Hey, just thinking about taking that first step onto the open road can be a somewhat daunting undertaking. No matter how much experience you have or how little time you have, there is always the nagging thought that something could go wrong. Well, here are a few thoughts on what you could expect on your first trip, and how to avoid it.
The biggest event that can come up is unexpected. That is weather. Always be prepared for the worst. Even if the forecast is clear and the atmosphere is clear, you cannot predict nature. There could be rain, lightning, temperature changes, snow, strong winds, and blizzards. This is why it is imperative to get outside and experience nature. Get out of the house and enjoy nature.
To prepare for your outdoor adventure, you should start by creating a detailed 3 way canvas checklist. This list will be used to check your gear, items, and supplies for any problems. Also, you will want to check your tent, sleeping bags, and clothing to ensure that they are for your trip. Once you have your 3 list together, you can start packing.
It is important to point out again that having the correct gear and equipment is only one side of the story. Before you head out on your trip, you should be able to identify critical items. With that said, let’s get to it.
Packing for your camping trip is an challenging task. The first choice you will have to make is what type of camping holiday do you want to have? Longer stays or short week-ends? There are choices. You can have a camping holiday that fits your entire family, or you can travel for a few days and take on activities your family enjoys.
What you need to consider will have to do with your budget. Can you afford the equipment needed? There are a few suggestions to help you with this. Begin by making a list of all the items you will need. In the camping section, you will find tables, chairs, even portable toilets. Make sure you have all the equipment you need to prepare for your camping holiday.
The next list would contain food, drinks, and snacks. Make sure you have enough food and drinks to last you the whole trip. Do not forget to bring a cooler to keep your food and drinks cold. A good cooler is made of insulated metal. Consumers Union recommended the Texsport Deluxe Ice Chest (500ct). These quality ice chests have a shoulder strap and a wire strap that allow you to strap it to the handle of your pack. This makes it easily accessible and suitable for long trips. At the same time, you can also stow smaller items such as salt and pepper and Band-Aids.
Salt and pepper are very important when you are camping. Cooking outside on a camping stove will likely be your only source of hot food. These should be kept in a separate cooler from the food you eat. The food should be tightly sealed to prevent any moisture from seeping in. How much of a difference this makes is another matter entirely. Over time, even the best sealed cooler will eventually be opened. What you want to avoid is having salty foods sitting on top of a hot cooler.
If you are planning on a camping trip where you will have a campfire, then you will need to use a cooler designed for fire protection. These types of coolers should be avoided at all costs. There are many low priced “refrigerator” type coolers that will not be able to handle the kind of food you should eat. It is much easier to go camping knowing you have a cold drink waiting.
When you are making your list for your camping trip, try to eliminate as many items as you can. Try to think back to when you were young and did not have access to food. At times, you just need to get out of the house and have a meal. You can hunt for picnic tables near your campsite or anywhere you camp. These tables are usually pre-made and are usually made of steel. Since you do not have to worry about bringing charcoal, you can also leave the table mat. The only disadvantage is that you will have to pack more food.
As you can see, the packing for a camping trip is not so daunting. You just need to focus on packing the things you need. You will also have to prioritize your food requirements. Ensure that you have packed enough food to last the whole time. Do not forget to take along your first aid kit. You never know what might happen, so be prepared.
When you are away from home, you will also need to consider your shelter. Once you arrive at your camping spot, it is simple to decide on which spot you would like to settle. Find the perfect spot by considering the terrain, the weather, and any hazardous terrain.
