How do I keep my tent cool?
There is nothing like the joy of camping under the open sky with the ones you love. It is widely accepted that camping is a great recreational activity. While a camping trip can be fun, some things need to be considered before you go. Keep reading for some great tips to help you prepare for a camping trip.
When you buy a new tent, set it up completely at home before you take it camping. By doing this you will be able to make sure that your tent does not have any missing parts. Furthermore, such a task will help to reassure you that you know how to errect your camping tent properly. Also, this can help to reduce the difficulty that you have when out in the wilderness.
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.
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.
Make sure you plan out your route in advance of your trip. Look to see if there are any special places that you can stop at along the way. It will make the drive much more enjoyable and you may have a lot of fun in the process. Granted, you may need to get to your destination quickly, but if you have time, taking the scenic route is worth it.
Just because your tent is labeled waterproof, do not count on it to keep you dry when it rains. Pack a couple extra-large tarps to take along with you. Use one to set on the ground under your tent and keep one dry to use to cover your tent if it looks like it is going to rain hard.
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.
Make sure that you get a tent that is big enough for you and whoever else is going to be inside the tent. This will ensure you are able to comfortably move around without disturbing people you are sharing your tent with.
Giving yourself enough time to enjoy your camping trip is key. Plan out your trip far in advance and get a couple of days off from work if possible. You want to enjoy yourself camping for at least a few days, that way you feel like you got the full experience out of it.
Make sure that the cooler you are taking with you is air tight. You do not want your food to spoil because the cooler was allowing the cool air to get out. Store your cooler in a shaded area where the sun will not work against it. This could save your food and your stomach.
Carry a handkerchief or bandanna while camping. This single fabric piece can barebones flashlight be used as a carrying bag, hand towel, paper towel, potholder, and blotter. Its uses are innumerable, so it is smart to always have one available.
Before you head out for your camping trip, be sure that you take the time to practice setting up your tent. You do not want to get yourself frustrated at the site. Setting the tent up the second time will be much easier than it was the first time around.
If you are camping for the first time, try to practice pitching a tent before your trip. This is a valuable camping skill to possess, especially when it can be done quickly. You don't want to be out on your trip and not know how to put up a tent right away when the weather takes an unexpected turn.
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.
Keep food safe when you're out in the wild camping. Pack your foods in bags or containers that are airtight and waterproof. Keep cold foods in ice in insulated containers. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping cooked and raw foods far apart. Make sure your hands are clean whenever you are preparing food either by washing them or using hand sanitizer. Cook all your foods completely and quickly refrigerate foods.
When choosing a sleeping bag, make sure that you pick one that is meant for the season and climate in which you plan to camp. For example, if it's summertime you need a bag that's lighter so you're not too hot during the night. Conversely, during the winter you need to choose a heavy bag.
When siting your tent at your campsite, be sure to place a waterproof tarp on the ground before erecting your tent. In this situation, size really does matter. Use a tarp that is about 2 inches smaller than the tent floor, or cut a larger one down if need be. It should never extend beyond the edge of your tent floor. A tarp that is too large can collect water that will be channeled right back into your tent.
Having great gear is vital, so make sure that you do not forget to buy some high quality socks. Buy wool socks instead of those that are made of cotton. This is because cotton socks keep sweat on the skin. This is uncomfortable and it can cause bacteria to form.
Start your camping trip off the easy way with a precooked meal that can be kept in a cooler. There are many things that must be done on the first day and knowing that you have a delicious meal already prepared can make the end of the day relaxing and more enjoyable.
Most of the time, camping is fun. Without being prepared properly, the trip can go belly-up. Make proper use of the suggestions you have seen here and give your camping adventure the right start for success. Last but not least, have fun!