Since this week we are going to be in camping mode and posting anything else seems pretty much out of the way maybe we can just post for fun some tips and tricks for camping or in general for travelling based on our experiences.
Maybe some of these tips can be used for your other non-camping trips as well.
Since tent needs to be pitched first, keep tent in the car in such a way that it can be removed first.
Till now, we used to pack the tent box in the car first and then put in all the other stuff. This meant at site we would have to remove all the other stuff before getting to the tent. Now this trip we hope to act a bit smarter and pack the tent the last. For that matter the hammer also.
General Tip for Summer and Camping:
Avoid sudden temperature changes. Dont go and sit in car from hot sun and start on AC at full. Let the body get naturally adjusted to the new surroundings before you start the AC. Similarly avoid ice-cold drinks after playing. Allow body to cool down before gulping down any cold water.
Outdoors is a good place to bring out the mini-snacks in your home that dont get eaten or dont get much respect. 🙂
A change of environment helps sometimes in the evaluation of a snack for eating purposes. 😉
Keep swimming accessories and towel in a separate bag. That way you dont need to hunt around in your main bag while going for a dip in the lake. Just pick the smaller bag and go.
Wadding Shoes are a great idea to save yourself from all the stones under water -:)
For those bringing coolers, might be good idea to put plastic bottles containing water in freezer right now. These act as good ice and when the ice melts you can use the water to drink. Whatever technique you use, hope you are ready with your own ice by Friday. 🙂
Based on last year’s camping, personal water bottle may be a better idea than a glass – since glass being empty(when not used) falls down due to wind etc. Water bottle can be filled up and hence will not fall 🙂
Those reusable ice packs from infant thermos, can be also use in cooler
Might be a good idea to label your stuff which is going to be out in the common area so that we dont hear shouts of “Whose is this?” while wrapping up. 🙂
We took the Citronella based candle which had the sticker of “Repels Mosquitoes and other flying insects” to Camping this time and that was very effective in keeping some of the mosquitoes away.
This is available in Walmart.
One effective way to clean the stove burner is to use the foot air pump to drive air thru the pipes of the burner.
This was discovered by the engineers working on repairing one of the broken burners at the campsite. 🙂
just one word for overnight comfort – airbeds!!
I really liked the single burner stove which Sandip brought. Since it connects directly to propane tank there is less worry that it wont work due to dirt stuck in the pipe. And it is compact also. This is an item which individual families can purchase since its always helpful to be able to warm stuff at camping.
Along with Tent also keep the Broom and Tarp in the end. So before you start putting your tent, analyze the area for not bugs, clean the area, put your tarp and then the tent.
Other handy things to carry are
* Portable Vacuum cleaner to clean the tent from inside.
* Tent lights from dollar store.
* Extra set of car keys and if possible swap the extra key with friends.
* Disable car lights to turn on when doors are open from day one.
* Park your car in reverse. Front of the car facing the road and back towards the tent. Helps removing things from car easily and also in case car battery drains out it can easily be wired to jump start from other vehicle.
* Always be prepared for chilly night weather, its always advisable to carry extra blankets.