HIKING BASICS
Can You Eat Poison Ivy: Does Eating it Make You Become Immune to Rashes From It?
One of the most common rumors among those who like to wade in the deep wild, is the claim that one can develop immunity to poison ivy rashes, through ingesting controlled amounts of poison ivy parts, particularly berries. This practice is not only ineffective, it is also harmful! Can you eat poison ivy is not a question you should think about seriously, though many would still keep claiming one can become immune to poison ivy rashes if you do it properly.
Let’s first learn some basics. This poisonous plant has one active compound called urushiol, and it is what makes rashes when we come into contact with poison ivy. However, what is most important is that this compound is not a classical, chemical poison, but just an allergen. That means some people and some species of animals are completely immune, and can both get in contact and ingest the plant.
Since it doesn’t meet the biological definition of organic poison or venom you can’t use it as serum or an ingredient in any effective serums to fight the poisoning or become immune to it. For example, snake venom is a mix of many compounds which need to be stacked up to make a synergic action of poisoning any affected organisms.
Modifying components in a venom can turn it into a venom-repellent and that’s basically how anti-venom serums are made. Owing to the fact that poison ivy (and some other poisonous plants) contain only urushiol as an active component, it is not possible to get the serum through any kind of modification or controlled intake.
What’s Behind the Claims
Just like most other allergens, urushiol from poison ivy is not harmful for everyone. Some people are genetically resistant to urushiol, and they can touch, eat, chew and drink the plant in its fresh form or as produce (berries, tea…) without developing any symptoms associated with it. Note that those who are immune, and it is around 15% of the US population are immune since birth. This is where the confusion begins.
First, a person who is immune to poison ivy, but is unaware of it, tries eating small amounts of poison ivy leaves or sometimes a berry. In the process of eating they use gloves to pick and put the plant parts into their mouth, believing they’re allergic to it while they aren’t. Sometime upon eating it, they start exposing their skin to the plant’s leaves to find out they get no rashes at all.
Since they weren’t aware of their congenital immunity, they start believing that they have developed urushiol immunity only since they “treated” themselves with poison ivy.
So they start spreading the news throughout the populace, showing evidence of their immunity to others, many of whom are not immune to urushiol, nor can build immunity to it, ever.
Other than that, it is believed there should be people who become more immune to symptoms caused by poison ivy. There are testimonials and claims of people who allegedly were allergic to poison ivy exposure, but upon eating it these symptoms lessened, and the effect lasted for about a year. Many people keep claiming they have been repeatedly eating controlled amounts of poison ivy to reinstate the alleged immunity to the plant.
Eating It as a Non-Immune Person
Exposing the skin top poison ivy, poison oak and some other plants producing urushiol causes an allergic reaction known as urushiol-induced contact dermatitis. The severity of symptoms is not the same in everyone allergic.
While many will relieve symptoms by just soaking the affected areas in cold water, others will require treatment and pharmaceutical remedies such as topical or oral corticosteroids. In some people even skin exposure to urushiol can be dangerous and life-threatening.
Same is with attempts to ingest the plants. Despite most people will just try with very small amounts such as eating one young, underdeveloped leaf of poison ivy, the amount of urushiol released can be very dangerous if the person is more sensitive to the allergen. Note that treating symptoms developed through eating poison ivy is much more complicated and requires more effort than treatment of urushiol-induced contact dermatitis.
Eating fresh poison ivy can affect both digestive and respiratory organs. The most dangerous and critical power of urushiol is making the airways swollen and clogged. The effect lasts long enough to suffocate the affected person if the dose of urushiol taken is large enough.
Death from eating poison ivy is not uncommon and many cases are addressed to voluntarily ingesting it, i.e. the victims knew what they ate and why.
Despite all that, owing to the aforementioned reasons, many people still keep trying to develop immunity through eating the plant and its produce, though fresh leaves remain the most common way of administration. There are some other ways on which people are trying to intake controlled amounts of urushiol trying to become immune to allergy.
Poison Ivy Extracts
Urushiol oil can be extracted from poison ivy, poison oak and other urushiol-containing plants to develop what is believed to be a “remedy or ”serum” for poison ivy contamination. Urushiol containing pills, were once a popular product in attempting immunization, though these are no longer marketed for obvious reasons.
Besides that, there were numerous experiments with injections of diluted urushiol, but the results and findings were not satisfactory to make it a remedy, so that doctors and pharmacists can recommend someone trying them to become immune to poison ivy bruises.
Today, we can find homeophatic solutions with extremely small amounts of urushiol diluted in water. While the old methods of administering the allergen can also be considered homeopathy, today modern methods use amounts so small that it is hard to believe it can really fight off the allergy.
One is for sure, these solutions are so diluted that they are rendered safe, unlike some old methods of administration, but it can hardly work towards developing immunity to urushiol. What can come as a replacement are pills containing extracts of some other plants, such as jewelweed.
Milk of Goats Who Ate Poison Ivy
Goat is one of many animals known to be naturally immune to urushiol. It is also found that they enjoy feeding on poison ivy vines and are sometimes used in poison ivy control. Some people believe goat milk can help humans develop an immunity to poison ivy contact dermatitis, primarily if it is milk from goats who ate a lot of poison ivy.
Despite it’s a proven fact of science that goat milk does not contain any urushiol, as it is entirely broken down in the animal’s digestive organs, people keep thinking that regular drinking milk of goats who fed on poison ivy will get them some compounds which they believe bring the goat an immunity to this human allergen.
While it is perfectly safe to drink milk of goats who fed on urushiol-containing milk, its ability to make one more resistant to urushiol contamination, is debatable. Some people claim drinking goat milk is especially effective if it is taken during childhood, and it is possible that some chemicals which make goats resistant to urushiol can be acquired this way.
Note that most other cattle reacts to poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, in a manner similar to humans, so goats are believed by many to have some special ability to help us get rid of painful experiences with it.
Overall, we are not assured in the efficacy of this method, but, unlike eating fresh parts of poison ivy plants, drinking goat milk is perfectly safe and recommended for some its other health effects.
Other common ways of administering urushiol
Other ways of taking what is believed to be controlled amounts of urushiol is preparing tea from poison sumac, ivy and oak, eating other parts of urushiol plants such as berries and roots, cooking the fresh plant and inhaling the smoke from burning these.
What is common for all these methods is that it has little or no positive effects to any aspect of human health and it is much more likely to attain a harmful allergic reaction of internal organs to urushiol exposure, which in many cases can be life-threatening.
How Do You Actually Fight Off Poison Ivy
Whilst urushiol is a powerful and highly resistant allergen, there are some active components and herbs which can alleviate the symptoms of poison ivy contamination.
Currently there are no known solutions which can prevent the poison ivy rashes, but after-contact remedies which can be taken topically and orally do exist, and include both pharmaceutical drugs such as oral and topical corticosteroids as well as herbal products from various plants, in particular jewelweed or touch-me-not. Note that taking any of these remedies as a preventive measure is not effective.
The only prevention that works so far is mechanical protection of your lower legs and feet and learning how to recognize the plant should you know how to stay away from it.
Barrier Creams and Lotions
Some chemical compounds are known to effectively neutralize urushiol quickly, not allowing it to reach to your skin. These compounds are safe for topical use and thus are used as active components in many poison ivy barrier creams and barrier lotions.
Bentoquatam is one of the most commonly used compounds in making poison ivy barrier solutions. The creams or sprays (though creams are a more effective way of administration) need to cover all parts of the skin, which may be exposed to any urushiol-containing plants.
Bentoquatam (Ivy Block) solutions are known to be highly effective in intercepting and absorbing any urushiol oil touch with the skin. However, it has certain disadvantages. Bentoquatam blocking creams and sprays should not be used in kids aged 6 or less. Also, these should never be used as a means to heal existing urushiol-borne rashes, as these can only worsen the condition.
These creams and sprays can remain effective four hours after application, so you need to reapply these every for hours, if you need to spend a prolonged period of time in an environment where poison ivy is present. Remember that not all urushiol can be absorbed by bentoquatam, so it only delays the occurrence of rashes.
If you believed that you got in touch with the poison ivy or some other urushiol-releasing plant, you need to wash off the solution immediately and reapply a new layer of it. Urushiol barrier creams can be bought or ordered without a prescription.
If You Get a Rash
Contact with any urushiol-containing plants may be unpleasant at best, and in worse cases it can be very dangerous, but luckily, there are many ways which can help alleviate symptoms of urushiol dermatitis. Solutions offered, range from natural products to pharmaceuticals.
Natural Products: Jewelweed
Jewelweed or touch-me-not is a native plant to North America, and native peoples have been using it for centuries to heal various skin conditions. Since some varieties of poison ivy and other urushiol plants are native to North America it is clear the tribes knew of its effect to protect from the rashes.
Jewelweed products, such as the salve, is known to have a wide field of application with skin rashes, and its effectiveness goes much beyond healing urushiol-induced bruises, and is known to be very effective in healing insect bites.
Jewelweed salve can be bought without a prescription or made at home with natural carrier oil and beeswax. This is a great solution for light to moderate cases of skin irritation without internal symptoms present.
There are many other recipes for natural and kitchen-made poison ivy relief solutions, such as oatmeal paste, banana peel, baking soda bath and others. Most of these can help to an extent in lighter cases of urushiol induced dermatitis, but their rash healing abilities are limited.
Corticosteroids and other pharmaceutic remedies
Most pharmaceutical remedies, including corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone are used for symptomatic treatment of poison ivy and other urushiol-related rashes. That means their effect is to turn off the perception of itching and other unpleasant feelings around the affected areas, rather than making the course of the rashes run faster.
However, since there is less itching, you will have no reasons to scratch the rash, so your wound healing process will remain mainly undisturbed, and you will not risk infections after excessive scratching.
Topical corticosteroids, those applied on the affected skin, are mainly available over the counter, while oral remedies will require a prescription.
In severe cases of urushiol skin irritation, doctors may prescribe more powerful corticosteroids such as prednisone or triamcinolone. These drugs are immune-suppressants and will slow down the immune system’s response to the severe wound which is in this cases counter-effective in healing it.
Other Preventive Measures
If you’re planning to hike and visit places where poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac and other urushiol-releasing plants are present, you need to know how to keep away from them. Urushiol is highly persistent and can\t be fought off easily. Wear long sleeve pants and make the entire your foot and ankle area covered by either pants or socks.
A good thing about urushiol, is that it takes time to penetrate into the sensitive layers of your skin, and can be removed with soap and rinsed with water. If you feel you’ve caught poison ivy you can relieve with soap and some water, which you can bring with you on the hike. Also, it is strongly recommended to take a shower immediately after a hike to remove any urushiol residues that might be remaining in your body.
It is also important to be able to stay away from the plant whenever possible, it is the ideal way to prevent contamination. You should only keep on the trail without contact with the local flora whenever there is a risk poison ivy might be present.
The ability to recognize poison ivy and other urushiol plant is highly important. Most of these plants appear as vines which sometimes creep up the plants (hence the name “ivy” despite not being related to actual ivy), and poison ivy has leaves which grow as a group of three.
While we can keep counting descriptive features of these plants, it is best to have photographs of it stored in your phone or tablet you bring with you to any hike.
Remember: Poison Ivy Immunity is Limited!
If you’ve had previous contacts with poison ivy and other urushiol plants, and had no symptoms of an allergy, it means you are immune to the plant. But remember that you can lose the immunity to urushiol after a number of exposures to the compound. The likelihood of losing immunity to urushiol grows with the amount and frequency of contacts with poison ivy, oak and sumac.
While sensitivity from poison ivy can be seen as a great thing, you shouldn’t strive to rely much on it. Also, trying to ingest excess urushiol may significantly reduce your congenital resistance to urushiol allergy. From a doctors’ point of view, no one is actually immune to poison ivy, there are just people who are less susceptible to exposure in the beginning.
The Final Verdict
Urushiol is one of the most aggressive allergens found in nature. While just brushing it with your skin in most cases leaves only short-term effects, ingesting the plant may be life-threatening.
In some cases, eating poison ivy is claimed to be beneficial in lessening the symptoms of skin exposure to urushiol, but none of these cases are scientifically documented in a way which should make it worthy of further research.
Let’s say that there might be a limited number of such cases which does not justify the risks associated with poison ivy ingestion at all.
The best, and the only certain preventive measure to poison ivy exposure is covering oneself – with clothes or barrier creams, and learning how to stay away from it. Having soap and water with yourself on the hike and taking shower immediately after it is also known to be highly effective in preventing excessive penetration of urushiol under the skin. Simply, the best amount of urushiol taken is no urushiol at all, even if you appear to be resistant to the allergy to it!
We all know that humans simply cannot live without water. It is essential to our livelihood and helps the body in so many ways that we simply cannot function without it. Even our blood is 92 percent water! Staying properly hydrated allows your body to remove toxins and helps to send vitamins and nutrients, as well as oxygen, through the body to the proper places, keeping you energized. We will discuss all that and more as well as how long to digest water.
Water is helpful when losing weight, as it boosts your body’s metabolism, and it promotes healthy skin. You may feel that you are in a happier mood when you are hydrated, because water is doing its job by working with your body. You probably have a lot of questions, such as how long does water stay in your stomach? That can vary from person to person, but we will discuss more below about water and your body.
Soon, you will know all about water, how to stay hydrated, what causes dehydration and more. Let us first talk about ingesting water.
Ingesting Water
When you drink water, it travels from the mouth to pharynx and then down the esophagus. This takes about a second. Some of that water is absorbed into the stomach, some if it is absorbed into the small intestine. Then the water enters your circulatory system and then flows through the body. Did you know that if you drink 2 liters of water each day, it can turn into upwards of 2,000 ml of urine? The bladder holds up to 16 ounces of urine. For your stomach to digest water, it can take generally 45 minutes to 2 hours. However, if you have not eaten anything, and are drinking water, it can sometimes digest in just a handful of minutes.
On average, a person needs at least 64 ounces of water in their body per day. If you are highly active, you may need more water. Depending on your fitness level, you may need to increase your water intake as well. Ingesting this much water will keep toxins flushing out of the body and will keep you full so you will not want to snack. It boosts your metabolism, keeping you going through the day. The best part? Water has no sugar, no fat, and no calories!
Ways to Stay Hydrated
Besides drinking water and increasing your intake if necessary, you can find many foods also have a lot of water. Stay away from the caffeine, which acts as a diuretic. Many fruits and meats contain a high amount of water.
Some great examples of foods that will keep you hydrated include:
- Hamburger Meat
- Chicken breast (not fried)
- Soups, Broths, and Stews
- Smoothies
- Flavored Water or Sports Drinks like Powerade
- Watermelon
- Grapes
- Real Fruit Juice
- Jell O
There are many things you can do to improve your body’s hydration level.
Making small changes like replacing that soda with some water, can help your body work better and less harder.
Here are some ways to improve your hydration level:
- If you do not like plain water, you can always eat foods that are high in water, such as those mentioned above.. Some foods can contain up to 90 percent water. While you do want to drink water regularly, you can always add lemon for flavor.
- Stay away from drinks that will steal water from your body. These would be the sodas, coffees, and teas because not only are they diuretics, causing you to lose more water when you urinate. If you are already dehydrated or sick, stay away especially from apple juice and prune juice as you will lose even more water in the form of stool.
- To increase your water intake, carry a bottle of water with you wherever you go. Whether it is exercising at the gym, working in your office, or driving your car, keeping water nearby will allow you easy access to hydration.
- If you are flying, you may notice that your mouth feels dry. The air in the cabin dries out your body. Drink water before and during your flight so you do not feel this way. During this time, you should also avoid soda pop and alcohol while you are in the air.
- Stay away from any “water diets” that claim to help you lose weight fast. Drinking too much water can be dangerous. Not only that, but your body can only absorb so much water before it just goes straight to your bladder. You will not burn fat doing a water diet.
- Water is hard to digest when you are eating it with a meal. It also dilutes the digestive acids. If you do want to drink water with your dinner, try drinking sips of room temperature water. Drinking ice water will slow the digestion process.
- As we said before, drinking two glasses of water when you wake up can help jump start your body for the day. It keeps your body in balance and allows your mood to improve. This is definitely a must when it comes to hydration.
- Lay off the carbonated water as it only makes you burp. The gas from this will make you feel full in the stomach, which means you will not drink as much as you would with regular water. If you cannot live without a little fizz in your drink, you can always put some seltzer in your water.
- You can lose weight by drinking more water. It can help to burn calories and can help you feel full between meals. Water will flush the kidneys and release toxins from your body, as well as some fat. If your kidneys are in great shape, the rest of your body will improve.
What Causes Dehydration?
There are many things that can lead to dehydration, namely lack of giving yourself water for your body. If you do not ingest water, you can die within days. Some foods can cause dehydration as well.
Below are 9 foods and drinks that can dehydrate your body.
- White Asparagus: This vegetable has aspartic acid, which affects the kidneys, depleting water from your body. This will, in turn, cause you to be dehydrated.
- Alcohol: Since alcohol is a diuretic, it will make you need to use the restroom more. Thus, you are losing water from your body. Too much alcohol will cause a hangover, leading to a headache, because of lack of water. If you do drink, try to drink water as well to keep yourself from a hangover later.
- Cured Meats: Because of the high amount of protein and salt in cured meats, your body will lose water. It is recommended to drink water along with your cured meats to ensure the salt does not dry up the water within you.
- Coffee: If you drink just one or two cups of coffee, you do not have to worry about it dehydrating you. However, if you drink a lot of coffee, it dehydrates you like alcohol does because coffee is also a diuretic. Plus, the caffeine is thought to speed up the process of dehydration.
- Soy Sauce: We all like to add a little soy sauce to our rice now and then, but it does contain salt, which will soak the water up from your body. In 2013, a girl almost died from drinking a quart of it and it gave her an imbalance of electrolytes, causing dehydration. If you use it a lot, though, you should drink some water along with it.
- Bouillon Cubes: Used for making soup, bouillon cubes contain a very high amount of salt, which aids in dehydrating you. Essentially, when it is used in soup, you are drinking flavored salty water. Even though water is used in the process of making soup, you will still need additional water to stay hydrated. If you are sick, you will want the extra fluids so water can replenish your body.
- Popcorn: High in sodium, popcorn can cause you to feel very thirsty. Many like to drink a soda with their popcorn, especially in the theater. Try to replace that soda with water or flavored water to gain some fresh water for your body.
- Fried Foods: French Fries. Cheese Sticks. Fried Chicken. If it is fried, it is going to dehydrate you. Fried foods and processed foods usually have a lot of salt, which can be over your daily intake amount. Avoid these foods or eat sparingly. Always replenish yourself with some water after eating these foods.
- Sugary Drinks: Many sodas or juices contain a high amount of sugar, which are acidic as well. While they may be tasty, they are sucking water right out of your body. In turn, all of your organs are working harder to process the sugars, and your body has lost water. Cut back on the sugary drinks, by including more water within your daily diet.
What Happens to Your Body without Water?
Dehydration will occur when you do not have enough water in your body. You need to replace the water throughout the day to keep your body functioning properly.
Some signs that you are being dehydrated include:
- Dry mouth
- Feeling tired
- Headache or dizziness
- Muscle cramps
- Dry skin
- Constipation
There are more signs if you happen to be severely dehydrated, such as:
- Irritability
- Sunken eyes
- Fast heartbeat
- Fever
- Little to no urine
- Low blood pressure
There are more signs, but those are the major ones. The major causes of dehydration are: frequent urination, sweating, vomiting, diabetes, and diarrhea.
Nobody is immune to dehydration and it can affect you more, and this is especially true for certain people like:
- The elderly
- Sick people
- Infants
- Diabetics
- Alcoholics
- Those with adrenal gland disorders
- Those with cystic fibrosis
The elderly are more likely to become dehydrated because as a person ages, the thirst mechanism in the body is not as strong. Therefore, they will lose water faster. If an elderly person has dementia, they will experience dehydration and the need to stay on top of their water consumption. Infants and small children are at risk of dehydration because their little bodies go through water faster, so they need to be sure to get water regularly.
While a person can live up to 3 weeks without food, the body can only go 3 days without water. Survival experts, stick by the Rule of Threes: You can live only 3 minutes without oxygen. You have 3 hours to find shelter in a harsh weathered environment. You can live 3 days without water, and you can live 3 weeks without food. There have been cases where people have lived a week without water, but those are rare. Since the body is nearly 70 percent water, you can see how essential it is for living.
Best Time to Drink Water
Believe it or not, there are times in the day that are better for drinking water, as well as a few guidelines that will help your body get all of the water it needs.
So, when is the best time to drink water?
- Drink 2 glasses of water upon waking up. This helps to wake up your internal organs and get them ready for the day.
- Drink 1 glass of water a half hour before any meal as it helps the digestion process.
- If you are taking a bath, drink 1 glass of water to keep your blood pressure down.
- Before going to bed, it is recommended to drink 1 glass of water for heart health. This aids in preventing a heart attack or stroke.
- Another trick is, after drinking the 2 glasses when you wake up, you can brush your teeth and eat about 45 minutes later. From there, eat your breakfast and do not eat again for another 2 hours. This helps water to process through your body more efficiently.
Best Ways to Drink Water
There are three great ways to drink water and keep yourself healthy:
- Drink at a slow pace. Keeping a steady pace when drinking water will keep you more hydrated than if you were to down a whole bottle in just a few moments. This is because your intestines can only take so much water at once. If water moves too fast, you will lose it through urination, instead of it being absorbed into your body.
- Drink water with some lemon! Lemon has many health benefits as you will see below. You will feel more energetic and your body will be able to digest food better. Using a water pitcher that has an infuser will allow you to infuse your water with whatever fruit you want and the fruit will pour into your glass with the water.
- Timing is key for drinking water, as we stated above. Knowing when to drink water will allow you to better absorb it giving you more energy and releasing more toxins. Drinking water is simple if you have some next to you at all times. You can use a tumbler and fill it wherever you need to, at school, at the office, or at home. Drinking as you eat will slow down the digestion process, as some people think.
Add a Little Lemon
Lemon is not only for enhancing your water with taste, but it can do wonders for your body. Here is how:
- Lemon keeps you alert and full of energy because it contains potassium. This helps nerve function and brain function, and it reduces stress.
- Lemon boosts your immune system with Vitamin C. This helps the body heal and helps to break up phlegm if you are sick.
- A little lemon in your water will keep you not only hydrated but will not hold onto fat cells. They also absorb nutrients.
- Since lemon has Vitamin C, your skin will produce more collagen, which keeps wrinkles at bay.
- Lemons have pectin fiber, which keeps your metabolism regulated. This can help you lost weight and curb craving.
- The liver loves lemons because it helps produce enzymes for your body. The liver works better and the bile helps in digestion. It also keeps toxins flowing out of your body by urination. Plus, lemons help bowel movement regulation.
Wrapping it up
Water is our life, truly. We need to take care of our bodies by drinking an appropriate amount each day. This lessens our risks of heart attacks, strokes, and sickness. It keeps your skin beautiful and helps boost your mood. Without water, we cannot survive. Hopefully, you have learned many things about water and can improve your daily regimen. Thanks for reading!
HIKING BASICS
Romantic Camping Ideas: Genius Hacks For Camping Couples To Plan Their A Romantic Outdoor Adventure
Camping is definitely the first thing that crosses someone’s mind when it comes to a perfect Valentine day or any other romantic event, especially if you and your partner love camping and spending time in the wilderness.
Imagine the fun and romance taking the love of your life somewhere far away from the hustle, bustle and busy schedule of city struggles. It would be up to you to turn “the wild environment into the romantic one”.
In this article, we are going to take a look at some really amazing romantic camping ideas. If you are still not sure about romantic camping, then stay tuned because you might end up loving it.
How to Plan Your Romantic Camping Trip
If you don’t want your romantic getaway to turn into a disaster,there are some important things to consider before actually going on a trip.
Pick the perfect spot
It is crucial to do some research beforehand and get yourself familiar with the area. Of course, unless you are planning to go somewhere where you have already been. If not, then make sure to find a place that would suit both of you. Since you are planning a romantic trip, go somewhere where you will have privacy and peace and quiet.
How to find the perfect spot? Do a research on all of the campsites online. By using online maps you can take a look at each detail, route, and path. By doing this you will be able to make sure nothing goes wrong.
Make reservations
This is very important, especially during the peak vacation months. You do not want your camping spot to be reserved by someone else, right? Not only reservations, but you should also use the online info to find out about entrance fees and the price of the activities being performed there.
In this way you won’t be surprised in a bad way.
Camping Gear You Must Not Forget
Let’s take a look at some of the goodies that you should not forget. These goodies would come in handy during your romantic camping.
But make sure to remember that you cannot really bring all of them together, because that depends on the location.
- Since you will be sleeping in the wilderness, a comfy air mattress of high quality is a must. You might even want to go for a two-person sleeping bag so you would make sure that both of you have enough space. However, if you are camping somewhere with freezing temperatures or during the winter, you might want to buy a warmer and a waterproof sleeping bed with good insulation.
- Pillows will spice up the cozy atmosphere and allow you to snuggle.
- Make sure to bring extra blankets if you are camping in the winter or in case it suddenly gets colder. Or imagine what would happen if you get trapped in a rain or storm.
- Take your romantic event in the wilderness to a higher level by hanging string lights around the tent, or even in the bushes and trees around it. You will need a battery powered, light strings or the solar ones.
- Many couples go for candles when they want to achieve romantic mood, but remember that you must bring only the risk-free light. That is why you should consider bringing LED tea lights which can create the same Valentine effect.
- Bring a guitar or some other musical instrument that is easily carried around. You can woo your partner or get wooed. You can also sing some favorite songs together. You will be probably alone, so there won’t be any need to be embarrassed.
- Nobody would go camping without bringing a camping stove, so you can make delicious hot drinks like hot chocolate. It is not very romantic to eat canned food.
- Do not forget to bring cards and games you both love to play together.
- A cooler will keep all food and drinks fresh and cool. It is actually a must with regular camping as well.
- If you are not able to play any musical instrument, then take a portable music player with you. Make a romantic playlist of favorite songs in advance and surprise your partner! Music makes everything better.
Other Things to Consider Before You Go
Besides the camping gear that you must not forget to bring, there are also a couple of other things to consider, such as:
- Clothes: avoid smelly fabrics that quickly absorb sweat. Cotton becomes very stinky and should be avoided while synthetics, wool and Gore-Tex are great choices. Wool is warm while Gore-Tex is waterproof. Polypropylene and polyester can be used as under-layers because they do not get as stinky as cotton.
- Prepare the menu: instead of wondering about the food there, make sure to prepare the full menu before you go. Spice up the camping trip activities and surprise your partner with dishes that she or he adores. If both of you are fond of alcoholic drinks, bring a favorite beverage, but place it in a bag or thermos. Do not forget desserts!
- Do a research on wildlife: you would not want to get surprised by a bear, right? Even though it can be quite exciting to come upon a wild animal, you should know how to behave in its presence and if it is possible, to avoid if it is dangerous. You can even find about which products to bring with you in order to prevent insect bites or which places to avoid so you would not come face to face with a rat, skunk, snake, or mountain lion. While you are taking a break, inspect your body to see if there are ticks, because they must be removed immediately. That means that you should not forget an antiseptic.
Ideas for Romantic Camping Destinations
Here are some wonderful ideas for romantic destinations. Depending on where you live and your budget, you can choose at least one that would suit both you and your partner.
Campfire
In most states and countries, campfires are forbidden due to the risk of forest fires.
That is why you should be aware of the fact that you would be able to go camping only when it is colder. However, what is more romantic than sitting around a warm campfire and looking at the stars? You can also enjoy a nice dinner and create a wonderful atmosphere.
Do a research on sites and locations that allow campfires and purchase the firewood only if you are sure that you can really go. Follow the campfire policy for your own safety and everything will be good.
Beaches
Beaches are another amazing and romantic getaway. You can swim, bathe in the sun, and make a beach fire, play beach games etc. Camping at the beach is different than camping in the woods, so you will need to bring beach-specific supplies. The basics are the same, but you will also need to protect your skin from the sun and bug bites.
Track the tides regularly, stay away from the dunes during the night and stay hydrated.
Hot Springs
Have you ever tried camping near a natural hot spring? Then make sure to try it, because it is relaxing, amazing and utterly romantic! If you manage to find a hot spring, imagine soaking yourself in hot water with your partner under the starry night. You can spice it up with tea-light candles, a portable music player and drinks.
However, make sure not to use glass for your drinks, never use soap and do not leave any litter behind.
Hiking
Hiking can be another great way to spend a romantic day with your partner. Just imagine a nice weekend in the wilderness, and away from the crowds. However, make sure to bring boots of good quality because you will be on foot for hours; developing blisters is never romantic. Your shoes should provide you with ankle support and the socks should be designed for hiking. It would be a good idea to spend your day hikes in light-weight hiking shoes instead of the heavy high-cut boots. Your toes should have enough space to move around otherwise they will swell.
As for the destination, it is all up to you. With a blanket, water, enough food, and a headlamp, you can take your beloved on a romantic hike through the woods or hills. Hiking is not only great for physical health, but also mental health as well.
Paddling
Looking for an unusual romantic getaway? Then what about canoeing, rafting or kayaking? Take your boyfriend or girlfriend on a paddling journey in which both of you will have fun! This is a great activity because it can lead you to an isolated campsite where you can take a break and enjoy the view with your partner. You do not really to buy a boat or canoe, you can simply rent one, but you have to be experienced in peddling it. Do not go paddling if you have never done it before because you can endanger not only yourself but your partner as well!
For this kind of adventure you need drinking water, food, sun protection, waterproof footwear and life-jacket. Make sure to get familiar with the area and its rapids before you go so you can avoid unexpected danger. Also, do not only peddle but take mini breaks to show your partner the area and the landscape. It will be an unforgettable adventure!
Safety
When you have finally chosen a destination, make sure to be aware of possible dangers and give your best to prevent them. It all depends on your experience, and if you are the one planning the romantic getaway, then you are responsible for your partner’s life as well.
Let’s take a look at some safety measures:
- Sunburn can be prevented by wearing hats, sunglasses and applying lots of sunscreen. It does not matter where you are, you can get a sunburn at high elevations during freezing temperatures just as same as at the beach. However, if you do happen to sunburn your skin, apply lots of gel and seek medical attention if the burns turn into blisters.
- Blisters are mostly caused by bad footwear, especially during hiking. Make sure to wear socks of high quality and to keep them dry. If your feet hurt, then make a break and check the blister. Apply a padding if it is not broken; however, if it has already turned into an open wound, then clean it with soap and water and cover it with a hydrogel.
- Sprains are serious injuries that can happen anywhere. People who have sprained their wrists, knees or ankles should rest, then apply ice to the sprain to prevent swelling. After that a bandage should be used and the sprained joins kept elevated above the heart level.
- Make sure to always have a First Aid Kit with you, whenever and wherever you go.
Final Thoughts on This Topic
To sum up, we have covered the most important things regarding romantic camping ideas. We have also mentioned some great destinations that might spark your interest and positively surprise your partner. Depending on your budget and location, you can explore camping areas online by using maps and official camping sites. In that way you will be informed about the all possible fees and taxes that might come along your way.
In order to turn camping into a romantic trip, prepare everything beforehand and make sure to remember your partner’s taste and preference. After that it is up to you to create a romantic location and transform it from the wild one into a truly Valentine setting.
Additionally, do not forget that it is better to be safe than sorry. If you are not experienced when it comes to hiking, paddling or camping in general, do not venture into long and far-away journeys that might endanger both you and your partner. Stick to a place where you can ask for help in case you need it.
Camping is definitely the first thing that crosses someone’s mind when it comes to a perfect Valentine day or any other romantic event, especially if you and your partner love camping and spending time in the wilderness.
Imagine the fun and romance taking the love of your life somewhere far away from the hustle, bustle and busy schedule of city struggles. It would be up to you to turn “the wild environment into the romantic one”.
In this article, we are going to take a look at some really amazing romantic camping ideas. If you are still not sure about romantic camping, then stay tuned because you might end up loving it.
How to Plan Your Romantic Camping Trip
If you don’t want your romantic getaway to turn into a disaster,there are some important things to consider before actually going on a trip.
Pick the perfect spot
It is crucial to do some research beforehand and get yourself familiar with the area. Of course, unless you are planning to go somewhere where you have already been. If not, then make sure to find a place that would suit both of you. Since you are planning a romantic trip, go somewhere where you will have privacy and peace and quiet.
How to find the perfect spot? Do a research on all of the campsites online. By using online maps you can take a look at each detail, route, and path. By doing this you will be able to make sure nothing goes wrong.
Make reservations
This is very important, especially during the peak vacation months. You do not want your camping spot to be reserved by someone else, right? Not only reservations, but you should also use the online info to find out about entrance fees and the price of the activities being performed there.
In this way you won’t be surprised in a bad way.
Camping Gear You Must Not Forget
Let’s take a look at some of the goodies that you should not forget. These goodies would come in handy during your romantic camping.
But make sure to remember that you cannot really bring all of them together, because that depends on the location.
- Since you will be sleeping in the wilderness, a comfy air mattress of high quality is a must. You might even want to go for a two-person sleeping bag so you would make sure that both of you have enough space. However, if you are camping somewhere with freezing temperatures or during the winter, you might want to buy a warmer and a waterproof sleeping bed with good insulation.
- Pillows will spice up the cozy atmosphere and allow you to snuggle.
- Make sure to bring extra blankets if you are camping in the winter or in case it suddenly gets colder. Or imagine what would happen if you get trapped in a rain or storm.
- Take your romantic event in the wilderness to a higher level by hanging string lights around the tent, or even in the bushes and trees around it. You will need a battery powered, light strings or the solar ones.
- Many couples go for candles when they want to achieve romantic mood, but remember that you must bring only the risk-free light. That is why you should consider bringing LED tea lights which can create the same Valentine effect.
- Bring a guitar or some other musical instrument that is easily carried around. You can woo your partner or get wooed. You can also sing some favorite songs together. You will be probably alone, so there won’t be any need to be embarrassed.
- Nobody would go camping without bringing a camping stove, so you can make delicious hot drinks like hot chocolate. It is not very romantic to eat canned food.
- Do not forget to bring cards and games you both love to play together.
- A cooler will keep all food and drinks fresh and cool. It is actually a must with regular camping as well.
- If you are not able to play any musical instrument, then take a portable music player with you. Make a romantic playlist of favorite songs in advance and surprise your partner! Music makes everything better.
Other Things to Consider Before You Go
Besides the camping gear that you must not forget to bring, there are also a couple of other things to consider, such as:
- Clothes: avoid smelly fabrics that quickly absorb sweat. Cotton becomes very stinky and should be avoided while synthetics, wool and Gore-Tex are great choices. Wool is warm while Gore-Tex is waterproof. Polypropylene and polyester can be used as under-layers because they do not get as stinky as cotton.
- Prepare the menu: instead of wondering about the food there, make sure to prepare the full menu before you go. Spice up the camping trip activities and surprise your partner with dishes that she or he adores. If both of you are fond of alcoholic drinks, bring a favorite beverage, but place it in a bag or thermos. Do not forget desserts!
- Do a research on wildlife: you would not want to get surprised by a bear, right? Even though it can be quite exciting to come upon a wild animal, you should know how to behave in its presence and if it is possible, to avoid if it is dangerous. You can even find about which products to bring with you in order to prevent insect bites or which places to avoid so you would not come face to face with a rat, skunk, snake, or mountain lion. While you are taking a break, inspect your body to see if there are ticks, because they must be removed immediately. That means that you should not forget an antiseptic.
Ideas for Romantic Camping Destinations
Here are some wonderful ideas for romantic destinations. Depending on where you live and your budget, you can choose at least one that would suit both you and your partner.
Campfire
In most states and countries, campfires are forbidden due to the risk of forest fires.
That is why you should be aware of the fact that you would be able to go camping only when it is colder. However, what is more romantic than sitting around a warm campfire and looking at the stars? You can also enjoy a nice dinner and create a wonderful atmosphere.
Do a research on sites and locations that allow campfires and purchase the firewood only if you are sure that you can really go. Follow the campfire policy for your own safety and everything will be good.
Beaches
Beaches are another amazing and romantic getaway. You can swim, bathe in the sun, and make a beach fire, play beach games etc. Camping at the beach is different than camping in the woods, so you will need to bring beach-specific supplies. The basics are the same, but you will also need to protect your skin from the sun and bug bites.
Track the tides regularly, stay away from the dunes during the night and stay hydrated.
Hot Springs
Have you ever tried camping near a natural hot spring? Then make sure to try it, because it is relaxing, amazing and utterly romantic! If you manage to find a hot spring, imagine soaking yourself in hot water with your partner under the starry night. You can spice it up with tea-light candles, a portable music player and drinks.
However, make sure not to use glass for your drinks, never use soap and do not leave any litter behind.
Hiking
Hiking can be another great way to spend a romantic day with your partner. Just imagine a nice weekend in the wilderness, and away from the crowds. However, make sure to bring boots of good quality because you will be on foot for hours; developing blisters is never romantic. Your shoes should provide you with ankle support and the socks should be designed for hiking. It would be a good idea to spend your day hikes in light-weight hiking shoes instead of the heavy high-cut boots. Your toes should have enough space to move around otherwise they will swell.
As for the destination, it is all up to you. With a blanket, water, enough food, and a headlamp, you can take your beloved on a romantic hike through the woods or hills. Hiking is not only great for physical health, but also mental health as well.
Paddling
Looking for an unusual romantic getaway? Then what about canoeing, rafting or kayaking? Take your boyfriend or girlfriend on a paddling journey in which both of you will have fun! This is a great activity because it can lead you to an isolated campsite where you can take a break and enjoy the view with your partner. You do not really to buy a boat or canoe, you can simply rent one, but you have to be experienced in peddling it. Do not go paddling if you have never done it before because you can endanger not only yourself but your partner as well!
For this kind of adventure you need drinking water, food, sun protection, waterproof footwear and life-jacket. Make sure to get familiar with the area and its rapids before you go so you can avoid unexpected danger. Also, do not only peddle but take mini breaks to show your partner the area and the landscape. It will be an unforgettable adventure!
Safety
When you have finally chosen a destination, make sure to be aware of possible dangers and give your best to prevent them. It all depends on your experience, and if you are the one planning the romantic getaway, then you are responsible for your partner’s life as well.
Let’s take a look at some safety measures:
- Sunburn can be prevented by wearing hats, sunglasses and applying lots of sunscreen. It does not matter where you are, you can get a sunburn at high elevations during freezing temperatures just as same as at the beach. However, if you do happen to sunburn your skin, apply lots of gel and seek medical attention if the burns turn into blisters.
- Blisters are mostly caused by bad footwear, especially during hiking. Make sure to wear socks of high quality and to keep them dry. If your feet hurt, then make a break and check the blister. Apply a padding if it is not broken; however, if it has already turned into an open wound, then clean it with soap and water and cover it with a hydrogel.
- Sprains are serious injuries that can happen anywhere. People who have sprained their wrists, knees or ankles should rest, then apply ice to the sprain to prevent swelling. After that a bandage should be used and the sprained joins kept elevated above the heart level.
- Make sure to always have a First Aid Kit with you, whenever and wherever you go.
Final Thoughts on This Topic
To sum up, we have covered the most important things regarding romantic camping ideas. We have also mentioned some great destinations that might spark your interest and positively surprise your partner. Depending on your budget and location, you can explore camping areas online by using maps and official camping sites. In that way you will be informed about the all possible fees and taxes that might come along your way.
In order to turn camping into a romantic trip, prepare everything beforehand and make sure to remember your partner’s taste and preference. After that it is up to you to create a romantic location and transform it from the wild one into a truly Valentine setting.
Additionally, do not forget that it is better to be safe than sorry. If you are not experienced when it comes to hiking, paddling or camping in general, do not venture into long and far-away journeys that might endanger both you and your partner. Stick to a place where you can ask for help in case you need it.
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