The weather is warmer, the smell of flowers permeates the air, and you’re feeling riddled with “cabin fever” following a long cold winter. You’re aching for some sort of respite with an overwhelming sense of escapism.
Have no fear for I am here to be your guide in the somewhat tumultuous waters that are outdoor living. I mean, you say you want to be outside, but you can’t just head out to the woods unprepared, can you? Sure, you imagine yourself to have a full scruffy beard, a thick red and black plaid shirt, and a giant ax resting on your shoulder ready to conquer the wilderness.
We’ve all had that sense of grandeur about ourselves. Realistically speaking it’s not that easy. That my friend is a recipe for disaster. Let me share with you some of my sage wisdom so that you head into the great outdoors armed with the wisdom needed to survive.
Table of Contents
1)Having the right tools is essential:
We’ve already covered some of your wardrobe necessities, it’s time to go over some of the other “must haves” on your epic adventure. Should you get tired what are you going to do? Curl up in the dirt with your knapsack as a pillow? I don’t think so, and seeing as laboring over an “easy to pitch” tent for hours, which isn’t as easy as advertised, is no fun then why not come with a ready-made inflatable tent? Lickity split and your temporary humble abode is ready to go.
2)Doublecheck all your essentials before leaving:
Make a checklist of everything you need on your trip, and double-check to make sure they are all accounted for. That includes your clothes, toiletries, food rations, first aid kit, insect repellant etc. You’d hate to be miles deep into your sojourn only to find you left behind the extra roll of toilet paper.
3)Safety first, always:
Stay away from any animals big or small. They are wild, and no matter how cute they might be, you never know the danger to you that they could potentially pose. This brings me to my next point.
4)Know the local wildlife:
It’s times like these where the phrase “it’s a jungle out there” can be taken quite literally. It’s better to be safe than sorry right? You’d hate to be catching 40 winks in your inflatable under your warm blanket only to be awakened by the low growl of a mountain lion just outside. Research the best techniques to deter predators.
5)Having the correct tools needed for your meals:
Sure, you’re out in the middle of nowhere, but you don’t have to eat like a caveman. Maybe you brought along some ground beef and feel like having a nice burger by the fire. Cooked over an open flame might taste exquisite, but if you brought a portable griddle you’d cut back on prep time and have more time to savor your meal.
6)Wherever you are camping has food guidelines. Follow them accordingly:
Make sure you come equipped with the right tools to properly prepare your food, and make sure you dispose of any discarded food properly. What might be scrumptious to you could harm the local wildlife
7)Speaking of meals:
Prep all your meals in advance. You’re in the middle of nowhere, and far from anything resembling a clean workstation. The last thing you want to be doing is trying to prep your food.
8)Bring a cool box:
Freeze all the foods you’ve prepped beforehand and put them in the cool box. That will extend the life of your meals for your trip if you’ve planned accordingly.
9)Bring something to light a fire with:
This should be considered an essential tool for your excursion. Whether it’s a lighter or a box of matches, you’ll need something to get the campfire going, and although you have visions of rubbing two sticks together it’s best to stick with old faithful.
10)Keep a map on hand of the local trails:
No matter how stubborn you might be, and no matter how much of an expert with directions you might feel you are, KEEP A MAP WITH YOU. Getting lost would suck the fun right out of your trip.
11)Be aware of your surroundings:
Whether you’re backpacking through Europe, having a Walkabout in the Australian Outback, or hiking the great Appalachian Trail it is best to have a working knowledge of your surroundings. Having the right wardrobe could mean the difference between you having a memorable experience or a miserable one.
12)Dress accordingly:
Pack the proper clothes needed for your trip. You might feel shorts and a t-shirt are relaxing, but they aren’t the best protection against bugs and won’t keep you warm at night.
13) Preparation is key:
You don’t want to head out to the woods empty-handed. Not armed with the knowledge to survive the elements. You do that, and you’re going to find yourself up the creek. You need the correct tools to ensure that you come out the other side of your outdoor adventure unscathed.
14)Set up your tent before it gets dark:
Once that sunsets you’re going to want to be relaxed. Not fidgeting and fumbling through your supplies as you attempt to set up your tent in the dark. That is a recipe for disaster and not a way to entice you to go camping again.
15)Make sure your tent is ventilated:
The last thing you’d want is to wake up the next morning after sleeping with poor ventilation only to find yourself sopping wet due to condensation.
Well, here we are. We’ve come to the end of our journey together, and you are now ready to embark on a journey of your own. Fear not brave traveler, as I have instilled within you the information you need to have a life-changing and transformative adventure in the great outdoors. Go yonder and explore the world and all its wonders!
Make sure you read more camping guides if you just starting out and you preparing for your next camping adventure.
