Backpacking

There are many things that can go wrong while camping or backpacking and it is very important that you know how to be safe during your trips to avoid disaster. Disaster can happen at any moment, while you are on the trail hiking, while you are sleeping, while you are out and about fooling around, or even if you get out of the tent at night to go to the bathroom. You always have to be thinking about your surroundings and be aware of what could happen.

There are many things that you should do if you get lost. The rule that is most commonly used is the S.T.O.P rule. Stop stands for stay calm, think, observe, and plan. This means that if you find yourself lost the first thing that most people do is panic. Don't panic! Usually when people get lost they just have to backtrack a little bit to find the trail again so there is no need to panic. Just stop pull out you map and then think about where you are and find where you are on the map using landmarks around you and observe what is around you. Then think of a plan on how to get back to the trail and you should be back on track in no time.

Being prepared for your trip and knowing the terrain you are going into is essential for a backpacking trip. It can be dangerous if you don't. Before you head out on your trip you need to think about a lot of things, mainly like what to do in case of an emergency and make sure that you have all of the equiptment necesary for the trip to make it enjoyable and safe here is some things that are good to have to make sure that you are safe on you trip:

1. Hiking on highways
2. Hiking on trails
3. Buddy system
4. Know the terrain
5. Be prepared for anything

• Map and Compas: This is a hikers most essential tool. It can be used in emergencies or just to know how far you are from you campsite. It is just a great idea to have a map and compass along with you.


• First Aid kit: It is essicial that you have a basic first aid kit to treat common ailments. So it should include stuff like band-aids, antesteptics, mole skin (used to treat blisters), and scisors at the minimum.


• GPS: if you have one you can use on of these and in an emergency it can tell you where you are so you can figure out what to do next.


• Matches or Flint and Steel: This can be used to make a fire just in case you are stranded for a while and need some warmth or something to cook on in an emergency.


• Bear Spray: A can of bear spray could end up saving your life. If you see a bear and cant escape and end up getting attacked, you will definetly want one of these. Just spray it at the bear and it will be in so much pain it will forget about attacking you and run away.