How much weight is needed to hold down a tent?
Whether you know it or not, camping is a great way to get in touch with yourself. It is also a way to have a relaxing time away from the stresses of everyday life. There are some things you need to keep in mind though, so here are a few tips to make your camping trip work out great.
If you are planning any kind of backcountry camping, a must carry item is a fire starter kit. If you are in a survival situation, fire is a way to cook, keep you warm, purify water, and signal for help. Many camping stores sell fire starters that can be used when wet and do not require any fuel. Also, try making fire when you are not in a survival situation so you know you can do it if the need arises.
Bring along a sleeping bag appropriate for the season. If you use a heavy winter sleeping bag in summer, this can be stifling and uncomfortable. The opposite is true as well, as you need a good, heavy sleeping bag when you are going to be enduring very cold conditions. You could even develop hypothermia or frostbite if it's very cold.
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!
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.
The lint from your dryer's lint filter will help you start a campfire. Around four weeks prior to camping, start keeping the lint that you clean from your dryer filter. Place a bag near your tumble dryer and just stuff lint from the dryer's filter into the bag every time it is full. By doing this, you'll be able to collect the kindling on the day you're taking the trip.
Practice makes perfect when pitching a tent. Take the time to put the tent up before leaving for your trip. This allows you to build your proficiency at erecting the tent, and will also help locate any issues with the tent in case you need to exchange it for a better option.
Bugs do not like fire at all, so it is a good idea to keep your fire burning all night while you are sleeping. If you find that there is a huge bug problem during the day, it would help to keep a fire burning at that time as well.
It is important that you remember all the camping gear when going on a trip. You would be pretty irritated if it turned out that you left your sleeping bag or tent back at home. Make a list of the items you need, and double check it before you leave home.
When you reach your campsite, the first thing, you should do is to start collecting wood for your fire. You won't feel like it later on, and if you wait until dark you will have a harder time finding the kind of wood you need to keep a fire going. Do it right away.
Take something to entertain yourself when you have some downtime. Bring some board games for the whole family, or bring a book in case you wake up before everyone else. This is a good idea so that you know you are entertained throughout your entire trip and there isn't a dull moment.
Be sure to check your first-aid kit before you leave for your trip. You need to be sure it has all the basic necessities. Make sure it includes items like bandages, tweezers, disinfectant, ointment, etc. You never know when something may injure you or another person on your trip, so it's best to be prepared.
Don't let your flashlight batteries get drained inadvertently. You can easily turn on the flashlight while searching through bags and equipment. Keep your flashlight in a secure place to avoid accidentally turning them on. That way you make sure you don't accidentally turn them on.
Never let your kids roam out of your sight. There are many people coming and going all of the time and renting glamping tents you do not want them to get kidnapped or lost. In no time, your children could be harmed, so always keep a watchful eye on them.
A great idea when planning your camping trip is to make a list of everything you need before you go. As you pack each item, you can cross it off your list. This is really essential because you do not want to be stuck blowing up your air mattresses because you forgot to pack an air pump.
Never hike alone. It may sound juvenile, but always use the buddy system. It can be easy to get lost or turned around in nature. You could slip and hurt yourself. In instances like these, it is best to have someone along. Even if you have your cellphone handy, you may find it doesn't get reception in the woods.
Be prepared if you get lost on a camping trip. You should know how to use a map, compass, and GPS device before leaving for your trip. You should also keep these on your person during your trip. If you stray too far from your campsite, these items can help you get back quickly and safely.
An easy, yet often forgotten tip is to find shelter before it gets dark. When it's dark outside it can be very hard to put your tent up. If you plan on pitching a tent when its dark, you will need a flashlight. It is basically easier to get your campsite set up before it gets dark and you are not fumbling around in the dark.
You should now see how much planning actually needs to be put into a great camping trip. Now that you know, you should begin preparing for a trip in which you are ready for anything. Follow this guide and you will soon be camping under the stars and having a great time.