Camping in the wilderness is an exhilarating and fulfilling experience, but it also presents numerous challenges and hazards that one must be prepared to overcome. There are many situations that one could face, ranging from finding suitable shelter and sources of water to dealing with injuries and dangerous predators that could pose a threat to one's safety. When embarking on a camping trip in the wild, it is essential to be fully prepared to face any eventuality that may arise. Here's a look at some tips to survive in the wild while camping.
One of the most valuable skills that a hiker can possess is the ability to read the contours of a map and recognise the features of the landscape around them. Unfortunately, this is also the biggest deficit among novice hikers, with quite a low number of people knowing how to use a map and compass.
To properly prepare for a hike, it is essential to leave a detailed description of your intended route with a close friend or relative. This will require you to take a close look at your map and actually have a plan in place. It is also important to identify landmarks, potential hazards, and distances along the route and consider leaving a photocopy of the map with your actual route drawn on it, which could prove invaluable in the event of an emergency.
While it is always a good idea to bring a fully charged cellphone with emergency contacts already programmed, it is important to remember that this device should not be relied on as the sole means of rescue in case of an emergency. Checking the weather forecast for exactly where you're going is also crucial, as it can help you gauge what to expect and prepare accordingly.
When it comes to hiking in the mountains, getting an alpine start can make all the difference. All things being equal, it is best to hit the trail at daybreak, as this provides ample time and sunlight to make progress safely. Afternoon thunderheads are common and dangerous in the mountains, with risks such as lightning strikes and hypothermia being a significant concern. Therefore, starting early can help you avoid such hazards.
Before leaving the trailhead, hiding a spare set of keys somewhere on the vehicle and informing your partner of their location is essential. This ensures that you have a backup plan to access your vehicle in case of an emergency or unexpected situation. While on the trail, it is crucial to match landmarks on the map, such as peaks, river crossings, and signs, with their three-dimensional counterparts in the real world. Doing so can ensure that you are on the right track and make progress efficiently.
Taking pictures along the way is also a great idea. Not only can they serve as a memento of your adventure, but they can also provide essential information in case you get lost. By taking pictures of landmarks, trail signs, and other points of interest, you can better retrace your steps and find your way back to safety.
Build A Tent: A tent is the easiest and most comfortable type of shelter, as it can provide you with a ready-made structure that can shield you from rain, wind, and insects. To set up a tent, you need to find a flat and clear spot, stake the corners of the tent, insert the poles, attach the fly, and secure the guy lines. You also need to make sure to ventilate your tent, especially in cold weather, to prevent condensation and frost.
Start A Fire: Look for a place that is flat, dry, and sheltered, and that has a natural or artificial fire ring, such as a circle of rocks or a metal barrel. To start and maintain a fire, you need to gather three types of materials: tinder, kindling, and fuel. Tinder is small and dry, like dry grass, leaves, bark, or cotton. Kindling is medium-sized, like twigs, sticks, or pine cones. Fuel is large and dense, like logs, branches, or coals. Get enough tinder to fill a cup, enough kindling to fill a bucket, and enough fuel to fill a wheelbarrow.
In a situation where you have lots of daylight but have lost your way, it is worth trying to retrace your path and locate any signs of your passing, such as footprints or rocks that moved when you stepped on them. Leaving clear landmarks, such as little stone cairns or piles of branches, all along your return path can be helpful in guiding you back to safety.
If it's nearing night, it's important to prioritise getting warm. Put on your extra layers and consider removing a cotton t-shirt and replacing it with a synthetic fleece layer for better insulation. Look for a natural shelter that can provide some protection from wind and rain, and collect fuel to start a small fire that is just enough to keep you warm but not get out of hand.
In the morning, it's important to reassess your situation. If you believe you can retrace your steps to a known location, try doing so, leaving breadcrumbs along the way. If this is not possible, whistle loudly or use any signalling device at your disposal, such as a mirror to bounce sunlight, to attract rescue personnel. Bright clothing hung on tree limbs, or an SOS made of rocks or branches in a clearing can also help signal for help.