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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.
Jeff Marshall is an avid tent camper and former Boy Scout. To read more tips and advice like the ones in this article, please click here: http://www.goingtentcamping.com/Tent-Camping-Tips.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Marshall
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A Great Camping List For You
By Linda A. Perry
Some items that will make camping easier:
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.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_A._Perry
http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Great-Camping-List-For-You&id=1158251
Camping Essentials
By Gina E Clark
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.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gina_E_Clark
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We are pleased to announce Trek Canvas Tents will be back in stock next week, 5-5-08.
This super popular tent is just what you need for your next family camping trip. This durable canvas tent has all the features that makeup a fantastic tent. Heavy duty rain fly’s are also available. We are accepting back orders and they will start shipping early next week. We would like to thank all those you have been so patience during the restocking of this product.
