Love The Outdoors

Outdoor Safety: Dealing With Dehydration

LoveTheOutdoors — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:21:28 +0000

In the summer particularly, dehydration poses a risk to everyone outdoors – especially hikers and campers. Because they’re outside for long periods of time with limited resources, outdoor adventurers must take extra care to avoid dehydration and its unpleasant, potentially serious effects.
Dehydration’s Hallmarks
The medical definition of dehydration is a condition in which one’s body is lacking the fluids it needs for normal operations. It happens when the body loses more fluid than it’s taking in – a common occurrence in the outdoors – for extended periods of time. When a person gets dehydrated, they lose more than just water. Electrolytes such as potassium and sodium also flow out of the body faster than they’re replenished.
Dehydration has several distinct symptoms, the most obvious being thirst. This doesn’t happen to everyone who’s dehydrated though, so it’s important to watch out for more indirect signs for the condition. If you’re feeling especially weak, dizzy, or are experiencing a dry skin feeling, you might be dehydrated.
What to Do When Dehydration Occurs
If recognized early enough, mild dehydration isn’t all that difficult to take care of. Just give the person fluids, preferably a sports drink or other solution with electrolytes, and have them rest for awhile. If it’s mild to moderate, they’ll recover fully after a short rest and increased fluid intake.
In severe cases of dehydration – which has symptoms including disorientation, low blood pressure, and rapid heart rate – it is usually necessary to call a doctor. Though dehydration seems to be easily curable, it can be very dangerous if left untreated for too long. In the worst cases, a person suffering from the condition can even go into shock. Thus, if severe symptoms are present, get medical assistance and have the dehydrated person rest with fluids while you wait for help to arrive. Even in the worst examples of dehydration, medical professionals can treat it effectively using intravenous fluids.
A few groups are particularly susceptible to dehydration, including the elderly, children, and infants. Since infants and children often don’t voice a dehydrated condition quite so well, make an effort to keep them well hydrated on especially hot days. In addition, watch out for less frequent urination, dry mouth, and weakness. As serious as dehydration can sometimes be, it is almost always preventable. By drinking plenty of fluids and being able to recognize the condition’s signs, you and your family can have some fun in the sun without worrying about dehydration.

Keeping Your Things Safe at the Campsite

LoveTheOutdoors — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:08:40 +0000

In camping, as in the everyday world, a few bad apples can ruin the whole experience. And at campsites that attract many visitors, this adage holds very true. Though it doesn’t happen often, instances of theft have occurred on campgrounds in the past. It makes sense when you think about it. Camping parties go on extensive hikes or engage in other activities, often leaving their things behind – and sometimes vulnerable.
Complicating this problem is the fact that the items left behind are often personal and valuable in nature. A camper might, for instance, leave their wallet in an unprotected tent when going on a hike simply because they don’t need it. Even camping equipment itself – from tents to cooking equipment – is often quite expensive and unprotected.
Simple Security Measures
While the threat of campsite theft certainly exists, it’s not exactly practical to set up a full-on security system – complete with barbed wire fencing and warning lights – around your tent. Fortunately, all it takes is some common sense and a little extra care in order to protect your belongings from would-be theft or damage.
When you first arrive at a busy campsite, it can be a good idea to introduce yourself and the rest of your group to your immediate neighbors. Not only will you get a sense of their trustworthiness, but they’ll be around to let you know if something fishy – namely an unfamiliar person – is making their way onto your campsite without notice.
Once camp is all set up, the last thing you’ll want to do is put things back in the car. But when the whole group is venturing off the campsite for some fun, it’s wise to do just that. Valuable and personal items should all go into the car if no one will be around to watch the area. You can make it a little easier on yourself by setting up a “value spot” where the group can keep the items they don’t want to lose or carry with them. Then, when the time comes to lock them up, they’ll be ready and accessible. Similarly, having a checklist to refer to when you arrive and leave will ensure that nothing of value is lost permanently.
As unfortunate as it might be, theft on campgrounds is not exceedingly rare. And while it’s impossible to make a busy campground 100% safe, these measures are quite effective for good overall campsite security. In most cases, all you need to do to prevent opportunistic crimes like campsite theft is to diminish the easy opportunity itself.

Outdoor Adventures: Exotic Fish Species in North America

LoveTheOutdoors — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:09:08 +0000

As a destination for exotic fishing opportunities, North America is a bit of an afterthought for many. After all, most areas for fishing on this continent don’t have the sense of wonder and unfamiliarity that other areas of the world do. Nonetheless, there are plenty of rare and exotic fish species that outdoor lovers and experienced anglers can target right here in the Western Hemisphere. Below are a few of the coolest species to target, and where to find them.
Lake Sturgeon

The lake sturgeon, a fish species dating back literally millions of years, was once commonly found in the Great Lakes. Due to overharvesting for its caviar, oil, and confectionary qualities, it has since become a true rarity. It is a very large bottom feeder, growing in some cases to over 300 pounds. Its life span is equally impressive, living over100 years in some cases. Due to the species’ protected status in most areas, there are only a few spots left for sturgeon fishing – most of which have strict limits. Minnesota’s Lake of the Woods, for example, allows anglers a limit of five sturgeon per year.
Alligator Gar
Colloquially known as the “Gator Gar” in areas where it is found, the alligator gar is a sight to behold. In its long, snout-like jaw, rows of sharp teen lay ready to snatch up unsuspecting prey. Its immense, too, with adults typically growing to over 200 pounds. Anglers use many methods to catch them, including snagging, netting, and even bow fishing. These freshwater monsters are found across much of the Southern United States, most prominently in states like Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
Peacock Bass
Though they’re better known for inhabiting the Amazon River, peacock bass have also been introduced in the United States. Known for their immense size and vibrant, distinct colorations, these bass are infamous fighters. In fact, they’re legendary among anglers for their ability to mangle even the sturdiest fishing tackle. In the contiguous U.S., the only state where you can expect to find them is Florida, where they’ve been stocked in freshwater bodies near Miami.
Muskellunge
Though they’re not “exotic” in the traditional sense of the word, muskellunge are rare enough to earn their place on this list. Known by those who go after it as the “fish of 10,000 casts”, muskie are found in the frigid fresh waters of the Northern U.S. and Canada. The species grows up to thirty pounds, and is well-respected among anglers for its hard-striking and vicious fighting qualities – if you somehow manage to actually hook one, that is.

Outdoor Safety Tips: Dealing With Wildfires

LoveTheOutdoors — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 13:43:34 +0000

For those who live or travel to the western portion of the United States, wildfires are a fact of life. Before humans roamed the Earth, natural events such as lightning strikes and volcano eruptions caused wildfires to rage across wooded areas and grasslands. Today, human caused wildfires only add to the number of burns each year. Though not entirely bad – they can help to regenerate and revitalize certain habitats – wildfires certainly pose a risk to human health. If you’ll be camping or staying in an area prone to wildfires soon, use these safety tips to handle the event safely and practically.
1. The most harmful aspect of wildfires for humans isn’t the fire itself. Much like fires that occur in more densely populated areas, it is the smoke that does the most damage to human health. Wildfires consume a ton of dense, rich vegetative fuel as they burn – putting off plume after plume of thick, heavy smoke. Obviously, this doesn’t bode well for the respiratory system if inhaled. The California government recommends to its citizens that they stay inside if a wildfire is burning close enough to pollute their air, but not close enough to threaten their homes. This advice is applicable to campers and outdoor adventurers as well. Though it is certainly a downer, staying indoors is the best way to ensure your safety.
2. If you’re at a campsite without access to emergency alerts, smoke should be your cue to evacuate. In areas where wildfires burn, they sometimes become so prevalent that the ones burning away from residential areas aren’t kept track of. Western states often have several different wildfires burning at once. Therefore, it’s important that you err on the side of caution when camping in areas prone to them. If you see or smell abnormal amounts of smoke – no matter how distant on the horizon – it’s wise to leave as soon as possible. As mentioned before, even limited exposure to smoke can be surprisingly harmful to your health.
3. If possible, find a way to access information. Whether it means turning on the radio in your car or talking to other campers nearby, your closest ally in a wildfire situation is information. Because of rapidly changing wind and weather conditions, wildfires can change size and direction very quickly. By keeping up to date with the latest information, you’ll be able to respond to the evolving situation nimbly.
Though they’re often completely natural occurrences, wildfires sure can throw a wrench in the lives of homeowners and campers alike. But with the right strategies and responses, you’ll be able to preserve what’s truly important – the safety of your family, your friends, and yourself.

Tips For Keeping Your Campsite Clean

LoveTheOutdoors — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 16:17:26 +0000

When you’re able to keep your campsite clean, all parties benefit. Besides helping you to camp more comfortably, you’re also making the lives of fellow campers easier and keeping the local environment preserved for future generations of outdoor lovers. But, much like housework, cleaning at the campsite is often seen as a tedious chore – especially since you’re supposed to be “getting away” – which inevitably leads to messes everywhere. But by setting up and following a few simple, easy-to-do guidelines, your camping party will be able to keep it clean without too much trouble.
1. When you get to camp, set up trash and recycling bags first. As your camping party unpacks, things will inevitably be thrown away immediately. Whether it be snack wrappers eaten on the car ride to the campsite or empty water bottles drank on the walk there, make sure to set up trash bags first thing so that all the junk has a place to go. Doing so will help prevent you from falling behind on cleaning tasks early, and prevent some of the cleanup stress later.
2. Bring tarps and rugs. In addition to keeping the outdoor environment clean, you’ll want to keep your tent environment tidy as well. The best way to do so is to prevent it from getting very dirty in the first place. Many experienced campers like to lay down an old tarp which they can set up their tent on. Then, when the tent’s up, they’ll lay another, newer tarp as a buffer between dirty feet and the tent’s floor. The other trick – which you’ve seen on countless doorsteps before – is to place a woven rug outside your tent flap. Any visitors will instinctively wipe their feet before entering, keeping dirt and mud off the spots where you’ll be sleeping.
3. Set up a “dishwashing station” daily. For those who like to camp as a family, one of the biggest campsite cleaning struggles is dish maintenance. If you don’t want to go the paper-plate route or need real dishes to hold up to certain meals you’ve planned, consider bringing along three tubs and some dish soap. Every morning, set them up, fill them with water (a single one with water and dish soap), and allow those in your camping party to clean dishes as they go.
4. When you clean up for the last time, follow campers’ etiquette. Generally speaking, outdoor enthusiasts try to go out of their way to leave a campsite like they found it. This means scattering rocks you used to make campfire rings, covering any latrines that have been dug out, and picking up pet droppings that may have been missed. Though it’s a little extra work, you’ll be able to leave the campsite with a clear conscience and a definite sense of accomplishment, having conquered the outdoors’ often inherent dirtiness.

An Intro to Off-Trail Hiking

LoveTheOutdoors — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 11:28:34 +0000

A quality common among almost all hikers is the strong desire to explore and discover. The sense of wonder and peace you get when making your way through snaking wooded paths and natural terrain is tough to beat. For some experienced hikers, the best of that feeling comes when exploring truly untouched areas – the ones that you can’t find on a well-traveled trail.
Called “off-trail hiking” by its practitioners, going off marked paths and into the uncharted forest can add an element of excitement to your hiking trip. The distinction might not seem huge at face value, but many hikers believe that pioneering your own path makes all the difference in having a rewarding outdoor experience. Those who are trying to catch a glimpse of native wildlife, too, commonly venture into less traveled areas. After all, you wouldn’t really expect to see an avid bird watcher or wildlife photographer walking on a path crawling with hikers.
In addition to adding a level of excitement to an outdoor adventure, off-trail hiking allows you to hone your skills. For instance, someone might wander off and then attempt to make their way back to the trail using a map and compass. Another might walk the woods to look for signs of wildlife, sharpening their tracking skills. Whatever the specific reason might be, there’s little doubt that experience off the trail will help you work towards becoming a better overall outdoor enthusiast.
Special Considerations for Off-Trail Hiking
Of course, it would be unwise to talk about the merits of off-trail hiking without mentioning safety precautions. Because you’ll likely pass through places you’re not exactly familiar with, you should always make sure someone knows the general area you plan on exploring before setting out. If it’s somewhere you’ve never been, be sure to bring a GPS or map and compass, and know how to use them effectively. Those with less hiking experience might find it better to hike with a buddy or group – they’ll be able to teach you a thing or two, and can make the whole experience much more fun.
Because off-trail terrain is often more rugged than the trails themselves, be sure to wear a good pair of socks and boots. Aching feet have a way of making hikes miserable in a hurry. If you’re leaving for an undefined length of time, pack enough water and food to keep full and hydrated. With a few simple safety measures, the right equipment, and a positive mindset, you just might find off-trail hiking to be a new personal favorite outdoor activity.

Tips for Making Your Hikes More Enjoyable

LoveTheOutdoors — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 18:38:06 +0000

Whether you hike for exercise or sheer enjoyment of nature, the whole point of hitting the tail instead of hitting the sidewalk is to enjoy yourself. Unfortunately, factors from pain, to fatigue, and even boredom can put a damper on what you would normally savor. If you’ve been stuck in that oft-feared “hiking rut” and a change of scenery or new trails to hike aren’t helping, try testing out some of the following outdoor gear. It may just reinvigorate you, providing the zest for the outdoors that seems to have been lacking.
1. Hiking Boots. The number one concern for avid hikers should always be based pragmatically. That is, you’ve got to be comfortable to enjoy walking through trails. If you’re wearing an old pair of tennis shoes or boots that don’t fit quite right, all you’ll end up with is sore feet and a desire to never set foot in the woods again. See a knowledgeable representative at an outdoor apparel store for help on finding boots that fit correctly. They should be snug, have as little slippage as possible, and have tread specialized for the type of terrain you typically hike.
2. Trekking poles. Much like an endurance athlete, avid hikers often get an uncomfortable buildup of lactic acid in their leg muscles – especially when navigating hilly terrain. To help alleviate this pain and restore some of your lost energy for hiking, consider using a trekking pole as your own personal “hiking assistant”. Modern poles are quite convenient, in that they often telescope for easy transport when not in use. Be sure to use the right size trekking pole on your hikes – most agree that one which comes up to eye level is best.
3. Binoculars. If it’s not pain that’s making your hikes less fun, then it’s most likely boredom. People who hike the same or similar trails day after day often end up getting burned out on familiar scenery. But by bringing binoculars, you can pick up on the hidden beauty of oft-treaded trails that you were never able to appreciate before. Scouting for birds, looking for larger game, and using them to view breathtaking landscapes can easily restore your wide-eyed awe for the outdoors.
4. A fishing pole. So it’s not pain, and it’s not scenery – maybe what your hikes lack is a goal. After all, many feel like their hikes should have a point, and not be walking for walking’s sake. If there’s a body of water near the trails you hike, try punctuating your mini-excursion with a little fishing. It doesn’t matter if it’s a bubbling creek or raging river – giving your hike a purpose can help you from feeling listless or aimless on the trail.
From time to time, just about everyone gets a little burned out on things they normally love to do. But if your hikes have lost their sense of fun and it simply refuses to come back, it’s certainly worth making an attempt to switch things up a bit. By mixing in some new nuances to old standbys, you might just find something that turns hiking from the chore it may have become into an activity to look forward to again.

How to Practice Proper Campsite Etiquette

LoveTheOutdoors — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:37:26 +0000

As socially responsible members of the outdoor community, it’s important that campers cultivate a sense mutual respect towards one another. When you’re actually at the campsite, this means learning to share certain communal spaces with other campers. Many campgrounds, both public and private, are busy year round – so you can expect to be cohabitating with other camping parties on at least some trips. Below are a few ground rules for making sure that you’re using proper camping etiquette on those trips.
Don’t be a litterbug.
One of the biggest annoyances for many campers is the failure of others at the campsite to pick up their trash. Scattered paper plates, plastic cups, and food wrappers aren’t just disrespectful to your fellow campers, they’re a detriment to the site’s microenvironment. While it’s understandable that, say, a younger child might leave a few things lying around, try and make sure they get cleaned up before bedtime.
If you’re fishing, fillet your catch away from the campground.
While it might be easier to take your fishing haul back to the campsite for cleaning, the pungent smell and significant waste produced when cutting up your catch might not be appreciated by other groups at your campsite. In most public fishing areas, there are pre-set stations made for fish cleaning. Take advantage of them if at all possible, and be sure not to leave unusable portions behind.
Use precautions regarding pets.
Bringing your pet along on a camping trip is always great fun. Their natural energy can really liven up and add to the experience of a camping trip. At most campgrounds, pets are allowed and even encouraged to tag along. You should make an effort conscientious with Fido or Spike, though. Make sure that he’s either leashed or being watched at all times, in order to avoid the disturbance of other groups. Take him on walks away from the campground for bathroom breaks – if he or she decides to take care of business at the campsite, try to pick it up as quickly as possible.
If you’re unsure about something, look at the campgrounds rules and regulations for guidance.
Typically, popular sites will have rules posted for all habitants to follow. They usually include set nightly quiet hours, rules concerning pets, guidelines for campfires, and other general considerations for good camping etiquette. By following these posted rules, you can help to ensure that you’re respecting the rights of other campers.

5 Tips for Hygienic Camping

LoveTheOutdoors — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 12:48:50 +0000

One of the most difficult things to manage while on a trip in the outdoors is personal hygiene. Whether you’re at an established camping facility complete with running water or you’re truly roughing it miles away from the nearest person, keeping clean is often a struggle. Without the modern conveniences we’ve become so accustomed to, keeping up with the bacteria, dirt, and grime that seem to be so fond of our skin and hair is a constant challenge. But with these simple tricks and a few small items, you can keep yourself relatively clean, healthy, and odor-free in the outdoors.
1. Swab yourself. It takes more than a daily rinse to keep bacteria and general grubbiness at bay when you’re on a camping trip. Often, you might find yourself completely filthy without access to running water. This predicament is partially solved with a bag of cotton balls and some hydrogen peroxide. Simply wet the cotton balls with it, and give yourself a swab on areas of high bacteria growth – the face, armpits, feet, and groin. Though far from a full cleaning, it will keep you from scaring fellow campers and wildlife due to stench.
2. Carry hand sanitizer. Though personal sanitizing products have suffered some backlash from immune system proponents in recent years, they certainly have their place in the outdoors. Before you reach for that bag of chips or begin preparing your camping party’s next meal, use a generous dollop of hand sanitizer to prevent potentially harmful bacteria from being ingested. Nasty hands are sometimes tolerable, but sickness on the campsite is simply no fun.
3. Go au natural for bathing. If you don’t have access to running water, taking a dip in a river or stream with a travel size bottle of soap is the next best thing. Be careful not to bathe in stagnant water, however, as bacteria tends to congregate where current is lacking.
4. Don’t re-wear clothes. As tempting as it might be to pack as light as possible, be sure to bring enough clothing to last the duration of your trip. It might be a pain carrying the extra luggage into the woods, but being able to put on fresh clothes in the morning is well worth it. At the very least, consider bringing some extra pairs of socks and underwear.
5. Bring a small shovel. How will a shovel help keep you and your campsite clean? Two words: bathroom breaks. When you’re deep in the woods without a restroom nearby, it takes some extra effort to take care of business in a hygienic way. The general rule is to dig a new latrine each time, and cover the hole with dirt when you’re finished. Also, keep it at least a football field’s distance from your campsite.

In reality, the principles of staying clean and hygienic while camping are pretty simple. The hard part is sticking to them – especially when you’re dog tired after a full day of outdoor activities. But for your own sake and the sake of those who might catch a whiff of you, make your hygienic practices in the outdoors a force of habit; something you do automatically.

Outdoor Safety: Handling a Flash Flood

LoveTheOutdoors — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:03:20 +0000

Every year, the coming of spring brings with it a reawakened sense of life. The sun shines longer each day, native wildlife comes out of their winter hiding places, and deciduous forests begin to turn green again. Spring is far from just flowers and sunshine, though. Rising temperatures and quick, powerful air pressure changes make conditions ripe for wild weather. In the United States’ vast river valleys and areas near large bodies of water, flash flooding is a constant springtime threat. Outdoor enthusiasts must accordingly be able to handle flash flooding, as they’re among the most likely to be in rising water’s path.
Basic Response to Floods
The biggest cause of flooding in low-lying areas usually isn’t localized precipitation. It is in fact watersheds from upstream portions of rivers. This precipitation accumulates into the river channel, making swaths of land downstream vulnerable to rising water. Flash flooding might seem gradual, but it often happens surprisingly fast – especially in smaller streams and brooks. If you happen to be on a hike or campsite near any running water, there are a few basic steps to take immediately.
The number one concern in any situation should be getting to higher ground. If the water is noticeably rising, don’t bother with prolonged attempts to gather gear and supplies. Get everyone together, and get on the move on foot or in your vehicle. In most cases, just getting out of the river bottom or creek ravine is enough to keep you and your loved ones safe.
When driving in high water, special consideration must be taken. Statistics show that a high number of drowning cases involve motor vehicles – mostly because people attempt maneuvers they simply can’t make. The general rule of thumb is if the road is covered in water, turn around. Judging water depth from the driver’s seat is too difficult and too risky to attempt.
After the Flood
After the water recedes, hidden dangers might still lurk in previously flooded areas. Debris is typically the biggest risk. Exposed nails and shattered glass is covered in bacteria, which easily leads to cuts and infections. Additionally, you should keep an eye out for downed power lines, or anything that might carry an electrical charge for that matter. This is particularly true if your home or weekend-getaway cabin has been flooded.
All told, responding to a flash flood is in essence a matter of common sense. Like most other emergency situations, your first priority should be getting yourself and your loved ones to safety. As frazzling as an experience with flash flooding can be, quick, rational response and a precautionary attitude in its aftermath are your best measures for security.

Love The Outdoors

Outdoor Safety: Dealing With Dehydration

Related Posts:

Keeping Your Things Safe at the Campsite

Related Posts:

Outdoor Adventures: Exotic Fish Species in North America

Related Posts:

Outdoor Safety Tips: Dealing With Wildfires

Related Posts:

Tips For Keeping Your Campsite Clean

Related Posts:

An Intro to Off-Trail Hiking

Related Posts:

Tips for Making Your Hikes More Enjoyable

Related Posts:

How to Practice Proper Campsite Etiquette

Related Posts:

5 Tips for Hygienic Camping

Related Posts:

Outdoor Safety: Handling a Flash Flood

Related Posts: