Eight Great Activities and Time Killers for Rainy Days in Camp

Rain is a part of the gig for some outdoors enthusiasts. Campers enjoying the Pacific Northwest or the southeastern United States, for example, are all but guaranteed to experience rain on spring and summer trips. And tropical explorers are likely to experience rain on a more-or-less daily basis.

But no matter where your adventures take you, you’ll surely spend a few days huddled in your tent if you go camping often and long enough.

Rain certainly does put a damper on things, but it is important to remember that a rainy day at camp still beats a picture-perfect day at work. So, you’ll want to learn a few ways to make the best of things when the weather isn’t cooperating with your plans to sunbathe and swim all afternoon.

1) Card, Word and Interpersonal Games

Games have been the rainy-day activity of choice for years, and they remain some of the best ways to pass the time when the weather sours. Just be sure to bring games that match the ages and personalities of the campers.

A deck of cards is small and lightweight, and it gives you the chance to play a variety of games, including poker (trail mix makes great currency), gin and hearts, which are good for couples or groups, as well as solitary games like, uh, solitaire. You can also bring along a travel chess, checkers or backgammon set if you’d prefer.

But you needn’t bring anything to play some games – there are a variety of games that can be played with nothing more than another person or two. This includes things like I Spy, Truth or Dare, Never Have I Ever and 20 Questions.

2) Go Fishing

People spend their entire lives trying to determine the best weather conditions for catching fish, and consensus among the fishing community is somewhat elusive. However, most experienced anglers agree on one thing: Rainy weather often stimulates fish to feed. This is especially true during the dog days of summer when the rain cools things off for a while. Rain also washes bugs and other delicious delicacies into the water, and many fish are on the prowl, looking for an easy meal.

Yes, you will get wet while fishing in the rain – you’ll be surrounded by water on all sides, so it’s pretty inevitable unless you bring a top-notch rain suit. However, if you plan properly, and the temperatures are not too low, a little rain needn’t stop you – just be sure to seek shelter if lighting starts.

Rainy weather also makes it extremely easy to catch worms for bait, if you are so inclined. The saturated soil forces them to the surface, where they make easy pickings.

3) Soak in the Sounds of Nature

Rainy days often elicit some of the most interesting sounds nature has to offer. Some birds will begin calling and cavorting when it starts to sprinkle, and frogs often come out of the woodwork, as they defend territories and seek out mates.

It can be fun to just listen to all of their calls, but if you are so inclined, you can learn to identify different species by their calls. Many universities, museums and zoos provide frog-call identification resources for free; just be sure to select a resource that details the species native to the area you are visiting.

4) Repair Broken Gear

No matter how long you’ve been camping or how careful you are, equipment malfunctions occur on most trips. Zippers will become stuck, valves can become clogged with dirt and seams can split. But when the weather is nice and the itinerary full, you’ll often stay busy and have trouble finding the time to fix these types of problems.

But a rainy afternoon gives you a great opportunity to set up a little repair shop in your tent and address broken gear. You can also perform routine maintenance at these times, such as lubricating moving parts and cleaning out gears. Just be sure that you know how to carry out any repairs before you take apart your stove or water purifier – you don’t want to make matters worse.

5) Dive into Your Map or GPS

Even if you are camping in a park you’ve visited a dozen times before, you can probably still learn more about the area and increase your familiarity with it by examining a map of the region for 15 or 20 minutes. This not only provides obvious value in terms of safety, it can help you better enjoy your trip too.

For example, you may notice a hillside that provides a great view, or you may find a quicker route back to the trailhead. Rainy days also give you a great chance to mark waypoints, calculate the distance between different areas or do a little housecleaning (removing old waypoints, etc.) with your GPS unit.

6) Reading

Rainy days are great for cracking open a book, grabbing a handful of snacks and kicking back in your tent. You can read about anything you’d like, but definitely try to keep it recreational. Don’t spend your time in the forest reading about work or news stories – read something that puts a smile on your face and helps you embrace the escape camping provides.

You can bring along a traditional book or two if you prefer to read in old-school fashion. But, if you are a true bookworm, and want to bring along tens of thousands of words on the trail, you’ll probably find that a digital book reader is a better option.

However, weight-obsessed hikers may find that real books present a unique opportunity: You can burn the pages as you go. Paper is great for starting fires, and it will lighten your load as the trip progresses. If you enjoyed the book, you can always buy a new copy when you get back to civilization.

7) Travel to Your Next Location

If you have appropriate rain gear (for your body and your pack) you can always hike to your next location in the rain. Hiking during the rain can be more comfortable if the temperatures are soaring, and if the rain is likely to be short-lived, it will help you make better use of your time. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy better weather once you arrive at your new campsite.

You obviously don’t want to try this in lightning storms or when the winds are strong but hiking in a light rain can actually be pretty fun. Just be sure to use care if the trails become muddy – you don’t want to slip and fall if the trail turns into a slippery mess.

8) Enjoy Some Music

There aren’t many activities that can’t be made more enjoyable with a few tunes, and rainy days at camp certainly qualify. A pair of earbuds and your cell phone or MP3 player will allow you to zone out a bit and relax while waiting for the rain to stop, and it will give you some time for reflection and contemplation.

You can also make your own music if you like. It’s easy to pack a harmonica or recorder in your pack, and if you don’t mind the extra weight, you could even bring an acoustic guitar or banjo (you can even find “travel” versions of these instruments in some cases). You’ll have to confine your concert to your tent to protect your instrument, but the music you make should still be loud enough for others in your campsite to hear.

Rainy days are rarely ideal, but with a little effort and imagination, you can make the best of things and still have fun when the weather is poor. Just be sure to give some thought to potential rainy-day activities before hitting the trail, so that you can bring along anything you may think will be fun.

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Five Glorious Food Ideas for Your Next Camping Trip

Food is often an afterthought for many campers. They spend all of their time picking out gear, selecting a destination and practicing with their camp stove; but when it is time to decide on a menu for the trip, they just grab whatever is handy or convenient.

But this is a big mistake. Any activity is more enjoyable when there’s good food to be had, and camping is no exception. And while camping places a few limitations on your food selections, there are plenty of great meals you can make and enjoy while sitting around the campfire and soaking up the scenery.

So, give the following five ideas consideration when preparing for your next trip. We’re not putting them in recipe form, as you’ll need to tweak the quantities and ingredients based on the size of your group and your own preferences. But this should help give you a few ideas.

Just be sure to bring along all of the things you’ll need to make and prepare the meal, and don’t be afraid to tweak these ideas to suit your tastes. It can also be helpful to prepare some things in advance (such as seasoning meat or chopping vegetables) to make things easier in camp.

What Makes a Good Camp Meal?

Before we get to the actual recommendations, it is important to understand the things that help make a camp meal especially appealing. This will help you understand why some of the ideas below work well and what makes them so appetizing after a long day on the trail.

Some of the most important characteristics of a good camp meal include:

High in Calories

Even if you are just lounging around at camp all day, you’ll usually need a few more calories during a typical camping trip to keep your belly full. Besides, you’re on vacation and you’re trying to enjoy yourself; start counting calories again once you get home.

The easiest way to increase the caloric value of a food is to add a bit of delicious fat to it. If you’re cooking at home, you can use decadent ingredients like duck fat or truffle oil, but you’ll primarily be limited to salted butter or some type of plant oil (olive oil, sunflower oil, vegetable oil, peanut oil, etc.). Peanut butter and similar items (sunflower butter, almond butter, etc.) are also helpful in this regard, although they aren’t great additions to many recipes.

Just don’t go crazy with the fat, or you’ll end up with a greasy meal and an aching belly – particularly if you aren’t accustomed to fatty foods.

Proteins are also helpful for increasing the caloric value of your foods. Making pasta? Add a can of drained shrimp. Making grilled cheese sandwiches? Consider throwing a few pieces of deli meat on before toasting it. Nuts are also great for providing extra calories, but you may get sick of them, considering that your trail mixes are probably full of nuts.

Flavorful

The entire point of making real food when you’re camping instead of just using dehydrated bags of gruel is that it tastes better. Accordingly, you’ll want to make sure your food is packed with flavor.

Fortunately, this is pretty easy to do whether you are cooking in your kitchen or at a campsite. You can bring just about any dried herbs or spices you like, as most are light, are only required in small quantities, and they last for ages, so you won’t have to worry about them spoiling.

A bit of dried basil, oregano, cumin, paprika or lemon pepper can make any meal a bit more flavorful, and don’t forget good old-fashioned salt and pepper. You can use fresh herbs if you prefer, but they won’t last very long. So, be sure to use them early in your trip.

You can also marinate meats and vegetables by cutting them into the necessary size and tossing them in a sealed Ziploc bag (double bag it to protect against leaks) with a marinade that does not require refrigeration. By the time you reach camp the first night, they should have absorbed the liquid and be bursting with flavor.

If you lack the culinary skills to season meats and vegetables well, you can cheat and use the spice and flavor packets that come with heat-and-serve noodles or similar foods.

Easy to Make with Limited Tools

You won’t have access to a kitchen full of cutlery and tools when camping, so you’ll want to keep things somewhat simple. At best, most campers will bring a chef’s knife and a pancake turner or spatula. If you’re a real foodie, you may bring a mixing bowl or cutting board, but that’s going to be about all you have the room to bring.

One good way to sidestep this problem is by cutting and preparing the food as much as is possible before hitting the trail. For example, you can dice vegetables, season and butcher meat or assemble kabobs before leaving the house. This will allow you to enjoy fresh-cooked food, without most of the hassle.

Unlikely to Spoil

You won’t have access to a refrigerator at your campsite, so you’ll have to stick to foods that won’t spoil at room temperatures. This can create pretty significant challenges, as most raw meats will spoil within a matter of hours, and fresh fruits and vegetables rarely last more than a few days (obviously, there are exceptions).

But there are a few ways to work around this problem.

You can, for example, rely on canned meats, which won’t spoil in your pack. This includes things like canned fish, shellfish, pork or chicken, and cured meats that are specifically labeled as safe for storage at room temperature. No, canned mussels (for example) aren’t as delicious as fresh-from-the-ocean mussels, but they’re still a welcome ingredient around most campsites.

Cured meats are occasionally – though not universally – resistant to spoiling. Some bacons and sausages, for example, are safe to store at room temperature.

You can also pack things in ice or frozen food (such as bags of frozen peas or carrots). Just be sure that they are still cold when you get to camp. Ice obviously weighs a ton and it doesn’t last very long, so this is only good for keeping things cool for your first night at camp.

Some campers may choose to freeze chicken, beef or pork, and then allow it to thaw as you hike. However, most food-safety authorities discourage this approach, as it can allow the outside of the meat to spoil before the inside has thawed. Regardless of the approach you use, be sure to toss any questionable foods out instead of eating them.

You’re always better off being a tiny bit hungry than spending your trip expelling spoiled food.

Five Great Ideas

Now that you understand the things that make a good camp meal, it is time to explore a few good ideas. Again, don’t hesitate to tweak these recipes to suit yourself, just be sure to keep food safety in mind while doing so.

1. Pizza

Freshly baked pizza almost always draws a crowd, and while you’ll need to be a bit creative to cook a pizza at camp, it is relatively easy food to prepare on the trail. All you need is a pre-made and sealed pizza crust that does not require refrigeration (such crusts are usually stored by the pepperonis at your local grocery store), a can of tomato sauce and some type of hard cheese. Parmesan or Romano are good choices, but mozzarella will spoil if left at room temperature for more than an hour or two. For toppings, consider bacon bits, pepperonis, canned olives or freshly chopped onions.

Making the pizza is pretty straightforward: Add sauce, add cheese, add toppings. But to cook the pizza, you’ll need to create some type of oven to cook the pizza from the top and the bottom at the same time.

The bottom of the pizza isn’t a problem. You can just put it on a grill or cleverly arranged sticks over hot coals. But the top is trickier.

One way to do so is by covering the pizza with a cast iron pan and placing hot coals on the pan, or by excavating a hole large enough for the pizza, suspending the pizza over some coals in the bottom of the “oven” and placing hot coals on the ground over the cavity.

Cutting a pizza in camp isn’t especially easy, so consider making personal-sized pizzas, rather than a big 14-inch pie.

2. Grilled Sausage and Baked Potatoes

Sometimes, you’ll want a real meat-and-potatoes meal, but this can be hard to cook safely on the trail. However, there are a number of “shelf stable” sausages available, which require no refrigeration. Just serve one of these up with a freshly baked potato, and you’ll surely please your companions.

Preparing the sausage will generally be easy – most are completely cooked and ready to eat, but you may want to heat them by tossing them on the grill or in a pan for a minute or two before serving them. However, you’ll want to start with the potatoes, as they’ll take much longer to cook.

Start by puncturing the potatoes numerous times with a fork, and then wrap them in some foil and toss them in the coals. Check on them frequently but be patient – they may take 30 minutes or more to cook. Once they’re fairly soft, they’ll be ready. Be sure to bring along plenty of butter, salt, pepper and bacon bits to top them. You could even bring fresh chives (or forage for wild onions, if you know how to find and identify them) if you want to be really fancy.

3. Pasta

Dried pasta may not be quite as delicious as that which is freshly made in your kitchen, but it’ll keep well in your pack. Pick any variety you like, but you may prefer selecting bow-ties, penne or rotini, rather than spaghetti or fettuccine, as it’s easier to eat with limited utensils. You’ll also want a can of tomato sauce, and a bit of shredded cheese (once again, you’ll want to choose a hard cheese, such as parmesan or Romano).

Making pasta is super easy: Boil some water and add the pasta. Cook until the pasta is al dente. Drain the water, add the sauce and let the sauce warm up a bit. Serve, sprinkle with cheese and slurp it up with gusto. Don’t be afraid to add some herbs or spices (garlic salt, crushed red pepper or basil are all great choices) to take things to another level.

4. Jambalaya

Jambalaya – and similar rice-based dishes – is an excellent meal for camping. And it is not only easy to make, but it can be made entirely with ingredients that will last the entire length of your trip. This means you can make a delicious meal on your very last night at camp to end the trip on a high note.

Every chef in the world has his or her own jambalaya recipe, but they all contain the same basic ingredients: Some meats (with shrimp and sausage being the most common choices), some vegetables (peppers, onions and celery are the go-to choices for most), some rice and your choice of seasonings.

Basically, you’ll want to make the rice, and toss the various ingredients in early in the cooking process. Stir frequently and simmer for a long time to help reduce the mixture and increase the flavor. That’s about it. Fancy camp-cooks may wish to sear the meats first or add a bit of wine or vinegar to help increase the flavor, but the basic concept is really simple.

Canned shrimp (or any shellfish, really) is the best choice for a protein, and you’ll want to chop up the vegetables before leaving home if they’ll keep well once cut. Serve with a bit of toasted bread to complete the meal.

5. Grilled Trout

Many campers like to sneak in a bit of fishing while they’re enjoying the great outdoors. And while it is generally preferable to throw back most of the fish you catch, there’s usually nothing wrong with keeping one or two for the dinner table (or tree stump, as the case may be). Just be sure to exercise restraint and always follow all applicable laws and regulations when doing so.

But once you’ve caught the fish, you have to figure out how to cook them. There are a million ways to cook a freshly caught fish (you can even eat them raw if you are a sushi fan), but the best way to honor the fish, tempt your taste buds and fill your belly is to keep things simple. This means grilling the fish over hot coals.

If you bring a grate with you, grilling is a snap. Just clean and gut the fish, sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper and toss it on the grill, skin side down. Squeeze some lemon juice on them if you like and pull them off once the meat flakes easily. If you don’t have a grate, you’ll need to improvise by using sticks to suspend the fish over the coals.

If you’d like to prepare the trout in a little more elaborate manner, you can place some cooked rice and a few vegetables in the belly cavity before placing them on the grate. It’ll take a little care to prevent everything from spilling out, but it can be accomplished with a bit of practice. You could also make trout in a pan over hot coals, just add a bit of olive oil to the pan first to prevent sticking.

Trout are often the primary fish most campers pursue, but they aren’t found in all areas (particularly the southern United States). But you can cook just about any freshwater gamefish in a similar manner, including bluegill, catfish or bass.

You’ll clearly have to make adjustments when cooking on the trail, but as you can see, there are plenty of delicious foods you can make without much trouble. Just be sure that any foods you bring are safe to store at room temperature (the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service is a great resource) so you don’t get anyone sick.

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Camping with the Family Dog: Tips and Tricks for a Safe Trip

For some, camping is much more fun when the family pet comes along, but others would take it a step further and consider bringing along the dog to be a foregone conclusion. But in either case, you’ll want to be sure to prepare yourself properly, so that you ensure everyone – including your four-footer – has a great time and stays safe.

Accordingly, we’ve put together a number of helpful tips and tricks for dog owners who want to let their pet tag along during their next trip.

Fit Your Dog with Proper Identification

Anytime your pet leaves the confines of your home or fenced yard, he should have a collar and ID tag, but it is especially important to ensure he is so-equipped when heading into the great outdoors. Even the best-behaved dogs can tear off into the brush in pursuit of small critters. And the only way you’re likely to be reunited with a runaway pup is through the kindness of strangers (or animal control, as the case may be) and a proper ID tag.

Make sure that the ID tag is easily visible and that it includes your dog’s name, vaccination status and several different ways to contact you (an email address is often the most effective choice). You can also have your dog microchipped, as this will serve as a fail-safe practice that will still be effective if your dog’s collar breaks. However, only a vet or animal control officer is likely to have the equipment necessary to read the implant.

Attach a GPS Tracking Device to Your Pooch

ID collars and microchip implants are helpful tools that may help reunite you with a lost pet. However, they are both passive tools; you’ll be forced to sit around and wait to see if someone finds your dog and goes to the effort of delivering him back to you. But you can also use active tools, such as a GPS tracker, to help find your pup relatively quickly.

Most GPS trackers work in conjunction with your smartphone. By using an app or signing into a website, you’ll be able to see your dog’s position on a map. That doesn’t mean that it will be easy to reach your dog – he’s likely much faster than you are – but it will give you a much better chance of bringing your dog back home safely if he happens to run off into the woods.

Make Your Pooch Carry His Own Food

Camping is supposed to be fun for everyone, but this means that everyone – including your dog – has to carry their own weight. Most dogs healthy and athletic enough for camping can easily carry their own food and water if outfitted with a high-quality pack. You can also stuff your dog’s water bowl (more on this below) and a toy in most cases.

Just be sure that you select a high-quality pup pack, so you don’t have to worry about your dog’s food spilling on the trail. Whenever possible, try to opt for a high-visibility pack, which will make it easier to keep an eye on your pooch, and select one with several different types of compartments for maximum packing flexibility.

Keep Your Dog Leashed or Tethered at All Times

Although many people like to allow their dog to run free when on the trail, this is a bad idea that invites tragedy. Wilderness areas overwhelm many dogs, who can’t believe all of the cool stuff to see, smell and pee on. It only takes a second for them to become distracted by a squirrel or rabbit and run after it at full-speed. And because of the unfamiliar surroundings, he may not be able to find his way back to you.

But you can avoid all of this by simply keeping your dog leashed or tethered on the trip. Use a standard leash while walking on the trail so that you can keep your pup close and prevent him from bothering other campers (do remember that dogs – even the friendliest labs – frighten some people and can injure children inadvertently). Once you’re in camp, you can switch over to a lengthy tether, which will give him the chance to run around a bit and explore, without getting too far away.

Buy a Clip-On Light for Your Dog’s Collar

Even though your dog should be tethered or leashed for the majority of the trip, it can be helpful to clip a light on his collar to make it easier to see him at night. Most pet supply retailers carry a variety of different models, and they’re not very expensive at all.

If you are bringing along more than one dog, try to pick a different color light for each pup; this will allow you to tell which one is which at a glance. Make sure to turn your pet’s light off in the morning, but it is a good idea to leave it on throughout the night, so you don’t stumble over him when nature calls in the middle of the night.

Consider Booties for Your Pup’s Paws

While most dogs should be able to handle a mulched or dirt path easily, some substrates – including rocky or ice-coated areas — can damage and injure your pup’s paws. This can present quite a predicament if you find yourself several days deep into a trip and find that you’ll need to carry your pup back to the trailhead.

There are a variety of protective booties available for dogs, but some are better than others. Most are rather affordable, so don’t skimp on quality and try to pick booties that attach very securely to your dog’s feet – many dogs will attempt to shake free of their boots the first time you put them on his paws. Waterproof varieties offer extra protection in cold climates and are well-worth any additional expense.

Treat Your Dog with a Preventative Flea and Tick Treatment

Fleas are quite common in many of the places you’ll camp, so it is important to apply a preventive flea treatment to your dog. Otherwise, these tiny biting bugs will surely find your dog, jump aboard and ride him all the way back to your house, where they’ll lay eggs and colonize your home.

It is also important to select a flea treatment that is effective against ticks too. Ticks can not only leave wounds that are susceptible to infection, they can transmit a number of very dangerous diseases – some of which may be transmittable to humans. But most high-quality flea and tick treatments will quickly kill a biting tick and prevent these types of diseases from infecting your dog.

Pack Appropriate First-Aid Supplies for Your Pet

You’ll want to be able to tend to any minor wounds (or to stabilize pets that suffer major wounds) your pet suffers on the trail, so be sure to bring along any supplies you may need to do so. A lot of the things in your own first aid kit – including things like hydrogen peroxide, antiseptic wipes, triple antibiotic ointment and tweezers — will work for you or your dog, but you’ll want to make sure you bring along any necessary supplies that are canine specific.

This would include things like self-clinging bandages, which won’t stick to your pet’s fur, a rectal thermometer (you don’t want to share this with your dog), and a few strips of cloth to use as a muzzle if your dog becomes agitated following an injury. You’ll also need to bring any medications your pet requires, and it’s a good idea to throw a pet first-aid book or laminated card in your pack too.

Protect Your Pup’s Eyes

If your travels will take you through exceptionally bright locations, such as beaches or high-altitude areas, give your dog a pair of doggie sunglasses or goggles to keep your dog more comfortable. Similarly, it’s also a good idea to give your dog some protective eyewear if you are visiting a windy area, where dust, sand and grit can be blown into your dog’s eyes.

Doggie glasses are usually pretty affordable, and they provide an easy way to avoid a potential problem. Just be sure to try them out with your pooch a few times beforehand, so your pup can get used to wearing them.

Wipe Your Dog Down Before Letting Him in the Tent

If you are going to allow your dog to sleep in the tent (and let’s face it, you can’t say no to those eyes), you’ll want to wipe off all of the mud, dirt and pollen clinging to his fur. You don’t have to give him a full grooming session, but you want him to be relatively clean before going inside.

Pay special attention to your dog’s paws, as they’ll bare the bulk of the filth. Of course, if you fit your dog with booties, you can just take them off before letting him go lay on your sleeping bag. And though it may go without saying, be sure to dry your dog off completely if he’s wet.

It’s also wise to check him for ticks or other creepy crawlies – you don’t want to bring these into your tent. Be sure to check all of your dog’s cracks and crevices, including his ears and the area under his chin.

Bring a Sweater for Your Dog

Just because your dog wears a fur coat everywhere he goes doesn’t mean he can’t become chilled in cold weather – sometimes dangerously so. Accordingly, it often makes sense to bring a sweater or coat for your dog to help keep him warm and cozy.

Admittedly, sweaters aren’t necessary for all breeds; your husky, malamute or Tibetan mastiff will remain perfectly comfortable in temperatures that would send you running for wool socks and a thick parka. However, dogs with short coats – including labs, golden retrievers and pit bulls – may become chilly when the mercury plummets. Additionally, small dogs will usually cool off much more quickly than large dogs, so definitely bring along a sweater for Chihuahuas, Yorkies and other tiny pups.

Invest in Collapsible Food and Water Dishes

Food and water dishes take up a fair amount of space, so do yourself a favor and pick up a set of collapsing dishes. This way, you’ll still be able to provide your dog with food and water easily, without taking up a bunch of your pack space in the process.

Note that many people simply believe their dog will find water while they’re out camping, so they neglect to bring a suitable water bowl. But it is not a great idea to let your dog drink untreated water – he may be fine, but then again, he may fall sick and ruin everyone’s trip. Instead, you’ll always want to bring along a good water bowl and provide him with purified water.

Trim Your Pet’s Nails Before the Trip

Your dog will be walking all over your tent and sleeping bag, so trim his nails before you leave to help protect these items from rips and punctures. Most owners can trim their dog’s nails on their own, but if you aren’t familiar with the procedure, or your dog resists too much, you can have your vet trim them. Many pet stores will even trim pet nails for a nominal fee.

However, don’t try to trim your dog’s nails on the trail if you forget to do so at home. Occasionally, a dog’s nails can bleed during the procedure, and you don’t want to deal with this kind of problem unnecessarily while you’re camping.

Don’t Forget a Fun Toy or Two

Your dog will find plenty of interesting things to keep him occupied and stimulated during the average camping trip, but that doesn’t mean he still won’t want to embrace his chewing instinct while living outdoors. To ensure that he doesn’t eat sticks all week (which, contrary to popular opinion, can lead to serious health problems), you’ll want to make sure to bring something safe that he likes to chew.

It’s also a great idea to bring along a tennis ball or frisbee for dogs who like to play fetch (just make sure you keep your dog’s safety in mind when doing so – a lengthy tether will be helpful for keeping your dog from running off). Your dog will find one way or another to burn some calories and fight off boredom; you may as well provide a safe and constructive way for him to do so.

Bring Poop Bags Along When Traveling Through the Wilderness

Just because you’re in the wilderness, where wild animals answer the call of nature all day long, you’ll still want to bring along poop bags for your pup. Dog waste not only looks terrible and upsets the pristine aesthetic so many campers love, it can represent a potential disease-vector, which can sicken other pets and their human companions.

Plan carefully for this issue: Large dogs can create a significant amount of waste during a week-long trip; you’ll want to be sure to pass by a designated trash can every few days, if possible. Alternatively, you can bury your pet’s waste as you would your own. This is probably a more environmentally friendly option, but it will require more work on your part.

Visit Your Vet to Verify That Your Dog Is Healthy Enough for Hiking

It’s a good idea to visit your vet before taking your dog on a camping trip, just to make sure that he is healthy enough for the adventure. You don’t want to get out on the trail and find out that your dog is sick or unable to live up to the rigors of life on the trail.

This is probably not necessary if your pup has recently seen the vet, lives an active lifestyle and exercises frequently. However, there’s little to be lost by getting your vet’s opinion before hitting the trail.

Dogs make great companions for life on the trail, but you’ll want to embrace the tips above to give you both the best chance for a fun trip. Don’t be afraid to tweak the suggestions above to suit you and your dog; you know what he needs better than anyone else does.

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Wilderness First Aid Kit

It’s not as easy as you would think to make a wilderness first aid kit. Usually you don’t know everything you’ll need until you don’t have it unless you use some valuable resources like this article to help you build your wilderness first aid kit. As you go through this article, keep in mind that you should have personal protection, protection against possible muscle or skeletal injuries, and something convenient to carry it all in.

Before starting, think about your hike. How many people are going to be using your kit? How long is your trip? What will you be doing on your hike? Do you have the training necessary to handle certain situations? If you’re going with a group of people, consider packing a lot of supplies. Same thing goes for if you’re going on a long trip. Plan according to days. If you’re going for a day or two, don’t pack more than you need to. In the event that you’re going to do something that involves water, bring waterproof supplies. If you’re going to partake in a strenuous hike, for example, bring supplies for any possible musculoskeletal injuries. Basically, pack according to your activities. Training is also a huge consideration. Don’t bring things you don’t know how to use. Or, at least make sure you know how to use everything you plan on bringing. Now, let’s get packing!

Personal Protection

Injuries can and will happen may they be small cuts, bruises, or broken bones. There a few items that are a must for your wilderness first aid kit.

1. Nitrile Gloves – Vinyl gloves are porous and some people can be allergic to latex, so always get nitrile gloves. Also, bring as many as you can because you’ll need a fresh pair for every wound you tend to. Don’t bring old gloves. Buy new ones. Your old gloves can be contaminated, have degraded in the heat or cold, or have worn some damage, leading to tears where bacteria and other microorganisms could climb in.
2. CPR masks – CPR masks are cheap, and you can even find some for your keychain. They typically have a short life span, but it’s great in a pinch. Just make sure you know how to use one before you try using it.
3. The Basics – The basics are your gauze, dressings, and adhesive bandages. Gauze and dressings come in many different sizes and forms. Some adhere and others don’ These are good for burns or scrapes. Adhesive bandages are your typical bandaids. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Buy a few of each to be truly prepared.
4. Equipment – Your fingers cannot do everything when it comes to cleaning and dressing wounds. This is why we have tools like tweezers, magnifiers, syringes and trauma shears. Tweezers are cheap, take up little room, and are fantastic if you get a splinter. Same thing goes for a magnifier. Splinters can be quite small. A magnifier goes a long way. Then there are syringes. Syringes are great for irrigation. For those cases where you receive a large wound, a syringe is helpful in irrigating it, basically, cleaning out your wounds. Finally, trauma shears come in a variety of sizes and are pretty low cost. You’ll appreciate it when you need it and have one.
5. OTC meds – Injuries are typically painful and are breeding grounds for pathogens. Keep a bottle of ibuprofen or acetaminophen with you. They’ll reduce your pain and make your hike more manageable. To keep pathogens away, topical antibiotic cream is useful. It kills all the bacteria and nasty microorganisms that would otherwise cause infections. Other good OTC meds to keep on you are gastrointestinal meds and antihistamines. If you accidentally consume something you shouldn’t or drink contaminated water, you’ll likely come down with a nasty case of diarrhea. Rid yourself of that problem with gastrointestinal meds like calcium carbonate or loperamide. Antihistamines are essential for allergic reactions. They can save your life if you have a deadly allergy. For example, if you are allergic to bees and are stung during a hike, you’d benefit from an epinephrine injector.
6. Other – Some other things you should bring include aloe, throat lozenges, lip balm, sunscreen, insect repellant, and your personal medications. Aloe is really good for burns and any potential bug bites. It soothes any burning or itching sensations. Throat lozenges are good for your throat to soothe any soreness. Lip balm is helpful if you’re hiking somewhere cold or really hot where chapped lips are common. Sunscreen is helpful in those sunny areas. No hike is worth the threat of skin cancer. Wear your sunscreen! While you’re protecting your skin, get some insect repellant. Not only are insect bites uncomfortable, but depending where you hike, they can be lethal. Finally, personal medications include anything you need to function, daily. For example, if you have asthma, bring your inhaler.

 

Muscle and Skeletal Injuries

If you’re hiking and trip over something, you may sprain an ankle or break a bone. If this happens, you’ll need a cast, buddy split, SAM splint, compression wraps, or triangular bandages. These items will provide you with support if you should get some sort of musculoskeletal injury. They will typically last you long enough to get to help or your destination. However, if you receive one of these injuries, you should make getting help your top priority. If it’s a break or fracture, infections may occur. If it’s a bad strain, they have a habit of getting progressively worse.

Carry It All

Now that you have all your supplies for your wilderness first aid kit gathered, you’ll need a bag of some sort. This doesn’t need to be fancy. Think compact, waterproof, and durable. You can choose something made of nylon that has organizer pouches or see-through dividers. See-through dividers are nice when you’re trying to dress a wound and don’t want to go digging around to find what you need. Or, you can buy dry bags or dry cases if you intend to be doing something in water. If you’re worried about water getting in there, you can even vacuum seal your kit.   It’ll keep the contents dry. Or, there are simple waterproof zip top bags for those who like to hike ultralight. Regardless, choose things with compartments that make sense to you.

First thing’s first: get your medical bag, and make your list of supplies. Let this guide help you start your wilderness first aid kit. If you have any other suggestions on things to add to this list, please let us know!

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Hiking With Pets

Hiking with your pets makes the journey all the more interesting and less lonely. If you’re not planning on going with a friend or family member, a pet can make a great substitute. However, it’s not as easy as taking another person. Hiking with pets is a challenge all in itself for beginners and advanced hikers alike. Keep reading to find out how to hike with your pets, specifically, cats (Yes, cats!) and dogs.

CATS

Training

How the heck do you train a cat to go hiking? Believe it or not, you can and should train your cat to wear a harness, walk on a leash, and respond to your commands. For training on a leash, it can be quite detailed, but we’ll keep it simple. First of all, get a harness that fits your cat comfortably. Then introduce it to him or her positively. You do this with food. Lay it next to their food dish or give him or her treats after they sniff the harness. Then, let them try it on and attach a leash. Start by walking your cat around the house then transition to longer walks outside of the house.

As for responding to commands, cats are intelligent pets. They already know you’re calling them when you open their feed bag or when you drop something on the floor in the kitchen and say “oops!” Take control of that and use the knowledge to your advantage.   Decide how you want to call your cat and make it specific. Then, associate your call with a treat. Eventually, your cat will associate your call with something positive, and before you know it, you’ll be calling out a command, and they’ll come running.

Gear

There are a few things you’ll need on your hike for your cat. Cats, like you, need food and water. Keep in mind that you’ll be carrying their supplies and yours, so only bring necessities for your feline friend. Don’t expect your cat to be able to lap up water or catch their own food. They’re also susceptible to waterborne disease, and letting your cat run wild to catch food isn’t the best idea. So, for water, bring your purifying tablets or water filter. For food, bring lightweight yet nutrient rich food that your cat will eat.

Next, think about what if your cat gets lost. In this case, you’d need to make sure your cat has identification tags and a collar. You’ll also need a recent photo of your cat. The tags should include your name, address and phone number. The recent photo is important in the event that your cat gets lost. You can show a picture to other hikers on the trail to get some help in finding your furry friend.

Finally, think about poo. Your cats don’t need toilet tissue, but it’s courteous of you to other hikers to make sure your cat doesn’t leave a fresh one on the path for them to step on. Not to mention, cat feces can harbor some nasty parasites like T. gondii. Bring poop bags or a littler box and litter.

Terrain and Weather

Not all cats can handle any terrain. Think about your cat’s age and fitness when deciding on a trail. Older cats may have medical conditions or just not be able to cover long distances or rough terrain. Plus, if your cat is used to hiking for a few short miles, don’t expect him or her to take a 10 mile walk without a problem. While you’re at it, check out the weather forecast. You wouldn’t like hiking in the rain. Your cat won’t like it even more than you won’t. If you need to hike in the rain, get your cat a coat. Same goes for cold days.

DOGS

Training

Dogs need to be trained too for hiking. There are a few key things to keep in mind. First, your dog should behave well around others on the trail. Second, your dog should respond to verbal or physical signal commands. Third, your dog should be able to control his or her impulses as there’s a lot on the trail that can be distracting.

It’s not easy training a dog. There are a number of ways to accomplish this. You can hit the books, invest in some classes, or rely on good old YouTube. Regardless, be consistent. You’ll need to maintain strict rules and do it routinely. Then make sure to reward your dog for good work with treats.

Some important commands for your dog to know are to come when called, stop, leave something be, stay, watch, heel, and drop it. Clearly you want to be able to get your dog to come to you when you need him or her just as you don’t want your dog chasing after something. Drop it is a really good command on that list. Why? Dogs will put anything they can in their mouths. Some of which can be dangerous or full of parasites. Make sure your dog will put it down without swallowing.

Gear

Dogs need gear too! They would benefit from a first aid kit and medications along with zip ties for maintaining their health. Dogs can relieve injuries to their paws or trip and scrape something. The zip ties are for emergency splints. For consumption, a portable dog bowl, water, and dog food are important. They need to eat and drink, too. Again, just like with the cats, they can obtain nasty parasitic infections from drinking contaminated water. So, purifying tablets would do some good.

Finally, an extra leash, attachable LED light, and dog backpack are really helpful on your hike with your pet. Dog leashes can break or get lost. You don’t want to be that person who has to carry your dog around or micromanage his or her behavior because you forgot to bring an extra leash when yours broke.

The attachable LED light is super helpful for your dog to see in the dark. Just as it’s helpful for you to know where your dog is should you get caught in the dead of night out in the outdoors. Similarly, a dog backpack is helpful for you and your pet as it takes some of the strain off of you and allows your dog to help carry some supplies too.

Terrain and Weather

Just like cats, dogs need protection in various weather conditions. They aren’t waterproof, so they’ll appreciate something to protect their coats during a heavy rain. Also, during times of cold weather, your furry friend would benefit from a dog coat. Now, not all dogs will need this. If your dog already has a heavy coat of fur, don’t worry about a coat. Again, check the weather beforehand, so you may prepare accordingly.

It’s a lot of fun to hike with pets. I enjoy doing it with my dogs. Bring the right supplies and train your animals right for a truly enjoyable experience.

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Hiking With Horses

Aging hikers would benefit from hiking with horses. In-fact, anyone who cannot walk for extended periods of times or up to certain elevations but would like to experience hiking could do so with horses.   These people may include disabled, young or aging hikers. No, hiking with horses isn’t a painless experience: stiffness and pain are normal side effects. However, if you’re recovering from a hip replacement and want to make it up that mountain you’ve always wanted to hike, horses are the way to go.

1. What supplies are needed?

When planning for your journey, think about the typical horse riding supplies, but also consider what you’d need on a typical hike. The benefit of hiking with horses is that you can rely on him or her to help carry everything. You’ll need to think about what you’ll need for your horse, your clothing, cooking equipment, repair equipment, medical items, and other things you’d typically need on a hike.

First of all, your horses will need a few things. This includes stuff to fulfill their needs and yours during horseback riding.

1. Saddle and Halter – This is part of the basics. When horse riding, unless you plan on an uncomfortable bare-back ride, you’ll need a saddle. Get one that fits your horse and you comfortably. Halters are also a necessity. Make sure it fits snuggly but not too tight as you horse will be wearing it for the duration of your hike.
2. Lead rope, panniers, and tie down ropes – These are also necessities. It’s likely that you’ll want to walk for at least a small part of your journey. A lead rope will allow you to walk and guide your horse at the same time. Panniers are definitely a necessity for carrying supplies that your horse or you will need during your hike. Make sure it fits your horse comfortably and is balanced. Finally, tie down ropes are for helping you mount, dismount, and guide your horse.   Tie it just right to allow you better control while allowing for a comfortable experience for your horse.
3. Bridle – If your horse is a true bridle horse, get a good bridle that your horse is comfortable with. This gives you more control during your journey and helps for guiding.
4. Cinch – A cinch or girth is a piece of equipment that helps keep your saddle in place on your horse. It typically passes under his or her barrel and attaches to the saddle on both sides of leather straps known as billets.
5. Containment System – A good containment system will keep your horse safely in camp. When you’re ready to rest and relax, you don’t want your horse taking off. So, think ahead and bring along hobbles or a picket rope. OK, I know hobbling a horse sounds awful, but it really isn’ All it requires is a rope tied around two or more of your horse’s legs which keeps them from taking long strides away from camp. A picket line is another good option. In this, you stretch a line between two trees which you then tie to your horses. Just make sure your halters, lead ropes, picket-line ropes, and knots are all strong and durable.
6. Hoof pick and shoeing kit – Your horse won’t appreciate rocks and other debris getting stuck in his or her hooves. This is what hoof picks are for! They’re little hooded tools made of metal which are used to clean hooves. While we’re on the subject of hooves, a good shoeing kit wouldn’t hurt if you brought that along. In the event that something happens to his or her “shoes,” you can put new ones on or fix the old ones.
7. Grooming supplies – If you’re hiking in the woods or a field with a lot of briars, your horse might end up coated head to hoof in a mat of things you don’t want stuck to your clothes. Save yourself the discomfort and bring some good grooming supplies to get your horse cleaned up.
8. Food and water – Horses like to eat and drink too. They aren’t real picky and will probably eat a lot of the vegetation on your hike. But, if you’re visiting a spot where there is little vegetation, your horse would appreciate some store-bought horse food. Also, your horses can pick up a lot of the same nasty parasites you can from drinking contaminated water. So, bring a water bowl and purifying tablets.
9. First aid kit – Sometimes horses stumble, get into a patch of nasty and painful thorns, or receive some sort of life threatening injury. This could leave you without a ride. Prepare for the worst: prepare a horse first aid kit. This may include large gauze, tape, bandages, salve, antibiotic ointment, and more!
10. Insect repellent – If you own horses, you likely know how prone they are to being bug magnets. Nor do they appreciate it. Bring along some insect repellent for your horses, and they’ll appreciate it.
11. Repair Kit – No matter what quality items you purchase, you might need to repair a few things. So, plan accordingly. Bring along a kit with leather, laces, a leather punch, sewing needle, dental floss, duct tape, vice grips, bailing wire, and extra parts for your stove which I will mention later.

Things you’ll need include your clothing supplies, first aid kit, food and water, and other hiking equipment.

1. Clothing – Dress appropriately for hiking with horses. This means wearing an inner layer, insulating layer, and protective layer, depending on where you’re going. Inner layers include synthetic underwear, wool socks, or a swimsuit. Insulating layers include jackets, vests, wool shirts, sweaters, pants, t-shirts, wool socks (MULTIPLE PAIRS), stocking hats, and gloves. Protective layers include windbreakers, ponchos, and, of course, a cowboy hat for protection from the sun!
2. Food and Water – You’ll need to eat and drink on your hike. Bring food that is light, nutrient-rich, and won’t degrade quickly. While you’re at it, bring a water purification system, water container, and clean water if you can. Some things you might want to bring to cook include a small stove, matches, fuel, funnel, pots, pans, cups, spoons, and corkscrews.
3. First Aid Kit – A good first aid kit will allow you to tend to every simple injury and then some. It should include gauze roles, chapstick, sunblock, bandages, anti-acid tablets, ace bandages, butterfly closures, safety pins, aspirin, first aid tape, first aid book, and any personal medications.
4. Other – Other things you’ll need on your hike include a sleeping bag, tent, compass, matches, fire starter, knife, whistle, cord, map, and any miscellaneous items you see yourself needing on the trail (i.e. axe).
5. Where could you hike with horses?

Unfortunately, your horse cannot hike just anywhere. You’ll need to find trails that are, first of all, allowed to be traveled by horses. Not all trails are free for horse use. Check your trail’s regulations before planning your journey. Places that are typically available for equestrian use are rail trails, bridle paths, and long-distance trails. But, also think about the path itself when planning a trip. Don’t take your horse where you’ll find erosion, invasive plants, lots of hikers, or plenty of wildlife.

2. When should you hike with horses?

You can hike with your horses year round depending on the weather and the terrain. Of course, the ideal weather is preferred yet not realistic. Check out the weather and plan accordingly. Think about if you’d like to hike in the pouring rain, deep snow, or blistering heat. If you would say no to any of these, your horse would probably say the same if he or she could speak.

Hiking with horses can be extremely rewarding if you do it right. You’ll need the right supplies for both you and your horses for a comfortable experience Just as it’s best to plan your trip for the right time and terrain. Anyone can hike whether it’s on two legs or horseback.

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Tips For Choosing A Headlamp

What makes a good headlamp? There are a few key features of a headlamp that you should be looking out for. Identify why you need it, what you’ll need it for, and what about headlamps matters the most to you. It’s not as simple as you would think, but I’m here to help you make the choice easier!

First of all, why do you want to buy a headlamp? Clearly, headlamps have some advantages over flashlights, lanterns, or your smartphone light. First of all, it’s hands-free. To be able to have control over a light while having your hands free is a major advantage. This is nice when you’re cooking outside in the dark or climbing. Simply around the campsite where you can turn your head and the light goes with it is super helpful.

Second, beam distance is an asset. Some of the more expensive headlamps will provide you with an impressive beam distance similar to that of a spotlight. This is helpful on those poorly marked trails that might take you back to your car or campsite.

Finally, consider the structure of a headlamp. It’s compact, lightweight and durable. They can fit in your book bag or pocket and generally weigh less than a few ounces. And if you’re not afraid of spending a few extra bucks, you can get a really high quality headlamp that will even be water resistant. Some are good in storms and others can handle up to one meter of water. If you plan on going hiking where the weather is unpredictable, this may appeal to you.

When you’re picking the right light for you, think about how it can help you when things go wrong. For example, if you’re looking for something to help you find your way around the campsite, a cheaper light will do. However, if you’re looking for something that’ll take you through challenging terrain in the dark, a more expensive headlamp will be worth it.

Again, a huge advantage is being able to use your hands at the same time. For example, if you’re caught out in the middle of nowhere and a friend of yours gets injured, it’ll help for you to have both your hands and a focused light at the same time. Instead of trying to figure out how to get a light on the affected area so you could tend to it, save time by having a good headlamp that could make all the difference. It may even save your friend a nasty infection. Overall, you’ll be more prepared to handle bad weather, cold temperatures, finding trails, injuries, and broken equipment.

Now, consider the types of headlamps. No, they’re not all the same. In-fact, there are many types that are all different.

1. Floodlights cast a very wide beam at dim settings. This is good if you want to see things nearby in a wide range. These situations might include preparing meals, finding things in a tent or reading. With the dimmest settings, you may even avoid blinding those around you every time you turn your head which can quickly become a problem.
2. If you want a headlamp that will cast a good beam of light across a distance, the spotlight headlamp is the way to go. These are typically more expensive, but some good quality ones will shine across an entire football field length! If you need to see trail markings far ahead, this is awesome!
3. Red light. LED redlight headlamps can come in handy. They last a long time in terms of battery life, and they help you see at a great distance. Furthermore, they’re convenient in an emergency situation. Sometimes they can even blink red if you need emergency help. A lot of people will actually use them to preserve night vision. This is really helpful for star gazing to help your eyes adjust. Even some hunters find these to be helpful as to not spook the animals.
4. More expensive headlamps are waterproof. If you plan on going out into the water or out in the rain, a waterproof headlamp is priceless.

Now that you’re narrowing down your search, think about performance. Every product differs in performance according to lumens, hours, and range. Lumens vary with manufacturer. It’s a measurement obtained from an integrating sphere which measures the total light energy emitted from a device. It doesn’t tell you if the product is useful or not, but it tells you how intense the light is. However, just because it’s high on the scale doesn’t mean it’s better. Sometimes, the ones with the higher lumens can have poor quality beam patterns.

Beam range is another important performance quality. It relates to the brightness of the light and the ability of the lens to focus this light. They will tell you the exact distance on the product, and you just need to choose according to your needs. If you will find yourself in the middle of nowhere at night, beam distance is important. You need to see far ahead to avoid getting more lost. But, if you’re just using it for short range activities, this may not be an important parameter to you.

Finally, hours of light is generally important to everyone. Unless you’re okay with bringing heavy packs of batteries as a backup, it’s helpful to know about how long your light will last on a pair of batteries. Look for the Black Diamond Icon during your search for a headlamp if you want something that’ll last all night on the highest setting. It’ll be a life saver if you need it to operate all night long. Other lights will allow you light all night long if you keep it on low. Cheaper ones won’t provide you much light for extended periods of time. But, if you’re just staying near your vehicle with backup batteries, this might not be such an issue for you.

Everyone looks for something different in a headlamp based on their needs. If you’re a runner needing something that you can just strap on and go, a long rang durable light with good battery life may be ideal. On the other hand, if you’re traveling remotely, you may not care so much about battery life, and short range light may be acceptable. Or, if you’re a climber looking for something light to bring along, the biggest issue may be weight. If that’s the case, you’ll want to invest in something lightweight while ignoring a lot of the other details. Luckily, there’s a headlamp out there for everyone!

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Packing Tips For A Long Hike

If you enjoy long hikes, then you should know how to pack accordingly. Usually, it’s like going on vacation; you learn every time you go what you need to bring the next time. However, there are a few necessities that you should just have with you by default. Don’t make these items part of your learning lesson!

To start, here are some things you should bring with you on ever hike.

1. Good shoes. On a short day with a light pack and easy terrain, trail shoes work, but on longer hikes, everything is different. You’ll be carrying heavier loads on more difficult terrain. With that in mind, you should invest in some good hiking boots. They don’t have to be fancy, but they should provide you plenty of comfort and support. Keep in mind that when you hike, you’re on your feet for long periods of time.
2. Map and compass. Yes, a GPS is great, but a compass and map should be on you at all times. Make sure you know how to use it, as well. The purpose of this secondary measure to not getting lost is to provide you with something that you can use anywhere and without a power source. Let’s say your GPS dies and you lost your batteries in the creek, now what?! Lucky for you, you brought your map and compass!
3. Water and purifier. It’s great to bring a lot of water, but you have to keep in mind that water is heavy in your pack, takes up room, and no matter what you bring, it probably won’t be enough. Your body needs water to function, so keep it supplied. If you have a water purifier, you can skip worrying about bringing enough water, and just clean up your water on the way. Never drink water straight from the outdoors if you can help it. Almost every time you’ll end up sick and more dehydrated than you were to begin with.
4. You need food to feed your body with energy. Not to mention it keeps you focused with good morale. Bring light food that is rich in protein and calories.
5. Rain gear and more clothes. Never just go hiking with the clothes on your back. It’s inevitable that you’re going to get sweaty or muddy or wet. None of those cases are really enjoyable if you only have the clothes on your back. Furthermore, if it rains, to avoid hypothermia, rain gear helps.
6. Safety items. Safety should be a top priority. Don’t be that person who goes out into the woods alone with no safety items that you may need in a pinch. This includes items for defense, in the event that you get lost, light to find your way and stuff to start a fire. Pepper spray is always good for defense against bears and any people with ill intent. A weapon of some sort like a gun or knife works well too. If you get lost, you’ll want a good whistle or a beacon or something. A flashlight is a must. And, you should have matches or a lighter or both to start a fire. While we’re on the subject of safety, make sure you have a first aid kit in case of emergencies.
7. Knife or multipurpose tool. I cannot stress the importance of a knife enough. It allows you to cut things may that be material or wood. It allows you help in removing splinters, fixing broken glasses, and repairing a number of gear that may be malfunctioning.
8. Sunscreen and eyewear. Whether you’re hiking in the snow, the mountains, or the desert, the sunlight can prove to be a terrible enemy. If you’re not protected, you can get severely burned by sunlight, and your eyes can get damaged easily. So, protect yourself with sunglasses and sunscreen.
9. A good backpack can make the difference between a good hike and a bad hike. If you’re looking for something to allocate the majority of your hiking fund in, invest it into your book bag. You won’t regret spending money on a great quality book bag that will provide you room for your items while being comfortable on your back. Some backpacks even come in with a built in rain cover. That’d be helpful!
10. A second pair of glasses. This is overlooked by many, but for those who wear glasses, you should always carry a second pair of glasses. Your glasses may get smacked off by a branch, scratched, or broken. If you cannot see without them, then what do you do if they break? Your best option is to come prepared: bring a backup.
11. Emergency shelter. If you’re going on a long hike, most likely you’re staying the night or a few nights. Bring something sturdy to stay in. This may be a tent, tarp, or reflective blanket.   If you bring a hammock to sleep in which is a good idea to keep your pack light, a tarp is a necessity. You cannot predict the weather on a hike, so come prepared. A sturdy tent will go a long way. With a hammock, a tarp is a necessity.
12. Don’t forget the toilet paper! Yes, food and water are the two most important things on this list, but I’d like to argue that toilet paper is right up there with them. Unless you’re comfortable with wiping with leaves, toilet paper will make you much happier. In keeping with that, don’t forget waste bags and hand sanitizer. If you’re hiking in an area where a lot of people go, waste bags are important to keeping things clean.
13. Other things you might not think about but are just as important include drinking cups, cutlery, insect repellent, binoculars, trekking poles, and a guidebook. Bring metal drinking cups (stainless steel for safety), forks and spoons for your meals, and really good insect repellent to keep those spiders and mosquitoes away. The binoculars will be helpful for spotting animals or seeing from afar. Trekking poles relieve pressure from your body during your hike. A guidebook just makes finding your way around the terrain all the more easy while pointing out the highlights.

Pack these items according to your needs and length of stay. Don’t let yourself find out what you need next time the hard way!

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Your Compass And You

No hiker should be without his or her compass. Even more importantly, every hiker should know how to use one. They can be a little confusing if you don’t know how to use them, but they sure can get you out of a pinch if you get lost. A global positioning system or GPS is great, but it needs power. A compass does not. So when those batteries run out in your GPS, you may be wishing you’d have brought a compass and know how to use one.

The very first thing you need to know are your directions. North is the most important when it comes to a compass, but you should also know that in a clockwise fashion, the order is North, East, South, and West.

There are a few types of compasses. There are the kind that attach to a map and the kind that you hold. The kind you hold are used for people who want to go fast. It contains a compass needle, compass housing, orienting lines, and an orienting arrow. The compass needle has a red part and black part (or it may be white). The point is that the red part always points towards the earth’s magnetic north pole.

If you don’t want to go north, you’ll need to rely on the compass housing which has a scale. The scale goes from 0 to 360 or 0 to 400. These are degrees. If you want to go between them, you use a mix of directions. For example, if you want to go between North and East, you say you want to go Northeast. In that case, you’d find where on the compass housing northeast is then turn the compass housing so that northeast on the housing goes exactly where the direction of travel arrow meets the housing.

Then you’ll hold the compass in your hand, flat, so the compass needle cannot turn. Then turn the compass so that that the needle is aligned with the lines inside the compass housing. Be sure that the red part of the compass needle always points north. If it points south, then you’re going to go the exact opposite direction. Also, be sure you’re not carrying something magnetic that will throw it off. If you’re carrying something like iron it may disturb the arrow. Literally anything metal could mess it up. Even the soil can be a problem, but that’s rare.

As soon as you feel confident about where you’re going, walk in that direction and keep watching the compass. Also, if you feel like you’re going in the wrong direction, look for the sun. At noon, the sun is in the South if you’re in the north, so if you want to head north and you see the sun, there’s a problem.

You don’t always need to be hiking to need a compass. If you have a map, and you’re lost, a compass can save your life. You at least have to know a general direction that you must go to get there. As soon as you know what general direction it is, use the compass housing so that the direction you want to go in is where the travel arrow meets the housing. The only issue is that it’s not a very accurate way of finding your destination. If you want to find a general area and you know how to use a compass, you’ll get there every time. However, if you’re looking for a particular spot, that’s another story.

Now, your compass is only as good as your map. If you can use them both, you’ll be able to navigate in any new terrain safely and efficiently. Here’s how it works. Suppose you’re trying to go from A to B. You’ll put your compass on the map where you are so the edge of the compass is there at point A. The edge you use is the edge parallel to the direction of travel arrow. The direction arrow has to point from A to B. Keep the compass on the map steady then align the orienting lines and the arrow with the lines going north on the map. When you have the edge of the compass aligned from A to B, turn the compass housing so the orienting lines in the compass housing are perfectly aligned with the lines on the map going north. When you feel good about your compass housing, take the compass away from the map and read your direction off the housing where the housing meets the direction arrow. Make sure the housing doesn’t turn before you get where you need to go!

Now, all you do is hold the compass flat so the needle can turn, then turn yourself and your hand until the compass needle is perfectly aligned with the lines inside the compass housing. Again, don’t let it point South. The red part has to point north. As you walk, hold the compass in your hand with the needle aligned with the orienting arrow. Then simply aim in the direction that the travel arrow is pointing and keep aligning it to some object you can reach. Then walk there, and keep choosing a new object to reach until you get to your destination.

There is something called magnetic declination that occurs when the compass points towards the magnetic north pole but the map is pointing towards the geographic north pole. Those are not the same places. Then in other cases, on hiking maps, there are UTM grids. This type of grid doesn’t actually have a north pole. However, the lines are usually pretty close to other norths. So, just be weary of which type you’re using, and make sure everything lines up.

The most important thing for you to do is practice, practice, practice! Don’t choose to start practicing midway on the Appalachian mountains. Start by practicing out back, and then move up to some woods you are well acquainted with. And always keep in mind that you won’t always hit exactly what you’re looking for. Plan to go a little off course. Aim for a general direction, and use your intuition alongside of your compass to get you where you need to go!

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