Are you wanting to try your hand at
hiking and camping? Does the sound of the great outdoors, the smell
of fresh air, the smell and sound of a campfire under the stars sound
appealing to you? Will this be your first camping trip? Well then
maybe this article can be of some useful information.
First of all, one of the most important
things to do before planning your camping or hiking trip is to let
someone know at home or at work details of where you plan to camp or
hike, how long you will be gone and any other details about your trip
that you can leave that will be helpful in the event of an emergency
or you fail to return when you said you would.
So now plan
your trip. Where will you go? How do you learn about the area you
plan to hike and camp into? Where can I get a map? Make sure you get
a map for the area you plan to hike or camp in. Most U.S. Forestry
Centers carry free maps of wilderness areas. You can also find maps
online and at most outdoor stores. You will also want to check the
weather of your camping location and plan accordingly.
So
what will I need? What kind of equipment will you need?
Camping
requires equipment, and the basic equipment is the same for seasoned
experts or those just starting out. While there is plenty of
high-quality camping equipment to make your stay outdoors a lot more
comfortable, most of these items aren't necessary, especially for
beginners. Choose good quality equipment, but don't blow your budget
buying the most expensive gear. Remember that costly doesn't always
mean top quality.
Here is some basic gear you'll need for
your trip:
Tents: Decide how many people will be sleeping in
one tent. You may want to have one tent for adults and one for
children if you will be camping with the whole family. For a more
comfortable arrangement, purchase a tent that will hold two more
people than the number you expect to have sleeping inside. See my
Article on camping tents for more information.
Sleeping bags:
Sleeping bags are graded for temperature and come in different shapes
and sizes. Choose sleeping bags that are appropriate for the season
and that have a comfortable size. See my Article on tents and
sleeping bags for more information on these pieces of camping
gear.
Cooking and meal equipment: A small, portable propane
stove is very handy and makes mealtime as easy as if you were cooking
in your own kitchen. You can also purchase a barbecue or find a stove
that has both burners and grill. Choose washable dishes and utensils
to be environmentally conscious. Don't forget two plastic bins for
washing up!
Coolers and food storage: Choose coolers big
enough to allow for blocks of ice. It's a good idea to have two
separate coolers in different sizes as well, one for frozen foods and
one for refrigerated foods. Select coolers with a snap-lock lid and
handles. Purchase plastic bins to hold food that doesn't require
refrigeration.
Luggage: The best luggage for camping is a
cloth bag like as a hockey bag. Stiff-sided luggage
doesn't hold as much clothing and takes
up space.
Extras: Buy two tarps - one to use as a ground
sheet underneath your tent and one to shelter the tent in the case of
rain. Bring some rope for a makeshift clothesline. A nighttime
lantern is always handy, especially for trips to the bathroom. You'll
also need a basic survival kit, a cell phone, and a flashlight in
case of emergencies. If you're going on a trip that lasts more than
two nights and three days, bring biodegradable soap and
shampoo.
When considering extra items to bring, try to think
of functional items that fit your lifestyle like as sunscreen, bug
spray, a pair of extra sandals, and a doormat for entry to your tent.
Browse the aisles of the sporting goods section to determine what
other items would be good to bring along.
Don't get caught up
with gadgets and unnecessary items. They'll just take up space and
probably won't be used more than once, if at all.
Clothing
and Packing
Determine how many days you are going camping,
determine how many sets of clothes you will need for that period, and
then cut that number in half. Pack only the necessities, minimal gear
is key to a great camping trip experience. Hauling, packing, storing,
and trying to fit everything in the car before you leave for your
trip and when it's time to come home and unload it all is no fun at
all. When you pack, fold each piece of clothing - and then roll it
up. Rolled clothing takes up less space than stacked, folded
clothing.
Food
Camping involves plenty of planning,
and that goes for food planning too. Prepare your menu ahead of time,
and have a menu for each meal that includes every item you'll need.
The more detail you have on your menu, the better prepared you'll be
to shop for exactly what you require, no more and no less.
Choose
supper meals that you can prepare ahead of time and freeze, and
freeze as much as you can in plastic bags to save space. The
advantage of freezing food is that you will have "ice"
ready for your cooler and not have to buy as many blocks of ice, and
the food can safely defrost in the cooler. If it's frozen tight and
you're planning on eating it that night, transfer the food from your
frozen food cooler to the fresh produce cooler. Alternatively, thaw
it out by placing the plastic bag in a bucket of cold water.
It's
a good idea to prepare food you can freeze a couple of weeks ahead of
time and the rest of the food the day before you leave. Remember, the
more you can prepare at home, the less time you'll have to put into
cooking while you camp.
There are tons of other camping tips
for beginners, but most camping trips involve common sense,
creativity, and keeping calm when things get stressful. Camping is
experience you have to try at least once. If all goes well, you will
probably want do to it year after year!
A camping trip can be
a fun and educational vacation for the whole family. However, for
that to be a reality, it's essential for every family member to be
aware of some general and useful rules to follow. Camping tips can
keep you from getting frustrated and will make the experience more
fun for
everyone, especially if you have
smaller children. Here are some camping tips you need to consider
before you leave:
1. Choose your tent wisely
When
choosing a tent the most important things to keep in mind are size,
weight and weather rating.
2. Consider pitch position.
When
you pitch a tent, one of the best tips to remember is to choose the
location very wisely. If you can, try not to sleep on a slope. Think
about where the sun comes up, and goes down. Think about some shelter
in the day, it's often useful to have trees on one side of you to
provide some natural protection from the heat, or any foraging
animals that may decide your tent looks interesting enough to
explore. If you plan to have an open fire, be sure that the flames
won't reach any overhanging canopy of branches that could trigger a
fire. Take note and follow any posted warning signs and look for
animal tracks on the ground. Do not disrupt mother nature.
3.
Rent the instructions!
An obvious but often overlooked
camping tip is to read the instructions to learn how to put your tent
up before you even go off on your camping trip. If you have a new
tent, which you haven't used yet, and are unfamiliar with how to put
it up, it's a good idea to pitch the tent in your back yard for
practice. When you do this see if each pole is marked and if not,
take some masking tape and label each piece in a manner that it is
foolproof. Mark pole 1 a-b, pole 2 b-c, pole 3 c-d and so on. Also if
you return from your trip and your tent is wet, it is a good idea to
set it up in the back yard and let it dry out before storing for your
next trip.
5. Deal with your food needs appropriately.
You
may not know the area you will be camping in very well and therefore
not know what shops if any are in the local vicinity. If this is the
case, try to take some basic food items with you, so that if you are
unable to obtain any extra food, no one will go hungry. If you are
planning on cooking all your own meals, make sure the gas cylinders
are full, and you have packed everything you need to make meals from
scratch. Don't forget the matches and remember to keep them dry! When
you leave your campsite, make sure that all food is out of reach of
wildlife. They will rip open boxes and climb trees to reach food if
they really want it! It's a good idea to carry your food in a plastic
container so that it will be kept safe, especially if you'll be
camping in areas where there are larger animals, like bears. Keeping
the food out of site (and smell) will prevent these dangerous
creatures from being lured to your campsite. If you are camping in a
location where there are bears it is imperative to use bear boxes.
Bears can rip a car apart looking for food and can easily open a
cooler and eat its contents if left out overnight.
6. Stay
organized.
Be neat, tidy and organized inside of your tent
and outside on the campgrounds. Although too much of a routine can be
bothersome, having a few general rules is one of those camping tips
which prove invaluable in the long term. Simple things such as not
allowing dirty shoes inside the tent will not only make the camping
trip a cleaner and more enjoyable experience, but also protect the
tent's material making it last longer than it otherwise might. Assign
everything a place inside the tent. Also have specific places where
things that are often needed can be found so that you aren't fumbling
in the dark and waking others looking for a flashlight or spending
hours hunting for the matches.
7. Leave no trace.
Once
your camping trip is at an end, make sure you tidy up after yourself,
leaving no trace you were even there. If using a private or public
campsite, this is essential, since people
arriving will be arrive to use the
same spot after you've left.
8. Prepare for next time.
You
should be preparing for your next camping trip from the moment you
end the current one. This means packing away all your equipment,
including the tent in a way that makes it easy and simple to start
the next camping trip. Make sure the tent goes away dry (if it's
raining as you pack up, air the tent out once you get home) and clean
so that it's suitable to use without any fuss in future. As you pack
away, make a note of any equipment you may need to buy, such as new
pegs or a replacement gas bottle. Also make a note as to items that
need to be repaired.
Camping Code of Ethics
While
traveling to your favorite camping spot, stay on designated roads and
trails. It is a good idea to follow best practices for negotiating
terrain for your type of travel. Don't disturb the natural habitat by
creating new routes or expanding on an existing trail. When you come
to a stream, only cross at fords where the road or trail crosses the
stream. When you come to a posted sign, comply with all the signs and
barriers, they are there for a reason. It is always a good idea to go
camping with two or three campers. Traveling solo can leave you
vulnerable just in case you have an accident or breakdown. Always
leave details with someone at home before leaving as to; where you
are planning to go camping, how long you plan to be gone, and any
other details that could be helpful in the event of an emergency or
if you do not return when you planned. Respect the rights of others
including private property owners and all recreational trail users,
campers and others to allow them to enjoy their recreational
activities undisturbed. Be considerate of others on the road, trail,
or campground.
Keep noise to a minimum especially in the
early morning and evening hours. Be considerate of other campers'
privacy, keep your distance and avoid traveling through their
campsites.
Camping supplies in natural colors
blend with natural surroundings and are less intrusive to other
campers' experiences.
Leave gates as you find them.
If
crossing private property, be sure to ask permission from the
landowner.
When driving yield to horses, hikers,
and bikers.
Educate yourself by obtaining travel maps and
regulations from public agencies, planning for your trip, taking
recreation skills classes, and knowing how to use and operate your
equipment safely.
Obtain a map of your destination and
determine which areas are open to your type of travel.
Make a realistic plan, and stick to it. Always tell someone of your travel plans.
Contact the land manager for area restrictions, closures, and permit requirements.
Check the weather forecast for your
destination. Plan clothing, equipment, and supplies accordingly.
Carry a compass or a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit and know
how to use them. Prepare for the unexpected by packing emergency
items. Avoid sensitive areas such as meadows, lake shores, wetlands
and streams, unless on designated routes. This protects wildlife
habitat and sensitive soils from damage.
Other sensitive
habitats to avoid unless on designated routes include cryptanalytic
soils of the desert, tundra, and seasonal nesting or breeding areas.
Avoid disturbing historical, archaeological, and paleontological
sites. Avoid "spooking" livestock and wildlife you
encounter and keep your distance. Motorized and mechanized vehicles
are not allowed in areas designated Wilderness. Do your part by
leaving the area better than you found it, properly disposing of
waste, minimizing the use of fire, avoiding the spread of invasive
species, restoring degraded areas, and joining a local enthusiast
organization. Pack out what you pack in.
Carry a trash bag and pick up litter
left by others.
Repackage snacks and food in baggies. This
reduces weight and amount of trash to carry out.
Whenever possible, use existing
campsites. Camp on durable surfaces and place tents on a
non-vegetated area. Do not dig trenches around tents. Camp a least
200 feet from water, trails, and other campsites. For cooking, use a
camp stove. They are always preferable to a campfire in terms of
impact on the land. Observe all fire restrictions. If you must build
a fire use existing fire rings, build a mound fire or use a fire pan.
For campfires, use only fallen timber. Gather firewood well away from
your camp. Do not cut standing trees. Let your fire burn down to a
fine ash. Ensure your fire is completely extinguished. Do not wash in
steams and lakes. Detergents, toothpaste and soap harm fish and other
aquatic life. Wash 200 feet away from streams and lakes. Scatter gray
water so it filters through the soil. In areas without toilets, use a
portable latrine if possible and pack out your waste, otherwise it's
necessary to bury your waste. Human waste should be disposed of in a
shallow hole (6"-8" deep) at least 200 feet from water
sources, campsites, or trails. Cover and disguise the hole with
natural materials. It is recommended to pack out your toilet paper.
High use areas may have other restrictions so check with a land
manager.
Hopefully this was useful camping information. Enjoy
the great outdoors and please leave it the great outdoors when you
pack up and go home.
Check the weather forecast for your
destination. Plan clothing, equipment, and supplies accordingly.
Carry a compass or a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit and know
how to use them. Prepare for the unexpected by packing emergency
items. Avoid sensitive areas such as meadows, lake shores, wetlands
and streams, unless on designated routes. This protects wildlife
habitat and sensitive soils from damage.
Other sensitive
habitats to avoid unless on designated routes include cryptanalytic
soils of the desert, tundra, and seasonal nesting or breeding areas.
Avoid disturbing historical, archaeological, and paleontological
sites. Avoid "spooking" livestock and wildlife you
encounter and keep your distance. Motorized and mechanized vehicles
are not allowed in areas designated Wilderness. Do your part by
leaving the area better than you found it, properly disposing of
waste, minimizing the use of fire, avoiding the spread of invasive
species, restoring degraded areas, and joining a local enthusiast
organization. Pack out what you pack in.
Carry a trash bag and pick up litter
left by others.
Repackage snacks and food in baggies. This
reduces weight and amount of trash to carry out.
Whenever possible, use existing
campsites. Camp on durable surfaces and place tents on a
non-vegetated area. Do not dig trenches around tents. Camp a least
200 feet from water, trails, and other campsites. For cooking, use a
camp stove. They are always preferable to a campfire in terms of
impact on the land. Observe all fire restrictions. If you must build
a fire use existing fire rings, build a mound fire or use a fire pan.
For campfires, use only fallen timber. Gather firewood well away from
your camp. Do not cut standing trees. Let your fire burn down to a
fine ash. Ensure your fire is completely extinguished. Do not wash in
steams and lakes. Detergents, toothpaste and soap harm fish and other
aquatic life. Wash 200 feet away from streams and lakes. Scatter gray
water so it filters through the soil. In areas without toilets, use a
portable latrine if possible and pack out your waste, otherwise it's
necessary to bury your waste. Human waste should be disposed of in a
shallow hole (6"-8" deep) at least 200 feet from water
sources, campsites, or trails. Cover and disguise the hole with
natural materials. It is recommended to pack out your toilet paper.
High use areas may have other restrictions so check with a land
manager.
Hopefully this was useful camping information. Enjoy
the great outdoors and please leave it the great outdoors when you
pack up and go home.
You can read more of my Ezine articles
on camping and also visit my "Your Summer Ideas" site
below.
[http://www.summerfunandtravel.com]
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Szela
For more information Please
go to http://www.camping-together.com
Hiking Adventures: Perfect For Family Trips Or Romantic Getaways
Are you interested in taking a trip? Whether you are looking to take a
traditional trip with your family or go on a romantic getaway, have you
ever thought about going on a hiking adventure? Hiking adventures are
nice because they are great for just about everyone, as well as just
about any occasion.
One of the many reasons why hiking is great for both romantic getaways
and family trips is because hiking trials come in a number of different
formats. In the United States, you will find hiking trails that are
designed for beginners, hiking trails that are designed for experts, as
well as those that are at the intermediate hiking level. This is great
if you are planning on hiking with your children, as you should be able
to find a number of hiking trails that would be easy for them to hike.
As for romantic getaways, one of the many reasons why hiking is perfect
for a romantic getaway is because of the scenery. The scenery is one of
the many reasons why hiking is such a popular activity. No matter what
hiking trail you choose to hike, there is a good chance that you will
come across a wide array of landscape. Many hiking trails are set next
to rivers; therefore, there is a good chance that you will get to see
some waterfalls. These waterfalls, as well as the other scenery types
that you may come across are perfect for romantic getaways.
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