A Safe Camping Adventure Starts With the Right Camping Tools

No matter what time of the year, camping can be a very wonderful experience and a welcome relief from the cramped everyday turmoils of city life. With the proper preparation and camping gear, hikes and overnight stays in the outdoors can respark the mind and body. Unfortunately, poor planning can result in accidents, exposure, and injuries. To help you get the most out of your camping experience, I have created some simple guidelines that can help you along:

(1)Always Expect the unexpected.
Before you get ready to leave out, give some thought to worst-case scenarios and how you would deal with those emergencies. Its not a pleasant thing to think about as your getting ready to venture out for your camping trip, but lets say for example, discussing with your traveling companions the options for an encounter with a bear, or what to do if one of you gets lost.Who will be the first, 2nd and so forth in charge of the group should the leader become hurt or ill.

(2)Communicate.
Email copies of your plans to family members and post one on your refrigerator. Be sure to sign in and out when using a campground, and sign in and out with a ranger prior to starting a wilderness hike. Should something go wrong, your movements can more easily be tracked, which just might save yours or your traveling guests lives. Consider purchasing two-way radios for you and your traveling guests to use on your trip. If someone does get lost, they'll have a way to communicate. thus saving alot of lost time trying to find each other. I have spent alot of time trying to find my boys when one goes a missing and it does cut into your holiday camping time if your using it to just keep track of each other instead of enjoying the outdoors. Just keep in mind that children will wonder no matter how close a eye you keep on them, so having that extra two-way radio sure will come in handy when the need arises. Also the whistle is a very good tool for those younger children to keep around there wrist. They love to make noise and if you explain to them that they can make all the noise they want if they cant find mommy or daddy they are sure to follow that rule.

(3) Bring the right camping gear.
Don't let sudden weather changes catch you off-guard. Waterproof backpacks and tents, as well as cold weather sleeping bags, will minimize your exposure and ensure a pleasant camping trip, even if mother nature should act up.

(4)Pack the right clothes.
The right camping gear includes the right clothing. Layer clothes for optimum comfort, so you can add or remove layers as the temperature changes. Be sure to pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket and pants, as well as a set of warmer clothes for those chilly nights. I know that when we went camping, yes at first in our back yard. I did this as a trial run, the boys all started off well, but as the temps dropped at night say at around 1:00 AM, they all ran indoors to the house because they didnt plan for the temps to drop to a cold freeze at night for summer time. So planing for this will help to not cut your camping trip short.

(5)Know where you are going.
Getting lost in the wilderness is frightening and can become deadly. Make sure you have detailed maps of the area, including a topographical map, and consider taking along a GPS system and two-way radios. Also pack a whistle, so you can signal if necessary. It also is a good idea to carry with you a cell phone to use if need be. Everyone should carry one. Always have a meeting point before you begin so in the event one does get lost he or she will know to go to the meeting point and wait there for you to arrive, again this can cut down on hunting time for missing parties of your camp, and can save unneeded worry.

(6)Beware of the outdoor insects
Insect bites and stings can ruin even the greatest thought out planned trip. be sure to use DEET-based insect repellent, and re-apply as needed. At the end of each day, you should check for ticks - especially behind the ears, under the arms, and in the groin area - as they are carriers of Lyme disease. When selecting a site to stow your camping gear, stay away from the berry bushes, they are a prime frequent lodging area for bears.

(7)Practice fire safety.
Fire is always a potential hazard. Keep your campfire as small as is feasible. If possible, utilize a fire pit that others have previously used. Be sure the pit has a ring of rocks around it, and never build a fire pit where there are overhanging branches. Keep a bucket of water near the fire, and have someone station near a burning fire at all times to keep watch over it.

I hope you have found these tips useful, and it really should go without saying but I will say it all the same. As with any type of trip with the right gear and preparation, and some common sense tips, your camping trip is sure to be a safe and successful one!