Being lost in the wilderness can be a frightening thought with the looming risk of danger from intense cold, missteps, and wild animals. There are a number of preventative measures one should take before venturing out into the wilderness. When packing for a hunting or backpacking trip, remember to bring a source of light that can last for up to twenty four hours if necessary. Be sure to bring a compass even if you think you know where you’re going, in addition, a backpacking GPS unit will provide an even more accurate method to prevent becoming lost. You will also want to bring a little extra food, water, and clothing just in case of an accident or bad situation.
Prior to a wilderness adventure, always let someone know where you’re going and when you intend to return; even if you’re also taking someone with you. Should you become lost or hurt and unable to move, at least someone will be looking for you.
If you are an avid outdoor enthusiast you probably know that there are certain rules of etiquette to follow when hiking and camping. Here are some good guidelines to follow when hiking on a trail:
1.) Be considerate of other hikers using the road or the trail.
2.) Be sure to ask permission from a landowner when crossing private property.
3.) Keep your noise level down. It’s rude to disturb private property owners as well as other campers.
4.) Be particularly cautious around motorized vehicles, bikes and horses. Stay to the right of the trail and let them pass.
5.) Don’t ever leave any broken hiking gear along the trail. Even when you’re in the wilderness this is still littering.
If you’re going camping, you’d want to be as comfortable as possible out in the elements. A good down sleeping bag is the ultimate in comfort and function. We all know that hiking can take a lot out of you. Rest is essential so you could re-energize yourself for all the strenuous activities ahead of you. Without the proper rest, your energy will bottom out fairly quickly.
Here are a few camping and hiking tips:
1. Always be prepared. Remember, you’re out in the wilderness, preparation is vital.
2. Make sure your body is up to the challenge before heading out.
3. Never hike alone.
4. Wear proper camping clothes.
5. Make certain that the location you’ve chosen is safe and recommended by other, more seasoned hikers.
People who backpack often know that cutting down on the weight of the pack is the most important aspect of backpacking. When you are carrying a lot of weight, you become tired more quickly, are more likely to stumble, and tend to be sore after resting. Backpacking equipment is all designed to be as lightweight as possible, but backpackers have developed a few simple practices of their own to cut down on the weight. For example, water and all fluids weigh a lot, and instead of carrying more than a bottle full of water, backpackers have started to prefer the use of a water pump with a filtration system that can take water from streams and alpine lakes. In addition, carrying powdered food, like Humus, is a great meal idea.
In addition to practice, it is important to have the right equipment. Backpacking tents can weigh less than five pounds, and when compared to many standard tents that weight double or triple that amount, that’s a lot of weight saved. It’s also a good idea to have backpacking packs which are designed to support significant weight, reduce chafing, and store all supplies.
My brother and I used to hike every summer. We’d choose a location, rally up the troops then set off. Now my brother and I, like most siblings, tend to disagree on almost everything. One thing we always agreed on however was the importance of using the proper hiking backpacks. Especially since our hikes lasted longer than a day.
We agreed that hiking backpacks should be sturdy but lightweight. The supplies needed are heavy enough so the backpack’s weight should not add to the burden. They should also have the right number of compartments. Another thing we look for in a backpack is the fit of it to the body; it has to be snug and comfortable.
Some of my friends call me crazy for going on regular winter camping trips, but I have a special term reserved for them: wimps. While I still love traveling to national parks and wilderness destinations during the summer, I don’t relish the process of dealing with huge crowds of tourists. In winter, the landscape is completely different, and it’s just me and a few of my closest buddies roughing it in the woods.
Needless to say, the supplies and equipment necessary for winter camping are a bit different. It helps to shop for Coleman sleeping bags with a third-party temperature rating; I prefer those that are rated below 32 degrees as it can get downright frigid in the forest at night. Beyond that, look into portable propane heaters and tents that are well sealed against the elements.
Earlier this month, a rock slide buried part of State Route 410 in Washington State beneath a mammoth pile of rubble. The road was made impassable, and more than a thousand people were forced to evacuate their homes in the Cascade Mountains. Either that or they remained trapped for a few days without supplies or access to civilization. The fact is, these freak occurrences aren’t unusual in nature.
Part of what makes the great outdoors so intriguing and attractive is its ability to flout man’s expectations. While we cannot control every aspect of a camping trip or backpacking excursion, it’s best to be prepared just in case of disaster. Seasoned outdoorsmen should set aside their pride and invest in a few camping first aid kits. Of course these kits are especially useful for a novice hiker.
The first Swiss army knife was introduced in the late 1800s, and these special blades have been heralded as symbols of resourcefulness and utility ever since. The knife got its start as a standard-issue military staple in the cantons of Switzerland, and eventually its integrity and effectiveness grew popular all over the world. While Swiss army knives achieved pop culture infamy on the ’80s TV show “MacGyver,” their usefulness has outlasted that ephemeral series.
The knives are celebrated for their versatility in camping and hiking situations. Their vast array of additional tools – including screwdrivers, can openers and scissors – makes them a fixture in any avid camper’s backpack or front pocket. Victorinox knives are just as handy for cutting tangled fishing line as they are for splitting a piece of twine or slicing tape to repair a damaged tent.
Whether you’re going camping, backpacking, or hiking, there are a few essential pieces of equipment necessary to ensure safety and an enjoyable wilderness experience for all involved. The most important is your camping first aid kit; it’s essential just in case of injury, snakebites, or infection. It’s also important to have a compass and map, or if you want to go modern, a hiking gps unit. When venturing into the wilderness apparel like warm clothing, rain gear, gloves, and hiking boots can help you to stay dry and warm if you happen to become cold. Hypothermia can be a real danger in the outdoors, even in warmer locations where you wouldn’t think it.
It’s also important to notify a close family member or friend where you are going and when you intend to come back. If you are lost or injured in the wilderness and no one knows about it, you run the risk of not being found until its too late.
It’s important to scout out the climate and weather conditions for a camping trip well ahead of time, but altitude is a consideration that often goes overlooked. That’s unfortunate because hikers are drawn to the splendid vistas and picturesque scenery unique to mountainous regions. In a high-altitude camping situation, one needs to bring a suitable set of backpacking supplies.
Obviously a weather-resistant backpacking tent is the first and most important thing to bring, but a sleeping bag is close behind. Nights cool down quickly in the mountains, so you’ll want to have a cold-rated sleeping bag. Sleeping bags stuffed with down or a comparable synthetic material work best. Most bags will advertise their weather rating right on the packaging, but you can also get an idea by checking the thickness of the material.
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