If you enjoy the great outdoors like me, I am sure you will find Camping is for you. Camping is one of the most exciting ways to visit various destinations without breaking the bank.
One of the most important considerations for your camping trip is the shelter you use. Many campers prefer the portable convenience of sleeping in a tent. Tents, in essence, protect you from the outdoor elements while still giving you the feeling of being outside.
Having the proper camping tent and knowing how to set it up before you go ensures accessible and cozy housing when you arrive.
You can purchase a tent from a variety of retails such as Target, Wal-Mart, and Cabelas to specialized camping stores such as Millets or Blacks (UK)
When choosing a tent, it is essential that you get the right tent for your needs and that you look for specific key points such as:
- Choose a waterproof tent with airtight seams so drafts and water won’t get in. The tent should be secure enough to handle essential natural elements such as rain and wind.
- Select a tent size at least one size up from what you need. For example, if you are camping with one other person, purchase a tent for 3-4 people. You will find this extra storage space. Extra room in your tent helps store your clothes or stretch out comfortably while you sleep.
- To be protected against fire, buy a fire retardant tent to help shield you against unexpected flames. Fire retardant gives you more time to escape before it burns down. The old tents used to burn down in under 15 seconds! Although it says fire retardant, this does not mean it is fireproof, so NEVER build a fire inside your tent because it’s hazardous.
Before you go Camping, secure a spot at the campgrounds in an area designated for tent camping. Most campsites have separate sites for recreational vehicles, pop-up shelters, and tents. Make sure you reserve a section at the campgrounds ahead of time, so you have a place to pitch your tent when you arrive.
Before you set off, make sure you know how your new home goes up. Practice setting up your tent in the backyard or another wide-open space. When you know what to do before you go, it’s much easier to repeat when you get there. And keep in mind you might be driving for a long time and arriving at the campsite tired and possibly in the dark!.
When you finally reach your camping destination, carefully select your tent spot:
- Pick a place with dry, level ground and no sharp objects, large rocks, or branches. Another good tip is to pitch your tent on top of an old plastic sheet more minor than the groundsheet. This helps provide further protection from sharp objects you might have missed and kept the groundsheet clean and dry for packing.
- Never camp under trees as the resin could damage the tent; even when it stops raining, water can drip on your tent for hours afterward.
- The tent should be set up away from food storage and fire areas.
- For additional protection from the elements, bring a tarp to set up as a portable shelter from rain or sun.
- Never store food in your tent as it may attract wildlife like foxes. They will not think twice about going through the side of the tent rather than using the door.
- Get rid of the trash in designated areas far away from your tent.
- Lock up your food at night in an airtight container or car, so pests don’t visit.
If allowed, set up your tent in a scenic spot to enjoy a beautiful nature view. Remember that a specific campground doesn’t let you pick your location so take advantage of this luxury if you have it. If you cannot choose your site, make sure you inspect the area and get rid of any stones, sticks, and debris before you pitch your tent. Leaving residue can rip the bottom of your tent and compromise your shelter.
Camping Safety Tips
Camping is a safe and fun activity that millions of people enjoy every year. Every day the activity we spend our time on has its ups and downs. Big problems are rare, but to make sure your camping trip goes more smoothly, some safety awareness can help.
- The weather can be unpredictable. Check the weather forecast for the area.
- Carry enough food, clothing, and equipment to keep you comfortable in an emergency.
- Tell someone where you will be and when you plan to go home if someone needs to find you.
- Make plans to return to camp before dark. Remember that the daylight hours are shorter in the fall and winter.
- Be alert to oncoming storms, dress correctly and seek suitable shelter.
- Dress properly. Check the weather and terrain.
- Poisonous snakes, ticks, and poisonous plants can be found along the trails—exercise caution.
- Don’t wear shorts on the trails. If you have a tick on your skin, grab it with tweezers and remove it.
- Always plan where to meet a member of your family, where to meet.
- Check your first aid kit before each visit. Replace any missed items, such as bandaids, and check the expiration dates of medicines and ointments
Always make sure you have a whistle that can be used to call for help when you’re apart.
Try Homemade Camping Gear for that Special Touch
If you’re planning a camping trip, why not try bringing along some homemade camping gear? All supplies can be crafted by hand, depending on your expertise as a crafter.
First, let’s take a look at the basic supplies you’ll need for a traditional excursion. A tent is a must, as are sleeping bags. You’ll also need toilet tissue, lanterns, matches, a first aid kit, insect repellant, water and food, and a compass. Many people choose to bring more than this, but these are the basics for a safe and fun camping trip.
Let’s start with the tent. Can you make a tent yourself? Well, you could, but I wouldn’t recommend it, although as a scout leader, I have often slept in shelters.
This is because today’s tents are made from high-quality, weatherproof material and crafted with factory precision to be ideal in every aspect. If you are excellent with a sewing machine and want to rough it, you could give it a shot, but don’t expect miracles.
Something you can easily sew on your own with a decent sewing machine is a sleeping bag. It’s simply a matter of choosing fabrics and filling, adding the zipper, and sewing it together. You could also sew other blankets and coverings to bring along. Try making your fleece vest for extra warmth if you’re in a cold climate.
One thing that is easy to make yourself is insect repellant. Natural insect repellant is a safe way to keep the bugs away without the use of toxic pesticides. Here is an easy and effective repellent recipe you can make and take with you on your trip. It takes two weeks, so give yourself plenty of time.
- Gather some herbs. Try fragrant herbs like catnip, pennyroyal, spearmint, and lavender.
- Place the herbs in a glass jar and cover completely with apple cider vinegar.
- Close jar and place in an excellent, dark location for two weeks.
- After the two weeks are up, strain into a spray bottle.
- Now you’ve got your own safe and effective bug spray for skin, clothes, and equipment.
If you are unfortunate enough to get bitten, you can dab milk onto the bites to help take the itch out or sodium bicarbonate.
Homemade camping gear is something that, for the most part, is best left to the very experienced. You certainly don’t want equipment that can’t stand up to the elements or falls apart on you.
If you must make your gear, choose easy projects like the ones suggested in this article and buy the more crucial supplies like your tent, safety equipment, and first aid supplies from a trusted outdoor supply store.
Final Thoughts
Camping is a fun and exciting way to escape the city life’s hustle and bustle and enjoy nature’s mysteries. This website is designed to help make any camping experience enjoyable for you and the family.
