Going on a camping trip may be one of the best ways to savor the last warm autumn days. Sleeping in a tent, making up ghost stories for your kids while cozying up next to a bonfire is an experience of a lifetime. Even though you’re probably bursting with excitement for your upcoming adventure, you can’t forget the most important aspect – safety. In this article, you will find some quintessential tips on how to protect yourself and your loved ones in the wilderness.
Carefully consider your location
When you go camping, it’s essential to know the exact location on which you’ll set up your tent beforehand. You should be wary of your surroundings to understand how to prepare for the stay adequately. For example, if there’s a source of running water nearby, you should take some life jackets with you, just in case. You should also avoid spots surrounded by cliffs and large boulders if there are kids in your party.
Stay aware of local wildlife
Inexperienced campers seem always to be afraid of wildlife. If this is your main concern about camping, you will find some comfort in knowing that encountering these beasts is a rather rare occasion, especially if you set up camp in a popular spot. However, you should always be prepared for the worst, so here is what you should do if wild animals cross your path. If you encounter a bear, be careful not to move or make a sound. When it comes to snakes, these reptiles love to crawl in cooped-up spaces, such as rocks. If you plan on camping in a rocky area, wear long pants and boots. This way even if the little monster bites you, it is highly unlikely that it will reach your flesh and badly injure you.
Have the appropriate tools
One of the more apparent tips when it comes to outdoor safety is to make sure to pack all the right equipment. Camping gear such as your tent and tarp is, of course, a must-have if you plan on sleeping under the stars. Having a knife, a compass, and a first aid kit in your backpack is highly necessary too. When it comes to knives, we recommend sharp automatic knives, such as switchblades. They are very backpack-friendly since the blade is neatly tucked into the knife’s handle. Another tip is to make a list before you start stuffing your backpack to ensure you don’t forget important gear when packing. Our advice is to ponder on everything you may need for a couple of days before the trip and jot it all down as it comes to mind.
Pay attention to the forecast
When you start planning your camping excursion, don’t forget to check the weather forecast for the area you’re visiting. If chances of extreme weather, such as thunderstorms or hail, are high, it would be best to postpone your trip. It’s also important to consider the weather before your trip. For example, if it was recently raining the campsite will probably be quite muddy and unsuitable for camping. You also may have some trouble when trying to light a campfire. You should also know that sometimes forecasts are just faulty. They may predict clear skies, but a huge massive hailstorm actually occurs and ruins your trip. In case of storms, you should be safe under trees and bushes. Be careful not to be near bodies of water during storms since they can be quite dangerous.
Bring food and water with you
Another thing people tend to forget is to bring a sufficient amount of clean water and food with them on camping trips. When it comes to food and water, it’s better to have too much on you than to stay hungry for the duration of your vacation. It may be fun to play explorer and try to catch a fish in a nearby river, but if the fish manages to slip away, you will be left with an empty stomach. Taking gallons of water with you is even more critical, even if you’re promised that the water on the campground is safe enough to drink. Never drink the water from natural water sources since they tend to be full of bacteria our bodies are just not used to.
When you plan a camping trip, there are a few things you should have in mind to ensure your safety. Having proper gear on you, a suitable campground, and enough nutrition to last you days is highly important. Bad weather and angry wildlife can ruin your trip. It’s essential to stay calm and collected at all times.
