10 Essential Tips Every Camper and Hiker Needs to Know

Camping and hiking are popular outdoor activities and it’s no surprise. Exposure to green space reduces stress. In a recent study by Pinterest, 96 percent of campers reported the activity improves their mental health. Whether you’re a solo hiker who travels rugged terrain, backpacking through bear country, or planning a family camping trip, outdoor adventure comes with risks – from unpredictable weather to wildlife encounters. Outdoor safety requires preparation, precaution and presence of mind. Read more to ensure every outing is as safe as it is memorable.

1. Plan ahead and inform others

There are several things that should make the preparation checklist, including: 

• Research the area ahead of time.
• Download or print tail maps in case mobile service is unavailable or spotty. 
• Check trail conditions as part of planning the trip, and again in the days leading up to your departure in case there are changes. 
• Monitor the weather and consult the forecast the day before and morning of before heading out. 
• Share your itinerary with a friend or family member. If you’re heading into an especially remote or treacherous location, plan a check in with someone before and after. 

2. Pack the essentials

If hiking particularly long distances, with children or even just spending a couple days at a campground, don’t forget these essentials: 

• Maps downloaded on your phone or printed
• Portable phone battery backup
• Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
• Sun protection and bug spray 
• First aid kit
• Swiss army or pocket knife
• Plenty of water
• Easy-to-consume foods like protein bars and trail mix 
• Matches or other fire starter 
• Bear and mountain lion spray – bear deterrent is important when traveling in certain regions and critical to bear safety

3. Dress for the environment

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a 10-day or longer forecast is only right about half the time, while give-day forecasts accurately predict weather approximately 90 percent of the time. Avoid being part of the 10% and double check the weather the morning before you head out and be sure to have the following items:

• Wear or bring clothes that layer.
• Prioritize moisture-wicking fabrics.
• Bring a waterproof jacket if there is a chance of rain. 
• Make sure your footwear is appropriate to the terrain. 
• Pack an extra pair of socks – or two.

4. Know your limits

It can be tempting to push yourself to see an amazing view but do not push past your experience level, and turn back if needed. Back country is not the place to attempt to go past your abilities, whether skill, physical or mental. 

• Practice closer to home before attempting particularly challenging journeys. 
• Research the hike on official websites and hiking blogs and review sites with comments from other enthusiasts. 
• Be confident the climbing and distance are things you can handle. 
• Check the park website and social media for alerts, closures and detours.

5. Familiarize yourself with maps

In today's digital age, most people rely on their phones to get from point a to point b and perhaps you’re used to well-marked trails. If going beyond that, learn how to read a trail map in order to orient yourself while out hiking and as noted earlier, consider printing a hard copy of any routes you’re going to visit. Your phone has a built-in compass that works without a signal but anyone going into backwoods or for several days or hours at time might consider investing in a physical compas. 

6. Practice camping and fire safety

If you’re camping overnight, choose a campsite with good visibility and sufficient clearing so you can see if any wildlife approaches. Maintain a tidy camp and avoid scented lotions or perfumes that could attract animals, like bears or racoons, to your sleeping area. Additionally, observe fire bans, use designated fire rings, and double check fires are fully extinguished before leaving the location. 

7. Stay hydrated 

The importance of hydration cannot be overstated. According to The Cleveland Clinic, dehydration can occur quickly, within a few hours if losing fluids through sweating. 

Generally, you want to consume half a liter per hour of hiking or outdoor activity in moderate weather and one liter per hour in hot weather. That is significantly more than the average person is used to drinking, so be prepared. For shorter and easier hikes, a water bottle or two should be plenty. However, for longer and more difficult trails – and scorching sunny days – a hydration pack (backpacks with built in water reservoirs) are a safer choice. 

You can also consider putting a gallon in your backseat in case water is scarce on the trail or water fountains are out of order. Warm water is better than no water.

8. Understand wildlife protocols 

Wildlife tends to be more scared of us than the other way around but encounters do occur, especially in areas with heavy bear and mountain lion populations.

There are several ways to prevent an encounter and resources for what to do if one is unavoidable. 

• Travel in groups: There is safety in numbers and wild animals might be more intimidated by multiple people. 
• Watch for signs: Keep your peeled for droppings, scratch marks or signs of recent digging that suggest wildlife is nearby and you should stay alert. 
• Make noise: Surprising an animal in the wild can lead to an altercation. Talk, sing or use bells, air horns or whistles especially in dense conditions. 
• Respond appropriately: Check out our blog on bear safety tips.
• Store food responsibly: Food aroma is a powerful wildlife attractant. Keep all food sealed and stored in airtight wildlife-resistant containers, and dispose of it properly in designated bins.

Do I need bear spray? 

Bear spray is a critical element of bear safety and should be part of your wildlife protocols. The best bear spray for backpacking, hiking, camping and other outdoor activities is Sabre’s Frontiersman MAX. It has a range of 40 feet, which is the highest on the market. Bear and mountain lion spray temporarily disorients an attacking animal, making it safe to escape. Read our blog, “Bear Spray 101” for everything you need to know about selecting and safely deploying bear deterrent and more tips on bear safety. 

9. Have an emergency plan

In addition to sharing your travel plans and scheduling a pre- and post-hike check-in, make sure to plan the following: 

• Add the park’s emergency contact numbers in your phone. 
• Don’t just pack a first aid kit, know how to give and self-administer first aid. 
• Research ways to signal for help. 
• Know how to carry and deploy bear and mountain lion spray.
• Consider packing a space blanket, even on day hikes. 
• Purchase a GPS device or personal locator beacon (PLB) if you frequently hike and camp in remote areas. 

10. Leave no trace

The principle of “leave no trace” is for the benefit of you, wildlife and others. It not only protects natural areas but prevents future accidents. 

Exploring the outdoors can be deeply rewarding, but nature demands respect. By following these ten essential safety tips, you’re not only protecting yourself and those around you, but also ensuring that each adventure is one you’ll want to repeat.

Photo: Sophia Simoes | Unsplash