While many people enjoy a camping vacation during the summer, some campers prefer to venture into the wonderful outdoors throughout the year. They enjoy escaping the pressures of everyday life and immersing themselves in nature. However, just because it is enjoyable doesn’t mean that their experiences are always perfect.
Camping trips can go wrong with the slightest issue at times, and knowing how to cope can save the excursion and prevent you from having to head home early. This post will explain three common camping issues and teach you how to overcome them.
Exposure to the Elements
When you go camping, you are at risk of being open to the weather. Whether it’s pouring down with rain or the sun is beating down on your shoulders, this can cause a variety of problems. Not only can it affect your health, but it could also damage your equipment. This is why you must know how to cope when the temperature or weather conditions begin to change.
Harsh weather conditions, like rain and wind, can damage your shelter. If the waterproof layer wears away, tents can develop leaks, and strong winds can tear the fabric. This means that even the items inside your shelter, including your bedding and clothes, could become waterlogged.
The best way to overcome exposure to the elements while camping is to check the weather forecast ahead of your trip. You must research the area you will be camping in and understand the average weather conditions at that time of year.
This will enable you to pack appropriately, but remember that the weather can change, so it’s helpful to prepare with waterproof gear and pack additional layers for versatility.
Wet Kindling
As previously mentioned, the weather can cause issues, and dampening your firewood and kindling is a possibility when it rains. Wet kindling will not burn as well as dry wood, and it can produce excessive smoke, creating hazardous creosote. This type of fire will not generate as much heat because its energy is used to evaporate water, which means you will become much colder.
To ensure you can build a burning fire, you must find dry materials. Looking for firewood under dense canopies or other protected areas is one option, but you might also choose to split wet wood. Even if the outside is wet, the center of the wood will likely be dry. You can do these tasks through a technique called knife batoning, which involves driving the knife through the wood by hitting it with a baton.
Lack of Medical Preparedness
Being outdoors, sometimes in the wilderness, can mean that emergency help is further away. With this in mind, campers should ideally possess sufficient medical knowledge to handle injuries that may occur. Regrettably, this isn’t always the case, and individuals may go untreated due to their lack of preparation for potential accidents.
Before heading on a camping trip, you must learn basic first aid skills, including how to treat common injuries like insect bites, sprains, and strains. There will likely be additional location-specific risks, so it is advisable to research the area where you will be camping. This can also help you determine the best route to the nearest medical facility.
With your knowledge of the most common health issues and any risks in your chosen area, you can prepare a personalized first aid kit. Include items for wound care, such as antiseptic wipes and bandages, as well as over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription medications.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, camping can be a challenging experience at times, and campers should be aware of the specific risks associated with it. Exposure to the elements, wet kindling, and lack of medical preparedness are common issues you might encounter, but the proper preparations can help you overcome them.