Are you planning to go on a camping adventure? Do you have any idea of what you may be experiencing? Although most aspects of camping are basic, being prepared can make the difference between a great trip and a disastrous one. Keep reading to learn some great advice.

After you buy your camping tent, set it up at home rather than waiting until your trip to set it up for the first time. That way, you will know that the tent is complete and will understand the assembly process. This also makes setting up your tent at the campsite a much smoother process.

Make sure that you both carry a survival kit and then get in the habit of always having it with you. Things to include in your survival pack are a knife, matches that are waterproof, first aid kit, flares and tablets to purify water. These items are important to have in case you get lost. If you don’t take it with you on excursions it will serve you no good.

Buy some camping pillows. If you take along a regular bedroom pillow, it can get hot and sticky when it is humid outside. They can mildew quickly after absorbing moisture. Pillows made especially for camping have a protective outer layer that prohibits moisture absorption.

Always become familiar with the potential dangers of a campsite before you enter it. You should be aware of any venomous insects or snakes, dangerous weather or cliffs in the area. Every camping spot has a few dangers to be aware of.

Are you a novice at camping, having just bought your tent? Practice setting up and taking down your tent before your trip. This will enable you to learn how to pitch the tent properly and make sure all of the equipment is fully functional. Practicing how to pitch a tent will also ensure you can quickly set up your tent when you arrive at your campsite.

It is really critical to make sure that you pack the essential items and equipment for camping. Your whole trip could be ruined if you forget a couple of things. Making a list and checking things off is a good way to remember everything. Some important things to put on the list are your tent, tarp, water, food, fire-starters, soap and sleeping bag.

Orange Peel

An orange peel may just be the natural answer to repelling mosquitoes when you’re out camping. If everything was packed but you didn’t remember the bug spray, don’t worry! You can simply rub the inside of the orange peel on any exposed skin. It’ll keep you mosquito-free for hours.

One great suggestion for any camping trip is to pack a second utility knife. One of the most useful camp items is a utility knife, so pack an extra one just in case one gets lost.

Try to keep your cell phone completely charged. As an added safety precaution, you may wish to bring an additional battery so you have plenty of power. In the event of an emergency, you will need your cell to call out for help, so this item is very important.

Duct Tape

Always pack a roll of duct tape when you go camping. Tents are pretty durable, but they still have the tendency to get weathered and torn. Duct tape can seal up your tent and keep you dry, especially when the weather is not cooperating with you like you thought it would.

Always take a map with you, and make sure you know how to read the map and a compass before you go. Even if you are returning to a campsite you know well, the area could have changed and you could become lost. You can prevent disaster by knowing how to use these lifesaving items.

After having read this article, it is easy to see that there are many things that can be overlooked in planning. Camping is not exactly complicated on the surface, but you have to be ready for some things that can happen. Apply what you’ve just learned, and have a wonderful trip.