By: Maria Mbura
It is always great to be prepared for the great outdoors.There are some advisable measures to be taken especially for beginners.
Before you start your trip leave a copy of your itinerary with a responsible person. Include such details as the make, year, and license plate of your car, the equipment you're bringing, the weather you've anticipated, and when you plan to return.
One of the camping tips for beginners is to always travel in the outdoors accompanied by a friend in case of an emergency or an accident. If you'll be entering a remote area, your group should have a minimum of four people; this way, if one is hurt, another can stay with the victim while two go for help. If you'll be going into an area that is unfamiliar to you, take along someone who knows the area or at least speak with those who do before you set out.
The demands on the body may be a bit more than what it is used to, so make sure that you are in great physical condition to undertake the rigorous conditions of the outdoors.
Wear the right clothing in accordance with the season and forecasts.
Counter check your camping equipment that everything is functioning before embarking on the journey.
Carry a first aid kit with you and learn basic first aid so you will know how to identify and treat injuries and illnesses. Get to know the symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hypothermia, and dehydration, and how to treat them.
For beginners one camping tip you cannot overlook is to try and make camp before dark. Traveling after darkness has resulted in many accidents from falls, so travel only during daylight. Set up camp well away from the edge of cliffs, and learn the terrain during daylight. If you have to leave camp after dark, stay in areas you have seen in daylight, go with a friend, and always use a good flashlight.
Be alert for slippery areas and take your time to avoid tripping. Low-hanging branches and variable terrains make running unsafe, and leaves can hide slippery areas underneath.
Alcohol and cliffs don't mix! If you drink, stay away from the cliffs. Judgment, agility, and balance are all reduced by alcohol consumption.
Think before you drink! The best camping tip that we cannot miss to mention is that no matter how clean or pure stream water looks, it's likely to contain water-borne parasites and microorganisms that can cause discomfort and sometimes serious illness. Pack your water in, or purify through chemical treatment.
