If you're reading this, chances are you've been invited to go on
a camping trip, or you're planning one yourself with your friends or family.
Either way, here are some tips from me, an Eagle Scout, on how to get the most
out of your camping experience, and how to do it safely.
1. Never camp alone.
This is a big one. Having at least one other person camping with you is
essential, especially in cold-weather situations and in case there's an
emergency. In the Boy Scouts of America, we refer to this as the Buddy System.
Wherever you go, be it a small hike or a weekend campout, always have someone
with you in case of an emergency.
2. Plan the trip with a
group.
This is also very important. When planning an outing, it is
imperative that you plan with other people so you agree on a place to go, time
to meet up at, and who is bringing what kinds of equipment or food. Never
take on all of the planning yourself. Telling people that you're
going camping at this time
and that place
is not going to end well—especially if you don't accept criticism and feedback
from other group members that might be more experienced than you when it comes
to camping and the outdoors in general.
3. Check
the weather beforehand.
Imagine this: you and your friends are all excited to go
backpacking this weekend, but when you arrive at the trail head it's pouring
rain. The rain doesn't stop until the end of your trip, and you have a
miserable time because of it. It's perfectly fine to reschedule a trip due to
inclement weather; just make sure to check the forecast.
4. Bring more than
enough water.
A reusable water bottle filled to the brim is the bare minimum
you should have. Depending on where you go, there might be waterspouts or
fountains, but always have some backup water just in case. If you're
backpacking, bring two full reusable bottles and a water filtration kit in case
you need a refill, or water to cook with. If you're camping with your car
nearby for a couple of nights, have a water jug or cooler full of cold water or
ice.
5. Leave No Trace
The Boy Scouts of America have a saying: "Leave the campsite cleaner
than you found it." This is part of our Leave No Trace policy, which
ensures that we keep our sites clean and free of garbage and debris. To do
this, we bring garbage bags with us to carry out our trash, and we police the
campsite before we leave it to make sure there's nothing left behind. If trash
is left behind, you could be fined or even banned from returning, if it's bad
enough, so always bring a trash receptacle of some kind.
6. Don't forget medicine
and a first aid kit.
There's nothing worse than feeling sick while basking in the outdoors and
enjoying nature. You might not ever need it, but it's always good to pack some
Advil, Pepto-Bismol, or Emergen-C. And don't forget inhalers, EpiPens, or any
other prescription medicine one may need. The first-aid kit is a given, and is
handy from the smallest cuts to broken bones; just make sure you know how to
use it.
7. Bring a cell phone.
I probably don't need to remind you of this, but I should say that, unless
you have one of those backup batteries or solar chargers for small devices,
you're S.O.L. if your phone dies and there's an emergency. Fun fact: any old
phone you have lying around the house can still call 911, so packing one of
those is a good idea if you're someone who drains your phone's battery.
8. Make a plan and leave
it with someone who isn't going with you.
Before you leave, take a pen and paper and write down your plans
for the trip, including the trail you're on, who you're with, what campsite
you'll be staying at, and how long you'll be gone for with dates. If you and
your group go missing, this person can provide this information to the proper
authorities, which can lessen search time by days.
9. Dress appropriately,
and bring extras.
I hate to sound like your mother, here, but yes, you're going to
need a few changes of underwear and socks. Even if you're only camping for a
single overnight, anything can happen. If you fall into a body of water or if
it rains*, you're going to want dry clothes to change into. A good rule of
thumb that I follow is to bring an entire change of clothes for a day or two,
just in case something happens and you need to change. Remember to also wear
the proper footwear (a good pair of waterproof, insulated boots are usually
your best for all four seasons) and thermals (long johns, Under Armor) if it's
cold.
*Even though you've checked the weather, it can still rain or snow anytime. Be prepared for anything.
10. Plan the menu in advance.
Another reason to go camping in a big group is that you can easily divide up the food shopping. Making hamburgers? Two people get buns, two people get burgers, and one person gets condiments. Making freeze-dried, just-add-water food from a vacuum-sealed bag? Make sure everyone has a small pot in which to boil water and that there's a heat source with which to boil it.
11. Have a good time!
This is arguably the most important rule of them all; you can be fully prepared to inhabit a tent for a weekend and still have a miserable time. Get out there and enjoy! Go on a long hike, go fishing, go bird watching, even. You're out there with your friends, getting away from all of the stress that is everyday life, so enjoy!
