#1 Camping Blog

Camping is fun time and there is no need to get into trouble while you are out in the camping world. While planning a camping trip think of all the pros and cons of the camping spot and make sure that you think of all the safety issues too and take the necessary precautions. A lot depends on the kind of trip you are planning to take and then come the safety concerns. There is no need to panic and be pessimistic about your trip, but it is better to be safe than to be sorry.

Travel safely

If you are traveling by road to your camping spot then you probably have a large van or a vehicle that is big enough to hold all your camping equipment and friends and family in it. Stepping into the camping world can be a lot of fun if it is well planned and all the aspects of the trip are taken into consideration. Your vehicle is going to be put into rough use while on this trip, so it is best to have it serviced, ensure that it is in excellent working condition and that the tires are in good condition too. Take a kit along with which you can deal with any minor repairs that may come up unexpectedly. You may even think of taking along some spare parts which you might need in case of breakage of a part.

Preventive Vaccinations

If you are planning on camping in the jungles which could be infested with insects that could cause some infections, get the necessary precautionary vaccinations or inoculations done before you start out. In extreme cases where you may encounter wild animals like wild dogs, cats, rabbits, squirrels you could even have anti rabies shots before starting.  The camping world is full of thrills, but there could be hidden problems too.

To keep the insects out at night, make sure that you have an insect proof tent and also a repellant. Nature is beautiful, but it has a lot of unknown creatures too which could give you a nasty time if you get bitten by one of them.

Cooking safety

You will undoubtedly be cooking at the camp and fire hazards are not an unknown factor. So, make sure that you know what to do in case of a sudden fire with your gas burner, or if the camp fire causes a fire with flying cinders. Keep emergency equipment handy so that you do not have to go looking for it once you face an emergency, but can act immediately to take care of the situation and bring it under control.

First aid kit

Lat but not least on your list is the first aid kit. Make a list of all the medications you have to carry along with you. You will need first aid stuff like bandages, anti septic lotions, pain balms and pain killers, antihistamine tablets, paracetamols, a pair of scissors and of course the normal medications which those on the trip have to take.

Some useful equipment like torch lights, spare batteries, a whistle, ropes, water proof matches and a map in case you loose your way could help you out of a sticky situation. So play it safe and you will enjoy your camping trip.

When planning a camping trip one is invariably looking to have fun and looks forward to it with great enthusiasm. A lot of planning goes into it days ahead of the actual camping trip and everyone pools in their resources and ideas to make their camping trip as enjoyable as possible. The group that is planning to go on the camp together should be one that enjoys being in each other’s company and should have a lot of common interests.

Planning a camping trip

Camping trips are usually planned along with family and close friends. Now that you have your list of participants, get together to discuss various activities that you will have during your camping trip. Each one will definitely have a lot of inputs to give and make the whole trip much more exciting and enjoyable.

Games are an important part of camping. Make sure you take along several indoor and out door games. Out door games can be ball games and musical ones where everyone can participate. Bring along a musical instrument like a guitar or bongo drums to make the evenings entertainment around the camp fire. Indoor games like cards, scrabble, chess and many others will help just in case the rains upset your out door activities.

Get to know the talents of the camping group and you could have a talent show at your camp. Make a list of all the activities and games that you can have on your camping trip and carry what you need for it.

A radio, iPod or MP3 player or any other music provider can enliven the trip too.

Kids should have fun too

If you have kids on the trip make sure that you keep them occupied all the time so that they do not get bored. For this you will have to take along games which they would like to play, books for them to read while they are in the tent or not doing something active, painting equipment and enough snacks to munch one. Kids are generally very innovative and can find things to amuse themselves, but you can plan a few things ahead for them too.

Plan easy to cook menus

Food is a very important aspect of camping and an empty stomach is definitely no fun at all. However, you cannot spend most of your time cooking at camp, so plan and carry as much as you can to make things easier for cooking. Pre cooked food is always time saving. Plan on using the camp fire for roasting or grilling your food! A camp fire meal can be most enjoyable. If you want vegetables or salads, cut them up at home before your leave for the camp. You will save a lot of time doing these mundane things instead of enjoying yourself at the camp. Even the meats should be cleaned cut and marinated at home. Raw meats could prove to be a bit dicey, so ensure the quality of the food that you carry is fresh.

Keep the weather in mind while packing

It is no fun to freeze in the cold or bake in the heat with improper clothing and shelter. So it is better to keep the weather chart in mind and pack accordingly so that you have comfortable wear and bedding.

Camping in the jungle is an exciting adventure and a mixture of the known and the unknown gives it that extra bit of thrill. You feel you are out to experience something novel and something that is more unusual than you have ever experienced or been through before. The call of the jungle is truly extraordinary. Make it even more so by planning to have a camping hammock for the trip too. You too can swing among the trees and enjoy the freedom that a camping hammock gives you like the birds and the animals that live in the jungle!

Different kinds of camping hammocks

There are many different kinds of camping hammocks. You should choose one that is comfortable for you and more attuned with the kind of camping that you plan to do. Hammocks come as rope hammocks, quilted hammocks, Mayan Hammocks, Brazilian hammocks, Nicaraguan Hammocks, fabric hammocks and hammocks for more than one person. These hammocks are all available in various colors and sizes.

Accessories for camping hammocks

Though the hammocks are bare they come with all sorts of accessories to make them more comfortable and snug. You can get hammock pillows, blankets, hanging kits, side tables and other relaxation essentials. So you can buy just the hammock and then add on what ever else you need to make it as snug and comfortable as possible!

Hammocks also come with stands which you can put up in your garden, but for the camping hammock which you plan to use in the jungle, you will need enough rope to tie it up with firmly to trees or branches.

Various brands of camping hammocks

You can get hammocks in several brands in prices ranging from fairly affordable ones to those that are more expensive. If you are planning on using yours for long term you should buy the stronger ones which you will be able to use again and again and not have it come apart.

Instruction for care of camping hammocks

When you buy your camping hammock make sure you get the instructions for taking care of it along with the hammock from the dealer. Apart from the instructions for hanging the hammock, there will be instructions for cleaning different kinds of hammocks and also giving you some information on the best way to use them.

If you want more information on the kind of hammocks available in the market it is always better to do some research and get the information from the internet. Along with the catalogues which will give pictures of all the hammocks you will also get to know the methods of shipping them to you and mode of payment, the warranty period offered and a lot of useful information and tips on hammocks.

Take your time in selecting your hammock and make sure that it is what you will need for your camping trip.

Winter camping has its own share of thrills and joys. If you are well equipped, winter camping can be an enjoyable experience. Carrying the right items on your camping adventure is what makes camping good fun. It is very important that you first know what to carry when you set out camping. If it is your first shot at camping, then you are not the only one who is utterly at a loss as to what to carry and what to leave. Here is offering you some great tips to make camping in the winter a comfortable one.

Tent

This is the most important winter camping accessory. Having a good tent ensures that your basic shelter is taken care of. Make sure that your tent offers you good protection from the biting cold outside, else your camping turns into a nightmare post which, you either have to head straight to the doctor to get treatment for a cold! When you go to buy a tent, ask the salesman, if it is suited to cold conditions. There are many tents which are made to suit different weather conditions. Choose one which will be ideal for winter. This means that the walls of the tent act as an insulator and keep the inmates warm. Canvas tents are good in this sense. For a larger variety, online brochures will be useful. Tents can be purchased online too. There are many trusted online dealers who deal with tents and other tenting accessories.

Sleeping bag

A sleeping bag with a thermal lining can help you get a good sleep after a tired day out camping. Thermal sleeping bags are provided with an insulating lining inside the bag. This does not allow the cold from outside to enter the seeping bag not it does it allow the body heat to leave the interiors of the sleeping bag. The sleeping bag should be big enough to give you space to move.

Warm clothes

Carry thermo wear when you set out winter camping. Good winter clothes like a woollen cardigans or jackets will help. In winters, it is best to keep your ears, neck and feet covered for these are the vulnerable areas through which you will be infected with a viral or a common cold. It is advisable to follow this simple tip to prevent a sickness from ruining your camping trip.

Lighting a fire

Lighting a camp fire is one way of keeping warm. Always carry a heater along with you when you go camping. One important precaution that needs to followed all the times is not to light a fire in a closed tent. Burning of the wood produces carbon dioxide. Accumulation of the carbon dioxide inside the tent can suffocate the inmates. Ensure that you do not make this mistake. Avoid lighting a fire indoors. Use a heater run by a battery. This should keep you considerably warm.

Follow these essential winter camping tips which will make your camping trip a sure endeavour that will be thoroughly enjoyed and spur you on to have many more of these fun camping trips.

If you are out camping and are looking forward to having a wonderful time, there are some camping essentials that need to be carried by everyone when they set out camping. These camping essentials include some important items like a good spacious tent, a comfortable sleeping bag, light weight cookware and much more. This article lists out the basic camping essentials which must be a part of every camping entourage.

Camping tent or a trailer

Depending on where you wish to camp, you can opt for a camping tent or a trailer. Trailers are great vehicles which are available in a wide range of varieties to suit every person’s budget. Some vehicles on the higher end of the budget make camping a luxurious experience. These trailers are provided with all the things that will add the luxury quotient to your camping journey. These are ideal if you wish to be in a home away from home atmosphere. With plush interiors and various luxury components, the trailer feels like a palace. Trailers which are on the middle range of the budget too have all the basic camping essentials. There are some reasonably priced trailers which have room for holding all the necessary items besides leaving enough space for you and your family to enjoy a comfortable drive. Depending on how often you camp and the level of comfort you need, you can pick your choice of trailers.

Sleeping bag

Sleeping bag is very important, especially if you intend to stay overnight. A sleeping bag must be soft and offer good insulation from the outside weather conditions. If you intend to camp in winter, opt for a sleeping bag which will have a thermal lining. This will keep you warm and will prevent the heat from escaping out.

Basic cookware

Do you intend to put your culinary skills to test at the camp? If your answer to this question is a yes, then we suggest you take a fair minimum of compact cookware. Remember to carry the raw materials that you need also to prepare your dish unless your fishing expertise provides you with the fish for dinner. Have a handy gas stove which will come in useful even when you want to warm up. If you are not carrying bottled water with you, water from a nearby source like a river or stream can be made potable after boiling it on the gas stove. It is not advisable to drink water from these sources without boiling.

First aid box

This is the most important of the camping essentials which people most often neglect to carry along with them. A first an ideal first box which you must have with you on a camping expedition must consist of certain basic medications. These include:

• An antipyretic like remedol or panadol which will help in times of fever or even fatigue and body pain.
• A digestive tablet to ease stomach upsets and gastric infections.
• Antiseptic lotion or creams and wire gauze to treat wounds and insect bites
• Insect repellents if you are camping in a jungle.

With these basic camping essentials, your camping trip will be a fine memory to cherish.

A camping site is your playground for a few days, but it is the property of the State, or an individual to whom you are responsible. Also, the environment and its protection is every one’s lookout today, and you must make sure that you don’t harm it knowingly or unknowingly. There is a certain unwritten code of conduct that all campers are expected to follow when out for a camping trip in the outdoors. This helps people stay safe themselves, and helps keep the surroundings and environment and wildlife safe as well. It is every camper’s responsibility to adhere to these, and for the beginners camping for the first time, it is important that you keep a copy of a camping guidebook with you.

At a camping trip

* Always plan ahead. Think over the next step before taking it, as it does involve a certain degree of risk to your own person, and everyone around you.
* Always clean up after you are done. Leave no trace of your camping trip, as it defiles the camping site, and causes unnecessary to the next people who come there, besides polluting the environment.
* Always choose a camping site away from other campers. Everyone is at the camping site to relax and get away from the grind of every day life. It is particularly difficult to relax with other campers looking on at what you or someone else is doing. Be courteous, and expect the same from your fellow campers too. It is only decent to let them have their space.
* Always camp at an elevated campsite. This helps you escape the flow of water in the rain, and the formation of puddles too.
* Always read the rules at a camping site, and stick to them. Violating a camping site’s rules might just bring your weekend to an early end.
* Only light fires if they are allowed. Douse the fires out completely after you are done. Do not leave any scope for a forest fire.
* Beginners camping near a water hole should camp sufficiently away from the water. The water also belongs to the wildlife in the area.
* Always carry flashlights in the wild outdoors, it helps you avoid unnecessary surprises. Keep extra batteries in your back pack.
* Examine the terrain you are camping on. Check for loose rocks and boulders that may fall, and the undergrowth for poisonous plants and animals.
* Do not bring pets along. A pet animal has no place in the wild or the outdoors. Also, a barking dog is the last thing anyone wants to listen to at a picturesque camping venue.

Theses are only a few ‘dos and don’ts’ at a camping site. We learn from our experience in the rich and wild outdoors. Beginners camping for the first time might take a little while getting used to these basic ethics too, but they should try and get acclimatized soon for an enjoyable trip for themselves, and others.

No Eight Course Delight

Camping means a lot of things to a lot of people. But to those who like their gourmet meals better than anything, a trip in the outdoors means giving up their favourite type of food for a few days. With a fire on the stove being the only way to cook, a lot of people have trouble cooking when on a camping trip. There are simple remedies to these culinary woes that people encounter, and this simple checklist should ensure that you are well on the way to the closest thing to an eight course meal, right in the arms of Mother Nature.

Always carry a large jug, and a few large pans, along with a large bucket of water. These can be used to store clean water which is a must for camping cooking anywhere. Ice, matches and fuel to light the stove, charcoal, dry firewood and newspaper are important items required to get a fire going. If you are camping, and want to enjoy a more sophisticated barbecue, then a grill is also a must have.

You also need to have the utensils required to cook, and eat a meal outdoors. Measuring cups, paper plates and bowls, aluminum foil and paper napkins, dish soaps, pins and plastic cutlery must be included on any packing list for an outdoor trip. Cooking oil is also another mandatory component of that list. Other important utensils and knick knacks include tongs, skewers, pots/frying pans, can openers, bottle openers, folding tables and chairs. The first aid kit should also be kept handy during the camping cooking process.

Some camping recipes

Some cool camping recipes make your dinner taste that little bit better. An open fire can be a fabulous kitchen, as is proven by the recipes below.

A Camper’s Pizza:

What you need: Bread, butter, carrots, potatoes, onions, seasonings, meat (any kind, preferably beef), aluminum foil.

How to cook: A pizza a day keeps the blues away. Slice the carrots, potatoes and onions. Take these and the ground beef and place them in a layered fashion on the bread, in between the aluminum foil. Leaving space for expansion, place this on the fire or coals and keep it there for about 30 minutes. Turn often for even heating.

Campfire Stew

Meat, onions, garlic salt, seasonings, canned vegetable soup.

Cook the meat with the onions, garlic salt and seasonings, in a Dutch oven. Add vegetable soup when meat is fully cooked. Serve with garnishing.

Fish on a Stick

Piece of fish, grilling fork.

Put the fork through the fish and hold it on the fire. Cook till the fish flakes form on the thickest parts. Serve with garnishing like potatoes.

Camping cooking is made easy using these recipes and techniques.

Fresh air, green trees, birds chirping as you sit by the fire and barbecue a piece of chicken on it – sounds like fun, doesn’t it? For those in love with the outdoors, there is no better escape route to sanity from the mundane drone of modern daily life. A hike in the mountains, setting up camp in the trees and spending a few hours in the lap of Mother Nature is exactly what a great trip outdoors is about.

Comfortable Campers

But no trip is successful without the proper tools for it. The right kind of gear on a camping trip is what makes it more fun and enjoyable than one with makeshift arrangements, and unplanned itineraries. Serious campers who have the most experience on a variety of terrains, while making camping recommendations, suggest that gear oriented planning of a camping trip almost always helps you out of a potential tight spot. There are the minimalistic campers, who can make do with or without anything being made available to them at a camping trip, but for beginners it is always important to analyze their needs for comfort in unknown terrain. Instead of risking doing what an experienced camper is willing to undergo to extend the limits of his camping experience, a beginner should try and ease himself into the art of camping.

Bare Necessities

To begin with, a camper needs a drip proof tent, preferably with a window. A warm, decent quality sleeping bag, a camping stove, camping food and drinks are other bare essentials that any and every camper is supposed to carry. Some campers prefer making their campsite their home away from home. They try to furnish it with beds, cots, tables, chair and other conveniences. Even if you do not wish to do something like that, here are some more camping recommendations for your camping trip.

Flashlights and batteries: It gets really dark outdoors. And a few flashlights serve a lot many purposes. Having a few handy always helps, especially when in unchartered territory.

Sheets, mattresses, plastic sheets to form the flooring of the tent, emergency blankets, air pillows and pads, folding furniture and binoculars are the basic in tent requirements. One needs these in all circumstances when camping.

Rope, twine, hooks, cots, pins and rubber bands are other knick knacks you must have. It is also imperative to carry clean and safe storage containers for water and food.

Toilet paper, sufficient medicines, first aid kits, sunscreens, insect repellent, moist napkins and dry ones, personal toiletteries like shampoo, soap etc are also an important necessity. On must carry these so as to avoid risking infections in the outdoors. Personal hygiene is important, just as it is indoors.

Lastly, it is important that we realize our responsibility towards Mother Nature when we step out. Always carry trash bags with you, and do not litter where ever you are camping.

These camping recommendations are important, so always make a check list before you go out. With these basic items in your back pack, you are ready for a fun time outdoors.

Choosing a camping tent depends on where you are planning to camp. A lot depends on the weather and the surroundings for you to decide on the kind of tent you should pick up. There are different kinds of tents for different locations and you can go through catalogues or search on the internet for what would be a suitable tent for the place where you will be camping.

Tents for mountain camps

There are many different kinds of tents for each different location. There are various designs available in each category, like heavy duty ones for mountainous regions where the weather conditions will be quite extreme with heavy winds and acute cold. For this sort of weather you will need a tent that is not too big, well insulated and keeps you warm and gives you the protection you need from the heavy winds. You should also make sure that your tent is waterproof, because in mountainous regions there are chances of sudden downpours. A good idea is to visit several tent sales to see what is available in the market before you settle for one that suits you.
Basic requirements of a tent

When choosing a camping tent you have to look into certain features that it should have. The first thing that you should look for is a suitable size. It should be large enough to hold the number of people who plan to occupy it and also their things.
The next important aspect is the material that it is made of. This should be durable and yet light weight so that carrying it will not be a problem and it should also be able to withstand the weather conditions. Tents are usually made of either canvas which though durable is heavy; nylon is both durable and light; and polyester which is also durable and light.
The camping tent should be sturdy and strong with heavy duty zips and pegs and poles which are solid and secured firmly. The seams should have a double stitching so that there is no chance of the seam giving way.
The next feature of the camping tent should be its being able to withstand the weather like wind conditions and heavy rain and should give you enough protection in case you are caught in a downpour. For this you have to make sure that it is water proof.
There should be enough ventilation inside the tent so that you do not feel suffocated in it. And finally it should be easy to put up. You will have to check with the dealer when you buy the tent that it has all the instructions and all the parts that go into setting it up also.
With a camping tent that will give you the protection and comfort that you need on your camping trip you are all set to have a comfortable and secure camping trip.

Once you have decided on a camping trip you have to go through your check list and make sure that you have all that you will need on this trip. You do not want any sudden emergencies out their and should make sure that you carry all that is needed before you leave home. The camping gear that you will need will depend largely on where you are going camping. Make your list according to the various categories of things that you have to take for specific uses, then you will not forget anything.

Shelter to stay in

The first thing on this list will be a tent and then will come the gear that you need for the tent like poles, stakes, ropes, hammer, tarp to put on the ground, and a mat to put on the ground. If you are one of those who would like to keep your area clean then a brush with a dust pan too.
Sleeping arrangements

Next on your list of priority items would be the sleeping arrangements. For this you will need one sleeping bag per head, pillows, blankets and sheets, air mattresses with and air pump and in case you need it a kit to repair the air mattresses. For the sleeping equipment you would need utility bags to store it in.
Cooking equipment

Once you have made yourself comfortable with shelter and sleep, then comes the next most important thing which is food and with it the cooking equipment. For this you would have on top of your list the stove to cook on with fuel, a lighter or water proof matches, cooking utensils, tongs, grillers, plates, spoons, mugs or disposable cups, the all in one Swiss knife, napkins and dish rags; if you want a few luxuries thrown in you could put them on your list to carry them along too.
You would need to make a list of the food stuff that you want to take a ling too – both for snacking and also for cooking at the camp site. Make sure you carry enough drinking water and fruit juices and other beverages. Be sensible with the food list so that you get the energy required with minimum cooking time and easy to make stuff.
To wash up after a meal you would require washing soap and a scrubber; to clean up the mess a trash bag; some napkins; and anything else that you may require personally for your camp kitchen.

Personal requirements

Each person should make sure that they have what they will require on this trip. Things like clothing, appropriate walking shoes, night wear, under clothes and things like hats etc. The other personal camping gear that you should remember is the toiletteries like soap, tooth brush, toothpaste, towels, combs and brushes and whatever the ladies may require.
For those of you who are on any medication please remember to carry it along. A well equipped first aid kit with insect repellants in it too.

Miscellaneous camping gear

These are the small things that could easily be forgotten like a flashlight with extra batteries, a Swiss knife, plastic bags, sunscreen, whistles, water purifiers, water bottles, compass, binoculars, repair tools for any equipment that might need it, candles, a few games, a camera and a map for directions.
Now that you are all set, go over and ensure that each one has all that they need. A good thing to do is to let someone who is close to you know of your camping plans and where you are going.