The sounds and beauties of nature, adventure and nights spent under the stars. Do you dream of all this? Here's how to prepare an excursion!
Steps
Step 1. Find partners
If you are experienced, you can invite friends who have never tried it before. Instead, if it is your first time, it is better to organize the excursion with an expert person. Your companions should be compatible with you in terms of speed and distance to cover and in terms of camping style. Some people prefer to travel light and walk a lot, others just want to park their car and camp.
Step 2. Decide the duration, times and destination of your trip
Some destinations are very crowded at certain times of the year (like during the holidays) and others inappropriate for certain seasons (like the desert in summer, unless you are an expert).
Step 3. Make sure you know where you are headed and bring the right maps, which you will need to be able to read
This is much more important than some beginners believe. The maps of some national parks have a low resolution, therefore they are insufficient. Buy good quality ones.
Step 4. Take a compass with you, but first learn to read it and use it with the map
Step 5. Plan your route, which can be a roundabout, plan to climb a mountain or go from one end to the other
Consider the terrain, the weather, your experience and the conditions of the group to decide how many kilometers to travel per day. Fit hikers can cover 16-40 per day depending on the terrain, beginners 10-19. Don't be too ambitious. Take breaks to take in the views. Determine in advance the approximate area where you will be camping each night. Plan your trip to stay close to a drinking water source every night.
Step 6. Find out about any permits or preparation for the destination you want to visit
Camping often requires a paid permit.
Step 7. Check the local regulations of the destination of your interest
These rules are used by national parks to protect their environment and your health, especially if there are animals such as bears nearby.
Step 8. Learn about bonfire regulations
Many areas prohibit them during dry periods, while other times they are only allowed in certain designated spots. Never leave a fire uncontrolled and do not light it if you do not have enough water to extinguish it well. As a precautionary measure, create a five-meter circular area around the fire, to prevent accidents possibly caused by wind.
Step 9. Carry more water than necessary between springs
The liquid is heavy, but essential. If you use a filter, don't forget the replacement parts and keep more than one on hand, as it can become clogged with sediment or simply break.
Step 10. Plan meals with your companions
Better to opt for dry soups to rehydrate and canned products. Pasta is also common among hikers. Everyone should bring their own snacks, but dinner should be a time of sharing.
Step 11. Check your equipment to make sure it is still OK
Do this in advance so you can fix any problems. Remember, if an item breaks, you'll still need to take it home.
Step 12. Take out the clothes you will use according to the weather out of the closet
Dress in layers so you don't have any problems with temperature changes. The mountains are known for abrupt changes, and even though it's 40 degrees when you leave, don't leave your rain gear and anorak at home.
Step 13. Compare your equipment with those of your teammates and share what you can with them
The group may need only one portable stove, one set of pots, etc. Duplicate only the items of vital importance, which will carry two different people (first aid kit, compass, water filter…).
Step 14. Leave a detailed itinerary for a person who will not depart, including route, areas you will stop in and return date
Get in touch with her after you return.
Step 15. Do not carry around a tent containing food
Bears can smell it, even if you had stored food on an old hike. If you're not careful, you risk an attack. If you visit an area inhabited by these mammals, bring a bag and a rope to hang food from a tree. Follow the same precaution with scented things, including hair products, shampoos, lotions, toothpastes, and chewing gum. From camping to camping, she always uses the same bag to store and hang food, cooking ingredients and scented items. For the same reason, you should never eat in a tent.
Advice
- On the internet you will find numerous resources on destinations, routes and equipment lists.
- Check the websites of the parks you will visit before you leave and, if you have any doubts, get in touch with the appropriate authorities.
- Learn to read maps and use the compass.
- If you are going abroad, be aware of the items you cannot take with you, especially if you are traveling by plane. Although you need a camping stove, you won't be able to pack fuel.
- Be well informed about all the regulations of the places where you will hike and camp.
Warnings
- Beware of natural hazards, both botanical and animal. In some areas you will find poison oak, bears, bees, wasps and other biting insects. Make sure you have everything under control and know what to do when it comes to first aid, such as with a broken ankle.
- Look for signs of wild animals, such as footprints. If they are cool in the place you want to camp, you may want to reconsider your idea.
- Use clothes that keep you warm and dry, such as wool, especially (but not limited to) in cold environments. Avoid cotton. If you find yourself in a rainy climate, this factor could save your life.
- Hiking takes a lot of effort, but it's worth it.
- Immediately decide what to do with things that smell like food or personal care products. Don't neglect this consideration, particularly if you are traveling to a remote area. Bears and rodents are constant headaches in many places. You will need to know if you will need a bear-proof container for storing food. Again, all items that emit a smell should be kept away from the curtains.
- Choose your camping area carefully. Avoid those where you notice trees with broken branches and land that tends to flood. If thunderstorms are expected, stay away from exposed ridges.
