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If you love the great outdoors, mother nature, and the smell of fresh air, nothing will please you more than a nice camping trip. But, there are some things you need to know about camping before going on your trip. This article will give you the best camping tips around.
Water is critical for your survival when hiking in the backcountry. Carry water purification tablets with you or some sort of water filter that is capable of filtering out bacteria. There are many different kinds available at your local sporting goods store. Whenever you are looking for a water source, make sure the water is flowing; stagnant water can kill you if not treated properly.
Always take a fully stocked first-aid kit when you venture out on a camping trip. You can put together your own kit with bandages, gauze pads, tweezers, scissors, anti bacteria cream and antiseptic wipes in a sturdy container. You can also buy one of the many excellent ready-made kits to save time.
Figure out your new gear before you go camping. The practice does really help. No one wants to get to the campground, only to find out that they don't know how to use something or set up their own tent. Practice with your new gear before you ever set foot on the campground.
Avoid any wildlife you may come into contact with. Bears have become a fairly large problem with campers. In some parks they have been known to rip open the trunk of a car to gain access to food. Raccoons are also a big problem in many campgrounds. Not only are they smart and can gain access to your food supplies easily, but they can carry disease as well.
Make sure you buy a tent that is big enough for your needs. Many people find themselves crowded in a tent for no reason. Tents are lightweight and very compact, so there is no reason not to have enough space when you buy a tent. Make sure you're buying for comfort.
If you are camping with others, ensure that there is something available to keep everyone entertained. There is nothing worse than a bored campmate, as they will constantly pester you for activities. Talk to your family and friends before hand and make sure they know how to entertain themselves for the trip.
Buy some camping pillows. Regular house pillows will become sticky and uncomfortable when exposed to humidity. They may also get mildew from all the moisture outside. Camping pillows use a coating to lock moisture out to improve your comfort level.
When collecting wood for a campfire, focus on three different sizes: the finger-size wood, that will catch fire right away, the arm-size wood that will keep it going, and the leg-size wood that will allow you to keep the fire going for a long time. Getting different sizes of wood helps you to start the fire and keep it going.
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.
When you bring a canine along on a camping trip, don't forget his leash and to keep a close eye on him always. Not all people are dog lovers, and some are extremely terrified of dogs. It is essential to respect the feelings of your fellow campers. Also, dogs can cause damage if you let them run free, so be sure to keep control of them at all times.
If you are camping outdoors instead of in a travel trailer or RV, it is important to dress in (or carry with you) layers of clothing. While on a camping trip, temperatures can fluctuate widely. The easiest and most effective method to control your body temperature is through adding and removing layers of clothing. Having layers of clothing also protects you from bug bites.
Make sure that your tent is ready before dark if you don't plan to sleep under the stars. Some camping locations get very dark and this can make setting up your campsite nearly impossible. You also never know when something could go wrong during set-up, such as a broken pole or a sudden tear in your tent.
When you are purchasing your camping supplies, spend a little extra on the better supplies. If you buy the better quality products, you will only have to buy these things once. After you have them bought, camping can be a very affordable way to get away from home for a weekend.
Make sure your tent remains dry and properly ventilated. When you sleep in a tent that is completely sealed, condensation can build up on the roof, floor, walls, and sleeping bags from perspiration and breathing. This will result in you waking up soaking wet. Tents sometimes have vents that are built in or windows that can be opened to prevent the build up of moisture.
If you feel as though you are an advanced camper and what to add a challenge back into the activity, you can look into wilderness survival. This is quite difficult; however, and should just be undertaken by the most advanced camper. This yurt camping tent type of trip means only eating food that you catch or find yourself!
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.
Bring along plenty of water, food and snacks when you camp. If bears are common where you will be camping, keep your food away from your sleeping area. Properly dispose of garbage via burning it so food odors can't attract the bears to your site.
As you've read, camping can be something that you all enjoy. By using what you have gone over in this article, you'll be able to go on a camping trip that would make even someone who hates the outdoors have a good time. Head out into the wild and enjoy what nature has provided.