want to include antivenom.
Figure out your new gear before you go camping. The practice does really help. No one wants to get to the campground, only to find out that they don't know how to use something or set up their own tent. Practice with your new gear before you ever set foot on the campground.
Camping can be incredibly fun or incredibly dangerous depending on just one factor: preparation. Prepare fully before going on a camping trip. If camping at a new location, make sure you investigate the geography, climate, and local wildlife so you are prepared for any dangers.
If you'd like to prevent mosquito bites, but want to avoid using harsh chemicals, use an orange peel instead. Rub the orange peel over exposed areas of the skin, such as the neck, arms, face and legs to naturally repel mosquitoes. Not only will the orange peels feel better on your skin than traditional repelling chemicals, but they will smell better, too!
If you have special drinks that you like, take them with you camping. It is easy to forget things like green tea, hot cocoa or your special blend of coffee. You can even take wine if it is a romantic camping adventure. Just don't forget to pack a corkscrew.
To avoid blistered and chapped feet on your camping trip, bring a bar of soap along! Prior to any lengthy walk, rub the soap into the heals of your socks and this will minimize friction, thus reducing soreness. Keep the soap in your pocket for a quick dose when your feet start feeling beat-up or blistered.
Take along plenty of drinking water. You need to stay hydrated, and you will need the water to prepare your food. Depending on the nature of your camping trip, this water may also be needed for clean-up and washing of the hands. It is better to bring along more than you need than not enough.
When camping, periodically do a tick check. Look for any brown or black spots that have just appeared on your skin. Ticks attach themselves to the skin without causing too much of a disturbance, so be sure to check yourself and your companions for ticks after spending time camping outdoors.
It is imperative that you are properly packed for your camping trip. Even just a few missing items can turn your trip into a disaster. It is best to create a list a few weeks before your trip and to use it while packing. Be sure your list includes the tent and sleeping bags, as well as food items and personal hygiene items.
Camping is hard work, but it's also very much fun. Once you figure out what you're doing, the rewards are numerous. You get to experience nature and the outdoors; picnics are always fun, and you get a chance to sleep under the stars. Nothing beats some of the experiences you can have camping.
Any time you go camping, do not forget to bring a first-aid kit along with you. Since accidents can happen at any time, a first-aid kit is a very valuable asset to possess. Be sure to include topical creams for bug bites, sun burns and poison ivy when putting your kit together.
Bugs can be a major problem with camping; they can cause disease, get into your food, and just be a nuisance. Take the proper measures to keep them away. This includes not putting on perfume or cologne, lighting citronella candles, avoiding swamp lands, and covering your skin, so they are not attracted to your scent.
When setting up the tent, know how to seal every seam. If sealant was not included in your tent, visit your local sporting goods store to purchase some. This helps to keep animals, insects and rainwater out so you stay comfortable.
Talk to everyone in your next camping party about the health of their backs. Some might not be able to sleep on hard ground burning man glamping or need more than a standard mat or cushion. Also, portable or foldable stools might be needed around the campfire, as constant standing or sitting on the ground is not good for their spine.
Charge all of your electronic equipment such as your cell phones and gaming equipment for the children to the max before you go to a camping trip. You want to get the most out of their charge when you do decide to use them, so make sure they are charged.
Nothing has the potential for creating lifetime memories quite like camping. Including your friends and family on your next outing can be a tremendous experience as long as you have a good grasp of camping fundamentals. By taking the concepts in the above article to heart, you will be prepared to experience the outdoors like an expert.