How cold is too cold to sleep in a tent?
Camping is a great adventure! Time in nature makes great memories for a family, couples or just yourself. Camping allows everyone on the trip to bond with each other through living in nature, but it helps to know a bit first. Look at the following advice to learn how to have fun camping.
One of the most important parts of your camping gear is your tent. The tent you buy should suit your needs and the size of your camping party. If you have young children, you probably want to purchase a large tent so they can sleep in the same tent with you. If your children are old, buy them their own tent so they don't have to bunk with the adults.
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.
Remember to pack a camera. There are some memories you're going to want to capture on your camping trip. Bring along a small camera that can fit in your pocket. Try to pack something durable that could stand getting dropped or becoming a bit wet. Consider using a disposable camera.
As a courtesy to other campers, don't leave your lighting on overnight, if you are close to others. Pack a timer that you can attach to your lights that will automatically shut them off after a certain time. Leaving lights on overnight is a popular complaint among most American campers!
After buying a tent, make sure to pitch it in your yard before you leave for a trip. That way, you can make sure you have everything you need to set up the tent, including knowledge of how to do it properly. It's a great way to avoid the frustration of having to set up a tent on site.
Many people are deterred from camping because they have to sleep on the ground, but you do not have to be uncomfortable when you go camping. Stop by the local drug store and purchase some inexpensive pool floats. These are far more comfortable than the ground to sleep on, and will keep you high and dry as well.
Prior to camping in a brand new area, you must understand its dangers. This means, research what types of animals and insects are deadly or which weather patterns you need to watch for. Every camping spot has its own potential dangers for the untrained.
Know the climate of your camping area. You will want to have the proper clothing packed for the trip. Knowing how cold the nights get or how hot the days are will help you dress best. You will not want to get caught in the great outdoors with inadequate protection.
Before you even leave your camping trip, try practicing pitching a tent in your backyard or some other open space. People do not know how difficult pitching a tent can be; you do not want to get to camp and realize you have no idea what you are doing. Practice makes perfect!
If you are taking your children camping with you, don't forget to take walkie talkies along with you. Although each of you may own a cell phone, the area where you are camping may not have adequate coverage. It is best to invest in walkie talkies that have a range of several miles. By having walkie talkies or Family Radio Service (FRS) radio, you can remain in contact with all members of your family.
Do not dump any type of food waste on the ground. This is a great way to attract unwanted bugs and animals. The best way to get rid of excess food waste is to dump all of it into the fire pit. It is also not a good idea to bury them.
If you are camping in an area that has loose or very sandy soil, you should make sure that you place large, heavy rocks on top of all the stakes bell tent rug of your tent. This will keep the stakes planted firmly in the ground and your tent from collapsing on its own.
If you are camping deep in the woods, take extra care with your food. All of your foods should be tightly wrapped and not place near your tent. Some foods shouldn't be brought at all. Making sure to do this, will lessen any chance of a wild animal attack.
Duct tape is an important piece of camping equipment. Tents can get torn in spite of the increased durability of the newer ones. A little duct tape can be the difference between a comfortable and dry night's sleep and a drippy night spent awake.
Pack glow sticks. It gets dark out in nature. If you're just waking up in the middle of the middle of the night, the light from a flashlight or lantern can be too harsh. Bring glow sticks and keep them in an easily accessible location. These will provide a softer light.
Unless you are a wildlife expert, you should never drink water that you haven't brought to the campsite with you. Water may look crystal clear but actually be home to a host of diseases or bacteria. If you are in an emergency, always choose running water over stagnant water.
Always wear your clothing in layers for camping outings. Weather conditions can quickly change. You could awake in the morning to cold weather, for it to just turn hot within a short amount of time. Also, as soon as night time begins to fall, temperatures can plummet. Layers allow you to adjust to the changing weather
Although there are hazards associated with camping, don't let them deter you from venturing into the wild. Being aware of the dangers of camping is the first step towards avoiding them. If you avoid these dangers, then you can create an enjoyable camping experience that will be remembered for years.