Hiking Tips and Advice

Ranked by the National Geographic as an ideal hiking destination in America, Phoenix is often seen as the safe haven for hikers. This iconic city of Phoenix has three incredible mountain preserves with many amazing trails leading to more than 180 miles of notable and developed trails.

These trails are source of attraction for outdoor adventurers and some, casual walkers. South Mountain is made up of a whole of the southern border. Camelback Mountain remains solitary and covers the Central Valley horizon. Piestewa Peak stays a series of mountains located on the northern side of Phoenix.

Inside the Phoenix city herself, there are uncountable numbers of preserves, green belts, and parks that are easily accessible for great hikes and casual walks. Are you interested in knowing some of the best hikes in Phoenix? If yes, read on!

Best Hiking Destinations in Phoenix

Listed below are some of the 10 best hiking places you need to know in Phoenix, these are arranged in no particular order.

Piestewa Circumference – Freedom Trail

Average Time: 2 hours

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 3.8 miles round trip

While Piestewa Peak is generally known for its ever-famous Summit Trail, the Piestewa Circumference Freedom Trail offers a more intensive look at and a closer involvement with the landscape of the desert. Wound around the bottom of the peak, this region holds a variety of desert flora you can ever find in the mountain preserve.

Some portion of this trail synchronizes with the Nature Trail, which offers educational plaques itemizing different flora. The trail starts at the north end of the trail park and will promptly take you over a dry, rocky spring bed, before joining with the Freedom Trail Loop. Since, this is a circumferential hike, you can take either direction.

However, you should consider whether to choose a steep climb before you start a hike or go for a right at the intersection. Within Four miles in the preserve, there is some mellow rise picks up all through the hike that are ordinarily close to few memorial saddles.

These are decent chances to stop and take a proper look at the landscape: the peaks, the Phoenix horizon, and many other exciting desert landscapes.

Picketpost Mountain

Average Time: 3 to 4 hours

Level of Difficulty: Difficult

Distance: 4.3 miles round trip

With just 2,000 feet of rising, hiking in the Picketpost Mountain is one that will make you return for more. It provides you a brief trip on the Phoenix Trail before climbing a series of bent curves such that in a matter of one mile, it will make you look down toward the Valley ground floor from 2,800 feet away.

At this point, the trail gets somewhat specialized as we bend, leaning on the cliff walls and intersecting shaky edges before entering a very narrow valley. This area will test your strength and should be done with caution. Just stay focused and engaged.

From the valley, the trail starts an upward series of bent curves and some fun stone bouncing to the upper plateau and lastly the summit. Make sure to stop a while and observe your surroundings as you climb. You will find the views amazing as you ascend.

When you reach 4,375 feet, you will find the panorama incredible, starting from the Superstition Mountains to the Four Peaks to the Weaver’s Needle. During the day, you will have an extraordinary perspective of the Catalina Mountains which is located in the north of Tucson. To your surprise, there is a mailbox on top of the mountain? The Picketpost Mountain is one of a kind trail to enroll in without a doubt.

Tom’s Thumb

Average Time: 3 hours

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 4 miles round trip

Situated in the more isolated northern region of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, you will find Tom’s Thumb sitting at 140 feet and can be seen all through the East Valley and Scottsdale. Numerous hikers often call this local landmark “the dork” due to the amazing patriarch of the climbing scene.

Nevertheless, you do not have to be a climber to appreciate the sheer views of this bulging hiking scene. After climbing for a half-mile, you will reach a precarious series of bend curves. The perspectives are stunning and will help in keeping your mind off the work you are putting in.

You can also anticipate for more stunning perspectives of Cave Creek Mountains, Four Peaks, and Bartlett Lake. At about one mile, you will be sitting at an amazing 3,680 feet. About a half-mile later making two miles, you will gain a saddle for another extraordinary perspective.

At that point, there remain just a half-mile to the ridgeline and an appropriate perspective of Tom’s Thumb and its remarkable proportion.

Camelback Mountain’s Echo Canyon Trail

Average Time: 2 hours

Level of Difficulty: Difficult

Distance: 2.3 miles round trip

Camelback Mountain should be a once in a lifetime hiking. Regardless of whether you are simply going to the Valley or living around here, Camelback Mountain hikes offer probably the most encompassing perspectives of Phoenix.

Situated in the heart of the city, this 1,264-foot climb is an extraordinary taste of the mountain tucked inside the suburban boundary, one that is certain to blow your mind in more courses than one. Throughout this hike, you will enjoy the areas of stair stepping and scrambling.

If you are a little bit nervous to climb, be rest assured that handrails have been set up for your help if necessary. At simply under a mile, you will see a false summit. While this may appear like a dreadful trick after the cardio you have been using, the main summit is some steps away from this, and you will soon be on the most remarkable top you can ever find in Phoenix.

Feel relaxed, catch your breath, and appreciate the sights of the amazing metro Phoenix right from South Mountain to Chase Field, Superstition Mountains, and Four Peaks. This is a completely remarkable way to see the beauty of the whole city.

Hieroglyphic Trail

Average Time: 1.5 hours

Level of Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 3 miles

This short climb offers awesome perspectives of the Grand Superstition Wilderness Area and in addition an ancient accumulation of Hohokam petroglyphs. Situated at the bottom of the Superstition Mountains, hiking on the hieroglyphic trail is ideal for families and even a beginner hiker.

The trail head shared something in common with the Lost Goldmine Trail, yet advance you up a little hill and you will discover two wooden sign post stamping where the trail divides. Move left and proceed towards the mountain. At about a half-mile of hiking, you will eventually see the Sombrero Butte, Camelback Mountain, and South Mountain.

Proceed with another half-mile, and you will be entering the Hieroglyphic Canyon; move along this trail and at about five to nine minutes, you will get into an extensive rocky zone with scores of Hohokam petroglyphs and few small-scale pools of water. You might be wondering why this preserve was not given the name Petroglyphs Trail.

It appears that the early pilgrims and mine workers are to be blamed for the misconception. The Hohokams occupied the Central Arizona, roughly 800 years back, leaving a lot of petroglyphs behind that the early pioneers mixed up as Egyptian hieroglyphics. Hence, give rise to your Hieroglyphic Trail.

Mormon Trail to Hidden Valley Trail

Average Time: 2.5 hours

Level Of Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 3.9 miles

Situated inside the biggest municipal park in the city of Phoenix, the Hidden Valley Trail of South Mountain gives you a chance to get away from the city with uncommon rock developments and two natural rock channel marking the end of this half-mile trail.

Quietness is always a common thing during this hike, as the city and its sounds look like they have vanished, abandoning you with dazzling rock formation and dry sandy washes. Now entering the Mormon Trailhead hike, the rising is prompt, because it is like half-a-mile to the saddle, where there is a fantastic perspective of downtown Phoenix.

You will then hit a steep area of the trail from here, which will straighten out around the one-mile checkpoint. In a matter of minutes, you will come across the crossing point with Mormon Loop and you will need to go straight, remaining on the Mormon Trail throughout until the point that you run into the National Trail.

At this point, take a right and you will be going towards Fat Man’s Pass leading to the Hidden Valley Trail. You are going to enjoy the view and exit through the other rock channel to go back through Mormon Trail.

Cave Creek Trail to Skunk Tank Loop

Average Time: 6 hours

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 10 miles

Situated in the upper east of Phoenix within the Tonto National Forest, this particular trail features the riparian desert spring that is Cave Creek. This is more than a city; a real creek flowing through some region of Tonto National Forest, supporting a broad cluster of fauna and flora and not typically found in the desert.

After entering this hike, you will probably overlook that you are right in the desert and some miles away from the city, all regards to the lavish vegetation and the sound coming from the streaming creek adjacent to you. This loop gives you an awesome day hiking adventure.

It starts with a quiet trek through shallow and short water intersections and underneath lavish shades of trees, before finally dropping into a limited canyon and sending you climbing along a lovely, rocky creek bed. At that point, the Skunk Tank Trail loop includes some cardio, with wonderful all-encompassing perspectives on moving hills and mountains that appear round.

It is not an awful result, and simply going over part of the way through the trail, the long bend curves have hoisted you to 3,665 feet. After just a mile, the trail makes a curve and meet up with the Quien Sabe Trail 250. This is the most elevated purpose of the hike at 4,075 feet.

Proceed a little more, you will soon reach the Quien Sabe mine, and after, the old mine worker’s camp. This is a decent place to stop by and appreciate a little history before finishing the two miles remaining.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Average Time: 2.5 hours

Level Of Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 3 miles

Situated at the floor level of Picketpost Mountain just close to Queen Creek, Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a headquarter for most of the desert plants throughout the world. This Arboretum hike is more than just a hike.

It is more or less an educational walk and an awesome chance to start perceiving what vegetation you have seen on the trails. For a starting hiker, what you will be amazed by what normally occurs in the Valley area you are trekking through.

Upon landing, you should desire to go through the Main Trail as it interfaces with the arboretum’s remarkable elements and appealing routes. For an absolute taste of what you may experience on hikes close to Phoenix, ensure you hit up the Sonoran Desert Trail before going back to the Main Trail.

From that point, you will discover why you need to visit the Smith Interpretive Center and the Hummingbird Gardens, a memorable structure repurposed to hold two nurseries, displaying succulents and desert flora from around the globe. As you continue going on, you will soon arrive at Ayers Lake, a fabricated reservoir giving water to the whole grounds and serving as a flying creature asylum.

Past this, you will be hiking through a riparian territory, Eucalyptus Forest, an intuitive herb cultivations and a brush of palms. Your trip will be ended with a stroll over the Outback Bridge, finishing on the walkabout trail located along the Australian Desert Exhibit.

Peralta Trail to Freemont Saddle

Average Time: 3-4 hours

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 4.9 miles

There is a considerable measure of mystery and history related to the Superstition Wilderness Area, bringing the early historians and hikers to the old mining grounds. Regardless of whether you believe the story or not, this trail is an extraordinary insight into the majesty and beauty of this amazing region.

More so, it leads to one of the best perspectives of its popular landmark: the 1,220-feet-tall Weaver’s Needle. Peralta Trail is named after a family from Sonora, Mexico, who mined the in this same region before an extraordinary slaughter, resulting in different stories of hauntings, lost maps, and gold.

It begins with a heading left to the trail head. At this point, you are going to appreciate the beauty of the gliding mountains that surround you before intersecting the Peralta Creek at the quarter-mile checkpoint, where you start your rising.

After a mile, you will reach a fork in the trail; keep going right and proceed through a series of bend curves upwards. At about a mile and a half, you will come across the Geronimo’s Cave while looking over the canyon. The trail will cross the desert spring bed again before directing you upward and onto some brilliant colored volcanic region.

Thereafter, you will pass a cave entrance. At that point, it will be left with one-half mile Freemont Saddle for a stunning perspective of Weaver’s Needle.

Reavis Falls

Average Time: 9 hours

Level of Difficulty: Difficult

Distance: 14 miles

Did you realize that there is a 140-foot waterfall just some minutes away from the city of Phoenix? Yes, the Reavis Falls is just 30 feet taller than the famous Niagara Falls. Located deep in the Superstition Wilderness, this fall is not for the swoon of heart, but rather it is unquestionably justified regardless of the effort.

The condition of the waterfall fluctuates based on any last rainfall occurrence, so arrange in like manner. Start at Reavis Trailhead, with a wonderful perspective of Apache Lake, which is right behind you and an extraordinary visual upon your arrival.

From here, you will make a curve and move through Reavis Trail for a little more than two miles, gaining a saddle at around 4,000 feet. A snappy swing to look behind you yields an extraordinary perspective of Four Peaks. After a mile, you will start to see Castle Dome.

This is a precarious aspect of the trek arrival at a saddle at around 4,675 feet. In a matter of one mile, the trail starts to slip. The descent is around 1,625 feet. And, recall that this will be a jump while going out. At about six miles, you will get to Reavis Creek and trace it upstream, where you will traverse the creek a few times.

This includes much rock jumping and customarily extremely icy water. In case the stream is great, you will hear the gliding sound of the waterfall before you see it. The sounds will allure you nearer until you get to this mind-blowing sight, smack spot at the very center of the desert.

Tips for Hiking in Phoenix

Over 200 hikers are being delivered every year from the preserves, mountain stops and desert of the city of Phoenix. The essential tips below can help prevent you from adding to the number:

Tip 1: Watch the Weather

Yes. “It’s a dry warmth”. However, Phoenix’s temperature can be misleading and fatal. Climb when it is cool outside. Attempt early mornings and nights when there exist more shade.

Tip 2: Dress Appropriately

Wear appropriate sunscreen, cap or hat, clothing, and shoes

Tip 3: Bring Water

Ensure you Hydrate before you leave for the hiking trip. Winter climate in Phoenix may fluctuate around a high of 67°, yet make sure to pack water along, regardless of what the temperature might be. Have a lot of water, more than you might predict you require.

However, if you are outside in the Phoenix sun, you will require significantly, at least 8 cups of water for the day. In case you are heading outside for any reason at all, carry along a bottle of water. If the purpose of going out is hiking, carry along many bottles of water or preferably, a drinking system.

Many individuals have encountered their death after heading into the preserves inside a temperature of 110-degree heat without enough water. That is the main reason hikers are often warned to stay inside or create a shelter beside one of the pools available in the Valley until the month of October.

In case you need to go outside, you may be enticed to hold up until night when it is cooler. It is an intelligent arrangement, but you should know.

Tip 4: Keep in Contact

Convey a cell phone or a satellite phone along anywhere you go and let your friends and family know your plans and the locations you plan on visiting.

Tip 5: Team Up

Don’t ever go hiking alone. In case you feel like going alone, tell somebody about your area of interest, begin times and end times.

Tip 6: Be Honest

Do you have any medical condition? Back issues, knee, diabetes, heart issues, Asthma? Try not to encourage yourself.

Tip 7: Don’t Trail-blaze

You are free to enjoy the beauty of the Sonoran desert landscape. But please, remain on assigned trails.

Tip 8: Take Responsibility

Try not to be somebody that won’t get ready, shouldn’t have been there for wellbeing reasons or overlooked security rules. Be the mindful climber, who gets out for hiking and does it right.

Tip 9: Know the indications of heat stroke

As indicated by the Health Services Department of Arizona, the way to an existence debilitating heat stroke takes after genuinely predictable steps, with a few cautioning signs, for example, warm stroke, warm fatigue, Heat spasms, Thirsty, et cetera.

Most heat strokes can be prevented by staying inside, wearing lightweight clothing in light hues, taking even and consistent breaks, and, more importantly, drinking a great deal of water.

Tip 10: Avoid the honey bees

Based on the information provided by the Health Services Department of Arizona, you won’t see a ton of animal creatures or bugs all over the place. Most turned out around evening time, so watch the path you step on when you are doing the night walk.

Phoenix honeybee season and summer go as one. Each mid-year, honeybees attack no less than a couple of individuals and dogs present around the Valley.

Tip 11: Always take your sunglasses along

With shorter storms found in Phoenix, the sun frequently set and changes roadways into mirrors, reflecting a very bright light in your eyes and making it difficult for you to see the path lines.

Keep your sunglasses close to you all the time and drive with caution.

There is nothing like escaping into the great outdoors for a fun, relaxing trip away from the bustle of daily life.  However, enjoying yourself may come at a cost if illnesses or injuries become part of your adventure.

That’s why it is important to consider the following camping safety tips, not just for your time at the campground, but to properly prepare and pack for your trip before you even leave the house.  Doing so can ensure a safe and healthy trip, so you can spend your time enjoying yourself rather than tending to wounds or rushing to the emergency room.

Preparing for Your Trip

Whether packing for a two-week vacation or just a weekend at your favorite camping spot, you have to prepare and pack correctly, to be prepared for any occurrence.

Get Vaccinated: Illnesses such as meningitis or whooping cough may not seem like an issue when camping, but you never know what diseases other people you meet during your trip may be carrying.

That’s why it is important for your first step to be up to date on your vaccinations, so you don’t bring any unexpected, and potentially fatal, souvenirs home with you.  This goes for all members of your party, including spouses and children, and even your pets.

Packing for the Weather: When packing clothing, be sure to check out the weather report for the area you’ll be camping in so you can pack clothing appropriately.  But don’t just pack according to the report, because weather can change at any time.

If the report calls for sunny days and clear nights, pack some pants and sweaters along with your t-shirts and shorts in case it cools off, or unexpected rain showers move into the area.

This goes for bedding as well.  Having a few extra blankets won’t take up that much room, but it’s better to have them and not use them than to freeze during an unexpectedly cool night.

Fans and heaters are also a good option if you have the room and access to electricity; just be careful where you place them, and be sure there is enough ventilation to reduce any risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Packing Food and Water: Water is a necessity, especially in high temperatures where you’ll be sweating excessively and need constant hydration.  Many areas do not have clean drinking water, so be sure to pack enough for all members of your party during the entire trip, and check to see if there is a store nearby to purchase more, just in case you begin to run low.

When packing food, be sure any meat is packed carefully so it will not come in contact with any other food items.  Contamination could mean discarding an entire cooler of food, leaving you with nothing.  Using sealable containers is the best choice, so there will not be any chance of meat juices leaking into other items.  Also, if there is cooked meat and raw meat, keep them separate as well, to reduce the risk of food-related illnesses.

Prepare a Safety Kit: Should injuries happen on your trip, you don’t want to be left unprepared.  That’s why a safety kit should be prepared in full before you leave.  The kit itself should be a sturdy, waterproof container, and include:

• Bandages-rolled, plastic, triangular, butterfly, large and small
• Sterile compresses
• Adhesive tape
• Splints
• Gauze pads
• Antiseptic sprays or wipes
• Cotton swabs
• Scissors
• Tweezers and nail clippers
• Safety pins
• Thermometer
• Creams – Antibiotic, burn, poison ivy
• Sunscreen and after sun lotions
• Peroxide
• Hot/cold packs
• Bug spray
• Razor blades
• Pain and sinus medications
• Antacids
• Eye drops
• Snake bite kit (if poisonous snakes are in the area)
• Ipecac (to induce vomiting if poisonous or harmful items are ingested)
• Latex Gloves (and a non-latex type, in case of a latex allergy)
• Road flares
• Any personal medications normally taken, prescription or otherwise

Not only should you carry these items, but you should know how to use them all.  It is also a good idea to take courses in both CPR and First Aid, so you can be prepared for any type of injury or situation.

Check your safety kit often, as some of the items in this list do have expiry dates, and may need to be replaced before your camping trip begins.  And be sure to replace anything used, so your kit is always fully stocked.

Inform Others of Your Plans: Before you leave, make sure others are aware of your destination, and how long you’ll be gone.  This could be a family member or a friend, whichever you prefer.

This way, if something happens and you are left stranded in the woods with no cell service, someone will be expecting you home and will be concerned if you don’t show up.  Do not post your plans on social media, though.  Telling the world you’ll be away for even a few days could invite break-ins and theft, so keep your plans off of Facebook and Twitter.

After Your Reach Your Destination

Whether camping in the wild or at a busy public park, be sure to follow these tips to ensure your trip will be filled with laughter and fun, rather than pain and injury.

Setting up Your Site: When setting up your tent, be sure to do so away from the fire pit area so there will be little chance of sparks landing on the material and starting a fire.  Campers are less at risk, but if a canopy is opened, it could also catch on fire, so plan your site accordingly.

Food Storage: For those using a cooler, hopefully you’ve followed the advice on packing your food items listed above.  If so, there is only the risk of spoilage to worry about, so be sure to keep your food cold by replacing the ice that has melted each day, especially if in hotter temperatures.

An insulated cooler is the best choice, because it will hold its temperature longer, as long as it is not opened unnecessarily throughout the day.  There are even plug-in coolers available, but if you’re not at an electrical site, these will be of no use.

After cooking meals, be sure to pack up all extra food properly and safely, and store it in the cooler.  Do not leave food laying around your site, because this could attract unwanted animals, from small, harmless ones like squirrels to large, dangerous bears.

Also, do not keep food in your tent, for the same reason.  If possible, store your cooler and other non-refrigerated items in the trunk of your car, to reduce the likelihood of unwanted animal attention.

Sun Protection: Be sure to use sunscreen at all times when camping, even if it is overcast.  Harmful UV rays can still reach you through the clouds and cause burns you may not realize you are getting.  If you are swimming, apply it about half an hour before entering the water, and reapply it often.  Sunglasses and hats are also a good idea to protect your eyes on bright days.

Critter Protection: Bugs can carry diseases, and a single bite could bring with it an unwanted illness along with itchy discomfort.  That’s why you should protect yourself from mosquitos, ticks, and other unwelcome pests by using bug spray throughout your trip.

Larger critters can also be harmful, though there is no spray for small animals.  If snakes, squirrels or birds are nearby, do not try to touch them or interact with them.  For smaller mammals and birds, you could carefully shoo them away from a distance.

Snakes or other potentially poisonous animals should be avoided, and if you find you are too close to one, back away slowly, and leave them be.  They probably won’t stick around if there are people nearby.

Having fun: Camping trips include all kinds of outdoor activities, including hiking, bicycling, swimming, and many others.  If these activities are going to be part of your trip, be sure to prepare for them by bringing the appropriate gear.

This includes helmets and padding for knees and elbows when biking, proper footwear for hiking and walking, life jackets when boating, and swim rings and water wings for swimming.

Be sure all of the members of your party can handle the terrain for the hiking and biking trips, and don’t force anyone to go farther than they can handle.  Keep in mind that little children will tire out, and the further you are from your site when they stop walking, the longer you will be required to carry them.

When swimming, don’t go alone, and supervise any inexperienced swimmers closely.  Bring snacks and lots of water for these adventures, but don’t eat right before swimming to reduce the risk of cramps.

For some quiet time, bring a few toys and coloring books to keep the kids occupied in the site, especially if you have littler ones who need naps.  Blowing bubbles is also a great way to entertain kids for hours.

Getting Lost: No matter what activity they are engaged in, be sure to watch your children closely when camping, and explain to them the risks of getting lost if they wander away into the woods, so they are aware of the dangers of wandering off alone.  Of course, not only children can get lost.

Many adults head out for a hike and can’t find their way home.  That’s why it is important to always tell someone in your party where you are heading, in case you don’t return.  Carry a map if possible, as well as a GPS locater and a compass.  Even having a whistle can help you to get rescued, and it is small enough that it is easy to carry in a pocket or on a rope around your neck.

Staying Cool: No matter what you’re doing, it is important to stay cool and hydrated, especially on hot days.  Drink lots of water to replenish what you are losing, and reduce the risk of heat stroke.

If playing games, with grown-ups or children, try to do so in a shady area, and be sure to sit down and rest if you feel yourself overheating.  Don’t go for long hikes or bike rides if the temperature is especially high.

Cooking Safety: Some rules for cooking when camping are the same as those at home.  Be sure to prepare food on a clean surface. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling any food items.

Cook meat to a safe temperature before eating, and carry a meat thermometer to be sure this is done correctly.  Don’t mix raw foods with cooked foods, especially meat, so there is no contamination that could lead to food poisoning or other food-related illnesses.  After eating, store any leftovers away promptly.

If cooking over the fire, be sure to use sturdy metal utensils with safety handles, and wear a fire-retardant cooking mitt or glove to keep from getting burned.  Don’t cook over high flames.  Have somebody keep any children and pets away from the fire when you’re cooking, because you may be too focused on what you are doing to watch them at the same time.

If using a stove or grill, be sure to store the fuel canisters properly in an upright position.  Don’t place them too near a fire pit, and don’t try to change any canisters near an open flame or if the stove is already hot.

Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area when using these items, and never try to use one in a camper or tent, because of the threat of carbon monoxide, as well as a risk of fire.  When not in use, turn it off and remove the fuel container, so there will be no chance of injury or explosion.

Fire Safety: At the end of the day, there is nothing more relaxing than sitting around a fire, chatting with your family and friends, or just enjoying the quiet.  But in order to fully relax, you need to be sure your fire will stay where it belongs.

If there is no proper fire pit provided, and you must make your own, be sure to do so in an open area, away from any tents, trees or other flammable items.  Place a ring of large stones to enclose your fire.

Keep a bucket of water, sand, or a fire extinguisher nearby just in case it gets out of control.  Do not leave it unattended for any reason, and be sure to extinguish it completely before leaving your site or heading off to bed.  Also, be aware that in dry seasons, there is a higher risk of forest fires, so check for any bans in the area before even lighting the match.

Winter is coming sooner rather than later, and for those of us that love the outdoors it means one of the best times of the year. Winter Camping. Going on a winter camping trip can give you some of the best views, the most serene landscapes, the best fishing, and some of the least crowded trails and camping grounds of the year. While winter camping can be one of the greatest joys in life, there are certain pit falls that come with going on a winter camping trip.

Depending on which area of the world you are in there are many different things you must consider before you begin your camping adventure. Between choosing the proper equipment, preparing for the potential winter storms, and making sure that you have all the information possible, preparing for a winter camping trip can be overwhelming. The good news is that we will go over some various cold weather camping tips that will help keep you and your group safe and happy on your trip.

Before The Trip

Before you even starting purchasing the equipment you will need to keep yourself safe on your trip, you must evaluate where you are going, what you will be doing, and a myriad of other safety precautions.

It is imperative that before you start your journey you have a definitive plan in place.

• While the serenity of camping during winter can be truly breathtaking, it is important that you do not go out on your own. Winter can be the most dangerous month of the year for camping, and without a partner or group to go with you, you can find yourself in a very bad situation with little to no help very quickly.
• Plan when you are going carefully. Check what the weather will be like during different parts of winter for whatever location you have chosen. The last thing you want is to get to your destination and be stuck in the middle of a terrible storm. The NWS has detailed weather reports you can use to determine what you should expect.
• Check for potential avalanche areas. If you plan on going on a ski expedition you will need to make sure that you are aware of any potential avalanche areas at your destination. If you find yourself going to a location with a high avalanche potential, you and your group should get formal avalanche safety training.
• Make a detailed plan. Make sure that everyone in the group is on the same page with an extremely detailed excursion plan. You should know where you will be making camp, where your destinations are, and the nearest emergency services are to where you will be. More important make sure that someone who is not in the group knows exactly where you will be going and how long you will be gone for.
• Make a checklist and check it twice. Create a list of all the equipment you will be needing to bring with you. Make sure to add extra food and dry clothing just in case you get lost or weather turns for the worse. Also bring some cash for any unexpected emergencies that may occur.
• Do some research on the area you are going. Reading up on people who have been where you are going can give you valuable insight on what you should expect from your trip.

Clothing and Gear

There is nothing more important when you are camping in the cold than the proper clothing. The biggest rule of winter is camping is to stay warm and dry at all times. Clothing should be able to wick away any moisture and rain, dry quickly, and be both warm and breathable. The general rule of thumb is to have three layers at all times when you are camping during winter.

The Base Layer

You base layer is basically just your under garments. Since this is the closest layer to your skin, you want to make sure that the clothing you chose for this layer is going to be able to wick away perspiration from your skin to the outer layers. For this layer you want to avoid cotton and aim for synthetic and merino wool clothing.

These materials dry extremely quickly, which will help you spend little to no time in wet clothing. Depending on the climate, it is common for winter campers to wear two base layers for optimal heating.

The Middle Layer

This layer is primarily used for retaining body heat, and overall warmth. Consider purchasing microfleece for this layer, as that material will provide the highest amount of heat retention. Whatever you go with, you want to make sure that this layer is providing the best heat.

The Outer Layer

The outer layer is also known as the “shell”. This layer is meant to be waterproof, windproof, and ideally breathable. Either Laminates or polyurethane-coated fabrics will work best for this layer, however laminates are considered the superior option.  A lot of people do not consider this, but try to keep your outer layer fireproof as well, the last thing you want is a stray ember catching on your shell. This layer will be protecting you the most from the elements themselves, so do not skimp on the outer layer!

While your layers of clothing are important, you need to also make sure that you have the proper accessories to finish out your winter clothing.

Boots

While camping typically requires nothing more than a good pair of hiking boots, for winter camping you want to make sure you have a pair of boots that are both waterproof and sufficiently insulated.

If you plan on going skiing or snowboarding during your camping trip, you want to make sure that whatever boots you purchase have the proper bindings for your board and skis.

Socks

Socks should be warn in two layers at all times, and make sure that you have extra socks on you at all times. No one wants to have wet feet while you are tromping through the snow.

Another good idea is to purchase high quality gaiters that can be used to keep the inside of your boots as dry as possible.

Hats

Consider purchasing a balaclava along with a good beanie to keep your head as warm as possible. Most of the heat in your body will be transferred through your head, so make sure that your head is properly covered.

Gloves

Gloves should have proper coverage and also allow for finger mobility. While you want to insure your hands are as warm as possible, you want to still have mobility in all your extremities.

Mittens can be used on top of whatever gloves you decide to wear, just attach some sort of Para chord or rope from the mittens to your clothing so you can remove them quickly without losing them.

Eyewear

If you are a glasses wearer, then it is a good idea to get the proper eyewear to protect yourself from the elements as well as making sure that you will be able to see at all times. A good idea is to bring a pair of high quality prescription goggles and also a second pair of glasses in case something happens! Make sure that any goggles you get also have tinting to help prevent snow blindness.

When it comes to something as important as your eyesight, do not take any chances. Even if you do not wear glasses, a good pair of goggles will help to protect from the harsh cold winds of winter camping.

Once you have your clothing and accessories sorted out you want to make sure that you have the proper equipment to get through your journey safely. The proper equipment can make the difference between an easy journey and a journey that is fraught with problems.

Tent

Finding the right tent can be troubling, but the right tent will make a massive difference to you when you call it a night at your campgrounds. Surprisingly the smaller the tent the better! When you have a smaller tent you can heat up the inside easier than if you had a larger tent. With a smaller tent your body heat can sometimes bump the temperature inside the tent 20-25°.

You want to make sure that your tent is rated for the temperatures you will be traveling in.

While a tri-season tent may be ok for some climates, a specialized winter tent may be ideal for the climate you will camping in. If you expect a large amount of snow, or extremely low temperatures, the proper tent will make all the difference.

Sleeping Bag & Ground Pad

Next to your tent your sleeping bag and ground pad will be the two most important pieces of gear in order to keep you warm through the night. When shopping for a sleeping bag, check the temperature ratings for each sleeping bag, and make sure that you use a bag that is rated at least 10° colder than the coldest temperatures you are expecting to encounter on your trip.

If you get too warm you can always remove clothing, but having a low rated sleeping bag will ensure that you are 100% warm at night.

The other part of your sleeping arrangement is a ground pad or sleeping pad. Two layers on the bottom are worth one on the top, so making sure that you have a proper sleeping pad can make a cold night a warm night with little effort. We highly recommend using two pads to make sure you get the best heat retention.

A foam pad and a self-inflating pad will give you the best coverage, and make sure that if the inflate pad gets punctured you will still have some ground protection.

Backpack

A good backpack can really help with your exhaustion level while you are hiking to your camping grounds, but if you have too small of a pack you will not be able to pack all the equipment you will need.

Depending on how long you plan on being out, you may want to consider getting a lightweight deluxe sized backpack to make sure that you can carry all of your gear. The more pockets and storage the better!

Lights, Camera, Batteries

Winter is known for having the longest and harshest nights of every season, so you want to make sure that you have the proper lighting to keep you safe for the long nights. Purchasing a good LED headlamp will give the illumination you need during the winter nights. Make sure that you have enough batteries for all of your lighting equipment and for whatever camera you chose to bring to capture your journey.

Communication

When you are traveling in the back countries of winter, you will often find yourself with little to no cell phone coverage. Make sure that your group has a way to communicate to each other and the outside world at all times. Satellite phones and high powered two way radios can be used to keep your group in contact with the world at all times.

Specialty Equipment

If you are planning on skiing, snowboarding, or fishing on your camping trip make sure that you bring all the appropriate winter gear that can get the job done well.

Also make sure that if you are going to be bringing specialty equipment that you have the necessary straps on whatever backpack you purchase to carry the equipment. You do not want to be hiking through the woods and have to hold onto a fishing pole the entire time.

Tips and Tricks

Bringing the best gear and clothing can only go so far, and you and your group will need to make sure that you have all the knowledge possible to make it through your journey safely. With a few tips and tricks, you can find yourself getting around in your winter wonderland with no problems what so ever.

Getting your Bearings

If you are going to a location that has the potential for high amounts of sleet or snow, you may find yourself in danger of having your trails covered up. If this happens you want to make sure that you have all the possible routes in the area mapped out. Because of this you want to be certain that every single member of your group has the most up to date map of the area.

If you are using a GPS device, you want to have multiple routes to and from your camp site preprogrammed in. Anyone who finds themselves camping in a very mountainous region may want to pick up an altimeter to help determine exactly where you are.

Avalanche Safety

Campers who find themselves going on a camping trip in the mountains will want to make sure that they have all the avalanche safety equipment and training.

• Avalanche Transceiver: If you plan on traveling in any form of avalanche country you absolutely must have one of these for each member of your group. Learn how to use them, and keep it on you at all times.
• Snow Shovel: Everyone should have a snow shovel in their pack. While they are essential if any sort of avalanche happens, they will also be essential in the daily routine while you are camping in winter.
• Personal Locator Beacon: Whenever camping in a high avalanche possibility location, you want to make sure that you have a PLB on you at all times. If you activate the locator, the device will send out a signal to alert rescue teams of your exact location.

Create A Winter Camping Checklist

Before you even step a foot outside, you and your group should sit down, have a meeting and put together a checklist for all the gear and necessities you will need to bring with you. Everyone should be on the same page at all times, and everyone should have a copy of the checklist with them before they start packing.

The last thing you want is to forget something that is important for your trip because the person who was supposed to bring it forgot.

Check Your Pack Twice

Once you have gone over your checklist, it is a good idea to lay all of your equipment out and go over it multiple times before you start packing. When you pack aim equally distribute the heavier objects with the smaller objects like blankets and clothes so they have a lower chance of shifting while you move around.

Winter camping can be one of the greatest adventures of your life, but without the proper preparation it can turn south on you quicker than you can imagine. If you follow the tips outlined in this article you will find yourself getting through the serene winter wonderland with no trouble what so ever. A final tip, whatever you do make sure to enjoy every moment you spend in the beautiful country!

There is nothing like escaping into the great outdoors for a fun, relaxing trip away from the bustle of daily life.  However, enjoying yourself may come at a cost if illnesses or injuries become part of your adventure.

That’s why it is important to consider the following camping safety tips, not just for your time at the campground, but to properly prepare and pack for your trip before you even leave the house.  Doing so can ensure a safe and healthy trip, so you can spend your time enjoying yourself rather than tending to wounds or rushing to the emergency room.

Preparing for Your Trip

Whether packing for a two-week vacation or just a weekend at your favorite camping spot, you have to prepare and pack correctly, to be prepared for any occurrence.

Get Vaccinated: Illnesses such as meningitis or whooping cough may not seem like an issue when camping, but you never know what diseases other people you meet during your trip may be carrying.

That’s why it is important for your first step to be up to date on your vaccinations, so you don’t bring any unexpected, and potentially fatal, souvenirs home with you.  This goes for all members of your party, including spouses and children, and even your pets.

Packing for the Weather: When packing clothing, be sure to check out the weather report for the area you’ll be camping in so you can pack clothing appropriately.  But don’t just pack according to the report, because weather can change at any time.

If the report calls for sunny days and clear nights, pack some pants and sweaters along with your t-shirts and shorts in case it cools off, or unexpected rain showers move into the area.

This goes for bedding as well.  Having a few extra blankets won’t take up that much room, but it’s better to have them and not use them than to freeze during an unexpectedly cool night.

Fans and heaters are also a good option if you have the room and access to electricity; just be careful where you place them, and be sure there is enough ventilation to reduce any risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Packing Food and Water: Water is a necessity, especially in high temperatures where you’ll be sweating excessively and need constant hydration.  Many areas do not have clean drinking water, so be sure to pack enough for all members of your party during the entire trip, and check to see if there is a store nearby to purchase more, just in case you begin to run low.

When packing food, be sure any meat is packed carefully so it will not come in contact with any other food items.  Contamination could mean discarding an entire cooler of food, leaving you with nothing.  Using sealable containers is the best choice, so there will not be any chance of meat juices leaking into other items.  Also, if there is cooked meat and raw meat, keep them separate as well, to reduce the risk of food-related illnesses.

Prepare a Safety Kit: Should injuries happen on your trip, you don’t want to be left unprepared.  That’s why a safety kit should be prepared in full before you leave.  The kit itself should be a sturdy, waterproof container, and include:

• Bandages-rolled, plastic, triangular, butterfly, large and small
• Sterile compresses
• Adhesive tape
• Splints
• Gauze pads
• Antiseptic sprays or wipes
• Cotton swabs
• Scissors
• Tweezers and nail clippers
• Safety pins
• Thermometer
• Creams – Antibiotic, burn, poison ivy
• Sunscreen and after sun lotions
• Peroxide
• Hot/cold packs
• Bug spray
• Razor blades
• Pain and sinus medications
• Antacids
• Eye drops
• Snake bite kit (if poisonous snakes are in the area)
• Ipecac (to induce vomiting if poisonous or harmful items are ingested)
• Latex Gloves (and a non-latex type, in case of a latex allergy)
• Road flares
• Any personal medications normally taken, prescription or otherwise

Not only should you carry these items, but you should know how to use them all.  It is also a good idea to take courses in both CPR and First Aid, so you can be prepared for any type of injury or situation.

Check your safety kit often, as some of the items in this list do have expiry dates, and may need to be replaced before your camping trip begins.  And be sure to replace anything used, so your kit is always fully stocked.

Inform Others of Your Plans: Before you leave, make sure others are aware of your destination, and how long you’ll be gone.  This could be a family member or a friend, whichever you prefer.

This way, if something happens and you are left stranded in the woods with no cell service, someone will be expecting you home and will be concerned if you don’t show up.  Do not post your plans on social media, though.  Telling the world you’ll be away for even a few days could invite break-ins and theft, so keep your plans off of Facebook and Twitter.

After Your Reach Your Destination

Whether camping in the wild or at a busy public park, be sure to follow these tips to ensure your trip will be filled with laughter and fun, rather than pain and injury.

Setting up Your Site: When setting up your tent, be sure to do so away from the fire pit area so there will be little chance of sparks landing on the material and starting a fire.  Campers are less at risk, but if a canopy is opened, it could also catch on fire, so plan your site accordingly.

Food Storage: For those using a cooler, hopefully you’ve followed the advice on packing your food items listed above.  If so, there is only the risk of spoilage to worry about, so be sure to keep your food cold by replacing the ice that has melted each day, especially if in hotter temperatures.

An insulated cooler is the best choice, because it will hold its temperature longer, as long as it is not opened unnecessarily throughout the day.  There are even plug-in coolers available, but if you’re not at an electrical site, these will be of no use.

After cooking meals, be sure to pack up all extra food properly and safely, and store it in the cooler.  Do not leave food laying around your site, because this could attract unwanted animals, from small, harmless ones like squirrels to large, dangerous bears.

Also, do not keep food in your tent, for the same reason.  If possible, store your cooler and other non-refrigerated items in the trunk of your car, to reduce the likelihood of unwanted animal attention.

Sun Protection: Be sure to use sunscreen at all times when camping, even if it is overcast.  Harmful UV rays can still reach you through the clouds and cause burns you may not realize you are getting.  If you are swimming, apply it about half an hour before entering the water, and reapply it often.  Sunglasses and hats are also a good idea to protect your eyes on bright days.

Critter Protection: Bugs can carry diseases, and a single bite could bring with it an unwanted illness along with itchy discomfort.  That’s why you should protect yourself from mosquitos, ticks, and other unwelcome pests by using bug spray throughout your trip.

Larger critters can also be harmful, though there is no spray for small animals.  If snakes, squirrels or birds are nearby, do not try to touch them or interact with them.  For smaller mammals and birds, you could carefully shoo them away from a distance.

Snakes or other potentially poisonous animals should be avoided, and if you find you are too close to one, back away slowly, and leave them be.  They probably won’t stick around if there are people nearby.

Having fun: Camping trips include all kinds of outdoor activities, including hiking, bicycling, swimming, and many others.  If these activities are going to be part of your trip, be sure to prepare for them by bringing the appropriate gear.

This includes helmets and padding for knees and elbows when biking, proper footwear for hiking and walking, life jackets when boating, and swim rings and water wings for swimming.

Be sure all of the members of your party can handle the terrain for the hiking and biking trips, and don’t force anyone to go farther than they can handle.  Keep in mind that little children will tire out, and the further you are from your site when they stop walking, the longer you will be required to carry them.

When swimming, don’t go alone, and supervise any inexperienced swimmers closely.  Bring snacks and lots of water for these adventures, but don’t eat right before swimming to reduce the risk of cramps.

For some quiet time, bring a few toys and coloring books to keep the kids occupied in the site, especially if you have littler ones who need naps.  Blowing bubbles is also a great way to entertain kids for hours.

Getting Lost: No matter what activity they are engaged in, be sure to watch your children closely when camping, and explain to them the risks of getting lost if they wander away into the woods, so they are aware of the dangers of wandering off alone.  Of course, not only children can get lost.

Many adults head out for a hike and can’t find their way home.  That’s why it is important to always tell someone in your party where you are heading, in case you don’t return.  Carry a map if possible, as well as a GPS locater and a compass.  Even having a whistle can help you to get rescued, and it is small enough that it is easy to carry in a pocket or on a rope around your neck.

Staying Cool: No matter what you’re doing, it is important to stay cool and hydrated, especially on hot days.  Drink lots of water to replenish what you are losing, and reduce the risk of heat stroke.

If playing games, with grown-ups or children, try to do so in a shady area, and be sure to sit down and rest if you feel yourself overheating.  Don’t go for long hikes or bike rides if the temperature is especially high.

Cooking Safety: Some rules for cooking when camping are the same as those at home.  Be sure to prepare food on a clean surface. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling any food items.

Cook meat to a safe temperature before eating, and carry a meat thermometer to be sure this is done correctly.  Don’t mix raw foods with cooked foods, especially meat, so there is no contamination that could lead to food poisoning or other food-related illnesses.  After eating, store any leftovers away promptly.

If cooking over the fire, be sure to use sturdy metal utensils with safety handles, and wear a fire-retardant cooking mitt or glove to keep from getting burned.  Don’t cook over high flames.  Have somebody keep any children and pets away from the fire when you’re cooking, because you may be too focused on what you are doing to watch them at the same time.

If using a stove or grill, be sure to store the fuel canisters properly in an upright position.  Don’t place them too near a fire pit, and don’t try to change any canisters near an open flame or if the stove is already hot.

Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area when using these items, and never try to use one in a camper or tent, because of the threat of carbon monoxide, as well as a risk of fire.  When not in use, turn it off and remove the fuel container, so there will be no chance of injury or explosion.

Fire Safety: At the end of the day, there is nothing more relaxing than sitting around a fire, chatting with your family and friends, or just enjoying the quiet.  But in order to fully relax, you need to be sure your fire will stay where it belongs.

If there is no proper fire pit provided, and you must make your own, be sure to do so in an open area, away from any tents, trees or other flammable items.  Place a ring of large stones to enclose your fire.

Keep a bucket of water, sand, or a fire extinguisher nearby just in case it gets out of control.  Do not leave it unattended for any reason, and be sure to extinguish it completely before leaving your site or heading off to bed.  Also, be aware that in dry seasons, there is a higher risk of forest fires, so check for any bans in the area before even lighting the match.

Going out camping with a group of friends and family can be so much fun. There are a lot of fun things to do, and being in a group presents an excellent opportunity for bonding and playing together.

When you are in the outdoors, you feel much more relaxed than you normally would be because you are now disconnected from the regular day-to-day hustle and bustle of the city. You have a lot more quiet space and a lot more time on your hands for leisure activities. This can be a great opportunity to implement some cool camping ideas.

What’s cool about camping is that you get to experience a life without power, electricity, showers and all of the luxuries that you are accustomed to, and if you do it right, it’s an excellent opportunity for you and your group to jump headfirst into nature and hopefully learn some new skills.

There are a ton of activities you can all engage in that will ensure that you have a pleasurable trip. This article cannot do justice to every single fun camping idea out there, but it will highlight some of the very best ideas that you and your group can easily adopt and have the best time together.

The kinds of activities you can engage in will almost always be dependent on the terrain you are camping in. If your camp site is close to a body of water, for instance, there are certain water-related activities you can try out. There are also activities you can try out around a camp fire, on a plain field, and activities you can enjoy in the comfort of your tent.

Activities Around Water

If you are camping around a body of water such as a lake or river, there are a couple of fun ideas to be had, some of them exhilarating and others quite relaxing. These activities are fresh and very much enjoyable. The best and most engaging ones will be highlighted below.

Water zorbing

This is one of the more elaborate water activities you can engage in as it requires that you have a specific kind of gear to make it happen. The zorb, as it is called, is very similar to the ‘hamster ball’ and it is made of flexible plastic that fully encapsulates the individual thus allowing him or her float and navigate on water.

The most recent ones are double-sectioned in their structure with a ball inside another ball and a layer of air between them. This makes for excellent shock absorption. With a few of these balls, you and your company can engage in races and different kinds of water tournaments. You can also decide to just use it for rest and relaxation on water if you wish.

Skipping Rocks

This is another fun idea to be had when there is water around you. Quite simply, it involves finding rocks and pebbles of the right size and weight and throwing them at the water in a way that it keeps bouncing off its surface. You can try this in different ways and see how well you do.

It sounds very easy but it does take some getting used to and it can be quite fun. It is great because all you need is a body of water and a bunch of rocks. Find rocks that are flat, even, and fit in your hands well. If you pick a rock that is too heavy, it will sink right through the surface and one that is too light will be difficult to throw very far.

Place the rock between your middle finger and your thumb, and use your index finger for guidance. Use a side arm throw and flick your wrist while launching the stone. With a little practice, you’ll figure out the best way to launch the stones and you will get more hops or bounces off the water. Any activity no matter how mundane can be made more exciting by adding a little competition.

So you and your company can do this together and see who does best. You might not know this but there is actually a world record for stone-skipping set by Russell Byars in 2007 at 51 skips. See how close to that you can get.

Swimming and Diving activities

This is an obvious choice for you if you have water around you. Swimming has always been a fun activity that everybody loves and you can swim around, relax in the water, have a race, or play a bit of water volleyball. Diving is also very exciting and there are so many ways you can make this happen. If you are lucky enough to have an elevated area with a clear line of sight to the water, you can make your dives from there.

If there are trees with very strong branches, you can install a make shift swing with which you can launch yourself into the water. Proper care and precaution must however be taken when diving. Make sure the water is deep enough and it doesn’t have any rocks in it that a diver can hit his head on.

Fishing

Fishing is actually an activity that can stand on its own but it also makes for an excellent avenue for fun and bonding during camping trips. This is great particularly because you get to cook whatever you catch and this can be your dinner. There is always that bit of excitement attached to catching your own meal.

There are a couple of other stuff you can do near water such as:

• Building sand castles
• Kayaking
• Tubing
• Snorkeling and water skiing.

Also if you are not camping close to water bodies, you can still have some fun with water and water related activities such as

• Balloon fights
• Squirt gun fights
• Make shift pools with inflatable wading pools.

Sport Related Activities

Most of all the regular sporting activities that you are already familiar with can make for fun ideas in camp. They help you to get up and move your body which can be very good exercise. There are so many physical activities you can have fun with, some of which require a lot of movement and others not so much.

You pick whichever suits your style and carry on. There are a few activities you can participate in such as:

• Football
• Bike riding
• Geocaching
• Horseshoe
• Frisbee throwing
• Baseball
• Spelunking
• Rock and tree climbing

A good number of these activities you are already aware of but we will be shedding more light on geocaching and spelunking which you might not have heard of before now.

Geocaching

Not very many people have heard of geocaching, but it’s a lot simpler than you think. If you’re equipped with a device that has GPS, that’s all you really need. It’s sort of like a treasure hunt, only there isn’t going to be a chest of gold buried somewhere.

Instead, you’ll likely find a plastic container with an assortment of items and a tiny book of dates, people’s names, and items that they’ve added and taken over the years. It’s like a time capsule that everyone gets to partake in.

There are plenty of websites dedicated to geocaching, as well as plenty of national parks and camping sites that cater to the activity. Simply search for the area you’re going to be in and record the coordinates of any geocache spot that is close to your camping area. Then fire up your GPS, and start hunting! Not all of these geocache spots are the easiest to find, so keep your eyes peeled on your search.

Spelunking

Spelunking is basically cave exploration or caving as it is called today. Caves are always an exciting place to see with their mazy passages, chambers, crevices and water falls. There is a lot to see in caves and just like any other form of exploration such as scuba diving and rock climbing, spelunking is an adventurous activity that you and your group can engage in together.

So if you have caves that are known to be safe around your camping area and preferably in the company of a cave expert, you can indulge yourself in this fun activity.

There are some other sport like activities that you can indulge in especially if you have a lot of people around. Some of them are

• Hide and seek
• Capture the flag
• Tag

Activities in The Tent

If you are more into indoor activities and you don’t want to be in the open all the time, there are also a couple of fun ideas for rest and relaxation in the tent. These activities don’t require you to move around and you can all just be in the comfort of your tent. This is especially useful when it’s raining outside or it’s too late at night to be in the open. Some examples are:

• Reading books aloud to each other
• Playing card and board games
• Arts and crafts
• Watching movies on handheld devices
• Outdoor activities at night

Just because the sun goes down doesn’t mean that the fun has to end.

There are plenty of activities you can do at night, if the weather is conducive enough. You can take advantage of the darkness and the thrills that come with it:

• Stare at the stars and find constellations
• Use your campfire and hands to make shadow puppets
• Go for night walks (with flashlights, of course)
• Play a game of charades
• Play games with glow-in-the-dark toys

You have to be very careful when engaging in activities at night though. Don’t go out wandering alone in the woods when it’s dark and don’t be reckless with any activity that involves fire, as things can easily get out of hand.

Activities Around The Campfire

Gathering around a campfire is a one of the most pleasurable activities to do while camping. One cannot even say you have gone camping if you don’t all sit around a fire and tell stories and roast marshmallows if you’re into that.

It has become a tradition that many campers indulge in and you will be missing out if you don’t partake yourself. There are many other activities to do around a fire, including:

• Telling ghost stories. This works most when you have a group of kids around and an expert storyteller who can narrate fiction and use all the necessary gestures and articulations to spook the audience.
• Singing campfire songs
• Dancing by the fire. It’s always fun when the group dances around the fire and sing songs together.
• Playing a guitar to an audience. If you are good with the guitar, this is also an excellent activity around a campfire. You get to play to an eager to listen audience and the audience sit back and enjoy the melodies, or you can all make up songs together.
• Playing truth or dare. The campfire is also a great place to play this game because there are no distractions and everybody is involved and focused on the game. So whether its truth or its dare, you get the maximum attention of the participants.
• Play Chinese telephone. Start by whispering a phrase to the person next to you, who then passes it on to the next person. See how much the phrase has changed by the time it gets to the last person.

All of the above mentioned are various categories of fun stuff to do when camping.

There are so many other ideas that you can experiment with and see which suits you the most. For instance, you can go camping with your pets and they can also join in some of the activities and have fun with you.

You can seek out other campers around you and socialize as a group.  It all depends on what you want to get out of your camping trip. You get to meet a lot of interesting people and hopefully make new friends. Whatever you do, try to let loose and have the most possible fun you can. Don’t be afraid to try new stuff and do your best to be in a relaxed mood to enjoy the moments as much as you can.

Winter is coming sooner rather than later, and for those of us that love the outdoors it means one of the best times of the year. Winter Camping. Going on a winter camping trip can give you some of the best views, the most serene landscapes, the best fishing, and some of the least crowded trails and camping grounds of the year. While winter camping can be one of the greatest joys in life, there are certain pit falls that come with going on a winter camping trip.

Depending on which area of the world you are in there are many different things you must consider before you begin your camping adventure. Between choosing the proper equipment, preparing for the potential winter storms, and making sure that you have all the information possible, preparing for a winter camping trip can be overwhelming. The good news is that we will go over some various cold weather camping tips that will help keep you and your group safe and happy on your trip.

Before The Trip

Before you even starting purchasing the equipment you will need to keep yourself safe on your trip, you must evaluate where you are going, what you will be doing, and a myriad of other safety precautions.

It is imperative that before you start your journey you have a definitive plan in place.

• While the serenity of camping during winter can be truly breathtaking, it is important that you do not go out on your own. Winter can be the most dangerous month of the year for camping, and without a partner or group to go with you, you can find yourself in a very bad situation with little to no help very quickly.
• Plan when you are going carefully. Check what the weather will be like during different parts of winter for whatever location you have chosen. The last thing you want is to get to your destination and be stuck in the middle of a terrible storm. The NWS has detailed weather reports you can use to determine what you should expect.
• Check for potential avalanche areas. If you plan on going on a ski expedition you will need to make sure that you are aware of any potential avalanche areas at your destination. If you find yourself going to a location with a high avalanche potential, you and your group should get formal avalanche safety training.
• Make a detailed plan. Make sure that everyone in the group is on the same page with an extremely detailed excursion plan. You should know where you will be making camp, where your destinations are, and the nearest emergency services are to where you will be. More important make sure that someone who is not in the group knows exactly where you will be going and how long you will be gone for.
• Make a checklist and check it twice. Create a list of all the equipment you will be needing to bring with you. Make sure to add extra food and dry clothing just in case you get lost or weather turns for the worse. Also bring some cash for any unexpected emergencies that may occur.
• Do some research on the area you are going. Reading up on people who have been where you are going can give you valuable insight on what you should expect from your trip.

Clothing and Gear

There is nothing more important when you are camping in the cold than the proper clothing. The biggest rule of winter is camping is to stay warm and dry at all times. Clothing should be able to wick away any moisture and rain, dry quickly, and be both warm and breathable. The general rule of thumb is to have three layers at all times when you are camping during winter.

The Base Layer

You base layer is basically just your under garments. Since this is the closest layer to your skin, you want to make sure that the clothing you chose for this layer is going to be able to wick away perspiration from your skin to the outer layers. For this layer you want to avoid cotton and aim for synthetic and merino wool clothing.

These materials dry extremely quickly, which will help you spend little to no time in wet clothing. Depending on the climate, it is common for winter campers to wear two base layers for optimal heating.

The Middle Layer

This layer is primarily used for retaining body heat, and overall warmth. Consider purchasing microfleece for this layer, as that material will provide the highest amount of heat retention. Whatever you go with, you want to make sure that this layer is providing the best heat.

The Outer Layer

The outer layer is also known as the “shell”. This layer is meant to be waterproof, windproof, and ideally breathable. Either Laminates or polyurethane-coated fabrics will work best for this layer, however laminates are considered the superior option.  A lot of people do not consider this, but try to keep your outer layer fireproof as well, the last thing you want is a stray ember catching on your shell. This layer will be protecting you the most from the elements themselves, so do not skimp on the outer layer!

While your layers of clothing are important, you need to also make sure that you have the proper accessories to finish out your winter clothing.

Boots

While camping typically requires nothing more than a good pair of hiking boots, for winter camping you want to make sure you have a pair of boots that are both waterproof and sufficiently insulated.

If you plan on going skiing or snowboarding during your camping trip, you want to make sure that whatever boots you purchase have the proper bindings for your board and skis.

Socks

Socks should be warn in two layers at all times, and make sure that you have extra socks on you at all times. No one wants to have wet feet while you are tromping through the snow.

Another good idea is to purchase high quality gaiters that can be used to keep the inside of your boots as dry as possible.

Hats

Consider purchasing a balaclava along with a good beanie to keep your head as warm as possible.

Most of the heat in your body will be transferred through your head, so make sure that your head is properly covered.

Gloves

Gloves should have proper coverage and also allow for finger mobility. While you want to insure your hands are as warm as possible, you want to still have mobility in all your extremities.

Mittens can be used on top of whatever gloves you decide to wear, just attach some sort of Para chord or rope from the mittens to your clothing so you can remove them quickly without losing them.

Eyewear

If you are a glasses wearer, then it is a good idea to get the proper eyewear to protect yourself from the elements as well as making sure that you will be able to see at all times. A good idea is to bring a pair of high quality prescription goggles and also a second pair of glasses in case something happens! Make sure that any goggles you get also have tinting to help prevent snow blindness.

When it comes to something as important as your eyesight, do not take any chances. Even if you do not wear glasses, a good pair of goggles will help to protect from the harsh cold winds of winter camping.

Once you have your clothing and accessories sorted out you want to make sure that you have the proper equipment to get through your journey safely. The proper equipment can make the difference between an easy journey and a journey that is fraught with problems.

Tent

Finding the right tent can be troubling, but the right tent will make a massive difference to you when you call it a night at your campgrounds. Surprisingly the smaller the tent the better! When you have a smaller tent you can heat up the inside easier than if you had a larger tent. With a smaller tent your body heat can sometimes bump the temperature inside the tent 20-25°.

You want to make sure that your tent is rated for the temperatures you will be traveling in.

While a tri-season tent may be ok for some climates, a specialized winter tent may be ideal for the climate you will camping in. If you expect a large amount of snow, or extremely low temperatures, the proper tent will make all the difference.

Sleeping Bag & Ground Pad

Next to your tent your sleeping bag and ground pad will be the two most important pieces of gear in order to keep you warm through the night. When shopping for a sleeping bag, check the temperature ratings for each sleeping bag, and make sure that you use a bag that is rated at least 10° colder than the coldest temperatures you are expecting to encounter on your trip.

If you get too warm you can always remove clothing, but having a low rated sleeping bag will ensure that you are 100% warm at night.

The other part of your sleeping arrangement is a ground pad or sleeping pad. Two layers on the bottom are worth one on the top, so making sure that you have a proper sleeping pad can make a cold night a warm night with little effort. We highly recommend using two pads to make sure you get the best heat retention.

A foam pad and a self-inflating pad will give you the best coverage, and make sure that if the inflate pad gets punctured you will still have some ground protection.

Backpack

A good backpack can really help with your exhaustion level while you are hiking to your camping grounds, but if you have too small of a pack you will not be able to pack all the equipment you will need.

Depending on how long you plan on being out, you may want to consider getting a lightweight deluxe sized backpack to make sure that you can carry all of your gear. The more pockets and storage the better!

Lights, Camera, Batteries

Winter is known for having the longest and harshest nights of every season, so you want to make sure that you have the proper lighting to keep you safe for the long nights. Purchasing a good LED headlamp will give the illumination you need during the winter nights. Make sure that you have enough batteries for all of your lighting equipment and for whatever camera you chose to bring to capture your journey.

Communication

When you are traveling in the back countries of winter, you will often find yourself with little to no cell phone coverage. Make sure that your group has a way to communicate to each other and the outside world at all times. Satellite phones and high powered two way radios can be used to keep your group in contact with the world at all times.

Specialty Equipment

If you are planning on skiing, snowboarding, or fishing on your camping trip make sure that you bring all the appropriate winter gear that can get the job done well.

Also make sure that if you are going to be bringing specialty equipment that you have the necessary straps on whatever backpack you purchase to carry the equipment. You do not want to be hiking through the woods and have to hold onto a fishing pole the entire time.

Tips and Tricks

Bringing the best gear and clothing can only go so far, and you and your group will need to make sure that you have all the knowledge possible to make it through your journey safely. With a few tips and tricks, you can find yourself getting around in your winter wonderland with no problems what so ever.

Getting your Bearings

If you are going to a location that has the potential for high amounts of sleet or snow, you may find yourself in danger of having your trails covered up. If this happens you want to make sure that you have all the possible routes in the area mapped out. Because of this you want to be certain that every single member of your group has the most up to date map of the area.

If you are using a GPS device, you want to have multiple routes to and from your camp site preprogrammed in. Anyone who finds themselves camping in a very mountainous region may want to pick up an altimeter to help determine exactly where you are.

Avalanche Safety

Campers who find themselves going on a camping trip in the mountains will want to make sure that they have all the avalanche safety equipment and training.

• Avalanche Transceiver: If you plan on traveling in any form of avalanche country you absolutely must have one of these for each member of your group. Learn how to use them, and keep it on you at all times.
• Snow Shovel: Everyone should have a snow shovel in their pack. While they are essential if any sort of avalanche happens, they will also be essential in the daily routine while you are camping in winter.
• Personal Locator Beacon: Whenever camping in a high avalanche possibility location, you want to make sure that you have a PLB on you at all times. If you activate the locator, the device will send out a signal to alert rescue teams of your exact location.

Create A Winter Camping Checklist

Before you even step a foot outside, you and your group should sit down, have a meeting and put together a checklist for all the gear and necessities you will need to bring with you. Everyone should be on the same page at all times, and everyone should have a copy of the checklist with them before they start packing.

The last thing you want is to forget something that is important for your trip because the person who was supposed to bring it forgot.

Check Your Pack Twice

Once you have gone over your checklist, it is a good idea to lay all of your equipment out and go over it multiple times before you start packing. When you pack aim equally distribute the heavier objects with the smaller objects like blankets and clothes so they have a lower chance of shifting while you move around.

Winter camping can be one of the greatest adventures of your life, but without the proper preparation it can turn south on you quicker than you can imagine. If you follow the tips outlined in this article you will find yourself getting through the serene winter wonderland with no trouble what so ever. A final tip, whatever you do make sure to enjoy every moment you spend in the beautiful country!

Modern technology has given us the GPS to help us stay on track in unfamiliar surroundings.

However, you may one day be in an area without cell phone reception or without your GPS, and will need basic navigation skills to get you back to familiar surroundings. Learning how to use a compass is a great outdoor skill.

What Can I Do with A Compass?

• Most hikers will venture off marked trails at some stage, and then you need to know how to navigate using a compass and map.
• If you know how to use a compass and a map, you can accurately plot your way in even the most inhospitable wilderness.
• In an emergency, a tiny thumb compass such as those commonly attached to EDC-gear will provide a bearing and enable you to find a general direction in which to travel.
• You can find out which direction the wind is coming from, by turning until the wind is blowing straight into your face. Now use the compass to determine which way you are facing – that is the direction where the wind is blowing from.

What Can A Compass Not Do?

In wilderness survival, going into the unknown without a good orienteering compass and a topographical map is a very bad idea. It is not possible to see your latitude and longitude by just looking at a compass, but you can triangulate your position given a map, compass and a little time. Unlike a GPS, a compass only points out direction, it does not provide a location.

For example, you cannot just choose a random direction, hike a few miles into the woods, and then try to use your compass to find your way back to where you started. However, if you followed a particular compass heading (e.g. 25 degrees for 1 mile), you can turn around and then follow a heading of 205 degrees for 1 mile to get back to where you started from; the terrain and natural drift could push you slightly off your course.

We have put together some easy steps to get you started on how to use a compass, and then we will progress to learn how to use a compass and a map for navigation in the outdoors. We will discuss a basic orienteering field compass, also called a “baseplate compass” which is the standard tool for outdoor enthusiasts.

Compass Basics

All orienteering compasses have a magnetized needle, marked in red or a bright orange with or without fluorescent markings, set into a compass housing and mounted on a baseplate.

Some models have additional features for advanced navigation and specific uses, which we won’t cover in this article.

• The base plate is made of clear, hardened see-through plastic and is marked with scales and orienteering lines which you will use in map navigation. You will learn to match these lines in parallel with grid lines on a map to accurately align the compass with map north.
• The compass housing is a clear, hardened circular plastic housing for the compass needle, mounted or embedded on the baseplate. Various markings, including Meridian or declination markings, can be seen inside the housing.
• A freely moving magnetized needle, bright red or orange. It is fixed to a central pivot and floats in a liquid so it can freely rotate. The red end points toward magnetic north.
• A rotating dial, also called a bezel or graduation ring, surrounds the casing which contains the magnetic needle but is not a fixed part to the housing, which allows it to be rotated easily. The bezel is marked with the 360° of a circle. The bezel is a “degree dial” and can be rotated around 360 degrees.
• A direction-of-travel arrow – clearly marked, sometimes with a fluorescent material. This arrow will indicate the direction in which you need to go after taking your bearing.
• The orienteering arrow is a non-magnetic arrow marked on the floor on the inside of the compass housing. It rotates with the housing when you turn the degree dial (bezel) and is used to align your compass on a map.
• Index line or bearing marker, which is either a fixed black line within the bezel or an arrow on the base plate. This mark is used when you take a compass bearing.

You Will Need:

• A good, recent topographical map. Use a laminated pouch to protect the map in the outdoors.
• A baseplate compass.
• Knowledge of the declination of the area where you will be navigating. Although this information can be found on maps, the real declination frequently changes. Always use information that is no more than a year old. Use the declination tool provided with the compass to compensate for declination before you start navigating in any area.
• Pencil or map marker to mark triangulation or direction lines (optional).

Step 1 – Understand The “North’s”.

There are three ‘norths,’ and for all practical purposes of navigation, you can ignore the first one which is Geographic North – the North Pole.

The second north is Grid North or Map North. You are probably well acquainted with the lines that run across all maps (grid references) – and all maps are standardized with north marked the top of every map. Try to picture a spinning globe on a stand in your geography class, with all those ‘north-to-south’ (longitude) and ‘east-to-west’ (latitude) lines. Map North is the exact meeting point for all longitudinal lines at the North Pole.

TIP: Map or Grid North is often referred to as True North. For navigational purposes, this is an acceptable phrase and can usually be taken at face value.

The third north is Magnetic North. Because of tiny variations in the magnetic field, the magnetic arrow in your compass does not point to Map (True) North; it points to Magnetic North. Picture that spinning globe on its stand in your geography class again: The North Pole is not right in the middle and on top. Instead, that free-standing globe is tilted and shows the North Pole off-center, at roughly eleven degrees from the axis.

Magnetic north refers to that difference in the tilt of the earth’s magnetic field which varies depending on where you are. In some places in the world, there can be a difference of up to 20 degrees between Map or Grid North, and Magnetic North. The difference may seem trivial, but traveling just one degree off the mark for one mile will push you nearly 100 feet off track. You could completely miss your mark and end up totally lost in the wilderness.

Step 2 – Deal with Magnetic Declination

If one mile can take you 100 feet off your true course, just imagine how far off you will be after ten miles. It is critical to compensate for this difference by correcting for the magnetic shift (declination).  Declination is a ‘setting’ on your compass which you do once as a reset function in preparation before you start navigating in a specific area.  It is not common to have to do this ‘on the fly’ in the field.

Declination is the number by which Map North and True North differs on your compass. In the US, a line of zero declination runs roughly down the Mississippi River through Alabama, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

If you are to the east of that line, declination orients West. This means that Magnetic North will be a few degrees west of True North. In an area with an east declination, you have to subtract the correct dumber of degrees.

If you are to the west of that line, Magnetic North will be east of True North. In an area with West declination, you have to add the appropriate number of degrees.

You can find the declination of the area you will be traveling to easily on a map, and will need this information to prepare your compass for navigation. Keep in mind, however, that inclination changes regularly and that you should not use the information from a map older than a year when you compensate for any area.

Step 3 – Holding The Compass

The magnetic compass needle is influenced by any metal objects nearby. To get an accurate reading, remove metal objects like keys, a keychain, flashlight or camera from your person and stand well away from tables, chairs and other objects that contain medal.

When you consult a map in the later steps, you will be placing the compass on your map on top of a level surface, but if you take a reading while you travel, hold the compass in your open palm in a level, flat position. Keep the compass as level as you can. If you tilt it, the magnetic needle will make contact with the casing and will not move freely, giving you an incorrect reading.

The direction-of-travel arrow must point straight away from you. Hold your palm in front of your chest, about halfway between your waist and face.

Step 4 – Finding Your Bearing (Azimuth)

Look down at the compass. Find out which direction you face by looking at the magnetic needle. It will move on its own and swing to one side or another. If it does not swing at all, you are facing directly north. Test this by turning to the side and check if the needle holds true.

Next, turn the degree dial in the appropriate direction until the orienteering arrow in the housing lines up exactly with the point of the magnetic needle (arrow). This is called “putting it in the box” and you will see why when the two markers overlap precisely! Both of these markers (the needle and the degree dial arrow) will now be pointing north.

Next, look at the direction-of-travel arrow. The travel arrow shows the direction you are facing. If the travel arrow points somewhere between N (North) and E (East), you are facing Northeast.  Find the exact degree at the spot where the travel arrow intersects with the degree dial (bezel). If it crosses at 22, you are facing 22 degrees Northeast.

By simply turning your body, compass held steady, use the N-E-S-W markings to get a good idea of your position relative to landscape features such as mountain ranges in the distance or unusually large trees nearby. This may be all you need from your compass.   When you need to find your way from one particular place to another, you need to use the same technique to find the bearing to that remote place. The direction you are going is called your heading.

Step 5 – Triangulate Your Position

Look around and choose the first of three prominent landmarks that you can also find on your map. Point the travel arrow in the direction of the first mark to move the magnetic needle to the north (unless the mark is directly north of you).

Turn the bezel (degree dial) until the orienteering arrow lines and the magnetic needle are in the box (lines up perfectly). Once they are aligned, check the figure on the bezel directly on the direction-of-travel arrow. That number is a ‘degree’ – your bearing.

Note the landmark on your map. Spread the map on a level surface and put the compass on the map with the orienteering arrow pointing to true north. Move the compass until the edge passes through both the landmark you have marked down on the map and your supposed position. The orienteering arrow is still pointing north. Draw the first of three lines along the compass’ edge and through your approximate position. Find two more landmarks and repeat the procedure.

You should end with three lines forming a triangle with the 3 lines intersecting at your approximate position on the map. The more accurate the bearings, the more precise the triangulation.

Step 6 – Get from Point A To Point B

You will need a good topographical map, your compass, and a flat surface away from any metal objects (including metal legs). Find out where you are on the map (your point A) and locate the spot where you want to go to (your point B). If necessary, first do a triangulation according to step 5.

Put the compass near your current position on the map. With the edge of the compass serving as a ruler, line up points A and B by placing the compass edge to create a straight line between your current map position and the point where you need to go.

The orienteering arrow must point to map north, and the travel arrow must point in the direction you want to go (towards point B on the map).

Next, line up the meridian lines in parallel with the north-south grid lines on the map by turning the bezel. Put it in the box:  Turn the bezel (degree dial) until the “N” on the bezel and the orienteering arrow both point to grid (map) north. Note the new bearing as indicated on the bezel in degrees.

Now that you have the exact compass setting, you can lift the compass off the map. Point the direction-of-travel arrow you to your destination. Turn your body until the magnetic needle, and orienteering needles overlap, and you’ll be on course toward the destination on the map.

TIP: Unless you want to walk due north, follow the direction-of-travel arrow, not the compass needle. The travel arrow does exactly what it says – it indicates the direction you want to travel in!

Step 7 – Walk Along The Bearing, Keeping Your Heading

Look along the direction of the travel arrow and focus on a highly visible and immovable point in the middle distance to use as a guide. Start walking towards your mark, in the direction indicated by the traveling arrow. Keep the magnetic needle and orienteering needles “in the box” (precisely aligned). Once you reach your mark, use the compass to find another mark and keep following the direction-of-travel arrow.

TIP: Be careful not to accidentally turn the degree dial from the proper position when you take another bearing.

Great Tips for Beginners

• If bad weather moves in, immediately find your position on the map before you lose the ability to pick out markers. If you don’t know where you started from, you won’t be able to get out.
• Don’t keep your eyes on the compass as you walk. Rather pick a marker a short distance in front of you and walk normally towards it.
• Trust your compass. If you are using it correctly, it will point you in the correct direction. Our innate sense of direction can play tricks in harsh or unknown surroundings.
• Verify your progress from time to time by reversing the compass and taking a bearing back to your first marker. Don’t reset the compass; rather turn the compass until the travel arrow points directly at you instead of away from you. Alternatively, do a simple calculation: first, add 180 degrees to your current bearing (e.g. you are facing 241 degrees. Add 180 to get 421). If the result is more than 360 degrees, then subtract 360 (421 minus 360). The answer (in this case 61) is the opposite direction.

Navigating In Poor Visibility

If you cannot see any distinct objects to use as a beacon, mark your starting spot with a highly visible marker such as a rucksack. Walk along the compass bearing, regularly checking to see that you can still see the marker and stop when it becomes difficult to distinguish. Stop and verify your bearing.

If you are still on the correct bearing, place the second marker at this spot. Fetch the first marker, return with it to the second marker and repeat the procedure. If you are traveling with other hikers, use another member of the party in a similar way.

Practice Your New Skill

Don’t venture into the outdoors without at least practicing using your compass and a map of an area you know well. Do your first navigation in familiar surroundings, incidentally checking your compass to make sure it hasn’t taken a heavy knock and is still working correctly.

You will learn to trust your instruments and your skills. If you need it in an emergency, you will be more confident and have fewer things to worry about.

Modern technology has given us the GPS to help us stay on track in unfamiliar surroundings.

However, you may one day be in an area without cell phone reception or without your GPS, and will need basic navigation skills to get you back to familiar surroundings. Learning how to use a compass is a great outdoor skill.

What Can I Do with A Compass?

• Most hikers will venture off marked trails at some stage, and then you need to know how to navigate using a compass and map.
• If you know how to use a compass and a map, you can accurately plot your way in even the most inhospitable wilderness.
• In an emergency, a tiny thumb compass such as those commonly attached to EDC-gear will provide a bearing and enable you to find a general direction in which to travel.
• You can find out which direction the wind is coming from, by turning until the wind is blowing straight into your face. Now use the compass to determine which way you are facing – that is the direction where the wind is blowing from.

What Can A Compass Not Do?

In wilderness survival, going into the unknown without a good orienteering compass and a topographical map is a very bad idea. It is not possible to see your latitude and longitude by just looking at a compass, but you can triangulate your position given a map, compass and a little time. Unlike a GPS, a compass only points out direction, it does not provide a location.

For example, you cannot just choose a random direction, hike a few miles into the woods, and then try to use your compass to find your way back to where you started. However, if you followed a particular compass heading (e.g. 25 degrees for 1 mile), you can turn around and then follow a heading of 205 degrees for 1 mile to get back to where you started from; the terrain and natural drift could push you slightly off your course.

We have put together some easy steps to get you started on how to use a compass, and then we will progress to learn how to use a compass and a map for navigation in the outdoors. We will discuss a basic orienteering field compass, also called a “baseplate compass” which is the standard tool for outdoor enthusiasts.

Compass Basics

All orienteering compasses have a magnetized needle, marked in red or a bright orange with or without fluorescent markings, set into a compass housing and mounted on a baseplate.

Some models have additional features for advanced navigation and specific uses, which we won’t cover in this article.

• The base plate is made of clear, hardened see-through plastic and is marked with scales and orienteering lines which you will use in map navigation. You will learn to match these lines in parallel with grid lines on a map to accurately align the compass with map north.
• The compass housing is a clear, hardened circular plastic housing for the compass needle, mounted or embedded on the baseplate. Various markings, including Meridian or declination markings, can be seen inside the housing.
• A freely moving magnetized needle, bright red or orange. It is fixed to a central pivot and floats in a liquid so it can freely rotate. The red end points toward magnetic north.
• A rotating dial, also called a bezel or graduation ring, surrounds the casing which contains the magnetic needle but is not a fixed part to the housing, which allows it to be rotated easily. The bezel is marked with the 360° of a circle. The bezel is a “degree dial” and can be rotated around 360 degrees.
• A direction-of-travel arrow – clearly marked, sometimes with a fluorescent material. This arrow will indicate the direction in which you need to go after taking your bearing.
• The orienteering arrow is a non-magnetic arrow marked on the floor on the inside of the compass housing. It rotates with the housing when you turn the degree dial (bezel) and is used to align your compass on a map.
• Index line or bearing marker, which is either a fixed black line within the bezel or an arrow on the base plate. This mark is used when you take a compass bearing.

You Will Need:

• A good, recent topographical map. Use a laminated pouch to protect the map in the outdoors.
• A baseplate compass.
• Knowledge of the declination of the area where you will be navigating. Although this information can be found on maps, the real declination frequently changes. Always use information that is no more than a year old. Use the declination tool provided with the compass to compensate for declination before you start navigating in any area.
• Pencil or map marker to mark triangulation or direction lines (optional).

Step 1 – Understand The “North’s”.

There are three ‘norths,’ and for all practical purposes of navigation, you can ignore the first one which is Geographic North – the North Pole.

The second north is Grid North or Map North. You are probably well acquainted with the lines that run across all maps (grid references) – and all maps are standardized with north marked the top of every map. Try to picture a spinning globe on a stand in your geography class, with all those ‘north-to-south’ (longitude) and ‘east-to-west’ (latitude) lines. Map North is the exact meeting point for all longitudinal lines at the North Pole.

TIP: Map or Grid North is often referred to as True North. For navigational purposes, this is an acceptable phrase and can usually be taken at face value.

The third north is Magnetic North. Because of tiny variations in the magnetic field, the magnetic arrow in your compass does not point to Map (True) North; it points to Magnetic North. Picture that spinning globe on its stand in your geography class again: The North Pole is not right in the middle and on top. Instead, that free-standing globe is tilted and shows the North Pole off-center, at roughly eleven degrees from the axis.

Magnetic north refers to that difference in the tilt of the earth’s magnetic field which varies depending on where you are. In some places in the world, there can be a difference of up to 20 degrees between Map or Grid North, and Magnetic North. The difference may seem trivial, but traveling just one degree off the mark for one mile will push you nearly 100 feet off track. You could completely miss your mark and end up totally lost in the wilderness.

Step 2 – Deal with Magnetic Declination

If one mile can take you 100 feet off your true course, just imagine how far off you will be after ten miles. It is critical to compensate for this difference by correcting for the magnetic shift (declination).  Declination is a ‘setting’ on your compass which you do once as a reset function in preparation before you start navigating in a specific area.  It is not common to have to do this ‘on the fly’ in the field.

Declination is the number by which Map North and True North differs on your compass. In the US, a line of zero declination runs roughly down the Mississippi River through Alabama, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

If you are to the east of that line, declination orients West. This means that Magnetic North will be a few degrees west of True North. In an area with an east declination, you have to subtract the correct dumber of degrees.

If you are to the west of that line, Magnetic North will be east of True North. In an area with West declination, you have to add the appropriate number of degrees.

You can find the declination of the area you will be traveling to easily on a map, and will need this information to prepare your compass for navigation. Keep in mind, however, that inclination changes regularly and that you should not use the information from a map older than a year when you compensate for any area.

Step 3 – Holding The Compass

The magnetic compass needle is influenced by any metal objects nearby. To get an accurate reading, remove metal objects like keys, a keychain, flashlight or camera from your person and stand well away from tables, chairs and other objects that contain medal.

When you consult a map in the later steps, you will be placing the compass on your map on top of a level surface, but if you take a reading while you travel, hold the compass in your open palm in a level, flat position. Keep the compass as level as you can. If you tilt it, the magnetic needle will make contact with the casing and will not move freely, giving you an incorrect reading.

The direction-of-travel arrow must point straight away from you. Hold your palm in front of your chest, about halfway between your waist and face.

Step 4 – Finding Your Bearing (Azimuth)

Look down at the compass. Find out which direction you face by looking at the magnetic needle. It will move on its own and swing to one side or another. If it does not swing at all, you are facing directly north. Test this by turning to the side and check if the needle holds true.

Next, turn the degree dial in the appropriate direction until the orienteering arrow in the housing lines up exactly with the point of the magnetic needle (arrow). This is called “putting it in the box” and you will see why when the two markers overlap precisely! Both of these markers (the needle and the degree dial arrow) will now be pointing north.

Next, look at the direction-of-travel arrow. The travel arrow shows the direction you are facing. If the travel arrow points somewhere between N (North) and E (East), you are facing Northeast.  Find the exact degree at the spot where the travel arrow intersects with the degree dial (bezel). If it crosses at 22, you are facing 22 degrees Northeast.

By simply turning your body, compass held steady, use the N-E-S-W markings to get a good idea of your position relative to landscape features such as mountain ranges in the distance or unusually large trees nearby. This may be all you need from your compass.   When you need to find your way from one particular place to another, you need to use the same technique to find the bearing to that remote place. The direction you are going is called your heading.

Step 5 – Triangulate Your Position

Look around and choose the first of three prominent landmarks that you can also find on your map. Point the travel arrow in the direction of the first mark to move the magnetic needle to the north (unless the mark is directly north of you).

Turn the bezel (degree dial) until the orienteering arrow lines and the magnetic needle are in the box (lines up perfectly). Once they are aligned, check the figure on the bezel directly on the direction-of-travel arrow. That number is a ‘degree’ – your bearing.

Note the landmark on your map. Spread the map on a level surface and put the compass on the map with the orienteering arrow pointing to true north. Move the compass until the edge passes through both the landmark you have marked down on the map and your supposed position. The orienteering arrow is still pointing north. Draw the first of three lines along the compass’ edge and through your approximate position. Find two more landmarks and repeat the procedure.

You should end with three lines forming a triangle with the 3 lines intersecting at your approximate position on the map. The more accurate the bearings, the more precise the triangulation.

Step 6 – Get from Point A To Point B

You will need a good topographical map, your compass, and a flat surface away from any metal objects (including metal legs). Find out where you are on the map (your point A) and locate the spot where you want to go to (your point B). If necessary, first do a triangulation according to step 5.

Put the compass near your current position on the map. With the edge of the compass serving as a ruler, line up points A and B by placing the compass edge to create a straight line between your current map position and the point where you need to go.

The orienteering arrow must point to map north, and the travel arrow must point in the direction you want to go (towards point B on the map).

Next, line up the meridian lines in parallel with the north-south grid lines on the map by turning the bezel. Put it in the box:  Turn the bezel (degree dial) until the “N” on the bezel and the orienteering arrow both point to grid (map) north. Note the new bearing as indicated on the bezel in degrees.

Now that you have the exact compass setting, you can lift the compass off the map. Point the direction-of-travel arrow you to your destination. Turn your body until the magnetic needle, and orienteering needles overlap, and you’ll be on course toward the destination on the map.

TIP: Unless you want to walk due north, follow the direction-of-travel arrow, not the compass needle. The travel arrow does exactly what it says – it indicates the direction you want to travel in!

Step 7 – Walk Along The Bearing, Keeping Your Heading

Look along the direction of the travel arrow and focus on a highly visible and immovable point in the middle distance to use as a guide. Start walking towards your mark, in the direction indicated by the traveling arrow. Keep the magnetic needle and orienteering needles “in the box” (precisely aligned). Once you reach your mark, use the compass to find another mark and keep following the direction-of-travel arrow.

TIP: Be careful not to accidentally turn the degree dial from the proper position when you take another bearing.

Great Tips for Beginners

• If bad weather moves in, immediately find your position on the map before you lose the ability to pick out markers. If you don’t know where you started from, you won’t be able to get out.
• Don’t keep your eyes on the compass as you walk. Rather pick a marker a short distance in front of you and walk normally towards it.
• Trust your compass. If you are using it correctly, it will point you in the correct direction. Our innate sense of direction can play tricks in harsh or unknown surroundings.
• Verify your progress from time to time by reversing the compass and taking a bearing back to your first marker. Don’t reset the compass; rather turn the compass until the travel arrow points directly at you instead of away from you. Alternatively, do a simple calculation: first, add 180 degrees to your current bearing (e.g. you are facing 241 degrees. Add 180 to get 421). If the result is more than 360 degrees, then subtract 360 (421 minus 360). The answer (in this case 61) is the opposite direction.

Navigating In Poor Visibility

If you cannot see any distinct objects to use as a beacon, mark your starting spot with a highly visible marker such as a rucksack. Walk along the compass bearing, regularly checking to see that you can still see the marker and stop when it becomes difficult to distinguish. Stop and verify your bearing.

If you are still on the correct bearing, place the second marker at this spot. Fetch the first marker, return with it to the second marker and repeat the procedure. If you are traveling with other hikers, use another member of the party in a similar way.

Practice Your New Skill

Don’t venture into the outdoors without at least practicing using your compass and a map of an area you know well. Do your first navigation in familiar surroundings, incidentally checking your compass to make sure it hasn’t taken a heavy knock and is still working correctly.

You will learn to trust your instruments and your skills. If you need it in an emergency, you will be more confident and have fewer things to worry about.