Camping Survival Is Serious
Every year, approximately 2,500 search and rescue missions are carried out in national parks in the US, costing an average of 4-5 million dollars annually.
The activities that required rescuing the most were day hiking and backpacking, in that order. Day hikers needed rescue in almost 1,400 SAR missions, whereas backpackers needed around 500 rescues.
Although the majority of individuals are located within 24 hours, there are usually more than 20 cases per year where it takes over a week to find them, alongside numerous other search and rescue operations occurring within that time frame.
It is crucial and should be considered seriously that being well-prepared is vital even during a basic overnight camping trip.
Know Your Own Abilities
Knowing your own abilities is the most crucial aspect when it comes to staying safe in the wilderness.
By overestimating their abilities, many individuals who find themselves in a difficult situation actually end up in that predicament.
Before embarking on any significant camping, hiking, or canoeing expedition, it is crucial to possess a thorough understanding of your own capabilities and limitations, as well as those of other individuals within your group.
If you are planning to go to the BWCA, a camping destination our family loves, ensure you can read a map correctly and have practiced carrying a heavy pack and a canoe over your head for at least a mile.
Were you aware that the human body has the ability to endure approximately three weeks without food, but it can only survive for one week without water?
If you are in a physically and mentally stressful environment, both of these (referring to certain things) will be significantly reduced.
Surviving in the wilderness can be achieved through careful preparation and by using common sense to prevent encountering any hazards.
What You Need In Your Camping Survival Kit
There is no way to predict what problems you may encounter on your journey when you leave for a camping trip – could the power go out? Could the roads be in a good condition for driving? Could you have reception? The uncertainty alone is sufficient justification for being ready before you depart.
No matter the location or time of your camping trip, it is crucial to have an emergency kit available in case a catastrophe occurs. The following list comprises 10 items that you might already possess or consider obtaining, ensuring your preparedness for various emergency scenarios.
1. 3-Day Supply of Nonperishable food
Having nonperishable snacks or canned foods is always a good precautionary measure for emergencies. The ideal items to pack should not need refrigeration or cooking. A good choice would be granola bars and canned soups (remember to bring a can opener!). According to Ready.gov, it is recommended to have a minimum of a three-day stock of nonperishable food.
2. Clean Water
In case of an emergency, it is crucial for both you and your group to have access to clean drinking water. Ready.gov suggests having one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. Additionally, it is advisable to have a water purifier, like a LifeStraw, as a backup in case your clean drinking water supply is depleted.
3. First-Aid Kit
It is imperative to have a first-aid kit as accidents do occur, ranging from minor cuts and scrapes to more serious injuries. You have the option to either create your own kit or buy one, but ensure that these items are included:
- adhesive bandages of various sizes
- butterfly bandages
- gauze pads of various sizes or gauze roll
- antiseptic creams and ointments
- sterile wipes and rinse solutions
- pain and anti-inflammatory medicine
- hydrocortisone cream
- tweezers, scissors, safety pins, and knife
- sunburn relief spray
- anti-diarrhea medicine
- antihistamine for allergic reactions
- eye drops
- triple antibiotic ointment
- moleskin
- hand sanitizer
4. Headlamp/Lantern
If you experience a power outage, whether it lasts for a short period or an extended duration, it is essential to avoid being left in the dark. Prepare by keeping a spare headlamp or lantern with fully charged batteries on hand, along with an additional set of backup batteries. Certain lanterns come equipped with a hand crank for recharging the battery, eliminating any concerns about running out of power.
5. A Map
In the case of flooded streets or fallen trees, you may need to select a different path. Although your GPS might be able to redirect you, it is advisable to reduce reliance on battery-powered devices in the event of a power outage. It is recommended to pack a map or atlas that encompasses the region you are traveling to, including it in your emergency kit. This way, you can determine the most efficient route amidst the chaos.
6. Multi-Tool
In case of an emergency, a versatile multi-tool can be utilized for various purposes. Typically, it is equipped with features such as a knife blade, scissors, screwdrivers, a can opener, and other tools.
7. Radio
If you find yourself in a situation where you have no cell service, having a radio can be useful in staying informed about the latest news. By using a battery-powered weather radio that can receive AM, FM, and NOAA radio bands, you can stay updated on the present weather conditions and emergency situations, while also having the option to enjoy music or talk radio to pass the time. Additionally, if your radio has a solar panel and/or hand crank, you won’t need to be concerned about running out of battery power.
8. Emergency Survival Shelter
Building a shelter and cutting down trees is harder than one might expect, unlike what is shown on survival shows. In this kind of situation, an Emergency Survival Shelter is necessary. It is important to have a shelter to stay warm and avoid hypothermia, while also bringing comfort to the body and calming the nerves during times of high stress.
9. Fire Starter
A firestarting tool is necessary due to the essential functions of fire, such as providing warmth, light, and peace of mind. One option is to use a magnesium fire starter stick, which produces sizable sparks, is weather-resistant, and can be struck repeatedly up to 15,000 times. Alternatively, one can opt for the convenience of a stormproof match kit, which contains water-resistant matches and waterproof cases, making it an uncomplicated solution for igniting a fire in challenging circumstances.
10. Backup Battery
If you desire to ensure the functionality of your phone and other electronics even without access to electricity, you can opt for a compact battery pack, which will supply one or two complete charges. Conversely, if you need to power small appliances, lights, and other devices temporarily, a larger portable generator may be a suitable choice.
