Camping is one of the best experiences you can have by yourself or with loved ones. Private camping sites and national and state parks are often the best places for camping. But, the backyard can also be turned into your own private campsite.
Usually, designated campsites are established with facilities and basic amenities to make outdoor camping relatively easier. These sites usually have picnic tables, bathrooms, water sources, parking spaces, and camping areas.
However, if you go camping to these sites, you would still need your equipment such as tents, cooking utensils, food, and sleeping bags. And while you will experience the joy of spending most of your time in the great outdoors, you will need to come prepared so no problems can dampen your camping spirit.
1. Prepare yourself
Camping can be exciting. But, it can also be unpredictably risky. You need to be prepared physically and mentally for the challenges ahead. This is true if you plan to go camping in extremely adrenaline-pumping sites during the unpredictable spring.
First, camping experts recommend you visit your doctor and get examined to ensure that you are in good shape for the trip. Get the necessary vaccinations and shots to boost your immunity against potential diseases. Get prescriptions for prophylaxis and medicines that you need during your trip.
Second, you should know your physical capacity. Ask yourself objectively if you can make it through the camping trip safely. If you don’t know your fitness level, you can try camping on easier sites before moving up to the more difficult terrain.
Condition your body for the trip by doing walking and jogging. Do stretching and endurance exercises to get your body ready for the physical stress.
Third, you can do advanced research about camping and the camping site where you wish to go. You can ask your acquaintances or expert campers about their experiences or things to anticipate during camping. You can also familiarize yourself with various camping gear and how to use them, especially if you are going on your first camping trip.
You also need to check the weather condition and the condition of the campsite or the trail. The condition of the weather and the campsite and trail can change drastically before your trip. It is important to keep track of these changes to help you prepare.
2. Prepare Necessary Equipment
Camping is usually done in far-flung, isolated places with wide open spaces and rugged terrains. Far from your house, the grocery store and the pharmacy, you need to prepare your gear for the long trip. Here are some basic items that you need to bring.
- Tent
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Tools and knives
- Flashlights or lanterns
- Batteries
- Clothes ideal for the weather
- Kitchen utensils (pans, portable stove, matches etc.)
- Eating utensils
- Food
- Soap and rag or paper towels
- Personal hygiene materials
- First-aid kit
- Map or GPS
- Campsite reservation confirmation
You can add items to this list for maximum comfort and safety. You can also opt to bring mattresses, pillows, warming blankets, or a hammock to the trip. You can add these items if the trip does not require hiking or trekking before getting to the campsite.
Aside from these basic items, you can also bring other materials and equipment to enjoy your trip fully. These include the following:
- Camera
- Art materials
- Boat, canoe or kayak
- Toys, especially if you bring along your kids
If you bring your car or vehicle to the trip, make sure to bring extra fuel, spare tires, and repair tools. Check all your gear to ensure that they are functioning. Prepare a checklist of all the important things that you need to bring to your camping trip to ensure nothing is forgotten.
3. Prepare clean and safe food
Eating clean and safe food during the trip can lessen health problems associated with food poisonings such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. To avoid contracting diseases from food, you need to remember these important tips.
- Wash hands and utensils properly when handling food.
- Wash food before cooking.
- Store food in air-lock and waterproof containers. Keep perishable goods in coolers.
- Foods cooked should be well-done. Avoid undercooking.
- Do not mix the raw from the cooked foods.
- Cover your food especially if set on the table.
- Boil or filter water from the questionable water source. It is also better to bring your own bottled distilled or mineral water.
Remember, if you doubt whether the food is still good or already spoiled, assume the worst and throw away the food. Contaminated food or spoiled foods usually give off a sour and rotten smell.
4. Protect against fire, poison and wild animals
When cooking or lighting, observe fire prevention measures especially during the summer. Make sure to guard camp and bonfires against spreading and dousing them after use. During wet seasons, such as spring, it can also be tempting to use fuel-burning equipment inside an enclosed shelter.
However, you may be in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning when this colorless and odorless gas builds up inside the shelter to dangerous levels. It is recommended to use heating and lighting appliances inside enclosures.
While spending time outdoors, you might encounter wild animals and plants that are dangerous. Some of these animals may carry diseases that can infect humans. Plants such as poison oak or poison ivy can also cause serious skin and health problems with contact. Maintain a safe distance from these animals and plants and enjoy watching the sites without the danger of animal bites and diseases or poisoning from plants.
Protect yourself from insect bites by applying insect repellant to exposed skin. It is also better to wear light-colored clothing, long sleeves, and pants. Mosquito or insect nets also help protect against insect bites when sleeping.
5. Protect against temperature-induced illnesses
If the temperature of your environment is too low, your body temperature will drop. This drop or hypothermia can lead to death. Protect yourself from hypothermia by staying warm during the cold nights. Use adequate clothing and bedding when sleeping. Protect your tent floor by lining it with the plastic ground underneath.
Avoid staying wet or wearing wet clothes for long periods of time. If the temperature of your environment is also too high, you can get dehydrated and sunburns. Wear sunscreen with SPF 15 and hydrate yourself during the warm season. Wear sunglasses or shades to protect your eyes.
6. Stay safe
As a rule, never do your camping activities alone unless you are a pro or unless you require privacy. Never swim alone or steer away from your group. Wear a life jacket when swimming or canoeing. Always inform someone where you are going. Always be wary of your environment. Watch your step at all times.
Carry a small pack or bag with all the essentials such as first-aid kits and maps. A satellite phone can also come in handy during emergency situations. Make sure you have an emergency plan for various scenarios such as campfires, landslides, and medical emergencies.
The ultimate tip for campers is to leave only your footprints behind. Take your garbage with you when you leave and dispose of them properly.
Conclusion
Even if you have lived an urban life or a sheltered life most of your life, you feel the urge to escape that life to the peace and silence outdoors. A camp-out can be very life-changing and stress-busting. But, it will only be an enjoyable experience if you are prepared and safe. If you follow these tips, you are sure to enjoy your time under the sunny or starry skies.
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