Camping can be a great way for you to spend time with your family. However, there are a lot of things you need to keep in mind so that you not only are safe, but have fun as well. Here are some great ways for you to have a good time camping while remaining prepared for whatever comes your way.
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.
When you’re camping, always look for shelter prior to dark. Once the woods are dark, it is very difficult to find firewood, pitch your tent and prepare some food. This is particularly true for anyone accustomed to city living and unfamiliar with pitch dark woods. To ensure you get your campsite operational arrive several hours before sunset.
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.
Navigation is the key when it comes to camping. It is important to know where you are, and how to get back to civilization if you become lost. Always bring a map of the area, and a compass to help you. You can also use an outdoor GPS that will give you navigation information, as well as additional information such as altitude.
Research any potential campground well. They all have different amenities. Some may have showers and bathrooms, while others may not. There are even a few campgrounds that are quite fancy, with onsite miniature golf games or water parks. You may not need or want all that, so figure it out ahead of time so that you are not disappointed when you get there.
Be certain that your tent has enough space for both yourself and whoever else comes with you. This will ensure you are able to comfortably move around without disturbing people you are sharing your tent with.
You can make tasty meals even when you are camping. You do not necessarily need to eat just franks and beans or hamburgers. Pack a box with herbs and spices, olive oil, brown sugar or whatever else you like. You can fix meals that have flavor even when you are “roughing” it.
Check over your medical insurance before going on a camping trip. Sometimes when you go to a different place, you’ll have to get an additional policy to cover you. If you are going to a foreign country, this is especially critical. Be sure that you prepare yourself in case anything happens!
Get a sleeping bag that is warm enough. This is important. Even if you go camping in the summertime, nights can get very cold out in the wild. There are sleeping bags promising protection from varying cold temperatures; it is a good idea to opt for as low a temperature as you can find.
If you’re camping with your family, try finding campsites that are pet-friendly. This is a great way for you to get your animals out in the fresh air. Your kids will be happy to have your animals there with you, so it can be a great experience for all of you.
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.
Flashlights
Pack extra flashlights and batteries. It can get quite dark at night, away from all the city lights. A light source is very important. Bring a few spare flashlights just in case. Make sure that you pack extra batteries as well. A light source is something you do not want to find yourself without.
If you put some thought in ahead of time, you will not have to worry about drained batteries in your flashlight while you are at a camp out. It is easy to inadvertently turn the flashlight on when digging through your camping equipment. To prevent this, load batteries into the flashlight backwards. This way, if the button is turned on, the flashlight will not light and your batteries remain full.
When going on a camping trip, it is vital that you bring several lanterns and/or flashlights, as well as extra batteries with you. Once the sun has set it is nice to have a source of light. Having an adequate amount of light can help avoid injuries from falls and running into animals living in the wild. If you have kids with you, be sure they each have their own flashlight.
A great tip for those of you planning a camping trip would be to bring along flashlights that are LED and run on lithium batteries. These types of flashlights last much longer than traditional flashlight and the last thing you want when out in the wilderness is a broken flashlight.
Have an emergency kit prepared full of batteries, flashlights, a lighter, and other survival essentials. No one enjoys going potty in the dark, so matches and flashlights view article are really useful tools.