For campers, there are a handful of useful skills that will always stand the test of time. No matter what new trends or high-tech gear comes along, being an expert at a number of basic camping activities will be helpful on any trip regardless of the location.
Setting Up a Tent
Unless you prefer to spend your nights battling the elements, knowing how to set up a tent is one of the most essential camping skills. Step one is to choose the right location. When arriving at your camping spot, look for a flat surface suitable for sleeping. Be sure to keep an eye out for sharp objects or sticks in the camping area.
Campers should know how to set up tent corners and assemble the poles. Also, familiarize yourself with the rain-fly and understand how it completes the tent. It’s a good idea to learn how to set up the tent before heading out on the trip.
Making a Campfire
In many cases, campers may need to build a fire to use as a source of heat. Fires are also useful for cooking purposes. Much like the other skills, be sure to practice safely making a fire before going camping.
When building a campfire, using small pieces of wood is important. A common mistake is to use larger pieces of wood that do not kindle as fast as smaller pieces.
It’s important to keep safety in mind when building fires as well. Take precautionary measures to prevent any mishaps. When you are done using the fire, be sure that you put it completely out. Campfires are the major source of wildfires, according to The Survival Corps.
Lashing a Tripod
There are many modern methods of preparing a meal or creating shelter while camping. However, there’s an authentic camping feel that comes with lashing up a tripod.
Whether you want to hang a pot over a fire or if you need an emergency shelter, knowing how to lash a tripod is highly valuable knowledge. First, you will need three poles of equal length. Next, you need 5 feet of cordage or rope.
Lay the poles beside one another. Then tie a clove hitch around one of the outer poles. Tie the hitch about 6 inches from the end. Weave the rope/cord in and out of the poles. Continue weaving until it is woven at least three times around the poles.
In the two pole gaps, make two tight turns. Complete the tripod by tying a clove hitch around the first pole. Lastly, raise the poles and spread the tripod legs apart.
Purifying Water
It is important to always carry plenty of water when camping. It may be difficult to plan how much water to bring on the trip, so knowing how to purify water is one of the most handy camping skills.
One common way to purify water is to carry iodine tablets. They are quite useful, but it does not purify the water instantly like a water filter.
No matter how clean water may look it isn’t worth taking by chance drinking it. The water can still be contaminated with disease-causing germs. Avoid any of these type issues by using a water purifier.
Brewing Coffee
To brew a cup of coffee while camping, all you need is water, coffee beans, a pot and a campfire. First, bring the water to a rolling boil. Remove the pot from heat and let it cool for 30 seconds.
Next, add two tablespoons of ground coffee for every 8 ounces of water. Stir the grounds and then let it sit 2 minutes. To help the grounds settle, use a spoon to sprinkle in a bit of cold water.
[H/T Field & Stream, The Survival Corps]
