Strategies And Tips All Campers Should Utilize

How do you store a tent for winter?

Camping is a great activity and can be done with those around you that you love. Yet, it can be seen as something that's hard to get into, so people tend not to attempt it. It isn't that hard if you get the right advice first. Use the following tips to help you become a more skilled camper quickly.

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.

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!

At night, create "bear bags." Tie a rope around the bags with your food and your trash. Then, find a tree and toss bags over a branch, raising until they are at least seven or eight feet off the ground. Tie the rope around the tree so it is secure. This way, bears and other animals will not be able to get into your food and trash during the night.

Let people know where your group is headed. Just in case anything happens to any of you, you want to know that there are people who know where you are at. This is a good precautionary measure to take if something were to happen to your camping group, because help will be on the way soon.

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.

Kids like camping, but they need structured activities. Far from civilization, kids tend to get bored. They probably aren't used to fishing or campfires. Expose them to these activities prior to embarking on your trip.

Bring things like a bandanna and handkerchief along with you. This item has many different uses such as a hand towel and carrying bag. Take a few with you anytime you go camping.

Bring things like a bandanna and handkerchief along with you. You can use that piece of material for many purposes, such as holding a hot pot, cleaning surfaces, etc. There are various uses for this fabric piece, so be sure to carry one on your trip.

Pack extra flashlights and plenty of batteries for your camping trip. You'll need these items to help you be able to see after dark, which may be necessary at times. If you have the proper lighting, you can prevent experiencing bad falls or wildlife encounters. If you are bringing children on your trip, it's a good idea to provide each of them with their own light.

When camping, most people enjoy relaxing around a campfire. To prevent your fire from becoming out of control, you should incorporate a few safety practices. First of all, build your fire away from bushes and trees so that sparks from your fire will not start a forest fire. You will also want to use a circle of rocks to contain your campfire. Do not ever leave your fire unattended. Before leaving your campsite, make sure your campfire has been totally extinguished and that there are no remaining hot embers.

For your first camping trips, try to choose a place that you can drive to. If your car is nearby you can use it as a "fortress" of sorts when you are in the middle of nowhere. Not only can you enter it in case of wildlife attack; it can also protect you from the elements.

When camping out, you're going to have bugs. Some of them are fine, and some of them; you don't want them around you. To limit the amount of bugs you must deal with, keep your campsite clean. Bees and ants are attracted to sugary soda cans and messes, so dispose of your trash immediately.

Never park your vehicle under a single tree when you are at a campsite. If there is a storm, it will attract lightning. This also means that you should avoid sleeping under any trees that are in a particular area by themselves. Try to be in an area that is free of trees or one that has many.

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.

What do you plan on cooking when you embark on your trip? Decide how you will cook early on, so that you can prepare accordingly. Cooking over a fire sounds romantic but may not be practical, especially if you don't have the right equipment.

When you are going camping, do your best to get as early of a start as possible. It will be your job to pitch your tent so you have somewhere to rest comfortably, and that will be much harder for you to do once it starts to get dark outside.

Be thankful for your opportunity of camping on your campsite by cleaning up more trash than you brought in. This is an excellent method of showing appreciation and being polite to other campers who will be using the site. Pick up all your mess, and pick up a few pieces of other litters that is not yours. If everyone were to follow your example, the great outdoors would be a cleaner place for all.

Teach basic survival techniques to all members who will be going. Knowing how to find help, keep safe and keep tent platform plans from getting lost are important lessons for all. You will rest much easier knowing that your fellow campers can take care of themselves should a situation arise to challenge them.

Camping is a great experience, but it requires giving up many modern and comfortable conveniences. Some folks find this exciting, while it sends shivers down the spines of others. Camping should be full of fun and adventures. So, it's important to put a little thought and preparation into your trip before you go. Keep using this article for a few ideas.