Exceptional camping expeditions provide the best answer to any fulfilling vacation anyone can ever ask for. The open road, beautiful panorama, fresh air, undisturbed peace--all this does the body more good than is often realized. However, taking the leap into the unknown and, sometimes, dangerous camping world requires some thoughtful preparation, especially when it comes to the backpacking essentials you need to bring for the trip.
Below are the essential stuff to take with you when traveling into dangerous campgrounds:
- Carry clean water to avoid any water-related incident.
While at the camping site, one can get dehydrated depending on the nature of activities and the weather, so you should pack enough clean water. Also, water is used for cooking purposes but you cannot be sure of the safety of the water sources available at the campsite.
Camping may also include playing or swimming in the water. It is advisable that you protect yourself and fellow campers from the risk of diarrhea by taking precautions not to drink such water.
- A rainfly will be handy for wet weather.
Some campsites may present icy weather conditions that might be detrimental to your health and safety, so it would be best to bring some rainfly to protect yourself from rainy and stormy weather. As a camper, you should never roll the dice with the weather gods as it can be a very costly mistake. Hence, it is advisable to do weather research beforehand to determine whether or not you should be bringing a rainfly. Checking the weather in advance can make all the difference in providing you with a fulfilling camping experience.
- Carry safe food .
Carrying safe food is vital when going to a dangerous camping zone; you don't want to start looking for food in a neighborhood full of wild animals. And, there’s also the risk of accidentally eating contaminated food, which could lead you to developing severe infections due to germs.
While it cannot be overemphasized, the first step to ensuring food safety is storing and packing food properly. Below are basic tips for keeping your food safe while on a camping trip:
- Put food in tight and waterproof bags, then store them in an insulated container.
- Make it a habit to wash hands often using a sanitizer because you never know what your hands have touched.
- Ensure that you create a distinction between cooked food and raw food, or that they don't mix.
- Make an effort to confirm that foodstuff are appropriately chilled.
- Carry a physical map for directions in addition to your phone.
The smartphone does the heavy lifting, easing your efforts in tackling rudimentary tasks, like having to carry a physical map. But, for a savvy camper, the map is a very useful prerequisite for any camping expedition. Your trusted phone may lose battery life, or your cellular network may not work when you need it the most. Therefore, the best alternative to your phone's Google Map is the physical map. The least you want to experience is your trip ending prematurely because you can't find the right way.
- Don't forget the first aid kit.
It is common for people to hope that nothing goes wrong when camping, but that is not always the case while in a rugged wilderness or freezing mountain, a lot can surely happen. It is, therefore, of the essence to prepare for the worst. Have adequate first aid kit supplies that you can readily use in case of an emergency. Alternatively, you can purchase a grab-and-go kit that has an assortment of everything you need, easing you the burden of having to worry about not packing the essentials.
- Bring adequate bedding and clothing.
As a camper, you have to do your research to understand your camping venue. For instance, by knowing the weather, you can decide on the necessary apparel you ought to bring. Apart from the clothing, have well-fitting footwear in place as well, especially if you are camping in very rocky areas so that you don't injure your toes. Otherwise, you can also get yourself a pair of waterproof boots if you are hiking along a creek or river.
- Arm yourself with insect repellent.
You must carry an insect repellent to help fight insect bites. The most suitable insect repellent contains DEET and does not react with any exposed skin. But, also ensure you follow package instructions for better results. The most common insects you are likely to encounter are mosquitoes, which can cause malaria and yellow fever, and ticks that expose you to the danger of acquiring diseases such as Lyme disease. So, the best prevention is to wear a long-sleeve top, or some light-colored apparel to aid you in spotting ticks more easily.
- Wear protective gear.
Camping is always accompanied by a ton of activities, such as swimming, biking, and hiking, among many others. It is, therefore, appropriate to carry protective gear, such as helmets, life jackets, and sturdy shoes. These protective stuff will help you avoid injuries, as well as the dangers of poisonous plants, such as the poison oak and poison sumac. Luckily, you can purchase all the necessary camping gear without breaking the bank by using the Palmetto State Armory coupon.
- Carry a firelighter.
A camping site is not complete without a campfire for some warmth and a tiring day's recap around the embers of dying fire. A butane lighter provides an alternative source of fuel that can be lit even in your temporary shelters. One thing to take caution of with fires is carbon dioxide poisoning. To curb the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning while at the camp, never use fuel-burning equipment, like charcoal grills and heaters, in enclosed shelters.
Conclusion
For any successful camping adventure, a thoughtful preparation process is required to ensure that you’re able to bring with you all the travel essentials, especially when you are not a hundred percent sure of the nature of the campgrounds. Some of the essentials to take with you include clean water to prevent water-related incidents, some rainfly, safe food, as well as a physical map to supplement your smartphone. In addition to those, also not forget to have a first aid kit, proper clothing, and an insect repellant to protect yourself from insect bites and tick-related diseases.