Nothing beats the thrill of going on a road trip and camping in the wilderness. The excitement you get from the great outdoors, the nature surrounding you, new experiences gained and the journey itself are all unbeatable experiences.
Besides learning new things, you discover how to pack light, use limited resources and work with what nature has to give. Camping comes with a host of other requirements though, so you need to plan ahead and know what you need to carry with you. You should also have an idea of what to expect when you get to the site.
Research
The first thing you need to do is find out about the location of the camp site. This is important because you may go to an unfamiliar place. The environment could affect your health or your body could react differently to the sudden changes.
You need to do a thorough research of the location, the climate and find out if there are any medical checks you need prior to visiting the area. Check out the spots around the site that could come in handy for you if you need something, or some assistance. Places such as the nearest clinic, police station or supplies store should be of interest.
Existing sites
Are there other camp sites in the same location? This will help you when choosing the perfect place for camping because then you don’t need to pick one when you can find others and weigh which one will give you the best experience. Once you pick out a location, you need to pick out the camping site you’ll stay at, so there are factors you need to consider when picking out a site that works for you.
Weather
You need to check out the weather and climate for the location you’ve identified and be aware of the possible changes in weather patterns. Bring the kind of essentials in clothing or medical gear for those with any underlying conditions. Knowing the weather also lets you decide which camp site to go to. For example, people with respiratory problems may not want a cold, dusty or rain prone area.
Water sources
While this is important for your domestic use such as refilling water bottles, cleaning utensils, taking a light bath, or washing a few items of clothing, being close to a water source may also be detrimental to your camping experience. Especially if it is a large water body that can be influenced by climate. It is recommended that you set up your camp tent about 200 feet away from the water source for safety and health reasons.
Natural hazards
Check the campsite for hazards such as floods, tides, landslides, mudslides, snow avalanches and falling rocks. Also check that the surface on which you will set up your tent is level, seeing as you need a comfortable ground upon which to lie on. Popular sites will already have leveled surfaces as people have been there before. Everyone wants to be as comfortable as possible since getting a good night’s sleep can be difficult while camping.
Suggested reading: Know your region before disaster strikes
Trails around the site
Check for any human or game trails around the site because you wouldn’t want to have unwanted guests. The last thing you need while out camping is to have strangers walking by your tent, or animals lurking in the vicinity. It can be scary and dangerous for you so you need a private, secure place that offers intimacy. You should avoid at all costs setting camp on hiking trails or pedestrian paths, or even game trails.
Ample space and privacy
Space and privacy matter because you want a spot that can work for you if you decide, for example to play some outdoor games. Privacy ensures you do not interfere with other campers’ freedom to be at the site. Also, you get to enjoy yourself whether you’re alone or with your partner, or you if you came as a group.
Essential supplies for camping
Create a checklist of items you need to carry on your camping trip and always carry this list on you. Do so when going to the camping spot, but also when you return back home. You’ll be surprised how easily things get lost in the outdoors.
Just to name a few, important items include a sleeping bag, a tent, flashlights and batteries, a power bank (for juicing up your phone), a few blankets, warm and light clothing, all terrain footwear, snacks, water bottles, an equipped first aid kit tailored to your personal needs, a pack of matches, a lantern, bar of soap, a Swiss pocket knife, disposable cutlery and crockery, toilet supplies, and all important – money.
If you have all the above covered, you can enjoy the camping experiences and come back home with lovely memories. Remember, that you can always add on stuff to your essential supplies list based on what you want out of the experience.
Article written by Paul Watson for Prepper’s Will.
Useful resources you may like:
The Right Knowledge to survive any medical crisis situation
A DIY Project to Generate Clean Water Anywhere
The vital self-sufficiency lessons our great grand-fathers left us
Learn how to Safeguard your Home During a Crisis