To make sure you are safe and fully prepared for your next camping trip, you need to prepare ahead and make sure that the equipment you are bringing and your past experiences adequately prepare you for your next outdoor adventure. Always have a contingency plan in case something goes wrong.

Be Ready To Deal With An Outdoor Emergency Before It Happens

Where possible, leave details of your group, your destination, and your estimated trek length in trailhead or mountain hut logs, or lodge an intentions form with a responsible authority or person, such as the ranger office at park headquarters. This provides a healthy chance that you will be missed and searched for if you experience mishap and fail to turn up. Just as important , don't forget to sign off or report that you've completed the trek; otherwise, you may needlessly take up the time of the rescue teams and possibly endanger their lives.

You should also let family and friends know your plans before leaving. Use the power of social networks to notify friends and family when departing. But again, you must remember to notify people when you have returned, to prevent unnecessary worry or searches from happening.

If you are not well acquainted with the area or have extensive experience hiking solo, you probably should not attempt your trip alone.

Emergency Supplies And Gear You Should Bring

Here are the "ten essential" items you should always carry according to experts: a map, compass, extra clothing, eye protection, a small knife, a fatwood and waterproof matches for backup, extra food and a flashlight. You should have a special bag which you use to carry solely your emergencies supplies.

Learn basic skills or brush up on old ones before you go, and be sure you know how to use all the equipment. The farther you go into the woods, the more you will need to rely on your own resources if you get into trouble.

Safety And Campfires

Having the means to start a fire with duraflame firestarters will greatly increase your ability to survive in the event of being lost or stuck in the backwoods due to an emergency or due to the weather. Not only will the fire provide warmth during cold periods and light after the sun has set. They can also provide safe drinking water and cook the food you cook, be it the emergency supplies you brought with you or something you have hunted or found growing in the woods. If you need to do emergency first aid, a fire can also help sterilize the items you are using.

If you follow the suggestions outlined above, including carrying the ten essential items you need to bring and and making sure you let others know your itinerary before you leave, you can be much more certain that your outdoor adventures will be both safe and enjoyable.