In the wilderness, humans have basic requirements including shelter, clothing, food and water. Since we no longer live in prehistoric times, we can simply drive to the nearest camping store and buy the necessary supplies.
The sales people are always knowledgeable and will help you pick out the right tent and sleeping bag for your trip. It is best to buy your equipment to match the trip's specific weather and environment.
Jeff Bedermann, manager at Fontana Sports on State Street, said, ""layering is the best thing to do with clothing."" This will prepare you for any type of weather, but your clothes should be breathable because ""it is all about managing your moisture,"" Bedermann explains. By doing this you will keep dry and comfortable.
Plan your meals before you go out into the wilderness. Dried foods are lightest and easiest to cook on an open fire. Camping supply stores offer dried backpacking food, but it is usually overpriced and not appetizing.
The best foods to buy can be found in your grocery store. For example, ready-made rice, noodle packages and nuts.
Finding clean water can be difficult. To be on the safe side, always clean your water by using a water purifier. For less money, iodine pills will also purify your water—iodine cleaned water does not taste the best, so bring along a powdered juice such as Kool Aid.
When camping, always remember that you are entering the unstable world of the great outdoors. To be safe you should always pack a first-aid kit and always know the quickest path out in case someone gets badly injured.
You should be familiar with the appearances of poisonous plants so that you do not touch them—it is not a pleasant experience.
Bugs, for the most part, are just annoying, so pack insect repellent. However, some insects are more than annoying. Deer ticks carry Lyme Disease, so wear a hat and check your body at the end of each day.
If you run into a bigger animal, for example a bear, stay calm, slowly move your arms above your head and never turn your back to the bear. ""Running is never a good idea because the bears instinct is to chase you"" said Lauren Johnson, a former camp counselor at Camp OSOHA.
Leave No Trace is a nationwide organization focused on environmentally friendly camping. It teaches to keep the campsite exactly as you found it and ""if you come across human impacts, take it on as your responsibility,"" said Laura Beebe, an expert in trip leading with a degree in adventure education. When it comes to ""doing your business,"" make sure you are 200 feet from the water and if it is number \two,"" dig a six-inch hole and bury it.
""Do what you need to do,"" Beebe said. ""It is a little different than your backyard.""
Wilderness camping may be a little outside your comfort zone, but when you are truly isolated from civilization, you can begin to experience the world beyond.
To ensure that you have a unique and memorable summer break, escape into genuine wilderness with a well- planned, safe and environmentally-friendly camping trip.
