Are canvas tents better than nylon?
Camping is something that is fun for the entire family. Whether you are new to camping, or are a seasoned veteran, there are always things you must consider before venturing out on your next camping trip. The following article will help prepare you for your next trip so that you have a good and safe time.
Purchase a quality tent. It can be tempting to score a good deal on a tent, but you want to find something that can hold both you, your family members and your belongings. Try visiting a store that specializes in outdoor gear. They tend to have well-made products that will last for a while.
Prior to leaving, take a few minutes to make a checklist of everything that you need. There is nothing worse than getting to a campsite and then finding out that you don't have what you need to be comfortable. A checklist is a great aid as you are packing. Try to start getting thing's together several days before you leave so you have plenty of time.
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.
If you have a young child with you, do the math in advance with respect to how much baby food or formula they will need. Make sure you have supplies for them that will last the entire length of your trip. There are no guarantees that a store near your campsite will have these items or will have the type of items that you want.
Just the smallest luxuries can really brighten your camping trip. Take along some candy, some coffee you enjoy or anything that is lightweight but reminds you of home. Comforts from home can really spice up the rustic outdoors!
Cross contamination is not an issue that only affects people that cook at home. When you are cooking outdoors, you still have to worry about not using the same cutting board to cut meat that you do to cut any other foods. If you only have one board, use both sides.
Make sure you plan out your route in advance of your trip. Look to see if there are any special places that you can stop at along the way. It will make the drive much more enjoyable and you may have a lot of fun in the process. Granted, you may need to get to your destination quickly, but if you have time, taking the scenic route is worth it.
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.
Protect your canine companion on the trip by keeping him leashed and under careful supervision. Some people get frightened by dogs. This will maximize the respect that you have for others while camping. Also, because it is a new territory, dogs can get into trouble and cause damage to the site if not supervised.
Remember the old scout motto - be prepared! While it is vital to come up with a plan, sometimes things happen that were not in your plans. The weather could turn sour, injuries could occur or other unforeseen events may happen. You should not be careless, take unnecessary risks, or perform any action without considering the consequences.
It is imperative that a first-aid kit and other survival items never be forgotten for a camping trip. These can be useful for any situation and can extend your trip. You may be able to keep an emergency from going from bad to worse.
It is a great idea to put your tent together at home before you go out camping. Some tents can seem very complicated, and you do not want to get stuck in the dark without your tent being assembled. If you practice when you are at home, you will already have the experience of setting it up, and it will go smoothly.
Bring trail mix and beef jerky. Nutrient filled snacks can replace the need to cook if you don't have the means or the energy. These foods are non-perishable; if you do not use them, you can simply bring them home.
If you are camping with children, keep a picture of them handy. If they go missing, you can show people the photo to help find them quickly. You should bring another photo to keep in case of emergencies.
When siting your tent at your campsite, be sure to place a waterproof tarp on the ground before erecting your tent. In this situation, size really does matter. Use a tarp that is about 2 inches smaller than the tent floor, or cut a larger one down if need be. It should never extend beyond the edge of your tent floor. A tarp that is too large can collect water that will be channeled right back into your tent.
If you will be camping in a warm area, you may think it is not necessary to bring a nice sleeping bag. That is a huge mistake as many areas cool off considerably at night. Secondly, a sleeping bag helps to mitigate uneven or rocky ground, allowing for more comfortable sleep.
Food safety is very important while you are camping. Food should be packed in bags that are airtight or in waterproof containers. Store your food in an insulated cooler. Keep cooked food separate from raw food to prevent contamination. Wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer before you prepare your food. Make sure that you cook all foods to appropriate temperatures, and then chill them as soon as you can.
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.
So the next bell tent carpet time you have some vacation days to enjoy, make sure you give air conditioning and cable television a big miss. Instead choose to enjoy seeing the natural beauty of the world around us. Camping does not have to mean discomfort, but it can mean a whole lot of family fun!