How to go camping and stay alive

Anyone who has ever been on a hiking trip will never be able to get rid of this hobby. Everyone who has not done this yet dreams of getting out into nature with tents and backpacks. However, hiking tours do not always consist of gatherings near the fire and beautiful views. This can sometimes come with real dangers, especially if you are going to rather distant places. In this article, you will find a list of the steps you need to take to make your hike as safe as possible.

Take everything you need with you

If you think that this point only applies to beginners who do not know how to assemble a backpack, then you are deeply mistaken. Even seasoned tourists sometimes make annoying mistakes, forgetting to put this or that item in a backpack or relying on a friend who “should have taken the burner”.

Therefore, before each hike, make a simple list of 10 points on paper:

Clothing.
Sun protection (glasses, cream, headgear).
First aid kit.
Fire.
Repair tools and materials (tape, thread, needles, nylon cord, glue).
Navigation aids (map, compass, GPS).
Lighting.
Food.
Leisure equipment (sleeping bag, rug, awning or tent).
Water.

Do not leave the house until all items have been crossed out from this list.

Find out your route

Many tourists, especially those who have already hiked several times, feel extremely confident in their abilities and do not worry too much about the details of the upcoming route. They waved their hand dismissively to all questions and answered that "we'll figure it out along the way." And in vain, because sometimes there are situations when such confidence brings trouble.

Before the hike, it is imperative to find out as many details as possible about the upcoming terrain. Read guides, study maps, find reports from previous travelers. Particular attention should be paid to the weather, local animals and the availability of water sources.

Dress properly

Incredibly, at least half of all hiking accidents are not due to wildlife or landslides, but due to improper clothing. This is especially true of the mountains, where on the same day you can get sunstroke and freeze. Therefore, be very careful when choosing your clothes and never expect good weather.

Leave information about your route

Nowadays, when you can call any person in one second and get any information, this advice is overlooked by many. It is very possible that on a hike you will have no connection, the battery will run out or your phone will be stolen altogether. And it is at this moment, according to the law of meanness, that all the worst happens. Therefore, before leaving the house, leave a message about your route and estimated time of return to at least two trusted people. It's even better if this is a detailed track of your hike.

Know your limits and possibilities

You and only you know what your body is capable of. There is nothing worse for you and your group if you overestimate your capabilities and at a certain moment feel that "that's it, I can't, take-me-back!" Therefore, even before leaving the house, it is worthwhile to clearly assess the expected pace of movement, the physical condition of one's own and the rest of the participants, the difficulty of the route. It is worth remembering first of all that hiking is still a rest, and not a struggle for survival.

Take care of the water

The most unpleasant and, unfortunately, frequent occurrence in hiking trips is insufficient attention to water. We are so used to the fact that there is always clear and transparent water in the tap that this reflex among city dwellers has completely atrophied. Water becomes especially important during heat and significant physical exertion, when the body is dehydrated in a matter of hours. Therefore, you definitely need to first find out about all the water sources on the route and calculate the pace of your movement taking them into account. Consider also having enough bottles or flasks.

Inform the animals of your presence

There are not many places on the planet where animals pose a real threat, especially if you follow the famous tourist routes. However, this danger should not be completely discounted. Moreover, if you decide to go into a really wild jungle.

In order to avoid the unpleasant consequences of encounters with wild animals, it is worth remembering only one rule: there is no beast more dangerous than man. All the inhabitants of the steppes, forests and rivers are well aware of this and themselves will try not to catch your eye. Therefore, try to talk, sing and make more noise to communicate your presence to everyone. As a rule, they will give you way and try not to be seen.

Do not be upset

If you are traveling as part of a group, then in no case should you leave anyone behind or, conversely, go far ahead. If one of the participants is tired and can't keep up with the pace, then wait for him; if he cannot continue his journey, then do not leave the companion until he is in a safe place. Try to stick together and not drift apart, even if you think it’s safe.

We have presented only the most important and indisputable security measures that must be observed in order for your stay to be pleasant and calm. Complete this list with your travel tips and stories, and don't forget to share this article with all your friends who are hiking or just about to go hiking.