Taking to the outdoors with little but a destination in mind and a tent on one’s back is an amazing way to begin an adventure. However, without proper planning, such journeys can quickly become stressful. In addition to unexpected occurrences and changes in circumstance, there is also a great deal of risk that can occur, especially the further one travels into nature.
So, before you step outside and begin your camping trip, be sure you have given both your gear and plan due scrutiny, referring to the following basics that will keep you safe as you travel.
Carry Water
It is important to remain hydrated at all times, especially when travelling long distances and carrying potentially heavy equipment. Those who try to push themselves without proper hydration will quickly find themselves becoming tired and stressed. A greater risk, however, occurs when campers find themselves further from water supplies, unable to replenish their bottles and bags.
Before embarking on a further stretch of your journey, be sure to fill all receptacles up so that you avoid the risk of being stranded without water and, as a result, becoming dehydrated.
Understand Roads
The infrastructure of many journeys tends to, in some form or another, involve cars. Even those travelling on foot or by bike will likely have to navigate through roads at certain points and, as a result, ensure they remain safe. Being encumbered with camping gear can also lead to issues when trying to safely travel alongside cars, especially on narrow roads.
Whether you are walking or cycling on roads, it is important to make yourself and your equipment visible and secure, as well as remain aware of vehicles travelling at any speed.
Share Your Location
Camping in the wild is made all the more romantic with distance from urban areas. It’s often about escaping the stresses of metropolitan life and immersing oneself in the wild. While this is certainly a brilliant pursuit, wild campers should still ensure that their location is shared with others, either prior to the trip or online via an application.
This small consideration can help in the circumstances of a rescue scenario, whereby you need assistance from local services or friends and family.
The Right Tent
Purchasing any tent and assuming that it will be appropriate for your camping situation is not a great idea. Tents are designed to handle various, and often specific, situations, meaning that some are more appropriate for wet weather or higher winds. Taking an inappropriately designed tent into a climate beyond its design capabilities puts both yourself and your equipment at risk of being damaged or lost.
Consider The Weather
Before stepping outdoors, you should ensure that your gear matches the expected weather conditions. If temperatures are set to drop at night, clothing and sleeping bags should reflect the colder temperatures, keeping your body warm at all times. Then, if it is set to rain, be sure to carry appropriate coverings for your bag and gear.
