Can you sleep in a tent in the winter?
Camping is a very unique life experience. Experiencing fresh air and being surrounded by nature cannot be beaten. If your lack of camping knowledge has held you back in the past, the advice that follows may change all of that.
Bring a large trash bag for dirtied laundry, and keep it in a central location, suitable for everyone in your party. Let them pack their clothing individually, as this makes it much easier to find than if you pile it all in a community storage box or bag. Toss in a dryer sheet to any bag you want smelling fresh.
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.
It is better to over-pack than to under-pack, especially for kids. Camping is messy business. Kids are always attracted to dirt. As the day goes on, you may end up with messy, dirty kids. While there is nothing you can do about that, you can have some extra clothing just in case. Remember, always be prepared!
Remember that your loved ones and possessions will get filthy. If you're prepared beforehand, it won't stress you out when it occurs. Take this as an opportunity to enjoy the freedom, let your hair down, and get a little dirtier than usual. After all, you can be normal at home.
Make sure you have cover in case of rain. When you're out in the woods, a rainstorm can be wet, cold and uncomfortable. Make sure you have some kind of protection against the rain, whether it be a tent, cabin or lean-to. In a pinch, you can use a garbage bag as a poncho!
Be certain your camp fire is completely out before you leave a campsite. To your eye it may seem like the fire is gone, but stir the ashes with a stick and you may find burning embers. Pour enough water and keep stirring until you see no more embers in the fire pit.
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.
Take along a bandanna or a small towel. They can serve many purposes, like potholder, blotter, hand towel or carrying bag. Make this multi-use item a standard addition to your camping supplies.
Take along a battery operated radio when camping. A radio will keep you up-to-date on any late-breaking news and weather reports. A radio will also give you entertainment during those quiet evenings sitting around the campfire. Or if you prefer, pack a guitar for you and your campers' enjoyment.
If you are new to camping and you are going without a more practiced friend, you should consider staying in a campground rather than camping in the wilderness. This will help you to learn the basics of camping while still having basic infrastructure and friendly people around you in case of emergency.
You should always bring a spare utility knife when camping. These pieces of equipment are quite versitile and can get you out of a lot of bad situations.
Part of the fun of camping is cooking over an open fire or on a camp stove. To make sure you don't forget to pack any key ingredients, make a list of the meals you plan on preparing. Don't forget to take a small cutting board along with you so you have a clean surface for food preparation. Also remember to pack a couple of potholder or oven mitts to handle hot barebones railroad lantern review utensils, such as marshmallow forks.
Do not approach any wild animals while you are camping. Something that may appear harmless and adorable could be incredibly territorial. Furthermore, be sure not to feed any animals, as doing so may lead to injuries. Avoid keeping any food inside of your tent to prevent animals from destroying your campsite. Keep it stored away safely or in a nearby tree.
Try and adjust your sleep schedule to be in line with nature in the days leading up to your camping trip. Once the sun goes down, there will be very little to do. Also, when the sun comes up, the woods come alive in such a way that you might not be asleep very long.
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.
Your sleeping bag selection should be made with the expected climate in mind. If it's summer time, look for the lightest weight bag you can find, to keep extra cool. This is a good piece of knowledge to follow because you don't want to feel uncomfortable sleeping.
The climate in which you are camping will determine the type of tent that you need. If you are not going to be in cold and windy climates, you will not need a tent that is built for it. Do your research about tents before you buy one to be sure it will keep you warm and dry when you need it to.
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.
Now that you are aware of some of the best tips you can get about camping, you are on your way to enjoying the outdoors with your family. Make use of the tips so you do not find yourself in a miserable trip that you wish you could get out of.