Table of contents:
- 1. The wrong place to camp
- 2. Preparation alakadarnya
- 3. Rely on GPS
- 4. Forgot to bring a first aid kit
- 5. Lack of food and fluids
- 6. Cannot make fire
oCamping is a choice of the simplest and most relaxing vacation activities, a golden opportunity to reconnect with your family or loved ones, escape the city noise and unite in the splendor of nature, and sleep under the stars.
However, there is always something that makes the moment chaotic. The will and determination to find quiet rest and simple happiness quickly becomes a horror story where people don't stop complaining; heat, cold, hunger - to get lost or get caught in a trivial accident that ends up being critical.
Vacationing under the hood doesn't have to end in anguish. Most mistakes are beginner's negligence, and can be avoided with careful planning. Here are 6 common camping mistakes that you should avoid if you want your camping experience to be unforgettable (without any bad memories).
1. The wrong place to camp
Tent? Already. Camper mate? Lots. Tongsis for photos? Bring. Departing? Wait a minute.
Camping can mean scorching heat or floodwaters, mosquitoes and leeches, poisonous mushrooms and poison ivy. In other words: not all camp areas were created equal. Not many people know that the camping environment plays an important part in the success of your camping adventure.
Learn deeply about your destination, how the plant ecosystem and animal life (whether or not wild animals are present) before you actually go camping, by browsing the campsite's official website or on online forums. Authorized campsites can also provide you with and general information regarding the rules and regulations of the camping area, costs, and the life of the flora and fauna in them.
The area where you attach your tent pegs is also important to study in advance. Beginner campers are often stuck in a non-strategic area of a camper - devoid of shade, grass, and other areas of camper traffic. A good tent area has shade (branches or large trees), grass, and flat ground.
2. Preparation alakadarnya
Most people think of going straight into the 'battlefield' without a strategy, without even considering how their safety will be. The main key to avoiding the risk of carelessness revolves around the preparation and careful planning long before the D-day, for example: the size of the tent and the readiness of the camping equipment.
Unless you intend to go backpacking, always choose a tent size 2-3 times larger than the claimed tent capacity compared to the number of people actually sleeping in it. For example, a tent with the size of “three adults” actually only fits 1 adult and camping equipment (or two adults, squeezed into each other); the size of the “two adults” tent fits only one adult and some camping equipment.
In the campground that will be your home for a while, trying to "survive" like a reality TV show is not wise. Bring a pillow, if you can't sleep without a pillow. Poor sleeping equipment will actually make you hate going to sleep and have trouble sleeping soundly. Also check the weather forecast for the days you are camping and adjust the clothes you will bring. Plus, you don't want to deal with panic when you find out that there's a broken tent frame, a broken tent zipper, a leaky air mattress, or a gas stove that's half an hour left before you reach the camper area - or, worst case scenario, knowing all these misfortunes in the area. camp when reinforcements were no longer possible.
Before you camp, test-drive first your tent in the yard of the house. Try to flush with water to make sure the material is still waterproof or there are leaks. Likewise with your other camping equipment, such as sleeping bags or flashlights (don't forget the spare batteries), especially if they are new and untested.
3. Rely on GPS
Bring a compass and manual map with you - and the ability to use them - and turn GPS into alternative reinforcements (which are actually unreliable in the wild and easily damaged). Do not also easily believe in the folk myth that moss that grows in the northern part of a tree means that the sun will rise on the east side of the tree, and crossing the river to the downstream guarantees civilization. Lichens grow in humid places, and the sun can only be seen rising in the east if you are at a certain altitude.
4. Forgot to bring a first aid kit
Even with all the precautions taken, you will not be immune from abrasions. With all the physical activities like tracking, hiking and running, someone is bound to get hurt. Make sure you always have a first aid kit with antibacterial ointment and bandages.
However, it is not necessary to carry dozens of bandages and an endless roll of bandages. Carry a supply of medicines such as ibuprofen, benadryl, and hydrocortisone cream. All three are multipurpose non-prescription drugs for all situations, such as headaches, muscle pulls, insect bites, to reddish rashes on the skin. Also, if you have a personal medication list (such as medications for asthma or diabetes), don't forget to bring it along - including personal health information and a list of prescription medications.
It's a good idea to read and research the functions and instructions for use of each drug that is in your first aid kit to avoid confusion and misunderstanding when using it.
5. Lack of food and fluids
When you are in urban areas, it is recommended that you consume at least 2 liters of fluids per day. When in the middle of nowhere while camping, you will need up to 3 liters of fluid intake per day (depending on hot weather and activity levels).
Clean water sources are hard to find in the wild. Therefore, be sure to bring iodine tablets or a filter, if necessary, to filter the water. One thing is for sure, don't try to drink your urine or alcohol even if you run out of clean water. Urine is a diuretic, and alcohol can cause you to easily lose your body temperature - and your common sense. Two things you need to survive in harsh environments.
It's easy to underestimate how much food you need if you don't plan ahead. During camping, you will need adequate portions of food (3 meals and 2 snacks). Also take into account how much food you have to carry with the size of your camper party, and prepare a "spare" portion, to cope with sudden hunger after a tiring day of activities.
6. Cannot make fire
Bring a lighter. While you can hunt for twigs and trash to make a fire, it is always better not to rely on resources you are not sure you have.
However, it is also a rule to make fires in the camp area. For example, don't make a fire in the shade of a low tree, don't leave a bonfire burning unattended, and put out the fire before going to sleep.
Avoid all the classic mistakes above, and we guarantee your camping experience will be a pleasant memory. By the way, the most important rule? Never approach wild animals.
