There are a number of camping safety tips to keep in mind before you head out into the wild. When starting out, most of us aren’t very knowledgeable about what camping truly entails and what you should look out for for a smooth and hassle-free experience. In this article, we’ll explore topics of emergency preparedness and outdoor survival skills that you’ll want to become deeply familiar with ahead of your brave venture.
Survival Skills & You – Know Before You Go
Since you’re probably yearning for adventure, let’s not dawdle too much. These are the necessary survival skills required for a fun and safe camping trip:
Understanding Trail Markers
In the wild, not everything is going to be spelled out for you. Having a basic grasp of the meaning behind the different trail signs, blazes, and cairns will help you better orient yourself and understand what’s ahead of you. Generally speaking, though, you don’t want to stray too far from the marked trails.
Setting Up Camp
Undoubtedly, a crucial part of any camping trip involves proper campsite setup. Pack your season-appropriate gear, know how to select a sturdy, functional camping perimeter, practice setting up camp, and remember the importance of safety. By following these rules, you guarantee you’ll get to experience nature as it is meant to be experienced – without your tent collapsing on top of you every couple of hours.
Building a Fire (Safely!)
After setting up camp, you’ll eventually need to get a fire going, either to get warm or to prepare a meal. Lighting one becomes much easier when using fire starting accessories, though, if you want to go full-on survival mode, you can try doing it yourself with leaves and sticks for kindling. Regardless of your method, always practice fire safety – use intended fire pits only, and don’t place flammable objects next to the flames.
Emergency Preparedness
Research your camping destination ahead of time. Are there any dangers to be aware of? How do you contact emergency services? What do you do when you spot a forest fire? Studying the answers to these questions and becoming intimately familiar with them is among the best camping safety tips to know before setting out.
First Aid
Basic first aid is an absolutely necessary survival skill if you want to be serious about camping. Constructing a comprehensive first aid kit and knowing how to use the implements and equipment inside could potentially save a life. You don’t want to wind up in a true emergency without the practical knowledge needed to provide assistance to a person in need, so be prepared!
Outdoor Navigation
No matter if you’re camping in the rain in an El Niño year with substantial precipitation or backpacking through the backcountry in the scorching sun, the last thing you want is to lose your bearings. Straying too far away from the trail could make getting back to civilization significantly more difficult, especially if there is no cell service in the area. To prevent that and always be able to find your way back, get used to working with a compass and physical map and practice your navigation skills.
Identifying Plants
Occasionally, when strolling through the woods, you may encounter some plants that either have sprouted particularly appealing fruit or maybe simply look beautiful, which warrants closer inspection. But before you rush too far ahead of yourself, be reminded that some plants may only look innocuous and delicious. Many wild plants can be toxic and cause anything from mild irritation to severe poisoning. Familiarize yourself with the local field guide to easily identify these plants and avoid them.
Finding & Treating Water
A trusty, decent-sized water bottle or jug is definitely a must-have piece of camping gear, but what happens when you drink all your reserves in the midst of a hike with no human-constructed wells nearby? When potable water isn’t available, you’ll have to source it from natural springs and creeks. Knowing how to plan your route around water stops is crucial, as are reliable water treatment methods. To prevent ingesting waterborne pathogens, you’ll need to boil it first or use a high-quality water purifier
Staying Warm
Lastly, remember to secure adequate cold-weather camping gear when going camping, particularly if going in lower temperatures. For the night, make sure your sleeping bag’s insulation offers sufficient protection from the cold air. Additionally, to create an extra layer between your body and the frigid ground, consider a sleeping pad. While this may not be a survival skill, it takes care of a basic need to remain healthy and strong throughout your trip.
The Takeaway
With these outdoor survival techniques, you can rest assured that your upcoming trip won’t pose unexpected challenges or catch you off guard. Though, remember, these are just the basic survival skills – life is ever a learning process, and leveling up your primitive camping skills to overcome any situation might be worth the time investment as well.
You may also read: Eco-Friendly Camping: Tips to Reduce Your Footprint