Not a lot is better than sleeping under the night sky with your family. Camping isn’t just a favorite pastime for no reason. However, it is important to note that while camping can be great fun, there are many things to consider when planning a trip.

How do you plan to cook at your camp site? The cooking method is going to determine what food is appropriate for taking so make this decision well in advance. Cooking over a fire sounds romantic but may not be practical, especially if you don’t have the right equipment.

Put together a survival pack and have it on you all the time. In your survival kit, be sure you have waterproof matches, a flare gun, a first aid kit, water-purifying tablets and a knife. Never assume there won’t be any trouble. Anything can happen, and you need these essential items to help save your life if necessary. Be sure to bring it with you whenever you leave your campsite.

Bring some means of cleaning water, like tablets, if you are camping. These tablets are great in case you ever run out of water and need an additional resource. You should test these tablets at home before using them on your camping trip; this ensures you are familiar with the taste. To remain properly hydrated, you need to drink plenty of water, so before you leave on your trip, make sure that the tablets you choose do not give the water a taste so unpleasant that you will not drink it.

Novice campers often set up their tent near bathrooms, but this is an error. They think this is a convenience for them, but they find out differently. Bathrooms attract many people and also end up lit up at night. Therefore they can be more of a nuisance than anything else.

Keep an eye out on your camping area. You have to be sure you don’t set up next to stinging insects or anything unsafe. If you’re close to a lot of plants and things, long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn to protect you from bugs. This way you ensure your safety as much as possible.

When pitching your tent, always make sure you seal the seams. You can get a tube of sealant at a sporting goods store if you didn’t get any with your tent. Sealant keeps both insects and rain out of your tent.

Use a shower curtain as a tarp to put underneath your tent. You can also put it underneath a washing or cooking area to control any run-off or spillage. Instead of throwing out old shower curtains, keep them around for your next camping trip.

Matches in a waterproof container, flashlights, extra batteries, a hat and small size toiletries are essential for your list as you prepare to go camping. Going to the toilet without light can be a little daunting so a flashlight or lantern is a must. A hat is necessary to block the sun from harming your head, and the sundries will keep you sanitary.

Always bring both a first-aid kit as well as a survival kit. Without them, you may need to finish your camping trip earlier than you would like. Also, you can prevent dire situations and help you to get a sick person some help.

Pack ready to eat foods in your camping gear, like trail mix and jerky. After a busy day of hiking or other strenuous outdoor activities, you may be too tired to deal with campsite cooking. These snacks are healthy and nutrient-dense, making them a quick and easy source of nourishment. They will stay fresh for long periods of time, so they won’t go to waste.

Bring oranges not only to eat but also to deter mosquitoes. If everything was packed but you didn’t remember the bug spray, don’t worry! After you’ve enjoyed the orange, keep all the peels. If the mosquitoes are swarming, rub the peels over your body to keep them at bay. Experts have said that you can just rub inner side of an orange peel on any exposed skin. This can help for many hours.

Matches that are waterproof are a key component of any survival kit. These should be stored in an airtight container. You can make regular matches waterproof by dipping them into either paraffin or nail polish. You can also make a caddy for them out of a 35mm film container or a medicine bottle made out of plastic.

There are a great number of things to consider whenever you are planning to spend some time in the great outdoors. Be sure to use these tips on your trip in order to enjoy a safe trip with your loved ones.