Going on backpacking camping is the perfect trip for those who would like to experience closeness to nature. However, know that backpacking is different from Car Camping. In backpacking, you choose a tropical place to stay without bringing a car with you. That’s because, in most cases, campers decide to go hiking on top of one of the beautiful mountains or explore forests with waterfalls and caves. Sometimes backpackers also experience the sea by enjoying a swim in the blue waters or surfing along its big waves.
Before you get mesmerized with the excitement of going camping, consider these guidelines first to keep you safe on the road. Don’t forget your warm hiking leggings for a comfortable trip.
Pack Up an Emergency Kit Just In Case
We’ll never know what we may encounter in the wild. Other than wild animals, there can also be some dangerous tribes or poisonous plants. It pays to be always ready and alert – just in case the worst thing happens.
In case of emergency:
- Pack yourself a kit containing first-aid supplies such as a bandage, antibiotics like creams to treat wounds, medications that are necessary, and lighter, lanterns, or LED flashlight with extra batteries.
- Make sure you are armed for protection. You can bring your favourite outdoor guns from M4A1 Gel Blaster in Australia. Tactical Edge from M4A1 Gel Blaster in Australia is typically used for leisure for some outdoor shooting sports, but they can help to scare animals in the wild. You can also get a swiss knife for more discreet protective equipment.
- For longer trips, do not forget a survival blanket, hand warmers, sturdy ropes, and a rain poncho, as well as a whistle and mirror, which will come in handy should you need to ask for help.
- Don’t forget to drop by a pharmacy. Add some tablets to purify water and make it safe for drinking. Nature can also be our worst enemy, be cautious in drinking water anywhere. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Many hikers have suffered digestive problems due to water contamination on a trail hike and backpackers camping. A water storage container that is collapsible is also useful. The same goes for a spare tarpaulin and cords or nylon filament for emergencies.
- Take note of your means of communication. Yes, you can bring as many cellular phones and power storage devices as you would like but keep in mind that network signal in the forest and mountains is typically poor. Consider buying a two-way radio, which is proven more effective as a means of communication while you are out in the wild.
Make Your Plans Public
Backpacking into the wild is exciting and fun, but there is no guarantee that you will be safe for the entire duration of your trip. You can almost never foresee accidents. And take note that chances are – there is no one in a tropical forest who can readily assist you with anything if something bad happens to you.
So before going out on a trip, leave behind a complete itinerary detailing where you will be. And if possible, draw a line to map out the routes you’re taking from start to end. It is also essential to adhere to the itinerary and never deviate from your planned course unless necessary. That is to ensure rescuers could easily track you should you need help. Also, upon your arrival in the area, do not forget to register at a local ranger station. Inform them of your itinerary and ask if you will require a special permit for your adventure plans. Make sure to read reviews of top quality expedition backpacks.
Mastery of the Old-School Items: Compass and A Map
Valleys and mountains have different terrains, and more often than not, there is no signal on the ground for you to make a call. While there is a modern phone, they call “satellite phone” which most campers use, there is still no guarantee if it will work well the whole duration of your journey.
Because of these factors, it is best if you master the maps and compass so you can walk your way in and out of the wilderness. It will surely assist you when the going gets tough in the jungle.
Weather Forecast
Before you commence with your journey, check with the weather bureau for any possibility of blistering heat, updates on extreme weather, hurricanes, and big storms. You can also check with Forest Services for helpful tips when storms come around. Again, as cited earlier, Nature is unpredictable, and it doesn’t always side with us at all times. If you heard that it rained pretty hard the day before, even if it’s already a sunny day on your day of backpacking- it’s best to skip a mountain climbing or backpacking plan near a waterfall.
Face to Face with An Animal
The most common animal that visits campers is a bear. There are also cases of lion encounters. But what is probably the scariest are the snakes that climb trees and blend in with the environment. Characteristics of animals are diversified and sometimes hard to control. So, make sure you talk with a ranger on duty when you arrive in the area, just to be safe from animals. When a bear visits you at your camp, just make a loud noise to scare it away. If a mountain lion approaches you, throw rocks in its direction, and it will go away.
Takeaway
Backpacking is worth an experience, but you have to make sure that the areas you want to explore are safe. Familiarize the area first before you set camp. Gear up and be a ready scout. Bring your Tactical Edge from M4A1 Gel Blaster in Australia if possible.
Be critical in observing everything around you. A critical eye is far from any danger. Always remember to communicate with rangers so they can assist you anytime you need help. The phone, map, and compass are also your best friends in the wilds. So remember to power up or charge your communication equipment whenever possible. Basically, that seems to be all it- You are now ready to have the camp of your life!