First Camping Trip

If you are ready to embark on your first ever camping trip, there are a few things you can do to get prepared.

First things first, gather all the necessary supplies.  You will need, but are not limited to bringing, a tent, sleeping bag, cooking supplies, fire starting supplies, food, drinks, bug repellent, sun tan lotion SPF 15 or higher, first aid kid, and fun games and activities to do.

If it is your first time camping and you do not want to be in a tent, you can always get a cabin or something else like an RV to stay in so you don’t have to be so close to the ground.  Bring enough food for yourself and others on the trip so you don’t have to make any journeys to get some more if you run out.  Water is a must and make sure you have plenty if not too much water on your camping trip.  To cook, you will need all those supplies, such as a pan or pot.  Starting a fire doesn’t require too much skill if you have the proper equipment for fire starting — such as an insta-log, gasoline and a lighter.  Bug repellent and sun tan lotion are important for your health, along with the first aid kit to take care of any emergencies.  Remember some fun games and sports equipment to give you something to do to pass the time, such as a Frisbee and a deck of cards.

Remember to take it slow and not jump into any situations that you have never experienced before.  If you have never hiked before, take it easy, and do not expect to backpack for five days straight, unexperienced.  Enjoy yourself and have a good time with being in the outdoors, it is your time to experience nature.  You can even keep a journal to document your trip so next time you are prepared to step it up for another great experience!

Preparing for Bad Weather While Camping

Bad weather can come out of no where when you are camping, but remember to be weary of it and most importantly — be prepared!

First, remember to check weather conditions before you begin to camp — preferably do not even choose a time to camp when there might be a storm lurking in the near future or, if you camp in the winter, a potential snow storm.  If there is only a chance of rain, you might as well choose to camp because one night of rain is not too difficult to bare.

Secondly, have the supplies you need to protect yourself in poor weather conditions.  Let us first discuss the need to protect your supplies, which are of utmost importance and may even be damageable.  The camping gear that you have should be enclosed in a water proof package and then placed inside of a water proof backpack or duffel, or whatever you are using to carry you items.  Electronics and valuables should be double bagged, if not triple bagged, in the same way.  You should always be prepared with a plastic or re wearable poncho that is of water proof material and you may even be able to put your backpack on underneath it.

Third, your tent should be completely water proof.  Ensure that you have the enclosed top cover on the tent securely and tightly fascend.  When you enter and exit the tent, make sure that you zipper everything completely shut because you would be surprised how one little hole in the zipper can result in a flood while you sleep.  Some tents and made cheaply and the corners end up getting small holes which in turn result in water damage — so make sure you buy a tent of high quality first and foremost — but you can always repair a tent with tarp tape or glue.

If you remember these provisions while camping, you should have a amazing, and dry, time!

Tips for First Time Campers

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Getting out into the wilderness is just great! It’s absolutely wonderful to wake up in a cozy sleeping bag and just breathe in the crisp mountain air. There’s just nothing like it! Here’s a few basic tips to make your camping trip eventful and fun.

Leave the Luxuries at Home

Whether it’s your Chopard diamond ring or your laptop, there are just certain things you don’t want to worry about when you are camping. If you have expensive jewelry on, you’re less likely to really get down and dirty in nature. Plus, what’s the point of being secluded in the mountains if you’re just going to watch movies on a laptop. Leave it all at home and just enjoy the trip.

Pick a Good Site

Just like in real estate, it’s all about location, location, location! You don’t want to be camped right by the bathrooms because people will be tramping through your camp all the time. Plus, the smells and sounds coming out of them are none too pleasant either. You also don’t want to be too far away from a bathroom, especially if you have little ones. You also need to look at the tree coverage for the sites. You want to be able to have some shade throughout the day, so make sure you’ve got some good sized trees around you as well.

Make Sure You Bring the Essentials

You are supposed to be roughing it, but there are a few things you cannot live without. Toilet paper is a big one. We take for granted that our bathrooms will be supplied with paper, but sometimes that’s not the case. Bug spray, sunscreen, and other toiletries are also a few must haves. Lastly, make sure to pack clothes for different temperatures. The days can get hot in the summer, but the temperature drops quickly after the sun goes down.

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