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1 |
Plan well.
Determine how much food and water to carry, what gear and clothing will be
necessary. Put together a medical kit. Keep a checklist. Think about when
and where you like to camp. Make a list of the gear that will help you
enjoy your time in the outdoors to the max. Check out our
checklists. Anticipate emergencies, vehicle
breakdowns, illness and injury – will you be able to respond? |
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2 |
Check the
weather forecast as you plan your camping trip. |
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3 |
Study maps.
See where the rivers flow. Try to find out how high the hills or mountains
might be. Learn about the plant and animal life you might expect to find
and which plants are edible. See if you can locate places to obtain food
and water, should the need arise. |
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4 |
Always be
sure that an adult back in town knows of your exact whereabouts on your
camping trip. Share your route and your estimated times of departure and
arrival. Don’t overestimate the rate of your progress. |
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5 |
Wear
clothing that fits well but not too tightly. You want protection from the
weather, of course, but ventilation is important, too. Take waterproof
clothing with you into the woods, a complete change of clothing and extra
warm garments. |
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6 |
Learn early
in your camping career how to layer clothing for best cold-weather
protection. A series of thin layers are always preferable to a single
heavy layer of insulation. Inner layers should trap air for warmth;
fleeces are good in this regard. The outer layer should be windproof,
waterproof and breathable. If you become too warm, loosen your collar or
cuffs – or remove a layer. |
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7 |
In hot
weather, light and loose-fitting garments work best in protecting you from
sunburn, keeping you cool and preventing undue loss of fluids. Always
remember to cover your head. |
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8 |
Be sure that
you’ve broken in new boots before your first hike. In cold weather, add
extra pairs of socks; be careful that the socks fit well together, without
wrinkling. |
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9 |
In very hot
weather, do not walk barefoot until you have hardened your feet. And
always remember to protect the tops of your feet from sunburn. |
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10 |
Your
backpack should be strong and waterproof, with adjustable webbing and a
belt to take the weight to your hips. (External-frame packs are best for
carrying heavy or awkward loads). Be sure that the frame allows some
airspace between the pack and your back – to reduce perspiration. As you
load your pack, make sure that the things you’ll need first are on top. |
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11 |
Once in the
woods, check your equipment regularly for damage. |
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12 |
Always seek
high, level ground as you look for a campsite. |
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13 |
If you’re
camping in an area with heavy use, choose an existing campsite. If you’re
camping in a more remote area, choose a site that cannot be damaged by
your stay. |
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14 |
All
campsites should be at least 75 paces (200 feet) from water and trails. |
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15 |
As much as
possible, hide your camp from view. |
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16 |
Do not dig a
trench around your tent, and avoid building any structures in your camp. |
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17 |
Never cook
in or too near your tent. Look for a level area away from anything that
might catch fire - brush, dry leaves and grass. Use a camp stove whenever
possible: A stove is always better than a campfire for reducing impact on
the land. |
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18 |
Make sure
that any soap you use in the woods is biodegradable. Use soapless hot
water for cleanup whenever you can. Spread wash water so that it can
filter down through the soil. Don’t wash in streams or lakes.
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19 |
Never leave
food unattended around your campsite. Put away leftovers immediately after
meals so you don’t attract unwanted animal visitors. |
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20 |
Think of
your sleeping bag as an investment; a good bag will keep you comfortable
in the woods for years and years to come. Bags are rated by temperature -
the lowest nighttime temperature at which the bag will keep you warm. Use
a bag rated for the lowest temperature you expect to find. |
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21 |
Always keep
the door to your tent zipped. Even if you step outside for just a minute,
zip the door: Doing this keeps the bugs out of your outdoor home. Before
going to sleep, do a flashlight check of your tent to make sure that no
insects have sneaked inside. |
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22 |
Be sure of
your ability to recognize poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. If you
think you may have come in contact with a poisonous plant, wash
immediately. Use lots of soap, and take care to wash every part of your
body that may have touched the plant. |
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23 |
In
warm-weather camping, pay close attention to your body’s response to the
heat. A rapid, weak pulse, rapid, shallow breathing or red, hot, dry skin
are all indications of a heatstroke, a serious medical emergency. If you
recognize any sign of a heat-related illness in you or another camper, get
out of the heat immediately. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths.
Drink cool water, but slowly. Seek medical help. |
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24 |
Special
precautions are necessary if you’re camping in a place where there might
be bears. Make sure that your tent is well away from your cooking and
eating area. Keep your camp clean: Pick up trash and keep your food stored
in airtight containers. Put all food and any items with a smell in a bear
bag, and hang it at night from a tree limb. Store extra clothing, packs
and stoves at a distance from your sleeping area. |
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25 |
Keep a
journal of your days in the woods. Write about your outdoor experiences as
they happen. |
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26 |
When you’re
hiking an existing trail, stay on the path. If a trail doesn’t already
exist, campers should not walk one behind another - spread out to avoid
damage to plant life. |