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Summertime is in full swing, and many are taking the opportunity to explore the outdoors. If camping is on your summertime to-do list, preparation plays a key role in ensuring a safe, incident-free trip. Below are five of the most important things to remember before diving into an overnight trip.
The National Park Service reminds campers, “Every camping trip will have its own equipment needs based on the setting, time of year, difficulty, and duration” (1). While most camping trips require the essentials–a tent, a lantern, and food, to name a few–each trip will also require equipment specific to that spot. For example, if you expect cold weather, double check that your sleeping bag is insulated to withstand frigid temperatures. If your campsite allows campfires, see that your tent is made with flame-retardant fabric.
It is also wise to set up your tent ahead of time to check for holes or missing stakes. Additionally, double check you have extra batteries for your flashlight and your sunscreen is not expired.
An emergency kit is essential for any camping trip. Whether your trip leads you deep into the forest or into a nearby canyon, accidents happen. It is better to over-prepare for an emergency than panic when an emergency strikes.
First, include a first aid kit in your emergency pack. This should include antiseptics, tweezers, bug spray, pain relievers, a snake bite kit, and any other supplies that might prove helpful in treating a wound (2).
Additionally, other emergency supplies can be included in the kit. Consider packing a map, flightlight, firestarter, knife, and whistle. It is also recommended to bring a tarp as a makeshift shelter if necessary, as well as tools and duct tape in case equipment needs to be fixed.
If your campsite allows fires, practicing campfire safety will keep yourself, your equipment, and other campers enjoying the warmth. Fires should always be attended, and children should never be left unattended around fires. Do not make fires larger than necessary, and keep campfires open in a clear area (3).
Survey the terrain before building your campfire. Clear anything that could double as fuel away from the fire, including logs, leaves, and twigs. Make sure your tent is set at least 15 feet away from an open fire.
Weather, local flora, and wildlife all need to be considered to fully understand your environment. Check local weather reports before the trip, and pack accordingly. Pack extra clothes in case of rain, and inspect your campsite for the possibility of flooding. Avoid camping close to a cliff to lessen the risk of mudslides. In areas of excessive heat or humidity, make sure to pack extra water.
Indigenous plants can be beautiful, but researching them ahead of time can save you from a dangerous encounter. Familiarizing yourself with poisonous plants and how to treat them can lead to a calmer–and less itchy–camping experience (2).
Lastly, local wildlife can range from venomous snakes to pesky mosquitoes, so it is important to take any necessary precautions to minimize unwanted animal encounters. In addition to being able to identify venomous snakes, bringing along a snake bite kit may save someone’s life (3). Keeping food properly stored away from your tent or in a bearbox (when available) can deter bears from wreaking havoc in your camp. As previously mentioned, packing bug repellent can also prove helpful in most environments.
When it comes to food and water, always pack more than you think you will use. Extra snacks that are high in energy and non-perishable, like nuts and dried fruits, can improve a hiking experience. Because campers tend to spend most of their time outside, the risk of dehydration is much higher. To combat this, you must drink more water than your daily routine requires.
If it is not feasible to bring extra water due to its weight or a space limitation, plan to treat your water before drinking it. No matter how clean a lake, river, or stream may look, never assume it is safe to drink from. Microorganisms are undetectable by the human eye, but they can bring many diseases. Consider bringing a small, compact water filter with you to ensure you have access to clean water, no matter where you might find yourself. A hollow fiber straw, for example, hardly takes up any space and filters out 99.999% of waterborne contaminants. Having a water treatment plan in place can decrease your risk of dehydration so you can spend more time enjoying the outdoors.
The smartest thing one can do in regards to camping is prepare. Double checking your equipment is appropriate for the environment, packing an emergency kit, and bringing extra food and water allows you to be prepared for most emergencies. Practice campfire safety and common sense in regards to local wildlife. Over-preparing for your trip today can lead to a relaxing trip tomorrow.
What safety precautions should I take while camping?
While camping, be sure your fire is built in a clear, open space away from anything that could act as kindling. Never drink water straight from the source, but instead bring in bottled water or a compact water filter.
How do you secure things while camping?
Lock valuables away in a trailer or vehicle, if possible. If tent camping, do not leave valuable items unattended, as this will increase the risk of theft.
How to camp in a tent safely?
Use only battery-operated or rechargeable lanterns inside of a tent. Ensure the tent is pitched on level ground, away from cliffs in areas where mudslides are possible. Keep food or scented objects in a bearbox away from the tent to keep away uninvited animals.
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