Tour and Travel

Posts Tagged ‘Camping’

Camping is an excellent outdoor recreational activity. Basically for camping, the campers leave urban areas, their home district, or civilization and enjoy nature while spending one or several nights in the great outdoors. Camping involves the use of a tent, cabin, caravan, motor home, a primitive structure, or no shelter at all (minimalistic). Camping is an awesome activity as well as it having some complexities. Therefore campers should acquire some basic tips and principal guidelines on camping. Here I have drawn some basic camping guidelines: Backpacking: The general principle of backpacking for camping is taking lighter weight items that would be at the bottom of a backpack and heavier items would be at the top, close to the body. The gear needed and how it’s packed will be dependent on the type of trip planned and the type of conditions a person plans to go in. Like, if you are planning to be scrambling or hiking off-trail on rough terrain or snow, you might want to pack the lower weight items to ensure the free movement against the center of gravity. However, while backpacking for a general camping don’t forget to take below mentioned things

Sleeping bag
Mattresses
Clothes depends on weather or temperature
Tents and tarps
Food, cooking utensils and fuel
Essential items ( sprays, repellant etc) for the protection from mosquito’s and insects
Personal items

Camping tips:

Don’t buy cheap camping equipment and tents just to save a few dollars, for such non stability or lower grade products you may be in bigger trouble if poor quality tents for example collapse when you’re hit by a sudden storm. So, it’s best to buy durable and high quality camping gear that you can rely on.
At the campsite, don’t leave food unattended for this may attract bears. Close encounters with bears and other wild creatures is one thing you want to avoid during camping trips. Be sure to put away any surplus food or food containers before you go away from the tent or before sleep.
Try not eating inside the tent. This is a precaution to avoid the small but horrible insects like ants that will follow trails of crumbs inside your tent and will possibly feast on your skin. To keep safe from snakes don’t forget to keep phenol in campsite.
You should protect yourself from mosquitoes and other harmful insects which are common residents in forest areas. These awful insects being as tiny as they are can cause different kinds of diseases like malaria and dengue. Be sure to pack sufficient insect repellent and to bring a tent with mesh screens to protect yourself from mosquito.
Never use or attempt to illuminate candles, cook or use gas lanterns inside your tent. This is awfully hazardous and may start a fire.
Select a safe and well known campsite. Don’t go for isolated areas that are very far from your region. There are many camping spots which are fully safe and secured and may have a security guard to keep you safe even at night. However if you’re the adventurous type and love to go camping in the middle of the forest or far from civilization, it is wise to take suggestion’s from fellow campers to choose such adventurous camping spots.

Camping outdoors is a wonderful experience. Apart from the camaraderie of friends or families having fun together, delicious camping food makes it even more memorable.

Camping food is an important part of camping. So make sure when organizing a camping trip, you must properly plan what you need to do and have a list of things to bring. In the list of things to bring, apart from the usual change of clothing, toiletries, torchlight, matches, a Swiss knife, maps, compass et al, are things that have to do with food. Your personal eating utensils plus camping food such as your favorite snacks, fruit like apples and oranges, or dried fruit like raisins, dried berries, a supply of canned goods, cereal and bread that can last at least the three or four days of camp. Check the expiry date before you buy your loaf or buns.

Usually, camps have one master cook who takes care of all the camping gear needed for cooking camping food. He would probably have an assistant or two who will help him in carrying and preparing up to standard camping food. They would probably be carrying dry food stuff including potatoes, carrots, fruits and other provision that need no refrigeration; chilled meat already marinated in proper coolers.

 Plan your camping meals using the best option for excellent camping food, canned food or anything that can be kept fresh outdoors, easy to prepare and does not need much time to cook. Avoid bringing dairy products that can go rancid or melt unless you plan to use it immediately on the very first day of your camping. Milk in tetra packs should be alright. They will last when kept unopened. Once opened drink every drop and don’t keep any left over. Share the milk if you can’t finish by yourself. Olive oil packed in small quantities would be a better choice than butter. It does have a tasty buttery flavor but more fruity. It will make an interesting difference from the usual camping food.

If you really need to have hamburger patties as part of your camping food menu make sure you cook that first. The marinated meat can last as long as your cooler has enough ice, otherwise, have your chops, steaks and fresh sausages barbecued as soon as possible before the ice melts into warm water.

The first year I went for camping, the burgers went bad because we planned to cook it at a later time; the next camping trip I forgot to bring butter. There was a store nearby but it cost more than what was bought from the supermarket.

So to avoid spoiling the day, make sure you have that check list of things that you need for scrumptious camping food and make sure you did not leave anything behind. Bring more than enough food because you may be far from any towns or camping stores and you never know you may need to whip up some extra camping food to share.

Camping is a popular activity and the range of camping equipment and accessories is vast. So the tent is in the garage waiting to be used and the remaining accessories are needed. Go in to any camping equipment retailer and the consumer is confronted with a whole array of accessories, some of which are vital, some of which are luxurious, some of which are more gadget and everything else in between. For those who are new to camping and looking to kit themselves out for the first time buying equipment is a mind field and can be quite daunting. It is far too easy to fall in to the trap of buying too many unnecessary things even these are suggested by the person working at the store, but where else do first time campers go for advice? What are the essentials?

i) Spare clothing

When camping it is important to ensure you have enough clothes for the trip. There is nothing worse than getting soaking wet and having nothing dry to change in to. Not only could this lead to pneumonia it is also likely to cut your trip short.

ii) A ‘contingency’ kit

The contingency kit should contain items for hot conditions and wet conditions. It is important to pack a hat, sun screen, after sun and sun glasses as well a waterproof and windproof jacket and trouser set that will keep you dry. In addition, mosquitoes are rife in the wilderness so ensure you have plenty of repellent and something to deal with any bites sustained.

iii) Bedding

Some kind of bedding is essential for a camping trip. During the summer months it may be possible to get away with no more than a sheet or a duvet case to sleep in, however in colder months a sleeping bag is an essential purchase. Sleeping bags come in a variety of styles, sizes and thicknesses (rated as seasons) so it is important to match the bag to the time of year you are going to go camping. There is nothing worse than being too cold, or too hot whilst trying to sleep.

As well as a sleeping bag a pillow is a must have. Some people argue that a sweater or unused item of clothing will suffice but this is not the case. A small pillow is more than adequate and these can be bought from many different retail outlets.

The ground is cold, hard and uncomfortable. No matter how thick your sleeping bag is this will not change, therefore something is needed to get off the ground. Those who travel light or don’t have much space will opt for a roll mat (a piece of relatively thin foam that is used to sleep on) whereas others prefer a camp bed or inflatable mattress. Camp beds are generally unstable and the best bet is the inflatable mattress. If a mattress is used ensure you have a pump or the lung capacity to fully inflate it otherwise it won’t be much use.

Sleep deprivation is not good and you will find that you will not like camping at all if you can’t get a good nights’ sleep.

iv) Cooking utensils

When camping the meals prepared in the tent these are likely to consist of foods that can be heated up in a saucepan, boiled, griddled or fried. Most camping cookers consist of two rings or hot plates. There are many different types available that are powered by gas, petroleum or electricity (for use on sites with electric hook ups). The most versatile are the camping gas variety as these are safe and can be used anywhere.

Camping saucepans are made out of light weight aluminium. These are not only lighter to carry but the thin metal heats up very quickly and is ideal for camping gas stoves, which aren’t that powerful. Trying to cook something in a normal saucepan on a camping gas stove would take ages as the stove isn’t powerful enough to get the right amount of heat in to the saucepan. Proper camping saucepans, and kettles for that matter, are a must have accessory.

v) Other kitchen items

As well as saucepans you’re going to need a few basic items of crockery, such as a plate, bowl and mug and some utensils including spoon, knife, fork and can opener at the very least. The best thing to do is think about what you would use at home and take that. The crockery should be made out of light weight plastic, so it doesn’t break in transit or once the camp is set up.

It is important you don’t get dehydrated therefore a water carrier is also required. It is possible to buy specific camping ones which are made out of clear plastic and hold 5 litres of water. When these are empty these can be flattened to take up little room. It is important that the water is changed frequently, especially in hot conditions when it could turn stagnant, to ensure you don’t get any nasty stomach bugs.

vi) Lighting

With no street lighting out in the wilderness it is going to get dark at night, therefore some kind of light is required to see during the hours of darkness. At the very least a torch is needed although it is preferable to have more than one light just in case one fails. Headlights leave both hands free and are great for camping. Electric lanterns that can be hung on tent poles are also worth a purchase. As well as having the light source it is important to ensure you have the means to power it, so always have plenty of batteries or buy a wind up lantern or light since these are widely available across a range of retail outlets.

vii) Entertainment

Whilst camping is all about experiencing the great outdoors, which can provide many hours of entertainment in its own right, it is worth taking something else to do especially for those wet days. Wind up radios, puzzle books, reading books, Ebook readers, ipods etc. are all items that will keep you entertained. However, care needs to be taken to ensure the entertainment can be used for the duration of the trip. After all what’s the point of having an ipod if the internal battery is dead? Fortunately there are many gizmos and gadgets on the market that sell wind up chargers, solar charges etc. that are great for ensuring these technical items can be used.

viii) First aid kit

Being out in the wilderness any cuts or open wounds may get infected, therefore it is important to have a basic first aid kit consisting of plasters (of various sizes and shapes), antiseptic cream, bandages, sterile wipes, scissors, tweezers, a magnifying glass, anti histamine tablets, safety pins, immodium and any specialist medical supplies you may need, e.g. an EpiPen.

ix) Other essential items

There are other items that should be taken on all camping trips, including matches, toilet roll, rubbish bags and refuse sacks (there are no excuses to leave trash behind),

Whilst all the essential equipment can be bought from specialist camping shops it is possible to get a lot of it from other retail outlets. Specialist camping shops can be very expensive and it is often possible to get a cheaper alternative of the same quality from a super market or discount store, therefore these sorts of places should be investigated before the final buying decision is made.

There are many essential items required to ensure a successful camping trip and it is up to the individual to decide how much or how little to take. Some people will take loads of gear where as others will take the bare minimum. It is up to you to experiment and get some camping trips under your belt. Only then will you decide what you can and what you can’t live without.

Are you interested in going camping in the near future?  Camping is a fun and exciting recreational activity. What is nice about camping is that you have a number of different options, in terms of locations.  A few of the many locations that you may want to examine for your next camping adventure are outlined below for your convenience.

State parks are one of the best locations to go camping.  They are often run and monitored by state governments, in terms of security and maintence.  Although you have to pay to enter a state park, even if you do not plan on camping, the admission price is more than worth it.  Often times, with state parks, you will find that camping is just one of the many things that you can do while visiting one.  Many state parks have a number of hiking trails, as well as lakes, ponds, or streams, where you can usually swim or wade.  Many state parks also have gift shops. This means that you may be able to buy a souvenir of your camping adventure.

In addition to state parks, you can also go camping at parks that are commonly referred to as campground parks. In the United States, these types of parks are often the ones that are first associated with camping. Campground parks are areas that are designed especially for campers.  They often have a large number of campground sites. Campground parks are often filled with activities; activities that usually include hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, and much more.  Many campground parks also have game rooms, first aid offices, security posts, as well as onsite laundry rooms.

When many individuals think of camping, the woods are often the first thing that comes to mind. While many campground parks and state parks are located in wooded areas, you can also go camping along the beach. When thinking of the beach and camping, it is important to focus on more than the coastline.  Many individuals and companies have made beachfront areas out of ponds, lakes, rivers, and small streams.  The majority of the time, these beachfront camping sites are privately owned and operated, but you should be able to make a reservation and pay a fee to camp there.

Another one of the many locations that you can camp at is your own backyard.  Unfortunately, many people do not associate camping with their backyards.  If you are an experienced camper, you may prefer camping in a state park, along the beach, or in a public campground.  At the same time, it is always nice to have the option to camp in your backyard whenever you want.  It is also important to mention that backyard camping is ideal if you are camping for the first time or if you are camping with small children, namely children who are unfamiliar with camping and all that comes along with it.

The above mentioned locations are just a few of the many locations that you may want to keep in mind, when planning your next camping adventure. To decide where you should camp, you may want to examine the distance from your intended destination to your home, the cost of making a reservation, and onsite or nearby activities.  Keeping these factors in mind will help to ensure that you choose the best location for your next camping adventure, no matter how long or short you plan on it being.

By being prepared and taking a few precautions, you can help to ensure you and your beloved canine friend will have a great time and come home from the adventure happy and safe.

Before leaving you should ensure your dog is up to date on his vaccines and some sort of flea and tick repellent should be applied. There are many once a month repellents sold at the vet’s office that seem to do a great job. There is also a wide variety of powders and sprays available. For those who do not like to put chemicals on their dogs, many herbal repellents could be made up beforehand and applied during the trip. Always remember to reapply herbal repellents after your dog goes swimming. Mosquitoes may also be a serious problem and will not only bite you but your dog as well. Never put bug repellent on your dog that is made for humans and do not put anything with Deet on your dog.

Be sure your dog has an ID tag securely attached to his collar and that the information on the tag is up to date. If lost, his ID tag may be the difference from him being returned to you or not. Having a photo of him with you is a good idea too, just encase it is needed.

A good solid harness is a much safer choice than a collar, as it is far harder for a dog to slip out of and gives you much better control in an emergency. Those planning on doing any serious climbing during hikes might want to get a harness made for such a purpose. If your dog was to slip over the side of a cliff, the difference between life and death could be his harness and your ability to pull him back up to safety. It is also a good idea to bring along an extra leash encase something happens to his normal one. Some dogs have sensitive feet and may appreciate a pair of booties to keep them safe from sharp stones and bramble.

If you plan to take your dog out on the water, a life jacket is essential. Yes, most dogs can swim, but undercurrents, waves and long distances might prove too much for them and a life jacket, just like for you could save his life.

When out hiking, be sure to keep him on lead. Dogs with hunting instincts, scent and sight hounds and terriers, are particularly not safe to let off leash. They could be gone before you know it and not only does this put them at risk of being hurt or lost, it puts all the wildlife in the area at risk.

Do not forget to bring lots of fresh water and a bowl for your dog. There are dog backpacks sold in most pet stores that can be very helpful for hiking. Just be sure to not over pack your dogs backpack and make the load too heavy for him. There are also collapsible lightweight bowls sold that work wonderfully for a quick water dish.

For those who plan to be active during the night, bringing along some glow stick bracelets or something similar that can be attached to your dog’s harness can be a huge help in seeing him. For those hiking in an area where there are hunters, getting your dog a bright orange hunters vest is a good idea, so there is no mistakes.

Owners should have a fully stocked dog first aid kit and it is best to bring along a bottle of skunk smell remover shampoo. Depending on the season you go camping, the nights may get quite chilly, so dogs that are sensitive to the cold might want a sweater or jacket.

For those who tent camp, extra care should be taken if you have to leave you dog alone in your tent and when you sleep. Most dogs are smart enough to lift tent zippers and squeeze out and if that fails, a tent is a very easy thing to chew through.

Taking a ground stake with you to tie you dog to is a good idea, as there might not be anything on your site to secure him to. Cages and large pens work well for smaller dogs.

Toy dogs are often underestimated on their physical abilities. Many can easily do a several hour hike and enjoy every minute of it. Extra care should be taken with dogs under 15 pounds as they can be seen as prey by large birds, snakes and other large predators. Bringing along a small dog Papoose is not a bad idea, just encase your little friend gets too tired.

Like any physical activity, do not push your dog too hard and start slow. Dogs are no different from humans in that they need to be conditioned for intense exercise. Hikes should not end with either of you limping and sore.

Going camping, hiking, rafting or fishing can be an amazing experience and made so much the better with your best friend at your side. By being prepared and knowing what to do in an emergency, will ensure both of you make it home so you can do it again.