If you love the great outdoors, you’ve likely had a memorable camping trip planned for a while., whether you’re going by yourself or hitting the trail with friends, it’s your chance to demonstrate self-sufficiency and enjoy a slower, more rustic lifestyle for a few days.
However, as enjoyable as camping is, there will always be some danger lurking nearby, especially if you’re not adequately prepared. Even the most experienced campers can run into trouble by overestimating their abilities or failing to focus on the clear and present danger. So, how can you stay safe while camping? Here are ten tips to help.
Bring A Suitable Tent
Your tent will protect you from the weather and other elements, so investing in a decent tent is a must. You can find suitable one-person or multi-man tents both online and in outdoor stores, and since you’re camping, you want to ensure it’s light enough to lug through the wilderness with you. Make sure the tent is waterproof, but don’t worry about one with too much space as you don’t have the privilege of pitch areas like you do on camping grounds.
Wear the Right Clothing
Only fools assume the weather will be exactly as predicted before leaving, so you need to bring suitable clothing along for the trip. If you’ve camped before, you know how chilly those evenings can get, so long sleeves and leg coverage are critical. Hiking boots are also essential, especially when navigating tricky terrain, while hats and gloves should also come with you. Pack a waterproof jacket as well, even during the summer, because you never know when you might get wet.
Pack Enough Food
It doesn’t matter how long you’re camping for. You need to bring enough food to maintain your energy levels. A multi-day hike and camping trip should include multiple meals, including both fresh and dry food for some variety. These should have plenty of protein and be filling, while coffee and mid-hike snacks are also essentials as they can boost your energy even more. The same goes for water, especially if you don’t want to risk drinking from wild water sources.
Consider the Wildlife
Venturing into the wildlife comes with an array of possible dangers. Wildlife is one of these dangers. Although you can fish and hunt for food, other animals might turn out to be predators if you’re not careful. It could be worth bringing firearms for protection, while you could also choose between fixed or detachable carry handles to ensure they are accessible in case you encounter danger and need to protect yourself, especially if camping alone.
Learn How to Spot Danger
It’s also worth learning how to spot danger so you can make a quick decision that could be the difference between life and death. As much as camping in a thunderstorm sounds cool, it could put you at serious risk if you’re not careful. Similarly, flooding, landslides, wildfires, and other natural disasters can strike at any moment. If you’re not familiar with the area, you might not realize you’re in danger until it’s too late. If you’re ever in doubt, get out while you still can.
First Aid Kit
Hopefully, you don’t suffer an injury while camping, but being exposed to the wilderness often comes with cuts and scrapes. You don’t want to get an infection, so cleaning any wounds thoroughly can prevent severe problems. It’s worth doing a first aid course before you leave, as this will also help you help any of your camping buddies in case they suffer a more severe injury, such as twisted ankles or broken bones.
Tell People Where You’re Going
Maybe you have this romantic idea of going into the woods and finding enlightenment, but you’re not Jack Kerouac, so you must tell people where you’re going. At the very least, they will know what you’re doing and where you have gone, so if you don’t get in touch with them or come back at a specific time, they can leap into action to help you.
Prepare for No Phone Signal
It’s also like you won’t have any phone signal, so carrying a GPS and radio can help you out of sticky situations and even help you contact friends and family. These accessories also help you stay up to date on the weather and other changes. It’s worth checking in every hour for any alerts, as this can keep you in the loop and help you make key decisions when they matter most. As a bonus, you’ll be able to experience life without your phone for a change.
Research Nearby Services
As much as you might want to get lost (figuratively) in the wilderness, the park systems are still sufficiently populated and staffed just in case you get lost (literally). So, it’s worth checking out nearby services before you embark on your trip. You may even want to visit the center beforehand to let them know you’re heading on a camping trip. This will also give you the chance to ask about any potential dangers or regulations you should be aware of so you don’t make a mistake or take a wrong turn.
Adhere to Campfire Safety
You might think you know how to light a campfire, but it’s different in the wilderness because failing to put it out properly could cause significant damage and endanger you and the wildlife. Researching advice about cautious campfire practices should outline everything you need to know. There’s nothing wrong with lighting a fire at night, but make sure you put it out properly when you go to sleep. This will put your mind at ease and will ensure you do not give campers and hikers a bad name.
Safe Trip
These tips won’t just protect you on this camping trip, but they will help you out on many camping trips to come. You can even take these lessons and pass them on to your kids so they appreciate the great outdoors just as much as you do and embark on their adventures with the confidence to stay safe.