It’s undeniable that a lot of people need a break from the daily hustle and bustle of their lives. A lot of them do this by drinking out with friends and partying in nightclubs. Others like it more on the inside, playing video games, reading books while having a cup of coffee. And still, there are others that want it to be hands-on: They go camping.
Camping has a lot of benefits, expert or newbie alike. For one, you get to be a bit closer to nature and experience the world all in its natural state. The experience itself is undeniably refreshing, especially when you’re finally on top of a ridge looking up into the sky with a fresh breath of air calmingly wrapping you.
However, before you get to experience a lot of the good stuff that camping has to offer, you need to be aware of a lot of simple rules. These rules will ensure that you have a safe, clean, and unforgettable experience when you’re out in the woods.
Avoiding Widow Makers
When going on any camping trip, make sure that you survey the area first before setting up camp. Better yet, try to research the area on the possible flora and fauna living. Your actions should always depend on the things you find out. For example, if data suggests that bears are a common sight in an area, then it’s best that you stay clear of that site.
Another thing to avoid is to camp around tall dead trees. Being close to trees might be a good idea to have ropes easily tied around them, but some of these huge trees are rotting. Rotting can indicate that a tree can fall at any time. A lot of these trees have mortally wounded a lot of campers, hence the name Widow Maker.
Trying Gear Beforehand
Prevent any accidents with gear by trying them at your house beforehand. By trying your equipment out, you can see any damage sustained from previous camp outs or damage due to normal wear and tear. You can check out additional gear from sites online such as Aussie Disposals.
There have been a lot of instances of camping trips being ruined by tents that have holes on the roofing. Other horrendous experiences point out to firestarters not working, blunt knives, containers with holes and other preventable mishaps. Avoid any of these situations from making your trip a bad one by testing out your gear before you go out camping.
Fire is a Must
An essential part of camping is to be able to produce fire. A fire pit is important when you’re out in the woods, especially in cold climates. A fire also cooks your food and warns animals to stay away from your camp area. However, you need more than just matches to start a safe and warm fireplace on your site.
Try gathering dry leaves and tinder together. Slowly light a flame underneath it and carefully blow it to keep the fire burning. Be careful not to burn out all your fuel. Once you get a considerable amount of fire, place it in your pit full of logs or charcoal.
Your pit should have rocks circling it to prevent the fire from spreading away. Remember, always have water nearby to extinguish a fire that’s starting to run out of control. Just like Ol’ Smokey used to say, “Only you can prevent forest fires.”
Takeaway
Indeed camping is an activity that enables people to get away from it all. Whether a newbie or an expert, camping provides a rich and unforgettable experience. However, the tips mentioned above shouldn’t be overlooked even by the most seasoned camper.
Basics such as starting a fire, testing out gear before camping, and surveying an area are all critical factors in letting you have a pleasant experience out in the woods.