Hiking and Camping Safety Tips

Are you planning a summer hiking and camping trip with the whole family? Congratulations! Your trip will provide a terrific way for your family to enjoy themselves, get plenty of exercise, and save money in the process. Whether you are an experienced outdoorsman or this is your first camping trip, plan to review some basic hiking and camping safety tips before you set off into the wilderness. Here are a few quick guidelines to keep your family safe while enjoying the great outdoors.

Pack lots of water and sports drinks

Most areas of the U.S. are enduring scorching temperatures this summer, so it is important to ensure that nobody gets too dehydrated from being outside in the heat. Plan to pack at least a gallon of water per person per day, plus extra sports drinks as necessary to replace lost electrolytes. While you are packing, make sure to toss plenty of sunscreen and a hat into your bag as well to help beat the heat.

Make sure someone has directions

Leave detailed directions and a map, if possible, with a friend at home, along with instructions to call emergency services for help if you are not back by a certain day. People get lost all the time in state parks and wildlands; if an accident happens, your map will give search crews a good idea of where to start looking. It might not hurt to bring a personal GPS tracker along too.

Brush up on basic first aid skills

Before leaving for your trip, take the time to go over first aid procedures with your family. Make sure you are competent in basic CPR, as well as knowing how to recognize sun stroke or heat stroke. You should also review instructions on how to dress a wound or treat a broken bone. Better safe than sorry!

These quick and simple preparation tips can ensure that your family has a safe and enjoyable camping and hiking trip. Happy trails!