Camping comes in a variety of forms. You might buy a camper and make your way comfortably throughout the country, or you could drive out to a national park and reserve a campsite for your small tent. Others take a more adventurous approach. Wild camping is the act of going out somewhere in nature and pitching a tent in the midst of it all. No running water, no cell service, and no safety net.
Immersing yourself in nature this way is rewarding, but it’s just as dangerous. It can be done safely if you’re prepared, but you have to know what you’re doing. We’re going to give you a basic guide to wild camping, covering some important points that will keep you safe.
1. Monitor Weather Closely
Regardless of where you go, you will be exposed to whatever nature throws at you. Almost every region of the planet is prone to extreme conditions, and there isn’t always a clear way of knowing when those conditions will arise.
So, make sure to keep a close watch on the weather before you go out to your location. Make note of the potential conditions that the area has experienced in the past and prepare for them. Extreme heat, cold, and flooding are all things to be prepared for.
2. Understand The Wildlife
Your next big obstacle is wildlife. We can appreciate flora and fauna safely, but we have to understand that wild camping involves pitching a tent in their territory.
Know the area, and be prepared for encounters with whatever you might find. The big ones are predators at the top of the food chain. The main things to watch out for in North America are bears, cougars, wolves, and smaller threats like snakes. Bear spray is a good start, but the most important thing is to research how to handle encounters with these animals before you leave.
3. Plan Your Meals
Getting way out requires that you account for backpack weight, so you can’t pack all of the food you might want to eat. Make a plan to get enough nutrients from foods that will fit lightly into your bag. If you can, over-pack a little bit. The same goes for water.
If you’re a real expert, you can practice getting food and water from nature before you leave. That will put you in an excellent position.
4. Bring a Map
We’re not used to navigating on our own. Modern life has sort of stripped that from us. If you’re not convinced, which direction is north from where you’re sitting? If you don’t know the answer, you’re not alone. Be sure to come prepared with a compass and a map. This is especially true if you’re going out into vast national parks or true wilderness.
There’s a lot of gear that you’ll need as well. You can find great campaign gear by exploring
5. Tell Someone Where You’ll Be
Have a plan of when you’re leaving, where you’ll stay, and when you should be back. Tell somebody this plan so that they can send help for you if anything goes wrong. If you fail to let someone else know, there are few ways for you to get help if you’re in severe trouble.
Planning on Going Wild Camping?
Wild camping is a life experience that not many people get to have anymore. It’s a beautiful thing, and we’re here to help you figure out how to do it. You might have to look into finding wild camping essentials or do more about wildlife.
In any case, explore our site for information and ideas on how to get your next camping trip in motion.
Also read: 4 Survival Tips in Wildlife – How Can You Avert Dangers in The Jungle?
