Everyone Would Enjoy Camping If They Only Knew How

Who coined the term glamping?

Camping can make for a fun time. It can lead to self-discovery, and it also lets you be closer to nature. You can enjoy hiking or building a campfire. There can be countless activities to keep everyone busy during your camping trip, but continue reading to learn how to go about your trip properly.

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.

When you are camping, a necessity for your gear is a survival knife. This is the most important part of your camping gear. Buy a high quality survival knife, not just the cheapest you can find, your life may depend on it. These knives are all very similar; they have a long blade serrated on one side and a hollow handle. Inside the handle you can carry fishing line, hooks, a compass, and matches as a small survival kit.

Remember, wet wood won't burn right, so nature may not always provide the wood you need. It's always a good idea to take along some wood of your own and keep it in a dry place.

Know what is available in the area around your campsite. You may get lucky and have beautiful weather the entire time. However, you may also face inclement weather, too. Have a backup plan in case you need a diversion. This is particularly crucial if you have kids, but adults need a little entertainment as well!

If you are using a tent for camping, put a great deal of thought into buying your tent. Consider the climate. Consider your price range. How often will you be using this tent? You don't want to buy a tent that won't be able to stand up to the elements. At the same time, you don't need to pay a fortune for a tent you plan to only use once.

Even if you're not going a long distance away on your camping trip, or even if you're going into familiar territory, always stay in touch with friends, family or neighbors. Tell someone where your trip will be, and how long you'll be gone. And if you can, check in regularly using a mobile phone.

Your camp should be set up before the sun goes down. If you are traveling in an RV, park it in a well secured area. When using a tent, choose a dry flat location. If you do this before dark, you can become accustomed to the area around you. You can save time by knowing what you are doing.

Duct tape can be a camper's very best friend. When disaster strikes on a camping trip, a roll of heavy-duty duct tape will usually save the day. If the tent fabric needs patching in the rain, duct tape will hold back the water. When tent poles need reinforcing, the duct tape will provide support. Do you have holes in your tennis shoes? Duct tape right over it. Whatever the mishap, a roll of duct tape is sure to help!

Take the time to get a map and to get to know the land. This will help prevent you from getting lost, and to help you figure out how to navigate around your camping grounds throughout your entire trip. This is a good idea to help save time and worry for you.

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.

In this modern age, there is no excuse for being in the woods without some form of communication ability. Of course, no one likes to receive phone calls when they are relaxing, so leave your phone off but fully charged, just in case there is an emergency, and you need to contact someone.

A utility knife is one of the most useful camping tools. Utility knives are the most diverse tools you can carry, so be sure to carry an additional one just in case it gets lost.

Unless you are a wildlife expert, you should never drink water that you haven't brought to the campsite with you. Water may look crystal clear but actually be home to a host of diseases or bacteria. If you are in an emergency, always choose running water over stagnant water.

Use an orange to help prevent bug bites. If everything was packed but you didn't remember the bug spray, don't worry! Experts have disclosed that simply rubbing the inner peel of a ripened orange on exposed skin can act as a repellant. This should effectively repel mosquitoes for hours.

Protect yourself from disease carrying ticks while on your camping trip. Always dress in light-colored clothing while in wooded areas so that ticks can be easily seen. Check your body frequently for ticks during the day. Use a tick repellant to discourage ticks and other biting insects. Tuck your pants into your socks for added protection.

When you go camping, try to pitch a tent in an area that is directly in a spot where the morning sun will beam. This is a great idea since it can get very cold in the forest. It will make your tent a little warmer so you can sleep a bit more comfortably.

Always carry along a GPS device, map, and a compass so that you do not get lost during your camping trip. Getting yourself lost in the wild can be one of the scariest feelings you ever experience. Not only do you need to have these things with you, but you should also know how to use them. Study up and learn the proper methods of using these tools to prevent from getting lost.

Bring a few Frisbees with you next time you go camping. Not only will they give you something to do, build a tent platform but they are helpful, too. Use a Frisbee to help you hold your paper plate. It will give it the structure that it needs, and it will be a lot stronger.

Far from the office, nightmarish commutes and the hustle and bustle of modern living, you've got so much to enjoy on a camping trip! Hopefully this article has provided you with some useful tips that will help to make your next camping trip enjoyable and free from any major disasters!