HIKING BASICS

Tarp Camping: Back to Basics

Published

7 years ago

July 10, 2017

admin

There are many personal visions of what the word camping implies. These vary from open air sleeping on the warm ground to bivouacking in mountain snow caves through to somewhat luxurious “glamping”, as in glamorous camping, in the African savannah.

They all require different attitudes and equipment to ensure enjoyment of the surrounding environment to the fullest. However, there is one piece of camping equipment that will be useful in any environment and that is the humble tarpaulin (tarp).

A whole campsite’s shelter requirements can be built around tarp camping or a tarp can be an extra useful piece of equipment added to a sleeping bag, hammock, tent, or even a vehicle.

Tarp Camping

With such a simple piece of equipment a well planned tarp tent setup using any number of tarp shelter configurations will give a wide array of camp comforts, with few disadvantages.

The Pros:

Stay close to nature: Camping is usually about enjoying the world outdoors, getting back to nature, simplifying needs and life to a minimal level that is still within your personal comfort zone.
Utilizing a tarp at a camp site ensures a measure of openness where one can still feel part of the environment yet be assured of some measure of shelter. If you are sleeping in a tent you can’t see the stars or feel the kiss of a breeze across your cheek.
Extra security for low investment: For a relatively low cost, a tarp will provide high value protection in many environments, whether for fleeing refugees, rock concert followers of picnicking day trippers. If pitched correctly, what started the day as summer shade can easily become a rain shelter.
Tarps are low weight: if you are backpacking and really want to carry minimum weight, there are lots of options for lightweight, durable synthetic tarps that you can stuff into a corner of your backpack. Or if you expect rough weather a tarp will give extra protection for your tent or camping environment in general.
A very useful extra camp addition: as a sheltered area to commune in, and as a cooking area where a campfire can be tended without filling a tent with smoke or the risk of damage from flying embers. They are easily repaired with duct tape or special repair kits if they do suffer any damage.
Able to be configured in a multitude of ways: Tarps can be configured in many ways depending on their construction and size so can be easily altered to fit the best shelter in the changing environmental conditions.

The Cons:

Less warm: Tarps cannot compete with tents for warmth and unless the user is trained in harsh environment, survival skills, tarps should not be considered replacements for tents where temperatures are likely to be very low. This of course includes the likelihood of places with high wind chill factors.
No protection from insects or bugs, so in areas with high risk of mosquitoes or other serious numbers of biting insects tarps may not be the best choice for primary shelter. There are other ways of dealing with insects though, like netted hats, portable mosquito nets, covered hammocks, etc.
No structural framework included: with tarp configurations, everything needs to be improvised or carried as extra. For above tree line camp sites or where trees and structures are limited, more planning has to be done for these possible improvisations. For instance, in some instances extendable walking poles are enough to build a suitable shelter.
Little privacy: Tarps do not offer much privacy so in crowded camping areas they are not likely to be so popular for sleeping under.

Knowledge is Power – Learn some Tarp Skills

To utilize a tarp to its best advantage a reasonable level of knowledge and skill is required to pitch it in the best configuration for the shelter required, for instance wind or rain or both.

These skills are easy enough to learn with a bit of effort and they should also be practiced in a safe environment before they are critically needed, and not on some mountain side with rain and snow threatening to carry away all and sundry.

Learn some Tarp Skills

When considering purchasing a tarp consider a few aspects regarding where, when and what you are most likely to be using it for. Err on the side of the most extreme situation you will use it, as there is no point purchasing a cheap porous sunshade that you will use on the beach yet might consider taking hiking up a mountain pass.

If all your camping is done out of the back of a vehicle you need not worry about the weight or packing size so may opt for a larger size.

Consider features such as:

Fabric: does it need to be waterproof, ripstop,
Color: does it need have bright color for possible emergency or be camouflaged for bird watching
Construction: sealed seams, reinforced stitching, reinforced corners, number of grommets, tabs
Weight: for backpacking, or in a vehicle
Packing size: for backpacking or in a vehicle
Size: is this for sheltering one person or a group
Shape: Square, rectangle, sewn in panels for shaped configuration. Square shape is the most versatile, however rectangular may give a better weight ratio for effectiveness. Shaped tarps may be simpler and faster pitches, but less options
Attachment Points: placement, style and number of reinforced grommets, tapes
Extras supplied: stakes, guy ropes, ridge ropes, karabiners ,

A Little Planning Can Save the Day, and Your Life

Wherever you are planning your camping, always make sure you get current weather reports and plan for bad weather even if it says sunshine. If you are a novice err on the side of caution and learn as much as possible from other experienced campers and hikers.

The problem with being a novice is that you do not know what risks to look for. You may not even be aware of what questions to ask. Make sure you have adequate clothing for the environment – that is the first level of shelter before your tarp or tent.

Little Planning Can Save the Day

Practice using your tarp before you go on any difficult journeys either by setting it up at home or take easy trips until you are confident to know how you can erect ot swiftly and effectively in difficult conditions. This includes the different methods of tarp tent configurations as well as knowledge of suitable knots to tie in various pitches.

Regardless of what you are planning it is always advisable to have knowledge of the environment you are going to be in as well as the weather. Make sure you have first aid skills for wilderness areas and hiking craft skills concerning possible dangers.

Special care should be made concerning extremes of temperature. Heat can lead to heat exhaustion followed rapidly by life threatening sunstroke. On the other end of the scale wet skin in cold environments can quickly lead to hypothermia and death.

There is some discussion that all beginners should start their camping experience by using a simple tarp and various pitches, however to do that safely requires skills and knowledge so the question is, “What comes first the chicken or the egg?” I feel novices are better with the benefit of a warmer tent and to acquire tarp skills on the side.

Tarp Configurations for All

The most versatile tarp shape is the basic square for which there are numerous tarp shelter configurations, also known as pitches. Other tarps are rectangular while others are sewn in panels for pre-shaped rapid pitches. Learn with a basic shape and purchase a special one later if you think it’s your style.

It’s useful to know that tarps are traditionally sized according to fabric cut, as opposed to finished size. This can lead to some confusion when purchasers buy a 10’ x 10’ tarp, but measure it to find that it actually measure slightly smaller. Check before purchasing if the final specifications are important.

Tarp Configurations

The most basic use of a tarp is a ground sheet. Camping with two tarps gives a myriad of options for a comfortable campsite. The ground sheet can be just an extra seating area or a place to keep packs or precious firewood dry.

Placed under a tent, a tarp protects the floor from sharp rocks and provides for extra rain proofing. It is much easier to pack away a damp tarp, but a dry tent and than a soaking wet tent floor.

Any tarp is always handy to cover spare equipment and keep it clean and dry in camp. Even if you have a tent you can set up a tarp for extra wind shelter, especially when it comes to cooking and preparing food.

Basic Rain Fly. If you just want to pitch a basic shelter to protect from sun or rain, suitable for cooking, eating or communing under, you can set up a basic rain fly. This can be done two ways ,

A ridge line is strung between two trees or other suitable structures and the tarp draped over and secured to the line on diagonal ends. The remaining opposing diagonals are secured to give an effective slope for rain to run off using guy ropes or to other trees. If tied high enough, people can easily move under this.
Center the tarp over the ridge line on one edge and secure at the center point of the hem. Secure the 4 corners with guy ropes, 2 each side. Versions of these are suitable for setting up over a hammock or over a tent as an extra rain fly.

If more effective shelter is required, configure the tarp closer to the ground and use available natural wind breaks.

A-Frame configuration is like the rain fly, but at ground level and simple and effective for a single or double person sleeping depending on the size of the tarp. A ridge line is set up and the tarp is secured over the line.

Each side hangs evenly and close enough to the ground so that the sides can be secured at ground level with pegs or rocks. If the ridge line is taken even lower, the bottom edges of the sides can fold inwards to form a ground sheet with the corners secured with rocks or pegs. This configuration is ominously called a Body Bag but is snug and secure.

Make lean to tarp

For a Lean To take a long edge of the tarp, and secure it either side to trees/structures at a height so that when and the tarp is pulled back at 45o angle the opposing edge reaches the ground to be secured with pegs or rocks. Even lower and the bottom edge can be folded inwards to form a ground cover for dry seating know as the Envelope, again securing the edges with rocks or pegs or both.

The opposite version of the Envelope called the Windshed Wedge secures the bottom edge on the ground and the extra fabric, instead of being a ground sheet is draped over the top and secured with guy ropes out front for extra wind shelter. If the tarp is large enough, you can combine the Envelope and Windshed Wedge to have both ground sheet and wind shelter.

If you need to pitch a shelter rapidly, the Diamond Pitch is secure and cozy. You attach a rope to one corner of the tarp (or have it pre tied) and secure it on the windward side of the tree. (I know that sounds wrong, but bear with me).

Then secure the diagonal corner back out from the tree with pegs, followed by the other two corners out each side which should give you quick, secure shelter to cook or rest under, protected by the tarp behind and tree in front. Another version of this is tied lower on the tree so that there is enough side fabric to be tucked inwards for use as a ground cover to form an Arrowhead pitch.

The Square Arch pitch gives a wide low profile that is suited for two persons. Two parallel ridge lines are set low to the ground and the tarp draped across both and the sides secured. There would be no runoff for rain though, so this is for dry cold weather only.

When there are no suitable places to secure ridge lines alternative methods must be used. If you need to be prepared for the eventuality of not finding suitable poles or sticks, then you need to pre purchase suitable poles or plan to use expandable walking poles. The latter serves as great tarp poles for pitching tent-like structures.

Square Arch pitch

The Forest Tent is a version similar to the Arrowhead but instead of using a ridge line for holding the structure up, two poles are angled and joined at the center top and held in place by two guy lines out to the front. If you only have one pole, you can place that in center of the front edge. It won’t be quite so secure as the Forest Tent but will still offer snug protection.

The Trekking Pole configuration ropes have an edge secured at the back then two poles are placed to hold up the center front, leaving the sides to fold down and form side shelter. Everything is secured with guy ropes, pegs and rocks. The rear edge can also be raised up and tied with ropes secured higher or other poles at the back to form the Two Person Trekking Poles pitch.

These are only a few of the most commonly used variations for tarp shelter configurations to give you a start for the tarp tent setups. They more than adequately cover most situations for temporary shelters. However, with research and using ones imagination, there are many more variations one can design.

Learn Some Extra Skills

Learn basic wilderness skills to ensure you pitch your tarp in a safe place. Avoid any old dead branches overhead that may fall in high winds. Choose a ground area that is wide and flat where possible.

Always take note of wind direction when pitching to make use of natural placed wind breaks. Ask yourself if the wind direction is likely to change and plan to change your tarp if you need to at any time. If it is windy with no likelihood of rain, then a hollow may add extra shelter. Likewise, if it is likely to rain, check out drainage channels and make sure to choose higher ground that will not flood.

Holding more than basic knowledge of how to tie great knots will also stand you in good stead for making the perfect tarp pitch. Make some effort to learn and practice before you head into the wilderness.

There are also extra tips like making a quick release attachment by doubling a thin cord through a grommet hole and placing a sturdy stick through the protruding loop to secure the guy rope.

Also, there are accessories that make pitching easier and quicker. Poles can lightweight aluminum and collapsible for easy packing. Pegs and stakes come in various shapes made of either steel or aluminum. The former is stronger but heavier as aluminum pins will bend easily in rocky ground. Flat angle shaped pegs are suitable for using in snow and sand where round pins will not work.

Furthermore, if there are tabs/loops on the top of the tarp, ridge lines can also sometimes be secured through rather than running under the tarp. This keeps fabric more water tight and stops any wear of the rope on the fabric. Karabiners can also be hooked through these loops and the ridge line run through these for a quick set up.

Extra guy ropes with adjustable clips can make it easier to keep good tension. Ridge line ropes can be purchased in various lengths and strengths. Often the guy ropes and ridge lines supplied with tarps are of poor quality, so consider upgrading as soon as you can.

Tarp clips can be added to the edge to add guy ropes or other attachments just were you need them. Tarp clips also hold firmly but don’t damage the tarp fabric.

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

admin

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.