In an age filled with technology, electronics and a daily battle to escape from these communication pressures, vacation time should be as far removed from these intrusions as possible. Escaping into the great outdoors for some fresh air and no power outlets is always a great option. Everything you need to know about camping but were afraid to ask can be answered in the following article.
Choose a sleeping bag that is seasonally appropriate. By bringing a winter sleeping bag in the summer you may end up sweating instead of sleeping. The reverse is also true. Using a light, cool sleeping bag in the middle of winter will keep you very cold. Packing the wrong sleeping supplies is certainly uncomfortable, and it might even become dangerous.
Navigation is the key when it comes to camping. It is important to know where you are, and how to get back to civilization if you become lost. Always bring a map of the area, and a compass to help you. You can also use an outdoor GPS that will give you navigation information, as well as additional information such as altitude.
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 have a first aid kit with you. As an alternative, you could pack some supplies in a plastic bag. While hopefully your trip will be free of injuries, you never know. It is best to be prepared so that you can handle anything that happens in the best way possible.
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.
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.
Practice makes perfect when pitching a tent. Take the time to put the tent up before leaving for your trip. This allows you to build your proficiency at erecting the tent, and will also help locate any issues with the tent in case you need to exchange it for a better option.
Now that you are a little wiser about the benefits of camping and what it can offer as a vacation choice, take some time to seriously consider this as your next vacation destination. You may be quite surprised at how much enjoyment it will bring to the whole family, despite the lack of room service!