Camping solo might come off as intimidating to first timers, as there are a lot of items to bring and factors to think about. You need to consider the number of packed food you have to prepare and the size of the camping gear you need to bring with you. Do you go for a full set of gear or just with an efficient kit that is enough for survival?
As it may appear confusing to you, here are some of the best practices to guide you. Here are some reminders that can help you enjoy camping solo.
Always come prepared
Make sure that before you venture into the wilderness, you have the courage, perseverance, and the will to survive the night on your own. Remember that you will not be in contact with other people. At best, you will meet some strangers down the road. Mostly, you will be on your own at night.
Mental and physiological preparedness are just as important as your physical readiness. You should ask yourself whether you can survive a night without panicking or going nostalgic about home. After all, you are out to enjoy nature.
The story of a 12-year-old scout who survived the jungle alone when he got lost will tell you that you should be prepared to take on any challenge in the woods as they come. That skill in fire making that you learned from your previous camping lessons may come in handy this time. It might be your last resort to survival when you are left alone in the cold.
Bring a phone
While there might be no mobile phone signal in your campsite, it is also advisable to bring a basic phone in case of emergency.
One thing that entices solo travellers to go on a solitary camping trip is the lack of access to the real world. After all, it is your means to reconnect with nature and to have inner peace. You might not really need that phone with the lack of signal coverage in some remote parts of the region, except in those parts near the main road.
This does not mean that you should leave your phone at home, though. You should bring at least a simple unit with you. There are a lot of ways to establish connectivity while in a remote area, such as going for a mobile hotspot or bringing your own mini satellite dish.
Read a book
Going for a solo trip without any access from the outside world seems interesting at first. After several days, it may prove to be one of the most boring circumstances you can ever be in. Couple it with the lack of Internet accessibility in your location, and you will feel really alone.
As such, it is advised that you bring a book with you to keep your mind ticking. A study shows that reading will not only keep you entertained beyond human interaction but will also keep you relaxed and calm at the same time. If you cannot sleep with fear of a bear attack looming at the back of your head, you have your book to rescue you from such thoughts.
Find locations with rich resources
If you are just into communing with nature and not for the purest thrill of it, it is advised that you camp where there are more food and resources to obtain. You should have accessibility to the nearest clean water source or to the most abundant part of the river. Consider being proximal to national parks where there are resources for campers like you.
One rookie mistake that you should not commit is to go without doing basic research. Keep note of all the reconnaissance photos available online to determine the state of the location.
Be wary of the wild
While going solo into the wilderness might be challenging and exciting, you should also know your limitations. Going deeper into the woods or across the river without checking any possible dangers associated with it is not recommended. You also do not want to be the next cause of the biggest wildfire in the area. Remember that humans remain the primary cause of wildfires in the world.
At night, it is recommended that you have your own light source other than a self-made fire. You should bring a portable solar panel to give you an energy source for your lighting needs.
Pack a first-aid kit
You cannot go into the woods without securing your first-aid kit. In any camping activity, there is a risk of injury. Being alone in the site without anyone to help you might prove to be difficult and troublesome.
The most common injuries in camping include skin injuries and burns, weather-related injuries, and bug/animal bites. Be prepared with your kit, which should include sterile gauze, snake bite medication, Povidone Iodine as antiseptic, eye drops, tweezers, scissors, latex gloves, antihistamine cream, pills, and sunscreen.
Secure food and water
Bring a lot of food and water. This will ensure that you will have a hassle-free camping experience without the need to go deeper into the woods for resources. You may bring canned goods, cereals, and ready-to-go meals that are not subject to spoilage in the coming days. Your clean source of water should also be there to prevent on-site dehydration.
No one can prepare a 100% fool-proof, safe, and injury-free camping event, especially when you are going on your own. However, keeping these reminders in mind will not hurt and cost you anything either. It will just prepare you for all the possibilities that you may face on your own.
Another way to prepare is to be equipped with the proper kits and tools on site. Check out the coolest camping devices from https://outbaxcamping.com.au/ today!