Outside the Tent

No matter what time of year you go camping, location is everything. In the summer months, picking a shady, breezy spot can help keep your tent cool during the day, and prevent it from turning into an oven at night. While I don’t recommend setting up camp directly under a tree, seeking out a pitch with a good leafy shaded spot, or positioning your car so it shields your tent from direct sunlight, can be the difference between a good nights sleep and a night of sweaty tossing and turning.

• Look for a shady spot to set up camp and look to see if the late afternoon sun will shine directly on your tent.
• If your site has no trees, position your car so it shades the tent, or your seating area for at least part of the day.
• Take an inflatable kiddy pool for your children or dog to splash in and remember to drink plenty of water.

Clothing and Sleeping Gear

Even if your plans only include lazing around the campsite, tossing a frisbee and firing up the bbq, there are still ways to dress to minimise discomfort from heat both during the day and at bedtime. Lightweight, breathable layers are recommended for both daytime and night wear, and if you’re not planning a hike or climb, mesh shoes or sandals are also a great way to keep your feet from baking in the summer sun. Soaking a bandana or cloth in ice water and draping it around your neck or forehead is another simple, yet effective way to keep cool in even the most brutal weather

• Wear loose, light-coloured cotton clothing and pack sandals, flip flops or mesh shoes to keep your feet cool and protected around the campsite.
• Use a broad-brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face and sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Soak a silk or cotton scarf in ice-cold water and drape it around your neck or tie it around your forehead; drape a cool damp towel over your head or mist your clothing with cold water.
• Pack a cotton sheet rather than a bulky sleeping bag and consider purchasing pillows with a filling like gel fibre that absorbs heat and keeps your head cool.
• Wear light, loose-fitting pyjamas or sleep in the nude if you’re in an isolated area.

Inside the Tent

Most sleeping bags are designed to trap heat, which is excellent for chilly nights out in the great outdoors, but torturous on a hot evening. Instead, pack your sleeping bag as bottom layer to separate you from the ground, but also take along a lightweight cotton bed sheet to drape over your body at night. Wearing loose layers to bed can also help minimise discomfort so you can get a better night’s sleep.  If possible sleeping in naked may be your best bet on a blistering summer night, but you might want to warn your tent-mates ahead of time if you plan to snooze in the nude.

• When it’s extremely hot, you can cut down on the heat radiated from the ground by adding insulation like a groundsheet under the tent.
• Position the tent so that breezes blow through, and keep the windows open during the daytime.
• If you have a tent that’s easy to erect, consider taking it down in the morning and setting it up at night to avoid heat buildup.
• Pack an electric fan for sites with electrical hookups.

More Ways to Keep Cool

When temperatures climb we’re often tempted to grab and ice cold  beer to beat the heat, but caffeinated and alcoholic beverages will raise body temperatures, and lead to dehydration. Instead, stock your cool box with  fruit juices, water bottles, and sports drinks that will help you stay hydrated while out in the sun for long periods of time.

• Solve the problem of heat buildup in the tent by sleeping in a camping hammock. Air will flow over and under you, cooling you down more quickly. Some sleeping hammocks come with mosquito netting to use if bugs are a problem.
• Designate one cooler just for ice for drinks and put a solid block of ice in it in addition to cubes. The solid block helps keep the cubes from melting quickly. As the ice melts, use the water to keep the family pet’s water dish full.
• If your site has electricity, set a fan on the picnic table and put a bowl of ice in front of it for a mini air conditioner.
• Fill a plastic bag with ice cubes, wrap it in a cloth and hold it in your hands or against your throat.

Happy camping guys, Stay cool!

Author: Rosie Austin
The CampTrip Team

In terms of the latter, there are a number of picturesque destinations and quaint lodges located throughout the UK. While the choice of fishing resort or camp site may be entirely personal, however, the list of things to pack for your trip remains largely unchanged. Aside from your rod and necessary medications, however, what other items will you need to enjoy a memorable trip? Here are 3 things you must take on a UK Fishing Trip:

3 Things to Take on Your Fishing Trip:

• Old Shoes and Trousers: While this may seem like a strange inclusion on your fishing trip inventory, old shoes, flip flops and trousers are crucial additions to your suitcase. This is because there are a number of lakes and waterways where fisherman may be required to wade, which in turn means that they will need to immerse the bottom part of their body in water. In order to save their best fishing gear, it may be wise to carry old clothing that would otherwise have been discarded.

• Waterproof Gloves: This item is easily overlooked by fishing enthusiasts, especially those who are keen to pack an array of rods and the most suitable bait. The inclusion of waterproof gloves is crucial, however, as constant exposure to water can cause damage to your hands and its joints over time. In order to ensure that your hands remain warm, dry and safe from the threat of damp, it is imperative that you remember to pack new and durable waterproof gloves that are fit for purpose.

• Insect Repellent: Regardless of your exact destination, remember that you will be spending the majority of your fishing trip standing at the waters edge. If you are someone who lives in-land and remain far-removed from the coast during your everyday life, the chances are that you will encounter some insects and creatures that you are unfamiliar with. This means that insect repellent is a crucial item for your suitcase, especially if you are to resist nasty bites and irritating rashes.

The Last Word

Packing the right inventory for your fishing trip is crucial, as this enables you to relax and enjoy your stay with genuine peace of mind. To access a host of footwear options for your impending break, visit www.skatehut.co.uk today. Skate Hut Limited for http://www.camptrip.com/

Edited by: CampTrip.com.

The breathtaking natural desert landscapes of southern Nevada are home to mysterious red canyons, expanses of sand dunes and a host of indigenous wildlife — all just a short drive from the non-stop neon of the Strip. Vegas can be wild, but these hikes offer a different type of “wild.” Revive your senses with a hiking excursion to one of these three destinations. Let nature refresh your senses after a late night out.

1. Relax and Revive at Red Rock Canyon

A mere 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, Red Rock National Conservation Area provides a brilliant contrast to the bright attractions of Sin City. The area is visited by over a million people each year and offers its own brand of entertainment including over 30 miles of hiking trails and activities including rock climbing, horseback riding, road biking and mountain biking. Red Rock’s nature observatory and visitor center feature a small museum and bookstore detailing the natural history of the fascinating region.

The canyon’s geologic features represent a classic Mojave Desert landscape, complete with spectacular red-rock formations. Interpretive programs and tours are offered daily, year-round, so visitors can gain a deeper understanding of this protected area. Red Rock Canyon is one of the most frequented, but also one of the most fascinating hiking areas convenient to the bustle of Las Vegas, and many hotels offer shuttles to the park.

2. Delight in the Desert National Wildlife Range

Covering over 1.6 million acres, the Desert National Wildlife Range is the largest protected wildlife range in the lower 48 states. Last Vegas visitors can drive just 23 miles north of the Strip and enter the Desert NWR, which contains six mountain ranges with heights of up to 10,000 feet above sea level. The range was created with the goal of protecting the desert bighorn sheep and their habitat by maintaining their precious water sources. For a place that receives so little rain, the DNW is teeming with life, from beautiful yucca and cactus to thriving desert shrub communities and Joshua trees.

Tourists enjoy visiting the park for a day hike, though many opt to camp or backpack and access the range’s wildlife either on foot or on a horseback riding tour. Its proximity to Las Vegas makes it a popular day-hike destination and a place to recalibrate after a long night out and get in touch with nature.

3. Seek Solace at Sloan Canyon

Sloan Canyon is a four-hour drive from Las Vegas, but according to tourists, the canyon is worth the long drive. The spectacular desert scenery of Sloan Canyon includes black volcanic mountains and rare rock formations that provide peace and solitude for hikers. The landscape of Sloan Canyon ranges from its dry lake beds to its volcanic peaks whose zenith reaches 5,000 feet. The natural beauty of the land entices and awes visitors who enter the park for day hikes or overnight backpacking trips.

Aside from the phenomenal geological formation and plentitude of wildlife at Sloan, there is another attraction: the Sloan Canyon Archaeological District. This district is among the most important Nevada cultural sites, featuring over 300 petroglyphs dating back hundreds — and some even thousands — of years. The rock carvings, created by native cultures, are an extremely precious cultural resource. Visitors to Sloan Canyon can learn about the park’s history and the meaning of the petroglyphs at the interpretive center and through docent-led tours. The beauty, size and significance of the petroglyphs at Sloan Canyon have led archaeologists to give it the nickname “The Sistine Chapel of Rock Carvings.”

About the Author: Diane Loma is a freelance travel writer with a background in cultural anthropology. She has written guidebooks to various national parks and archaeological sites around the world.

Author: Diane Loma

Edited By: CampTrip.com

Most parents know that when you go camping at a lake there will be fishing involved.

On one of our camping trips to Lake Don Pedro, my husband and I, along with our two sons decided to walk down to lake to do some fishing.

It was a warm sunny day with a nice breeze blowing. We settled in our lawn chairs and prepared to catch that big bass.

After about twenty mintues of fishing and not catching any fish I heard our oldest son Mike, who was 12 years old at that time:

“Geez, Mom there aren’t any fish in this lake!” I laughed and replied, ” Oh yes there are Mike. You just have to be quiet and let them see the worm at the end of the line.” His reply was, ” I sure hope their hungry..”

What really didn’t help the situation was that everyone else was catching fish one right after another.

As the afternoon past we decided it was time to return to our camp site and start preparing for dinner. Oh and by the way, we also had ran out of bait.

Mike reached into the bait container to get another worm he realized the container was empty, looked at his Dad, “hey the bait is all gone! now I will never catch a fish.”

His Dad answered laughing, “Well, I guess we will just have to come back tomorrow and try again.”
Mike’s reply was, ” No I’m just going to use a rock for bait.”

At this we all started laughing and told him fine and good luck.

I watched as he carefully founded a small rock, wrapped the line around it about three tiimes and casted it into the lake with a big splash.

To all of our surprise about ten mintues later Mike let out this loud yell, ” I got one! I got one!” as he reeled in a pretty good size fish.

I laughed so hard I had tears running down my face.

It was a awesome day of fishing.

So the moral of this story is, never under estimate your children and their way of thinking.

Author: Shirley Mendonca
Edited By: The CampTrip Team

All the dire warnings aside, the trail itself can be breathtaking. Routes such as Machame have stunning scenery, incredible wildlife, and offer a challenging, yet achievable trek up one of Africa’s most magnificent mountains. Few sights can grab the visitor with such force as that of the glacier-topped peak across the African Savannah, while giraffe, lion and zebra roam freely across its national parks.

Author: Rob Tye
Edited By: The CampTrip Team.

Weather Induced Injuries

• Weather plays a major role in the camping experience. Of course it’s necessary to read the weather report before the trip.
•  Frostbite, heat stroke, and dehydration are a few weather induced injuries that plague campers.
•  Preparation keys the prevention of these injuries. Don’t pack a ton of clothes, but include the clothing that’s capable of handling extreme weather change.
•  Pack enough fresh water. Drinking plenty of fluids is essential to a healthier you. It prevents the chances of heat stroke and dehydration. Pack enough fresh water for drinking purposes.

 Skin Ailments

• Your skin can suffer in the wilderness. Rashes caused by poison ivy, sumac, and oak can ruin your trip and irritate skin. How do you treat unexpected rashes?
•  Clean the rash with clean water.  Isolate or clean any clothing/accessories that also came into contact with the plants. Knowing what these plants look like helps you avoid contact. Prevention is the key to treating rashes in the first place.
•  Protect your skin with sunscreen. Wearing sunscreen and hats protects your skin from sun burn. Sun burn contributes to dehydration. If you get badly burned, then rest in the shade, drink plenty of water, and bring a bottle of aloe to treat the affected skin. 

Snake and Insect Bites

• Let’s hope mosquitoes are the worst of the insect or animal bites you receive. A snake or spider bite can be detrimental to your health and camping experience.
•  In the unfortunate occurrence of such bites, immediately apply a bandage over the bite, wind it up the limb towards the body, immobilize the limb, and if possible bring the person to a hospital where they can receive proper medical treatment.
• Planning for mosquito or other less harmful insect bites isn’t as drastic. Pack insect repellent and don’t be afraid to wear it 24/7.
• Pack plenty of weather resistant matches for fires and burning off ticks.

 Sprains/Fractures

• Traversing rock and uneven terrain may result in common ankle or wrist sprains. If this occurs it’s good to have portable dry ice packs that can easily be applied to reduce the swelling. Also, immobilize the sprain with a splint, medical tape, and elevate it to decrease blood flow to the region.
•  If you happen to fracture a bone then it’s a good thing you packed a sling with lots of medical tape. Make a splint with a stick or long piece of wood, rolled up newspaper, or blanket. Immobilize it in whatever way possible. You can tape the limp to a splint or if it’s an arm injury then that sling will be useful.

Open Wounds and Cuts

• Whether you scrape your knee, cut yourself with a knife, or rip open your chin when rock climbing, having the necessary tools to clean, treat, and keep the wounds clean is essential for your health.
•  Bandages, medical tape, hydrogen peroxide, bacitracin, and cotton swabs need to be packed into your first aid kit. When confronted with an open wound you must clean it with at least water. Hydrogen peroxide provides the disinfectant to sterilize your wound. I suggest using cotton swabs to clean out the wound with fluid. Then cover the wound with bacitracin to help it heal. Finally, secure it with bandages and medical tape.
•  Whatever you encounter when camping, it’s important be prepared. Having the necessary knowledge and first aid tools lends you an upper hand if injury occurs.
•  Also, choosing the right backpack among options available will help packing for camping and first aid. It’s easier camping when your first aid kit, water, tent, sleeping bag, and food all fit in one light compact backpack. If you encounter drastic injuries that call for immediate medical action, then moving fast with the resources on your back is important.

Authour: Ted Levin

Edited By: CampTrip.com

Ted Levin is a natural outdoorsman and camping enthusiast that loves to share any helpful tips. You can connect with him on Twitter and Google+.

Image Source – Grasshavenoutdoor.com

The tent was looking decidedly weak as a brown and white cow trod on the bottom of the door. I courageously pushed one cow and ran away quickly. Did cows charge? Did they eat flesh?
Fellow campers were looking on from their tents, some keen to help, others disgruntled. “Go back to sleep!,” yelled one annoyed soul.

I had a brainwave. I mounted my old bike and went off towards the corner of the field to where a path led towards the distant farm. The cows slowly followed. I had triumphed!
My tip to anyone who is battling a cow attack is to show them the path to the milking shed. Better still check the gate to their field is shut and preferably locked as well.

Author: Gail Landon
Edited By: The CampTrip Team

• Never leave food out!  Foxes, birds, rabbits and creepy crawlies would just love to share the delicious food you bring to the campsite. It is best to keep all food in air tight storage containers or a cool box with a lockable lid so it is hard for animals to smell it or get to it. Also take care not to leave any scraps of food in or around the tent that may attract little critters.
• Never touch your tent in the rain! I learned this lesson when I was camping as a little girl and I have taught my daughters the same thing. Trust me, you will spring a leak! You are inside, dry and warm and if you want to keep it that way, stay away from the tent sides and try to ensure that nothing is touching the sides of the tent either, especially the bedrooms.
• Don’t hike or walk alone! No matter how short the trip is you are going on, try to have someone with you. If you slip, or worse, someone can at the very least get help for you. If you do head out alone take a mobile phone along with you and let friends back at the campsite know where you are planning to go.
• Never play with the campfire! I speak from experience when I say that I know it can be fun to throw paper, wrappers, and whatever else you may find into the fire, but it is extremely dangerous and can turn a happy camp trip into a disaster. If you have to add wood, add it, and if you have to turn the logs, by all means do so, but if you get the idea to see how long it takes for something random to catch fire, please think again! Fire spreads with very little or no warning, so take care at all times!
• Never litter! This rule is paramount, and at NO time should you be throwing rubbish all over the campsite! Cigarette butts, sweet wrappers, bottles, cans, and anything else you wish to discard should be put in a bag and brought back out with you. If there are bins at the campsite where you are staying, use them!
• Don’t walk through other pitches! Campers, including yourself, can rightly expect a little privacy within their designated pitch. Don’t take short cuts through somebody’s camp area to get to another part of the field. It’s very annoying when sitting down to eat dinner and other campers traipse around you on their way to and from the shower block. Campgrounds are usually designed so that foot traffic can get around without having to walk through pitches. Respect your neighbor’s camping space and find another way to get where you’re going.
• Don’t drink too much before bedtime! There is nothing worse than having to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night while camping. Crawling out of your warm sleeping bag, fumbling around for a torch, braving the cold… and all those dreadful night sounds. So, best thing to do – force yourself and your little ones to make a toilet trip at a more comfortable time of the night and don’t go drinking too much after.
• Don’t ignore quiet times! While it’s not necessary (and sometimes impossible with young children) to go around the campsite like it’s some silent retreat, it is good to keep tabs on the volume of your conversations, laughter and music. In most campsites there are rules stipulating quiet times, normally between 10pm and 7am. As soon as you see your fellow campers retreating into their tents for the night, do the same or lower your voices just a fraction. If your fellow campers don’t retreat, well, great stuff… party all night!
• Don’t forget that it is meant to be enjoyable! If you are a seasoned camper, you will know that it won’t be like home: that is the reason you are doing it surely? Some creature comforts may not be available, the kids are going to get dirty and possibly drive you crazy in the first 10 minutes of arrival, and sleeping in close quarters with family members may be challenging! But apart from those little things, remember that you are there to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, spend time with your family and create life long memories. So laugh at the mistakes and learn from them. Don’t get disheartened if your camping experience is not perfect, just keep smiling and enjoy it… Happy Camping!

Author: Rosie Austin

(The CampTrip Team)

The first time I told my girls that we were going to stay in a field for a week and sleep in a tent, their initial reply in unison was: ‘But Mum, what are we going to do all day? There are so many things to do while you are camping and with a little imagination and a lot of energy you can have a jam-packed nature-filled camp trip… we do! Here are some ideas to ensure that you don’t get bored in the great outdoors!

 It’s All in the Game

Depending on the weather there are many games that can be played outside your tent and around the campsite.

• Hide and seek, tug of war and tag are great ways to get the kids running around and having fun!
• Organise a treasure hunt. Hide things around the campsite and give the kids clues as to where they are, First one to collect all the items on their list… Wins!
• Bored games and jigsaws are great for a rainy day.
• A good old fashioned game of ‘Snap!’ is a great time passer and lots of fun too, so remember to take a pack of cards on your trip!
• Football and rounders are great team games to play, also a good way to get the kids to socialise with other children.

Mother Nature

One of the best things about going camping is the chance to really enjoy nature and the great outdoors.

• Why not go bird or plant spotting to learn about nature?
• If you are camping near a beach you can go rock or shell hunting to start a collection, my little ones often include crabs in theirs!
• Take a compass along and plot a map: 50 paces south, 100 paces north ect… go treasure hunting for a hidden prize.
• Collect leaves, twigs and acorns to make a collage back at camp.
• A magnifying glass and a jam jar or margarine tub with holes in the lid make for great ‘bug catching kits’ for your little exploreres and will keep the children occupied for hours searching for bugs, beasties and insects!
• Going sightseeing while camping can be as easy as just taking a walk. Research your camping area before you go so that you know about any special sights you may want to include.
• Use twigs, rocks and dirt to create a mini cabin for squirrels or a tiny village for ants.

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

‘It never rains but it pours!’ Heard this saying before? Well that dosn’t mean you have to let everything come to a standstill! Don’t get board in the great outdoors with these fun ideas for a rainy day;

• Pull on your wellies and raincoat and go for a walk in the woods, a bit of rain never hurt anyone!
• Get the kids to place some pots or empty containers outside the tent to collect the rain water. They can be decorated before hand with pens or crayons. Placing some leaves or petals in the pots will make cute little water gardens as the rain accumulates.
• Take time to relax. You’re away from the hustle and bustle of busy life when you go camping, so take some time to relax. Try sitting back and amusing yourself by picking out shapes in the clouds, telling stories or just spend the time chatting with your fellow campers.
• If you feel like being a little creative on your camping trip, you may want to bring a few supplies with you. Bring a notebook, sketchbook and some colored pencils so you can keep a nature journal to record any plants or animals you observe.
• Jumping in puddles a sure fire way to get the little ones giggling!

Happy camping!

Author: Rosie Austin
(The CampTrip Team)

You can drive the route of the Ring of Kerry, which can be done in a day (or more, if you stretch it out). However, what if you want to experience this landscape up close? Hiking in this region allows you to have a more immersive travel experience and truly appreciate its beauty. There is a lot you miss while zooming past in a car, so slow down and literally smell the wildflowers.

Luckily, there are a number of great hiking options for those who want to explore the Ring of Kerry on foot. There are paths suitable for all ranges of fitness and hiking experience, from gentle paved roads for the first-timer as well as steep scrambles up the mountain for the gung-ho hiker.

The Kerry Way

The main hiking route to follow across the region is the Kerry Way. This is a 214-kilometer footpath that stretches all the way from Killarney to the foothills of the MacGillicuddy’s Reeks. It traverses the Black Valley through Glencar and Glenbeigh and also passes through Waterville, Cahirciveen and Sneem.

The footpath is broken up into small segments that are long enough to complete in a daytrip. At the end of each section, you will find a village where you can stay the night before setting off again on the trail the next morning. This will give you an opportunity to taste of true traditional countryside hospitality, and to enjoy a hearty and filling breakfast.

How Will I Find My Way?

The walking path is marked by signs along the way. Before you start, head to the Killarney Tourist Office and ask for a copy of the Kerry Way Map Guide.

The trail varies along the way, from broad trails to narrow grassy paths and even unpaved roads up in the mountains. The sections of the trail at high elevation offer truly breath-taking and peaceful views of the countryside.

How Long Does It Take?

To hike the entire Kerry Way, it will take around 10 to 12 days. You can do the route on your own or you can go on a guided tour with one of the companies offering this service.

If you want to take a short day hike to get a sample of what it would be like to hike the entire trail, you can hike along the 10-kilometer section linking together Waterville and Caherdaniel. This section of the trail has lovely views of small islands as well as rock coves along the coast.

Tips for a Successful Hike

If you are planning to go on a hiking holiday in the Ring of Kerry region, here are some tips to ensure a pleasant experience:

• Your footwear is important. Every year, the mountain rescue teams have to deal with injured hikers who were not wearing appropriate footwear. Sturdy hiking boots are a must.
• It will rain, guaranteed. Be prepared and carry with you a lightweight waterproof layer.
• When walking along any stretch at the edge of a road, wear a high-visibility safety vest so vehicles can see you more easily.
• Watch out for private property signs. Trespassing can cause an unwanted issue.
• Although the landscape might seem like an easy walk, sudden weather changes can lead to dangerous conditions. Take your phone with you, let someone know when, where and how long you are hiking and check in when you arrive.

With these tips in mind, have fun exploring this gorgeous region!

About the Author: Marcy Connelly is a travel writer from Galway. She recently returned from a holiday filled with relaxing in the countryside and hiking around the Ring of Kerry region.

Edited By: CampTrip.com

What You’ll Need For Your Wilderness Survival Kit:

Water Purification

Water in the wilderness may look crystal clear, but it could contain protozoa, bacteria and viruses. Try these solutions for water purification:

• Filters. Purchase a filter at a retail store that is labeled to remove Giardia, or cysts. Outdoors, you can take a strip of birch bark and roll it into a cone. Fill the cone with layers of sand, charcoal, gravel and grass and pour your water through the cone.
• Hand-held UV water purifier. If your water is full of sediments, then allow the water to sit so that the sediments can settle to the bottom before you treat it.
• Boiling. Make sure to bring a metal container with you in your backpack. Bring water to a boil for five to 10 minutes.
• Iodine tablets or drops. Mix the iodine tablets or drops into your water and let them completely dissolve. Give the iodine at least 30 minutes to work before you drink the water.

Food Procurement

For emergencies, bring energy bars or drink mix packets that contain extra vitamins. Also, carry some fishhooks and fishing line so that you can catch some fish on the go. You should also consider bringing a book that will help you to identify edible plants.

If you’re out of options, try making a split-tip gig. Cut down a green sapling about 1 inch in diameter and trim off the top branches. Cut the fat end of the sapling into four sections by using your knife or a sharp rock. Cut some sections from the branches that you removed earlier and push the sticks down into the cuts to stabilize the sections. Then, use your knife or rock to sharpen the sections, creating a four-pronged spear for either fishing or catching small animals.

First Aid

Take the time to look through a purchased first-aid kit before leaving on your trip so that you know what’s in the kit and where to find supplies. To make your own kit, include the following items:

• Antihistamine (for life-threatening allergies to things like bee stings and nuts)
• Ibuprofen
• Bandana (to create splints)
• Flexible elastic bandages
• Band-aids
• Moleskin or duct tape (to cover blisters)
• Closure strips for wounds
• Antiseptic wipes
• Antibiotic ointment
• Safety pins
• First-aid booklet

Fire Starting

For fire starting, bring multiple lightweight options. For example, bring both a lighter and a box of waterproof matches. Also, bring tinder for quickly starting fires. Survivalist Dan Corcoran recommends coating cotton balls with petroleum jelly and placing them in a 35-millimeter film canister. When you’re ready to start your fire, pull open the cotton balls to expose the dry center, and use your fire starting option to light them up.

Signaling

Bring the following items to signal for help in case you get lost:

• Whistle. Blowing a whistle requires much less energy than shouting.
• Flashlight. You need a flashlight anyway, and it can be used to attract attention.
• Flags. Tie bright orange strips to trees to leave a trail that will let rescuers know where you are. Bring a permanent marker and write your name on the strips to increase your chances of being found.
• Signal mirror. Purchase a mirror with high-quality glass, and put it in a sturdy case.

Shelter

You can easily construct a shelter out of natural materials. Build your shelter near large quantities of building materials like sticks, leaves and grass. Also, build it away from falling rocks, pooling water or insect nests.

Lean a ridgepole about eight feet long against a stump or boulder. Next, lean branches vertically against the pole. Take smaller sticks and weave them around the vertical branches to create a lattice-like structure. Then cover your lattice with leaves or other debris. Additionally, place a pile of insulating debris inside the shelter so that you aren’t lying on the ground. You can lose up to 80 percent of your body heat if you don’t insulate the ground beneath you.

About the Author: Steve Manley is the president of Globalcom Satellite Communications (http://www.globalcomsatphone.com/), a leading distributor of satellite phones for both purchase and rental. 

Edited By: CampTrip.com

When camping, you want to be able to enjoy the great outdoors without the mosquito misery and meyhem. You do not want to spend your adventure running away from pesky mosquitoes. Camping with mosquitoes can be a tiring experience but the good news is that there are ways to get around these itchy critters.

How to Avoid your Itchy Friends:

• Mosquitoes are attracted to colors that are of the same shade as nectar and flesh. So avoid wearing dark-colored clothing and those with bright, flowery prints when going outdoors. Wear light-colored clothing that covers most of your body, including your neck area and ankles.
• Try to keep yourself odorless when going outdoors. Mosquitoes are attracted to some strong odor on the body, which is why they choose particular individuals among all others in the crowd. So when you have outdoor plans, it’s advisable to avoid wearing heavy perfumes and scented lotions. Also, try to avoid strong-scented soaps and shampoos to prevent possible attraction from mosquitoes.
• Watch the time and the weather when staying outdoors. Mosquitoes are known to attack individuals during the early time of the evening until early hours of the morning. These attacks get worse during the peak of summer, when the weather is hot and muggy.
• Mosquitoes are most likely to attack campers at dawn and dusk. Dusk is usually the time that campers are making dinner, building the campfire and getting ready for night time. It can be hard to stay indoors out of the mosquitoes’ reach. This is a good time to cover up. Change into long trousers, long-sleeved shirts and socks and shoes. Hats also help protect the head and neck area from mosquitoes.
• To keep mosquitoes out of sleeping areas, be sure to zip tents and close the windows and vent sections. Mosquitoes will quickly find their way into an unzipped tent before the campers are aware they are a problem. Avoid opening sleeping areas at dusk unless necessary and always close them immediately to prevent mosquitoes from finding their way indoors.
• Choose your destination when going hiking or camping, especially if you are highly allergic to mosquito bites. You should avoid areas with still waters and avoid going to swampy regions, because these sites are the ideal places for mosquitoes.

Happy camping!

Author: Rosie Austin