Being One With Nature: Camping Tips And Advice

Why does a canvas tent leak when you touch it?

Camping is a great activity, but there are some risks associated with it. There are many natural hazards in the wild that can be dangerous and even deadly to campers if they encounter them. The following article will keep you safe by showing you what hazards to look out for while camping.

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.

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.

Make sure that you avoid any venomous plants. A good way to do this is to stop at the ranger station and ask what kinds of poisonous plants are in the area so you can identify them if you come into contact with them on the trail. Never eat anything while hiking on the trail if you do not know it is edible.

When going camping, make sure that you bring the right sleeping bag with you. Some sleeping bags will not keep you warm when the temperature dips below 40 degrees, while others will have you sweating all night long because they are too hot. The label on the bag usually will tell you what kinds of temperatures are appropriate for each sleeping bag.

Understand your medical coverage. Sometimes going into a different state means that you will need to have an additional policy. Popping over the border into Canada could also cause an issue. Better to be prepared and safe than sorry later.

Take only photos and leave only footprints. That is the rule of thumb when camping. Only use the natural resources that you need and do not leave any traces that you were camping when you leave. Pick up all trash, extinguish and cover any fire pits, bury all human waste, and make the area where you camped look exactly as it did when you found it.

Avoid any wildlife you may come into contact with. Bears have become a fairly large problem with campers. In some parks they have been known to rip open the trunk of a car to gain access to food. Raccoons are also a big problem in many campgrounds. Not only are they smart and can gain access to your food supplies easily, but they can carry disease as well.

Many people are deterred from camping because they have to sleep on the ground, but you do not have to be uncomfortable when you go camping. Stop by the local drug store and purchase some inexpensive pool floats. These are far more comfortable than the ground to sleep on, and will keep you high and dry as well.

Duct tape is the cure-all for many mishaps in camping. From mending tent holes to fixing shoes, duct tape can be used for a lot of repair work in a pinch.

If your intended camping destination is known for its prowling wildlife, take more than enough precautions to secure food. Keep all food items wrapped tightly and securely away from your tent. Some kinds of foods should be avoided altogether. Doing this means you cut down on your possibilities of an animal attack.

For your first camping trips, try to choose a place that you can drive to. If your car is nearby you can use it as a "fortress" of sorts when you are in the middle of nowhere. Not only can you enter it in case of wildlife attack; it can also protect you from the elements.

Be mindful of the environment when you go camping. Whatever you carry into a campsite, make sure that you remove it when you leave. This will eliminate litter and protect the natural environment. Before leaving, the area you have inhabited should be as clean as you would want it if you were just arriving to camp there that day.

Be prepared if you get lost on a camping trip. You should know how to use a map, compass, and GPS device before leaving for your trip. You should also keep these on your person during your trip. If you stray too far from your campsite, these items can help you get back quickly and safely.

When it comes to tents, you should understand that bigger is not always better. Keep in mind that you are going to have to drag your tent to the campsite. To make sure that your tent is not too large for you to haul and set up, test it out at your home first.

Safety procedures should be acknowledged when you're out camping. Stay away from larger animals, and be cautious even around smaller ones. Even small animals in the wild can be dangerous. And, unless you're in Jellystone Park, don't feed any bears!

It is a great idea to put your tent together at home before you go out camping. Some tents can seem very complicated, and you do not want to get stuck in the dark without your tent being assembled. If you practice when you are at home, you will already have the experience of setting it up, and it will go smoothly.

Think about how you are going to get food cooked at your campsite. Before you leave you should decide just how to cook and what you'll need to bring for it. No matter what method of cooking you decide upon, be urt tent sure that you will have everything you need to do it.

An essential element of your camping gear is a first aid kit. This should include anything you might need if you have an accident. You need to put essentials in your kit such as splints, bandages, snake bite remedies and gauze for dressing wounds. Safety is important when camping, but accidents do happen, so you have to be prepared.

Camping is a great experience, but it requires giving up many modern and comfortable conveniences. Some folks find this exciting, while it sends shivers down the spines of others. Camping should be full of fun and adventures. So, it's important to put a little thought and preparation into your trip before you go. Keep using this article for a few ideas.