What is a camping 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.
Did you know that a simple mirror can save your life? If you are camping and end up in a survival situation, a simple hand held mirror can be used to signal for help many miles away. Do not buy the standard glass mirror, many camping supply stores sell mirrors made of Lexan that will float and are practically unbreakable.
If you are camping at a public campground, make sure you pack shower shoes for everyone in your party. Not only will they protect your feet from the bacteria on the shower floor, but they are great for those nighttime runs to the bushes when you need to use the restroom. They can be old flip flops, Crocs, or even slip-ons.
A big concern with many people who go camping is the bugs. Do not get stuck in the middle of nowhere without having some sort of bug repellant. Check your surroundings before setting up camp for any wasp nests or ant hills that could cause you problems. Wear long pants and long-sleeved whenever possible and inspect yourself for ticks occasionally.
Make sure to pack plenty of extra clothing for your children. Camping is messy. Children seem to be magnetically attracted to dirt. As a result, they are going to be seriously messy by the end of each day. Take extra clothing with you for your children. Don't be caught without something you need!
Emergency kits are one of the most important things to bring on a camping trip. Always keep the bare basics with you in the kit, and make sure that you have water purification tablets in it as well. You should bring things like a flare and antivenom as well, you never know what might happen.
Before you embark on any camping trip you should be sure you have emergency supplies on hand, like a first aid kit and more. This kit will change depending on when and where you are camping but should always include the basics. Be sure to do your research and bring along any location-specific items you will need.
Make sure that you avoid any venomous plants. A good way to do this is to stop at the ranger station and ask what kinds of poisonous plants are in the area so you can identify them if you come into contact with them on the trail. Never eat anything while hiking on the trail if you do not know it is edible.
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.
Make sure you have a first aid kit with you. As an alternative, you could pack some supplies in a plastic bag. While hopefully your trip will be free of injuries, you never know. It is best to be prepared so that you can handle anything that happens in the best way possible.
Pack a bandana. In a pinch, that single piece of fabric can serve as a potholder, carrying bag, blotter, hand towel and paper towel. As you can see, a handkerchief can serve many different purposes on a camping trip.
Just because your tent is labeled waterproof, do not count on it to keep you dry when it rains. Pack a couple extra-large tarps to take along with you. Use one to set on the ground under your tent and keep one dry to use to cover your tent if it looks like it is going to rain hard.
The best tip in camping is to decide where you are going to camp and who is going to camp with you before you go. You need to pack for everyone and make sure there are facilities available. If you add any additional people at the last minute, you need to add additional food and supplies for them.
Duct tape can be a camper's very best friend. When disaster strikes on a camping trip, a roll of heavy-duty duct tape will usually save the day. If the tent fabric needs patching in the rain, duct tape will hold back the water. When tent poles need reinforcing, the duct tape will provide support. Do you have holes in your tennis shoes? Duct tape right over it. Whatever the mishap, a roll of duct tape is sure to help!
When you are purchasing your camping supplies, spend a little extra on the better supplies. If you buy the better quality products, you will only have to buy these things once. After you have them bought, camping can be a very affordable way to get away from home for a weekend.
Be aware of the wildlife where you are setting up camp. You do not want to set up in a place where the opossums, racoons and skunks have already called home. Learn the signs of the animals so you can find a safe place to set up camp without worrying as much about these animals at night.
Plan your camping trips ahead of time if you are bringing children. Make sure to carry proper clothing for the weather and climate and be sure to practice safety drills with them frequently before the trip. They need to learn what to do if they get lost and they should have their own glowstick or flashlight.
A common mistake with newer campers is to set their site up near bathrooms. While this may appear a wise idea, it does not take long to discover otherwise. Communal campsite bathrooms are a constant source of light, noise and unpleasant wall tent living smells. This location can result in excess noise and nuisance.
Many new campers make the mistake of setting up camp near the bathrooms. While this might be convenient, you'll soon find out differently. Bathrooms provide constant light, and people are always going to and from them. Because of that, they aren't really as convenient as one might think.
As you now know, camping is an experience that anyone can have fun with. If you use this information, you can create an adventure that even those that aren't crazy about the outdoors can have fun with too. Explore and have a great time in the outdoors.