Camping is a great activity, but there are some risks associated with it. There are many natural hazards in the wild that can be dangerous and even deadly to campers if they encounter them. The following article will keep you safe by showing you what hazards to look out for while camping.
As a courtesy to other campers, don’t leave your lighting on overnight, if you are close to others. Pack a timer that you can attach to your lights that will automatically shut them off after a certain time. Leaving lights on overnight is a popular complaint among most American campers!
A survival kit should be packed and carried on you everywhere you go. A first aid kit, matches in a water tight container, a good knife, flares and tablet to purify water are some essentials to include. You may find that this kit makes the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. Never let it leave your side.
Make sure that you get a tent that is big enough for you and whoever else is going to be inside the tent. This helps you to have a more comfy night’s sleep, and trips in and out of the tent will be less disturbing for those who are sleeping.
Practice makes perfect when pitching a tent. Take the time to put the tent up before leaving for your trip. This allows you to build your proficiency at erecting the tent, and will also help locate any issues with the tent in case you need to exchange it for a better option.
Do not dump any type of food waste on the ground. This is a great way to attract unwanted bugs and animals. The best way to get rid of excess food waste is to dump all of it into the fire pit. It is also not a good idea to bury them.
In this modern age, there is no excuse for being in the woods without some form of communication ability. Of course, no one likes to receive phone calls when they are relaxing, so leave your phone off but fully charged, just in case there is an emergency, and you need to contact someone.
It is imperative that you are properly packed for your camping trip. If you forget a few things, it could ruin your entire trip. Creating a checklist of all the things you need can help you. Some useful items are items to create a fire, your tent, tarp, a sleeping bag, water (and lots of it), soap, food that is already prepared, and a utility knife.
It is a good idea to pitch your tent on a piece of land that is level. This will ensure you sleep better, which means you will have more energy for the next day. If you have to sleep on an incline, make sure that your head is tilted uphill.
When you’re finished camping and ready to go home, you should pick up after yourself. Keeping nature clean and preserved can allow future campers to enjoy it too. Before you leave, clean up any messes, you’ve made at your site and try your best to leave nature as you originally found it.
Be aware of the wildlife where you are setting up camp. You do not want to set up in a place where the opossums, racoons and skunks have already called home. Learn the signs of the animals so you can find a safe place to set up camp without worrying as much about these animals at night.
Having an item that provides illumination is very useful for a camping trip. Bring a flashlight is crucial. Since the batteries can run out at any time, you should pack some extra ones in an airtight container. You may also want to carry a small LED torch and a flare gun to be prepared for any dark situations.
It’s a common mistake to set up your campsite near the restrooms. Although the location is convenient, there are many downfalls to this location. Light and high traffic are usually found around the bathroom area. Therefore, camping is not as comfortable and convenient as expected.
Your tent should be kept dry and well ventilated. If your tent is sealed up, condensation may form on it and the items inside. This can cause you to wake up wet. Tents sometimes have vents that are built in or windows that can be opened to prevent the build up of moisture.
Save any cardboard boxes and paper bags in the weeks leading up to your camping trip. You can use some of the the boxes to carry supplies, of course, but they are also great for starting fires. Laundry lint from your dryer screen also makes great kindling for a fire.
The climate in which you are camping will determine the type of tent that you need. If you are not going to be in cold and windy climates, you will not need a tent that is built for it. Do your research about tents before you buy one to be sure it will keep you warm and dry when you need it to.
Bring a fire starter log with you on your camping trip. These logs are made to help you start fires and it can make it much easier for you to get your camp fire going. You simply place it in the fire pit with a few twigs and it will help you start your fire without a lot of effort.
If snakes are a problem, make your area snake-proof. This means avoid going near thick brush, piles of rocks and woodpiles. Boots, clothing and bags should be checked to make sure that a snake has not found its way into them. Always seal your tent, and surround the outside with mounds of dirt.
Although there are hazards associated with camping, don’t let them deter you from venturing into the wild. Being aware of the dangers of camping is the first step towards avoiding them. If you avoid these dangers, then you can create an enjoyable camping experience that will be remembered for years.
