An enjoyable activity to participate in with your family or friends is camping. Use our advice for new outdoor enthusiasts. If given the opportunity, everyone should go camping at least once. The truth remains, though, that to camp properly, some specific knowledge is needed. This article will provide you with the information you need to have a successful camping trip.
When setting up the tent, know how to seal every seam. You may find a tube at many sporting goods stores if the tent doesn’t include any. This can keep rainwater, insects, and animals from invading your tent.
You may also want to consider these first-time winter camping tips.
Camping Advice #1: Identify Poisonous Plants
Be sure that you know what poisonous plants look like before you go camping. Poisonous plants sometimes resemble regular harmless plants, so you have to know what to look for. You can use books at your library or the Internet to find the information you need. This can help you to avoid the wrong plants.
Camping Advice #2: Carry a Multi-tool
Make sure to carry a multi-tool with you when you are camping. Multi-tools can be quite versatile, so be sure to have an extra with you. Not only will these help you cut things, but most multi-tools also offer up additional tools that can help. For instance, they may have a saw to get through larger branches. They could also have fun things like magnifying glasses and toothpicks. So having one of these in your pocket is sure to get you camping-ready.
Camping Advice #3: Check the Weather
Make sure you know what the weather will be before going on your trip. There are a number of sites that can provide detailed information regarding what to expect weather-wise during your trip. I personally like using NOAA. They are extremely accurate and reliable. Plus they have the weather for everywhere in the country with no ads. You can use traditional apps too like Accuweather and The Weather Channel. This will help you prepare by having the right clothes and equipment.
Camping Advice #4: Pack the Sunscreen
Take a lot of sunscreen. You want to keep your skin protected during your trip. Look for an optimum sunscreen for the conditions and make sure the SPF is sufficient. Ideally, you may want to look for a sunscreen that provides protection from bugs at the same time. This will keep your pack light and save you time.
Camping Advice #5: Practice your Skills
If you are interested in being an outdoor enthusiast who likes camping in the woods but has never done so before, there is a quick way to test if you will enjoy it or not. Pitch a tent in your yard and sleep under the stars. Do not let yourself go indoors for anything! You will probably enjoy camping if you enjoy doing this.
Besides practicing in a tent in the back yard you should also practice your other skills. You will want to make sure that you know how to tie some common knots, build a campfire, and cook on your stove. If you have any gear you want to set it up and test it out. Being in the backcountry and realizing you don’t know how to use your gear is going to make it a bad trip.
Camping Advice #6: Wipe it Away
Toilet paper and baby wipes are two things that every camper will appreciate. Refreshing wipes and good old toilet paper are easy to buy and take along so you won’t need to use the uncomfortable offerings of nature for your toileting needs. You would not believe how often these are forgotten. So my advice to new outdoor enthusiasts is to ensure you have packed something to wipe away the waste.
Camping Advice #7: Set Up Camp Before Dark
You must always set up your shelter before dark. Try to arrive on time at your campsite so that you are not caught by the light fading before you can finish setting up. If you have no tent, creating a shelter is easier in daylight.
Now I am not saying that it isn’t possible to set up your camp in the dark. However, understanding the geography of your site is easier in the light. It also makes it easier to look for any hazards that may exist. If you are camping in a well-defined campground this may not be an issue. However, for your first time out our advice to new outdoor enthusiasts is to have camp ready to go before the sun sets.
Find out how to select the right campsite.
Camping Advice #8: Duct Tape Fixes Everything
A handy tool that will make your life easier when camping, is duct tape. Just as it has myriad uses around the house, you can use it for a variety of needs in the woods, too. As an outdoor enthusiast, you can use this to repair any holes in an air mattress. It can also fix up a tarp, sleeping bag, or even a tent. If you are going on a long hike, you can put it on the sensitive parts of your feet for blister prevention. In a pinch, it can even substitute as a bandage.
Camping Advice #9: Safety First
Always follow safety guidelines during your camping trip. It is usually best to avoid the wild animals, big and small, that you may encounter. Even squirrels and tiny animals may pose a threat to you and your family. Obviously, stay away from larger animals like bears and never feed them.
In fact, learn how to store your gear and food before you head out with these tips.
The best place to locate safety information for your camping trip is with park staff or rangers. If you are staying at a state or national park check in at the visitor center. Get the latest on what safety measures are in place. If you are staying at a private campground they will give you safety instructions as part of your welcome packet or site map. Make sure to read through it so you understand.
Camping Advice #10: Take it all in
When you’re out camping, take time to enjoy all that nature has to offer. If there are well-marked trails available, go walking through the woods, or lose yourself looking at the stars of the night sky. You are going to feel much more relaxed later.
You are outside to enjoy something different. Look up at the sky. Look into the distance and see the eagles soaring over the mountain. Forget about life for a while and leave your phone in your pocket. At least for a minute before you take a picture to remember it all!
Camping Advice #11: First Aid
First aid kits are crucial for camping. Kits need to include everything necessary in the event of injuries. Be prepared by carrying headache medication, bandages and band-aids, antiseptic cream, and other general first-aid essentials. First aid is an important consideration when you are camping, but the best advice is that it is important to be prepared for accidents.
Don’t forget to check out these great first aid tips for the hiking trail.
Camping Advice #12: Sleeping Bag Bliss
When you are camping, be sure you choose the right sleeping bag for the site conditions. Heavy-weight sleeping bags are best for cold weather, while lightweight bags works best for hot weather. You might even consider a body-hugging one as it helps you retain your body heat. No matter what type of sleeping bag you choose make sure that it is comfortable for the temperature range you are looking to camp in. This advice for outdoor enthusiasts is simple because we all deserve sleeping bag bliss.
Here are our selections for the Top 4 summer sleeping bags.
Camping Advice #13: Orange You Glad You Went
Take oranges with you as a way to snack in a healthy, convenient way–and as a mosquito repellent that is organic. Use the discarded peels to rub your exposed skin, and the insects will stay away from you. This may seem like a strange bit of advice for outdoor enthusiasts. However, if you have forgotten traditional bug spray this can work in a pinch. Not to mention you will get a wonderful snack out of the deal.
Final Thoughts on Advice for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Camping is a very enjoyable way to spend your time. However, it is crucial that you are educated on the topic. Use the knowledge you gained here to make your upcoming camping trip a successful one. If you take the time to implement all you’ve learned, you can have a fun-filled trip.
While some of our advice for outdoor enthusiasts may seem strange, the underlying connection is about preparedness. You want to make sure you have everything you need and know how to use it before you head out. Otherwise, your trip is not going to be a fun one. So how about it? Are you ready to explore the great outdoors?
Share your advice for outdoor enthusiasts with us! We would like to hear about your tricks and go-to techniques in the comments, on our Facebook, or on Reddit!
