Tent Camping Tips On Avoiding The Irks Of Tent Camping By Jeff Marshall
When people go on a tent camping trip, they already have a good idea of the things they do not want to do. This list can vary from person to person; however, there are a few things that most people would agree on are inconveniences. We have put together our list of tent camping irks and provided some tips on how to minimize them.
1. Comfort level with sleeping arrangement and tent space: For people who are used to sleeping on a queen or king-sized bed raised several feet of the ground, the prospect of sleeping on the ground in a body-sized sleeping bag with little head room to maneuver can be a little uncomfortable to say the least. Even if you are able to adjust sleeping lower to the ground in an area with less space, you still will often wake up with aches, pains and tired eyes from the inability of getting a quality night’s sleep. To help combat this, we recommend the following:
a. Cot or Air Mattress: Purchase a cot or an air mattress that will allow you to be raised off the ground by a couple of feet. This will make it easier to get up in the morning or in the middle of the night to use the restroom and, it will be closer in similarity to your sleeping arrangements at home.
b. Tent with room: Purchase a tent that allows for additional space, a large amount of head room and will allow you to stand up while changing. This will make you feel less claustrophobic and give you the ability to move around a little bit while you sleep without bumping into things.
c. Bring a set of ear plugs: A night in the woods can be a very peaceful experience; however, sometimes the insects or animals will make a racket that will prevent you from having a good night’s sleep. By using some ear plugs, you can block out this type of background noise and start the morning fully refreshed.
d. Fresh sleeping supplies: Try to keep a clean pair of sleeping clothes handy. Before you go to bed, it will be a welcome treat to be able to slip into some clean clothes that you have not spent the day sweating and working in.
2. Cooking: Everyone enjoys a well cooked meal. Few people enjoy the effort it takes to make one. If you are in this group, these tent camping tips may help:
a. Make simple meals: These meals should be ones that are easy to put together, have few ingredients, and can be made very quickly. For instance, pasta and rice dishes out of a box make for easy cooking.
b. Avoid the cooking: Purchase MREs or freeze-dried food instead. These are easy to use and the taste is similar to food you would get out of a can. If it is good enough for the military, it can be good for you too.
c. Eat out of a can: This requires very minimal cooking as it only needs to be poured into a pot or pan and set over the fire. Easy to accomplish, little setup time and fast to cook.
3. Cleaning Pots: Although some people find washing dishes and pots therapeutic, most see it as an unwanted chore that they would gladly put off. Here, are some tips to reduce the time of cleaning pots.
a. Use paper plates and cups: By using paper plates and cups you can reduce your cleanup by burning these after you use them. This will not help with the cleaning of the pots, but at least you will not have to also clean a mess kit.
b. Use your large pot: This large pot can be used as a pot and dish tub in which the other smaller pots and dishes can be cleaned in. This should make it easier to clean your pots and pans and reduce your supplies.
c. Make crude soap: A crude soap can be formed from animal grease and ashes. This will help make the cleanup easier by reducing your overall supplies and making use of materials readily available.
4. Dealing with Insects: People tend to enjoy seeing animal wildlife, but tend to enjoy dealing with insects a lot less. Here, are some tent camping tips on how to make the best of this situation:
a. Purchase Off and a fly swatter: Spray the general area of the campsite with Off or some other insect repellent and keep the fly swatter handy around the campfire. If flies are a large issue in your area, this will help keep them off your food and away from your campsite.
b. Blend into the environment: Wear clothes that match the environment. For instance, if in a forest, wear greens and browns. These are less likely to attract insects that bright colored shirts.
c. Scope out the area before setting up shop: Make sure you are not putting your tent down into or near a fire ant pile, hornets nest, or beehive. Some effort should be made to try to find a camping area that is not overrun by insects.
The main takeaway here is to get you to start thinking about what things you do not like to do while on a tent camping trip. Just by starting this process you will begin to think of ways to minimize those inconveniences. Remember the bottom line of any camping trip is that you should enjoy it. With a little pre-planning in this area, you can ensure that you do.
First, if at all possible, bring a friend or family member and that will give you double fun. If not camp alone but bring along everything that you need.
Cord - lots of cord. Make sure you bring enough cord to hold your tent down, plus a little extra.
Tent stakes - That will prevent your tent from rolling or flying away in windy weather.
Flashlights - You’ll always need one of these even if you like camping in the dark. In the middle of the night if you are looking for something in your tent, you’ll not find it without a flashlight. And, if you hear a noise in the middle of the night, the best thing to do is immediately put your flashlight on. This lets everyone know that you are in your tent, and that your equipment and tent is being watched.
Water, bring lots of water to drink. Camping is the easiest way to get started on a new healthy way of living. With the stores and the soda pops far away , you have no excuse to not drink water. So , hydrate yourself and keep yourself healthy.
Extra set of car keys: You don’t want to get locked out of your car on the last day of your camping trip. [Yes, that’s when it will happen]. Keep the extra set of car keys ON your person , not in the car.
Majic candles: Remember those trick birthday candles that you used to use when you were a child? Well, these candles are the perfect things to bring along on a camping trip. When you are lighting your lanterns or lighting your fires, it will be convenient if you light them with a candle instead of a match. These ‘majic” candles won’t blow out. So, even if you are camping on the windiest day of the year, with these candles in your supply box, you’ll surely get that fire lit and maintained. These candles are available at Target stores and at novelty stores in your neighborhood.
Back to tents: Please know that you can go camping without spending lots of money. Just use your imagination, and you’ll find a great way to go camping in a great campgrounds or state park. You can bring tarps and string and make your own tents. I did that once and it was very easy.
If you want life-long tents, I highly recommend a company called, Eureka. Eureka tents are the best!
Linda Perry, an avid camper and television producer shares her ideas on all topics here. She is a published author, creator of genuine, unique television shows that air on Time Warner and on Cablevision in New York City. A warm-hearted individual who gives a voice to those who have been silent all along. This author produces television shows about almost all topics that help people in their lives. Many of the shows are entertainment; some are information and resources and still others are festivals, fiestas, and community events that bring all people together in one place in the city or in the country.
With summer quickly approaching, many of us are beginning to make plans. However, the economy is declining and some may be wondering if they will be able to take a family vacation this year. This summer could be a great opportunity for you to take your family camping, to experience the great outdoors and spend quality time together.
As with all trips, you must plan ahead to go camping. Call and make a reservation at the campgrounds you will visit if you are going in the summer. If you are going at another time of the year a reservation may not be necessary. Ask what extra things they offer, such as fishing or swimming, and if they have any restrictions. If you are camping in an RV, you need to find out if they have accommodations available at night, because not all campgrounds offer them.
When camping, it’s very important that you pack everything you need. Here’s a brief list of essential items you shouldn’t leave home without, but can easily be overlooked. Number one, any prescription medicine and a written copy of that prescription, as well as a first aid kit. Insect repellent and sun screen can greatly improve the quality of your trip. If you will be doing any hiking or may stay in a remote place, take a flare gun with you. Also, take a cell phone with an extra battery and a radio. If you will be using sleeping bags, pack them in a waterproof bag. I would also recommend your backpack to be waterproof, as well as your matches.
To store your camping equipment, keep it in large bins. Write down on a piece of paper all that is in each bin and tape it to the bin. This will allow you to know where everything is, both when you are camping and at home. This eliminates a great deal of the preparation for your camping trip, because your camping things are always ready. You just need to pack your clothes, food and whatever other items you wish to take with you, grab your bins and you are ready to go.
Camping can be a lot of work, or it can be a chance for you to relax, experience nature and spend quality time with those you care most about. Consider a camping trip this summer, whether you take another vacation somewhere else or not.
Gina Clark writes on travel and financial issues. Click here to learn additional vacation saving tips.
If you are planning for great outdoors trip in a convenient,simple and inexpensive way, then it’s better to consider a truck bed tent camping for this. This type of camping (truck bed tent camping) is a new concept of camping which allows very convenient way of vacationing outdoors. This truck bed tent camping has many benefits without letting any hindrances to come your way while enjoying your outing. The cost of this kind of trip will work out between 100 to 300 dollars, which is quite affordable to get away for the camping vacation.
This is the best alternative to get away from rusting on groundsheets and also erecting a tent with weights and pegs. The truck bed tent camping is simply setting up a tent in the backside of your truck. When you stop at the campsite, you simply have to park the truck and set up a camp on the back side of your truck.
It is always exciting to sleep outdoors while on camping vacation. But when you are on truck bed ten camping, you can assure yourself a good night sleep as sleeping in truck will prevent unwanted visitors from creeping into your tent in the middle of the night and cause disturbed sleep for you. There is also an advantage of being more secure in this type of camping as your belongings will not be stolen and you do not have to sleep in separate tents. As you will be sleeping in truck bed tent camping, there is no fear of anyone stealing your camping equipments or even your truck is secure.
It might sound weird to you initially, but come to think of this, you will not have to suffer from rain sodden ground or a cold ground during the night at the campsite. You will be very much protected from all these problems while continuing to enjoy your outdoor vacation. Storage of camping supplies will also become easy when you opt for truck bed tent camping. After you use the truck bed tent, it can be folded and stored behind the driver’s seat while driving to another camping adventure.
One more interesting thing about truck bed tent camping is that you will have lot of ease in erecting your living space .Truck bed tents take only 10 to 15 minutes setting it up, which will give you more time for vacationing .Setting up the tent in the truck also depends on the kind of truck truck tent bed you have purchased for camping .You may sometimes be required to get inside of the truck to set up the tent .Keep this in mind that it is always better to practice this whole procedure before starting on to your camping trip.
Truck bed tents may or may not have floors. Both of these styles have benefits. Truck bed tents which do not have floors mean that there is no need to empty the truck before setting up the place for the night. And truck bed tents which have floors give you extra coziness and also the extra layer for insulation. Set up few air mattresses on this truck tent bed and the cozy space will be ready for you to have good sleep through out the night outside and also off the floor. The walls of the truck also provide extra protection from cold wind during the night.
These days any type of tent is available for any make of the truck. Make sure that you check the tent size with the truck bed, which should fit properly and not leave any room for any inconvenience.
Abhishek is a Camping freak! Visit his website www.Camping-Guru.com and download his FREE Camping Report “Camping With The Family: How To Have A Safe, Fun, And Inexpensive Vacation” and learn some amazing Camping tips and tricks for FREE. Learn how to have the perfect vacation on a shoe-string budget. But hurry, only limited Free copies available!
Several ebooks are available on our website free of charge. Please visit our link below to find great information on tents, camping, golfing, fishing and backpacking / hiking.
Tips on Choosing a Tent
Here are a few tips on choosing your new tent.
How many people will be using the tent? Your tent should have at least 2′ x 6′ of room for each person.
How will you use your tent? If you are using your tent for fair weather, no rain & mild
temperatures, a 2 or 3 season tent will be best. When using your tent in rainy or harsh weather, a 3 or 4 season tent will be best for you.
How often will you be using your tent? If you are using your tent several times a year, you should have a tent that is strong and durable.
How much interior space do you need? This will depend on the number of people that will occupy the tent and how much gear you need to store.
Will weight be an issue? Weight usually will only be factor if you are a backpacker or hiker. You will enjoy having a light weight tent.
Styles of Tents
Dome: Usually rounded or dome shaped. Provides good wind resistance, stable, quick, easy set up.
Cabin: Usually square or rectangle. Stable, quick, easy set up.
A Frame: Simple A style. Excellent wind, rain & snow protection. Exceptionally stable, quick, easy set up.
Different Seasons of Tents
2 Season Tents: Fair weather tent. Usually least expensive.
3 Season Tents: Rain and light snow, mild wind. Most popular.
4 Season Tents: High winds, heavy snow or rain. Full coverage flys & vestibules. Can be used year round.
Sizes Of Tents
Solo: One person tents.
Backpacking: 2 - 3 person tents that are light weight for easy carry.
Family: 4 + person tents.
Materials
Nylon: A class of thermoplastic polyamides capable of extrusion when molten
into fibers or sheets. Extreme toughness, strength and elasticity.
Polyester: A polymer in which the monomer units are linked together by the group
‘COO’, formed by polymerizing a polyhydric alcohol with a polybasic acid. used mainly in the manufacture of resins, plastics and textile fibers.
Canvas: A closely woven, heavy cloth of cotton or linen, used for tents, sails, etc.
Frames
Aluminum: A lightweight and sturdy metal.
Fiberglass: A lightweight material made from glass strands and epoxies.
Steel: A heavy metal usually coated for rust resistance.
Cachuma Lake Campground - A Great Camping Experience By Christy Tuller
If you are looking for a great place to go camping, whether it is tent camping or you have and RV, you should check out Cachuma Lake Campground in Santa Barbara County. Located off Hwy 154, it is a beautiful lake that offers many activities year round. Widely known for fishing, this campground/recreation area also offers wildlife tours, hiking, boat rentals, a swimming pool, miniature golf, and so much more. There is no swimming or skiing allowed on the lake however, so keep this in mind when you go. The lake hosts fishing tournaments through-out the year, and is home to the UCSB Rowing Team.
So, now you know what the park has to offer, let me tell you a little more about it. The campground is a County run park, camping is first come first served. They do not take reservations. They have a large number of full hook-up sites for Rvers as well as partial hook-up sites. They have an even larger number of tent sites. In most cases, when you arrive they will give you a map of the campground, tell you which sites are available and you can drive around, choose the one you want and go back and pay for it. Most of the campground is dirt, they do allow campfires year-round, and they have a wonderful little store in case you forgot or run out of something. There is also a wildlife museum in the park and they occasionally host special events for kids. Prefer hiking? Try out one of the many trails available around the lake. They range from short walks to longer hikes. Maps are available at the park.
Want to see wildlife? This is the place to do it. Because the park is located in the mountains you will most definitely see raccoons and probably a skunk. Keep your trash picked up at night and the raccoons won’t be a problem. Skunks? Don’t do anything to scare them and they will leave, they are just passing through anyway. You will also see squirrels, birds, and other small wildlife. Go down by the boat launch ramp and you can feed the ducks, carp will come and eat with the ducks too if you’re lucky! You can wear yourself out riding your bike around the park on the roads leading to the various campsites. They also have Yurts for staying in if you don’t want to stay in a tent.
Cachuma Lake is located only half an hour from the Santa Ynez Valley. Day trips into Solvang, Los Olivos, and Santa Ynez are a must. There are a variety of fun shops, wine tasting, and excellent restaurants in the Valley. If you would rather go to Santa Barbara, you can head the other direction from the lake and it is about forty-five minutes or so depending on traffic. The most important thing to remember about camping there is to have a great time! Roast some marshmallows, make new friends, and catch a big fish! Enjoy Cachuma Lake and you will want to return.
Christy Tuller is an expert on several topics and enjoys camping. For more tips, ideas, and photos check out my blog Camping In The Western States at http://mrstscampwest.blogspot.com
First Time Camping With A Tent - Some Of The Basics By Melissa Thornton
If you have never gone tent camping, try to take someone with you who has at least some experience, it is not that difficult but there are some things you should be aware of before you go. For example, it is essential that you know how to build your tent, if you want your camping trip to be an enjoyable experience you should make yourself knowledgeable about all kind of camping techniques. In this article we will give you some tips to start tent camping.
Before you even leave your home, you should build your tent at least one time in your yard or a park in the neighbourhood. This way you can be sure that you have everything you need to set up your tent and you know how to do it.
Choose a safe location
As a novice, for your first camping trip choose a location close to home. So you can drive home if you are having some problems on your camping trip. Also choose a location that is safe to stay, you are away from the safety and comfort of your home and you should try to make your camping trip as safe and comfortable as possible, this way you can enjoy your camping trip to the full extent.
Building your tent on a slope is not a save place, but that is just common sense. Most novice campers would pick a nice spot in a valley near a little creek when they would have the opportunity to choose. However that is not always the safest place to build your tent. You should always try to build your tent on high land, especially when you are camping in the rainy season. The land where you built your tent, should also be even, and you should remove all rocks, sticks and other hard stuff, it should be comfortable to sleep on, you are going to need all the rest you can get.
Protect your tent
When you have cleared the ground from all hard matters and other stuff that could damage the tent, you should use a ground cloth. A ground cloth is an essential peace of camping gear you can’t do without. During all kind of weather and especially in the rainy season this cloth will protect the ground floor of your tent from any kind of damage. little sticks and rocks can’t penetrate the floor and because of that water can’t come in. A ground cloth is a cheap way to protect your expensive tent. You can buy it in different sizes in any local camping store and most gas stations. When it is extremely rainy you can dig some ditches around your tent with a ditch leading down and away from your tent.
Hammer those stacks
Most tents come with stacks, some are wood, other aluminum or steel but they are the stuff that keeps your tent in place and you can’t do without them, so check and double check if you have packed your stacks. The stacks fix your tent to the ground and you should use a hammer to secure them in the right way. By placing first the back stacks, then the front and after that the stacks in between you can tighten the tent in to shape, there will be no dents in the canvas and water will just run down the tent. The stacks also will keep your tent from being blown away in case of heavy wind.
From childhood on Melissa Thornton has always been an outdoor person. Having seen a lot of camping spots around the world she gives tips to newcomers and die-hards about camping at www.campingcrowd.com
How To Think Like An Ultralight Backpacker By Steven Gillman
How does an ultralight backpacker think? A reporter for a backpacking magazine asked me this in a recent interview. I’ve gone backpacking in winter conditions with as little as eleven pounds total on my back, so I do think light. In fact, there are some basic questions that seem to automatically come to mind when I am either planning a backpacking trip or looking at gear. I suspect other lightweight backpackers ask themselves the same things.
1. How do I make it lighter?
Habitually ask this of every item you bring. Foam sleeping pads can be trimmed, a stuff sack could be left behind if the sleeping bag can just be stuffed directly into the pack. Shortening a toothbrush and cutting the edges off maps won’t lighten the load much, but modify enough different items, and the weight savings can add up to a pound or two.
2. Is there a lighter alternative?
This is where you really save weight, especially if you start with the “big three;” sleeping bag, shelter and backpack. Buying new gear may be necessary, but you can also find the lightest choice among the things you already own. Pick out your lightest t-shirts, for example, or take your light tarp for a short trip, instead of a tent. This can make a big difference in how light you go. Many years ago, I went from a 88-ounce (5 1/2 pound) backpack to a 14-ounce one, and from a three-pound sleeping bag to a one-pound one.
3. What can I leave behind?
“Do I really need to bring this?” Ask that of each item. One shirt may be enough, for example. Ask, “will I use it?” For several trips I carried a small chess set, but never used it. If with a group, see if someone else in the party has an item you are considering. A group of three only needs one stove. Not sure if you can leave something behind? The last three questions may help you find an answer.
4. Are there multiple-use items I can use to cut weight?
If I cook at all (unusual), my pan is my bowl, and my spoon is my fork. Some ponchos can be used as a shelter. A trekking pole can be the support for a tarp shelter or even some tents. The stuff-sack from your sleeping bag can be filled with clothing to use as a pillow. Find ways to use the things you have for more than one purpose, and buy things that have multiple purposes. This is classic ultralight backpacker thinking.
5. Are there strategies can I use to lighten the load?
An extreme example: eat a low-carbohydrate diet for a few days, then load up on pasta the day before a trip. In this way you can store up to a couple pounds of extra carbs in your body, so you won’t need to carry as much food. Called “carbo-loading,” it’s been used by endurance athletes for decades. Another strategy: plan according to the weather report. If no rain is predicted, you can leave the rain gear behind, or bring just the top. In an area with many water sources, you can carry just a one-pint plastic soda bottle, if you fill it up every time you come to a stream or lake.
6. What skills and habits can I work on?
This is partly about learning survival skills. Why? Because being at home in the wilderness makes it safer to go lighter. If, for example, you know how to make a warm bed of dried leaves and grass, it’s safe to try that light sleeping bag which otherwise might not be quite warm enough for you. Being able to identify and eat wild edible plants makes it safer to carry less food. In fact, if with sufficient survival skills, an ultralight backpacker can be prepared for almost anything.
When camping the tent pitching process is often a source of amusement, agitation and argument. Screaming children, complaining wife and the dog going wild. All this usually happens within a fore nine gale. A recent development in camping equipment is the pop up tent. These tent are sprung so when you open the bag, it flicks into place leaving you the easy job of attaching it to the floor with a couple of pegs. Couldn’t be easier.
Luckily most self-erecting tents of the dome type are extremely strong, and in fact are among the strongest tents you can buy in terms of being able to withstand high winds and other bad weather. Another important consideration is the size of the pop up tent. Depending on the size of your tent, you probably only you need about a 10 x 10 foot area of relatively clear ground, which we can make here very easily. You may need to replace tent poles which appear weakened or even visibly cracked. Some pop up tents are three season tents, and are not suitable for extremely wet weather. Take some time to do a little research of the various model and you are sure to find a pop up tent to suit your needs from the many tent suppliers on the market.
Personally I am a caravan fan, as they are ready for almost any weather even in the winter season. Caravans are a lot more comfortable than a tent. However the added luxury comes at the price of convenience and portability. For instance you could take a small two person tent with you in a back pack, and cycle to your destination. I have yet to find a caravan than you can fit on your back.
Another advantage of the tent is storage. Storing your caravan can be a difficult task, if you don’t have a driveway, as most garages are not tall enough for a caravan to fit into. A tent you can just place into your attic when not in use. Many caravans however contain, cookers and showers, or at least a sink. This makes life easier in my opinion.
Last but by no means least we are left with the motor home, or Winnebago as the Americans like to call them. The Term Winnebago is actually a brand of Vehicles, not a type. However they have become so associated to the type of vehicle the name tend to apply to all these types. Much like the term ‘Hoover’ in the UK.
The Motor home takes the idea of a caravan and mates it with a bus. Basically, a caravan with and engine and steering wheel. The added advantage is you don’t need a car. The down side is that they are usually much more expensive than a caravan.
I believe there will always be room for both of these Great British institutions, on and off the camp site. For many people married with children a tent is possibly a horrible prospect, a caravan makes for usually a much nicer holiday in these situations. A group of lads on camping trip would undoubtabily prefer a tent, I suppose it’s the grubbiness of sleeping out in a field.
