Ever gone camping? You're out in the middle of nowhere in some beautiful wilderness area, the nearest store is 30 miles away? You go to do something, say, like erect your tent only to discover your tent poles are missing (true story) or you forgot the water purifier. Mistakes like these can put a real damper on your fun family camp-out. Here are some common mistakes to avoid by making a checklist before you go camping.
Tent poles -- yes, those poles that hold up the sides of your tent. Make sure your tent kit has everything it should including poles and cover that keeps moisture out. Every tent comes with its own instructions, which you might want to bring along in case you forget how to do something. Those of you who are less mechanically inclined may not have the natural talent to look at the tent and poles and just put it altogether. So put the instructions into a Zip Lock bag to protect them and add them to the tent package.
Sleeping bag -- no! No, you couldn't forget your sleeping bags -- that's not possible. Well, just like anything else, sleeping bags get left behind or you bring a sleeping bag that is not rated for the temperature conditions either too warm or not warm enough. Don't forget your sleeping bags and make sure you bring bags rated for warmer or cooler climates. Most bags these days tell you that information when you purchase them.
Water Purifier -- another big one especially if you're backpacking. No water no matter where it has come from in California or any other state should be drank right from the source. Unless you want to risk a terrible water borne bacterial infection, you should always purify your drinking water. In fact, if you can boil it for at least 15 minutes to drink, but a purifier is the better choice so don't leave it at home.
Matches -- do not forget the matches or at least a flint. Nothing makes for cold miserable conditions than not being able to light a fire. A flint works too, but matches are the easiest and most convenient fire starter. Additionally, you need to cook food over an open fire so those matches or the lack thereof mean cold or hot meals.
Permits -- some areas require hiking, fire, hunting or fishing permits. Don't falsely assume that being out in the middle of nowhere means you can fish or hunt without a license. Fines can run steep, so make sure for whatever activity you intend to enjoy you come prepared with the proper license or permit. If you do intend to hunt during hunting season, always wear orange or yellow that everyone can see lest your inadvertently become someone's quarry.
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