How do I protect my tent from rain?
Camping is one of Americas greatest traditions, however many people make common mistakes when venturing out to the great outdoors. The following article has some helpful advice on how you can make your next camping trip more enjoyable while also remaining as safe as possible. Read on to learn some key camping tips.
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 going camping, make sure that you bring the right sleeping bag with you. Some sleeping bags will not keep you warm when the temperature dips below 40 degrees, while others will have you sweating all night long because they are too hot. The label on the bag usually will tell you what kinds of temperatures are appropriate for each sleeping bag.
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.
Before you embark on any camping trip you should be sure you have emergency supplies on hand, like a first aid kit and more. Always keep the bare basics with you in the kit, and make sure that you have water purification tablets in it as well. Items that will help with possible snake bites or a sling in case of sprains or breaks is a good idea, too.
Take only photos and leave only footprints. That is the rule of thumb when camping. Only use the natural resources that you need and do not leave any traces that you were camping when you leave. Pick up all trash, extinguish and cover any fire pits, bury all human waste, and make the area where you camped look exactly as it did when you found it.
It is a good idea to pitch your tent on a piece of land that is level. This will ensure you sleep better, which means you will have more energy for the next day. If you have to sleep on an incline, make sure that your head is tilted uphill.
Pour out any water that has accumulated in your freezer each day. You want to do this to prevent the ice inside from melting into the water. It is also a good idea because any contaminants that have entered the water from foods you have in, can be poured off.
Make sure your survival kit is available on a constant basis. A first aid kit, matches in a water tight container, a good knife, flares and tablet to purify water are some essentials to include. This kit could be the difference between life and death. It is important that you carry your survival kit with you at all times.
When you are camping, you should never eat anything unless you are absolutely certain of what it is. There is nothing worse than a strong case of stomach problems when you are far away from both medical attention and a toilet. It is recommended to only eat food that you bring.
Use specialty camping pillows when camping. Regular bed pillows can become damp if the weather is wet or humid. Standard pillows will take in moisture and could mold or mildew. Camping pillows are specially coated to prevent moisture absorption.
A Swiss Army Knife is a tool that no camper should be without when camping. A Swiss Army Knife contains many useful tools including a screwdriver, a pair of tweezers, a screwdriver as well as a knife. This ingenious tool will come in handy many times during your camping trip.
Since the tent is one of the most important parts of your camping trip, be sure the one you get is appropriate. Figure out how many people are coming on the trip so you can get a big enough tent. Also, make sure the tent you get prevents moisture from getting inside.
Do not leave your sleeping bag rolled up until right before it is time for you to get some sleep. Lay it out right away so that it can loft up and give you the highest level of insulation. Do the same for any sleeping pads you have brought along.
If you decide to leave your campsite to participate in activities like fishing or hiking, be sure you know how to get back. Many people become lost when doing these things and it could be hard for you to be found; remember, most cell phones do not work in these areas.
Make sure to seal the seams in your tent when you are setting it up. If tent sealer was not provided with the tent, you can purchase some at a sporting goods store. That can keep rain and critters outside your tent.
When looking into a campground, inquire about the different fees they may charge. You may find that you are charged for bell tent carpet water, electric, fire wood and additional campers. Learning the fees ahead of time will allow you to properly budget for your camping trip. It will help you avoid becoming stressed at the gates and ruining your trip.
Whenever you're choosing a sleeping bag, pick one out that's for the climate you're in. In the summer months, you need a lightweight option. Meanwhile, if you are camping during the winter months, you will probably desire a more heavyweight sleep bag that will protect the body's extremities from frostbite.
As was shown in the above article, camping can indeed be great fun, but it does take some advanced planning to make sure it all goes well. Use the advice and tips shown here to make a checklist so your trip is one of relaxation and not one of "�I wish I would have planned this better beforehand'.