Camping can be one of the most revitalizing experiences for both mind and soul, and a chance to take a break from the hurried confines of daily life. No matter the season, camping and hiking can be pleasurable means of relieving stress, but only with the proper equipment and planning. People often forget how important it is to prepare, and end camping trips with injuries and accidents instead of happiness and a sense of wellbeing.
To ensure your camping trip is a safe and pleasant experience, keep these simple tips in mind. Most importantly, expect the unexpected! What are the worst-case scenarios? Do you have a plan for if someone gets lost or seriously injured? By planning ahead for emergencies, a solid arrangement can be set into place to prevent your trip from becoming a tragedy.
Make sure you e-mail or give written copies of your iternary to friends and family, and post one in your home prior to your departure. Purchase two-way radios or carry cell phones so that you can contact one another or the local authorities. It is also important to know where you are going. Keep detailed and topographical maps of the site or a GPS system handy for unforeseen changes in your route. Sign in and out when you leave for a hike at the campground or park in order to avoid any confusion about how far away you could have gone. Any tool that lets others know your whereabouts can rule out a potentially deadly incident.
In addition to maps and radios, it is vital to include the proper camping gear on your trip. Clothing should be layered to account for any weather changes, and should be varied enough to account for intense cold or warmth. Don't forget to bring lightweight, waterproof jackets and pants, as well as watertight backpacks and tents in case of rain. Footwear should be sturdy and comfortable, to ensure hiking and camping are enjoyable experiences.
While it goes without saying, please do practice caution with animals at your campsite, no matter how big or how small. Stow your food and camping gear far away from berry bushes or streams, which might attract larger beasts, like bears, to your campsite. Avoid any contact with critters regardless of how cute or harmless they may seem. Furthermore, don't ignore the insects and bees that might lurk around your tent. A DEET-based mosquito repellant, reapplied frequently, can help sidestep bites or stings and keep them from spoiling your vacation. At the end of each day, everyone should perform a tick-check, examining their ears, armpits and groins for the small, black insects that are often carriers of Lyme disease.
While a campfire is a great way to wind down your day, fire is always a potential risk. A fire pit surrounded by an inflammable material, like rocks, will keep your fire under control. It is even more advantageous if there is a previously used fire pit nearby in which you can construct your own bonfire. Check that there is nothing hanging over the area where the fire will be, and keep a bucket of water on hand to douse unruly flames. Of course, a fire should only be burning while there is someone to watch over it. If there is no one to watch the fire, wet the ashes before going to bed to make sure no one gets hurt.
If you plan properly, and bring the correct gear, there is no reason why your trip should not be a success. Happy camping!