You are herePlanning Your Next Camping Trip
Planning Your Next Camping Trip
It can be a lot of fun to explore the natural world, whether it`s for just one night or a longer adventure. Either way, you`ll need to take some things into consideration.
Food is one of the most important considerations in your trip planning. This essential step is where most people feel lost and don’t know where to begin. To get help with trip menu planning, click here. Food is your energy source when you`re camping, so if you plan to hike or move around, a lot, you`ll need to make sure you have plenty of higher calorie items to keep you going. Instant snacks like granola bars and gorp make good on-the-trail fuel, but there`s nothing like sitting down to a hot meal in the evening, before climbing into your tent.
Food should be easy to carry and prepare. There are several tips and tricks that you can use to help with menu planning, preparing food ahead and lightening your load in order to accomplish this goal. You must also keep in mind the risk of taking perishable foods into the backcountry and plan well to use these before they go bad so you won’t create waste that you have to carry with you, or worse, make yourself sick from risky food. For example, items such as meats will need to be kept cool until you use them, so aren`t practical for use after the first day of hiking, especially in warm weather.
Gear
There`s nothing worse than heading out on a hike only to discover that your boots cause blisters, a backpack has a hole or the tent leaks! Make sure you break your gear in before planning a big trip and get the best you can afford. Gear that breaks down in the field can cause some major problems. Go through your gear meticulously if you haven’t used it in a while. It is even worth setting your tent up in the yard to make sure you still have all your poles and your tent fly. Put fresh batteries in your headlamp.
Try asking yourself, if you had to, could you survive in the outdoors with the equipment you currently own? If not, then you might want to consider an upgrade or start asking your friends to borrow their equipment.
First Aid
A kit with the basics for first aid is a must, even for a day trip. Moleskin and bandaids for blisters, painkillers and other emergency items are a good idea. You can buy pre-assembled first aid and survival kits or create your own. Whichever option you choose, never leave home without the basics.
Climate and Terrain
Get familiar with the area that you are going to venture into. Pick up some good topographical maps. Research the weather forecast and predicted temperatures. Find out if there are any major weather patterns that may occur in the specific area such as flash floods or frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Do you need to get permits?
Camping is a great adventure and it will only be better with planning. Make sure you have the right gear, in good condition, as well as plenty of food to keep your body fueled and ready to go. Even seasoned professionals benefit from having a menu plan and gear check before they head out on a hike.
