HIKING BASICS

Water Intoxication: Can You Hydrate Too Much?

Published

7 years ago

July 10, 2017

admin

We’re told over and over again to drink lots of water when it’s hot outside or while we’re exercising. However, drinking an extreme amount of water in a short time can be dangerous. Water intoxication, or water poisoning, is a potentially fatal condition that occurs when you consume too much water too quickly without replenishing your electrolyte intake. Drinking a lot of water in a short amount of time causes the levels of salt in the blood to drop too low, a condition called hyponatremia.

When the normal balance of these electrolytes is pushed outside safe limits by overhydrating it causes a disturbance in brain functions. According to a YouTube video published by the American Chemistry Society, it only takes about 6 liters of water to kill a 165-pound person.

Drinking a bottle of water here and there in the heat or during exercise won’t hurt you, but drinking too much too fast can. 6 liters might not sound like a lot, but there is no reason to consume that much water and your body shouldn’t be telling you that you’re thirsty enough to drink that much. Water is essential to human life.

Almost all of the major body systems depend on water to work properly. Water helps your body regulate temperature, prevents constipation, and flushes waste from the body, among other functions. Everyone should make sure they drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day and increase their water intake when it’s hot outside or while exercising.

However, certain high-risk groups of people also need to be wary of water intoxication under the same conditions, especially endurance runners, anyone with a chronic illness or psychological condition, and those who work outside in the heat.

How Does Water Intoxication Happen?

The cause of water intoxication basically boils down to sodium levels. The role of sodium in the body is to balance the fluids in and around cells.

When you drink too much water it causes an imbalance, diluting sodium levels in the body and leading liquid to move from the blood to inside cells, which causes swelling. If this results in swelling of the brain it becomes a very serious condition that requires immediate treatment.

So how much water would you have to drink to become intoxicated? Gallons and gallons. The kidneys can only expel about half a liter of liquid per hour. Water intoxication occurs when you’re drinking more than your kidneys can pee out.

Water Intoxication

Dehydration is much more common, and the symptoms are very similar, so it can be difficult to diagnose water intoxication unless you know the person exhibiting symptoms drank 6 liters of water. Young, healthy people are usually not at risk, but there are certain groups of people who have higher risk factors they should be aware of.

The same groups of people who are at risk for water intoxication should also be wary of the symptoms of dehydration and heat exhaustion. Symptoms of all three conditions present similarly and can be difficult to diagnose.

Both dehydration and heat exhaustion can cause weakness, dizziness, confusion, a racing heart, fainting, headache, fatigue, muscle cramping, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. As you’ll see later, these are all symptoms of water intoxication as well.

Paramedics know to look for signs that differentiate between water intoxication and dehydration, but everyone should learn what differences to look out for and how to prevent it from happening to them.

There are two types of overhydration:

Increased water intake leading to drinking more than the kidneys can get rid of results in overhydrating.
Retaining water. When the body is unable to get rid of excess water, it starts retaining water that it doesn’t need. People with chronic illnesses like liver disease, kidney problems, and congestive heart failure are more prone to retaining water.

People at Risk

Endurance Sports: People who are involved in endurance sports, like distance runners, can drink too much water trying to rehydrate the liquids they’ve sweated out. Paramedics know to watch out for water intoxication symptoms at races, but endurance sportsmen should be aware of what symptoms to watch out for on their own.
Drinking sports drinks in addition to water can help replenish sodium and other electrolyte levels in the body to help prevent water intoxication, but you should still only drink a moderate amount.
Overexertion or Heat Stress: Anyone who works in extreme heat or is prone to heat exhaustion should be cautious of water intoxication. Heavy sweating usually leads to consuming large amounts of water in order to replace lost fluids which can result in an electrolyte imbalance.
Anyone who works outside in extreme heat should take frequent breaks in the shade to sip water and allow their body temperature to regulate.
People being treated for Chronic Illness: Certain medications for conditions like anxiety, depression, diarrhea, colds, or asthma can cause dry mouth, making you constantly thirsty and leading to the over drinking.
This puts older adults at higher risk of water intoxication because they are more likely to be taking medications that alter the body’s sodium balance. Anyone taking medication for a chronic illness should keep careful track of how much water they are drinking per hour to avoid overhydrating.
Heart, Kidney, and Liver Problems: Diseases affecting the heart (like congestive heart failure, or CHF), kidneys, or liver can cause fluid accumulation in the body which dilutes sodium levels and leads to swelling of the cells.
Medications for these conditions can also increase your likelihood of becoming water intoxicated.
Anyone with Psychological Conditions: People with psychological conditions like schizophrenia are predisposed to over consumption of water caused by their condition and as a side effect of several medications. Water consumption for this risk group should be carefully monitored to make sure they are not drinking more than 8 ounces of water per hour during rest periods.
Severe Vomiting or Diarrhea: When your body is dispelling liquids in high amounts through vomiting or diarrhea it causes your body to lose electrolytes like sodium. It is important to rehydrate your body when you are losing fluids, but be careful not to drink water too quickly or water intoxication can set in.
Drugs or Alcohol: Certain drugs like ecstasy can cause dry mouth and lead to drinking too much water while under the influence. Beer can also lead to water intoxication if you are drinking extreme amounts.
Be aware of the symptoms of dehydration if you drink other types of hard alcohol frequently.

Symptoms of Water Intoxication

Feeling hot
Headache
Feeling crummy in general
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Clear urine
Confusion or disorientation
Difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Dry or sweaty skin
Double vision
High blood pressure
Swelling of toes, fingers, ankles
Short term significant weight gain
Muscle weakness, spasms, or cramps
Seizures
Slurred speech
Unconsciousness
Coma

First Aid and Treatment for Water Intoxication

If you see someone showing signs of water intoxication, you should pull them aside into the shade and talk to them. Get help quickly before water intoxication leads to swelling of the brain, seizures, or coma.

Call an ambulance or get the person to the Emergency Room as quickly as possible so that doctors can inject a concentrated salt water solution to ease swelling and start reversing the water intoxication. Doctors can also prescribe diuretics to help increase urine production and help the body get rid of excess water.

Treatment for Water Intoxication

Medical intervention for water intoxication can also lead to the treatment of underlying conditions that make a person prone to overdrinking.

While you are waiting for medical help you can ease the symptoms of water intoxication by cutting back on fluid intake and increasing salt intake. Don’t give a person showing signs of water intoxication any medications, even if they are experiencing headache and nausea.

Simple over the counter medications like aspirin and ibuprofen can worsen symptoms. Provide them with oral rehydration salts only if you have them on hand. If you are prone to water intoxication, know your medical history and consult with your doctor regularly to understand what you can do to prevent water intoxication caused by an underlying condition.

For Outdoorsmen

Your first aid kit should always have you prepared for the worst. Plan your water drinking ahead by making yourself familiar with the area you’ll be trekking beforehand. Be aware of the possible water sources and stops, as well as shady areas you can rest to regulate your body temperature.

This will ensure you don’t go too long without water or drink too much water because you went too long without taking a water break. Carry trail food to help your body keep a healthy balance of sugar and sodium.

For Outdoorsmen

A good trail mix contains nuts, chocolate, and beans for providing small energy bursts while you are hiking. Always check the weather before you head out on a trek. Weather can be unpredictable and you want to be prepared for any extreme conditions.

And always carry rehydration salts in your first aid kit to help with dehydration and replenish electrolytes if you drink too much water in extreme heat or while trekking long distances.

Preventing Water Intoxication

The best way to prevent water intoxication is to make sure you don’t drink way more than you sweat out, but that’s a difficult metric to measure. To stay on the safe side, avoid drinking more than 1 liter of water or sports drink per hour, even if you are outside in the heat for an extended period of time or during intense exercise and endurance sports.

Simply drink until you don’t feel thirsty then stop, even if you think you need to continue replenishing your body.

Preventing Water Intoxication

You can also keep track of your water consumption by monitoring your pee. Dark yellow urine means that you are dehydrated and should drink water. Clear urine means you are hydrated and should slow down drinking water to prevent intoxication.

Drink sports drinks when you know you’ll be working hard to help your body replenish electrolyte and sodium levels, but still be careful not to drink too much of any liquid.

So How Much Water is the Right Amount?

We know we should be drinking enough water throughout the day to keep us from getting dehydrated, especially when it’s hot outside or when our activity level is high. But we also have to be careful in these circumstances not to drink too much water or we could become water intoxicated.

So how are we supposed to know how much water to drink to keep each of these opposite scenarios from happening?

The symptoms of water intoxication are scary and can be life threatening. If you’ve been drinking extreme amounts of water and start to feel nauseous and disoriented, those are some of the first warning signs that you might be experiencing water intoxication.

Let someone know and seek medical attention. Follow proper first aid protocol for water intoxication until paramedics arrive. Likewise, if you suspect someone might be experiencing symptoms of water intoxication, seek medical help for them and make sure they stop drinking water immediately.

Water intoxication guide

There is no magic number for exactly how much water everyone should drink. It depends on a number of factors like your size, workout, activity level, and what you’re eating. As a general rule, you can divide your ideal body weight in half and drink that many ounces of water per day or drink 8 glasses of 8 ounces per day.

The best thing to do is to sip water and avoid drinking more than 4-6 ounces every 20-30 minutes during intense exercise. During periods of rest throughout your normal day there is no reason to drink more than 6-8 ounces of water every hour. Listen to your body’s needs and wants; it will tell you what to do.

HIKING BASICS

Health Benefits Of Drinking Water: Be Positively Hydrated!

Published

5 years ago

October 24, 2019

admin

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

Published

5 years ago

October 20, 2019

admin

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.

HIKING BASICS

Great Outdoor Tips For Couples: Camping For Two!

Published

5 years ago

October 2, 2019

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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

Make reservations

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.

Beaches

Track the tides regularly, stay away from the dunes during the night and stay hydrated.

Hot Springs

However, make sure not to use glass for your drinks, never use soap and do not leave any litter behind.

Hiking

Paddling

Safety

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.