The national parks in the US see about 2,500 search and rescue operations annually, which incur an average cost of around $4-5 million each year.
The most common activities requiring rescue were hiking during the day and backpacking, with day hikers accounting for almost 1,400 search and rescue missions and backpackers approximately 500.
Although the majority of individuals are located within 24 hours, there are usually more than 20 cases per year where it takes more than a week to find them, along with numerous other SARs within that time span.
The purpose of all this is just to demonstrate the importance of being well-prepared during even a brief camping excursion and not treating it casually.
Know Your Own Abilities
Knowing your own abilities is the most crucial aspect of ensuring safety in the wilderness.
A lot of individuals who are in a troublesome circumstance have gotten there by overrating their capabilities.
Before embarking on any significant camping, hiking, or canoeing adventure, it’s crucial to have a strong understanding of your own capabilities and limitations, as well as those of your fellow group members.
If you plan on going to the BWCA, ensure that you possess the skills to effectively interpret a map and have familiarized yourself with bearing the weight of a bulky backpack and a canoe over your head for a distance of at least one mile.
Were you aware that the human body can survive for about three weeks without food, however, it can only last for one week without water?
If you end up in a physically and mentally stressful environment, both of these will be significantly reduced.
To put it briefly, the key to staying alive in the wilderness is being adequately prepared and using common sense to prevent risking any harm.
What You Need In Your Camping Survival Kit
The objective of a camping survival kit is to carry a fundamental collection of items that will sustain you for the remainder of your camping excursion, as well as an additional five to seven days in case you become stranded in the wilderness.
In case of an emergency on the trail, your survival equipment is intended to assist you either in returning to safety as soon as possible or in staying put until assistance arrives.
Your camp survival kit should contain these 8 essentials.
1. Water
2. Food
Something is necessary in order to survive, although a large amount of food is not required.
Choose calorie-dense essentials that come in small packaging. Opt for high-calorie energy bars, which are a fantastic option. Ensure to pack sufficient food for a duration of one to three days.
Having non-perishable snacks or canned foods on hand in case of an emergency is always a good idea. It’s best if these items do not need refrigeration or cooking. Granola bars and canned soups with a can opener are excellent options. To be prepared, Ready.gov advises keeping a minimum of a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
3. Shelter
People often misunderstand the purpose of an emergency backcountry shelter due to survival television programs – constructing a complex shelter by cutting down trees is not necessary.
Unless the weather conditions are incredibly severe, an emergency blanket will suffice in providing warmth and protection until assistance arrives.
It is advisable to conserve your energy until you receive assistance instead of constructing a shelter. However, if necessary, a basic lean-to can be easily and quickly built to provide some protection from the elements.
Building a shelter and chopping down trees may seem easy on survival shows, but in reality it is much more demanding. In such circumstances, it is advisable to have an Emergency Survival Shelter to keep yourself warm and to prevent hypothermia. Additionally, being inside a shelter can help soothe your nerves and body during a high-pressure situation.
4. Fire Starter
A firestarter tool is a requirement for warmth, light, and mental tranquility. A magnesium fire starter stick is a viable option for its ability to generate significant sparks, handle all weather conditions, and be struck 15,000 times. Conversely, if you prefer an effortless way of starting a fire in harsh circumstances, a stormproof match kit is an excellent option. It comes equipped with waterproof cases and water-resistant matches, making it one of the simplest methods of lighting a fire.
5. Light
In a survival situation, a flashlight or headlamp is immensely advantageous, despite the fact that a campfire’s light is a decent beginning.
Make sure to carry a durable flashlight equipped with a battery that can last long enough to illuminate your environment, assist in building a shelter, and also serve as a signal to others.
Opting for a pen light that is rechargeable and lightweight is a great decision.
6. Radio
In the event of being stranded without mobile phone reception, a radio can serve as a means of staying informed about current events. A basic weather radio, powered by batteries, can receive AM, FM, and NOAA radio frequencies which will provide updates concerning the weather and emergency situations. Additionally, one can listen to music or talk radio to ease boredom. Owning a radio with a solar panel or a hand crank can alleviate concerns about battery depletion.
7. First-Aid Kit
It is important to have a basic first-aid kit with you whenever you go camping.
It is equally important to have knowledge of wilderness first-aid fundamentals beforehand to avoid the challenge of learning during an urgent situation.
It is essential to have a first-aid kit on hand as accidents can range from minor cuts and scrapes to more severe injuries. Whether you choose to create your own kit or buy one, ensure that it contains these necessary items.
- 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
8. Basic Tools
In an outdoor survival situation, a multipurpose tool such as a foldable camping knife is incredibly useful.
A multi-functional tool that incorporates a cutting blade together with pliers and a saw blade is also available as an alternative.
9. A Map
If the streets are flooded or trees are down, you may need to opt for a different route. While your GPS system can assist you, it is advisable to reduce your reliance on battery-driven devices during power outages. It’s a good idea to have a map or atlas that encompasses your journey and place it in your emergency kit to help you navigate through the chaos.
10. Multi-Tool
In an emergency situation, a versatile multi-tool can prove very useful, boasting a range of features including but not limited to a cutting blade, pliers, screwdrivers, and a can opener.
11. Backup Battery
A compact battery pack can provide one or two full charges to keep your phone and other electronics working without electricity. For operating small appliances, lights, and other devices for a brief period, a bigger portable generator could be considered.
When embarking on a camping journey, one cannot predict the potential mishaps that may occur – Could there be a blackout? Could the roads be impassable? Will there be cellular reception? The unpredictability itself justifies the need for proper preparation.
Having an emergency kit with you while camping, no matter the location or time, is crucial in case of unexpected occurrences that may put you in harm’s way.
