Survival Quote Series

Throughout the year we will be posting some of our favorite Survival Quotes, we hope you enjoy and share them.

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Index of Blog Articles

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Just Like The Squirrels, It’s Time To Prepare For Winter

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Quick Tip | Add These To Your Bugout Bag

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Your Guide to DIY Home Security Systems

Survival Supply Caches: A Brief Introduction

During emergencies and disasters, having the ability to leave your home while still having easy access to the most important supplies is necessary. This makes it essential to have a good survival supply cache complete with all the supplies that you need in any emergency situation. With a survival cache around, you will have easy access to supplies that you can’t carry or store inside a bug-out bag.

Why Do You Need a Survival Supply Cache?

A survival supply cache can be defined as a well-hidden stash or stockpile of survival items or supplies. It contains a collection of additional supplies that you want to reserve or hide only to access them at the exact moment that you need them. There are several reasons why you need to use survival caches.

One reason is that it ensures that all your survival supplies will not just be in a single location. It allows you to spread the supplies in unique and concealed spots. With this, you can lower your risk of losing all your supplies in case one site is compromised because of a disaster or emergency.

Another reason why a survival supply cache is necessary is that it helps support a bug out. Putting it in a strategic location can offer additional supplies together with your bug-out route. This is beneficial as it makes your survival backpack weigh less while still giving you the chance to restock critical bug-out supplies and gears, including ammo, water, and foods.

Having the cache around will also prevent you from losing the entirety of your survival stash in case someone reaches that spot when you are not around. You just have to make sure that you create your survival supply cache considering all important factors. One factor to consider in creating the cache is the specific container that you will use.

Your goal is to find a container that is strong enough that it can keep all the supplies inside fully protected from the harshest elements. It is also necessary to think about the ideal places or spots to hide the cache and the best methods to bury and hide it. Also, make sure to create a cache that adapts well to your specific geographical location. Note that various environments also need a different set of practices for creating the cache.

Of course, you also need to determine the key supplies that you should add to the cache. Decide on the specific number of items that you should store in the cache, too.

Survival Cache Supplies

So what should you put inside your survival cache? Here are just some of the most vital supplies:

Medical Supplies – There is no need to build a cache filled with all the medical supplies that you can think of. You just have to cover the essentials, like the ones needed to provide first aid. Among the medical supplies you can include in the cache are sterilizers, bandages, as well as basic over-the-counter medicines that can raise your chance of surviving a disaster.

Note that during disasters, there is a high risk of dealing with a short supply of medicines. This might cause even those basic infections to become deadly, so it is best to prepare for it. Aside from having medical supplies, it also helps to have a dental emergency kit inside the cache.

Fire Starter – You need a fire starter in case you have to spend several days away from your home. It is even considered as the ultimate survival tool. With that in mind, do not forget to fill your survival cache with lighters, strikers, and waterproof matches.

Artificial Light – This is necessary during night and low-light survival situations. Store a quality flashlight and a set of batteries inside your cache. It also helps to have some candles inside. Other sources of artificial lights that can help you during survival situations are gas lanterns and fuel.

Ammo and Guns – Note that situations requiring you to open up your cache are usually those that require you to prioritize your own defense or protection. This is why you should also consider having ammo and guns inside your chosen container. The good thing about tucking ammo and guns inside the cache is that it can prevent you from worrying about firearm confiscation.

Food – Of course, you also need a good supply of food during survival situations so it helps to have some of them stored in your cache. Storing some food in the cache can help ensure that you will still have an adequate supply of it in case your primary food supply becomes inaccessible or gets stolen. Make sure that the supply is enough until you have a new source of food secured.
Water – There should also be a water filter bottle, which is a space-friendly supply in case you live close to a source of water, like a lake or stream. It also helps to pack some bottled water.

Utility Items – Your survival supply cache should also contain some utility items. Some examples of these items are sharp knives, multi-tool, duct tape, 550 cords, and steel pot designed to cook food. The knives and cords are ideal items to put in the bin or box’s odd corners.

The cooking pot is also a wise addition to your cache because it can provide space where you can put some gears. The multi-tool is a big help in overcoming the most challenging and realistic scenarios that might happen during a disaster or emergency.

Where to Hide your Survival Supply Cache?

Note that your survival supply cache should be created and hidden in a way that you can use and access it in case you can’t reach your bug-out bag or when it is stolen. One of the best places to hide it is along the road where you can reach your bug-out location. It should be a secluded place to avoid drawing attention when you are trying to get it.

You may also put the cache inside your home. Make sure that it is hidden from view. This is a big help in case your home gets looted, allowing you to have ready supplies to hunker down. Also, take note that you can just choose to bury the cache inside a hole. You may then camouflage it.

Another way to keep the cache concealed is to spray paint its container in a way that it blends with the trees or foliage. You can then conceal it behind vines, inside a hollowed tree, or any other place that only you can see and access.

Conclusion

Your survival supply cache serves as a supplement to your survival or bug-out bag. It is meant to give you almost all the supplies you need during a survival situation when you can’t access the primary source of your essentials. With the cache around, you have a higher chance of surviving any emergency.

5 Essential Tips on Surviving Your First Hiking Trip

Hiking is literally not a walk in the park. It involves walking on trails of various terrains, elevations, and steepness. Given the right weather conditions and preparations, even a couch potato can successfully complete or even enjoy a hike.

The beauty and tranquility that can be offered by Mother Nature is usually a great way to dilute the stress of the daily grind. However, there are certain considerations that you must keep in mind to reduce untoward incidents––and have as much fun as you possibly can.

If you are a novice hiker, you might be at a loss on how to go about it. The list below shares what’s essential for your very first hike––in order of importance.

1. Choose a Trail that is Suited to Your Fitness Level

The best way to increase your chances of surviving any endeavor is to carefully plan ahead. Hence, if you wish to make your first hiking trip memorable in the right way, you must choose a trail that suits your current fitness level.

Given that most hikers post great photos of their adventures, it can be easy to underestimate the trail level if you just rely on “Instagrammable” views. Here are some of the things that you should take note of when you do your trail research:

Trail difficulty and trail type
Trail length
Elevation gain
Hiker reviews
Best months to go

Once you start your hike, make sure that you don’t rush into it. Pacing is vital to a successful hike. You are not in a competition—you are here to enjoy what’s around yo

2. Prepare an Appropriate Hiking Pack

The contents of your hiking pack will depend on the weather and the season you’re currently in. Outdoorcommand has a number of buyer’s guides to help you choose which gears are best suited for your upcoming adventure. Here are the bare essentials that must you must bring with you in any hike:

Daypack: 20L to 35L capacity should be enough, though you can go for bigger ones if you eventually plan to level up.
Water Bottle or Hydration Pack: The general rule is 500mL of water for every hour of hiking.
Trail Food: Go for food items that don’t need cooking, such as dried fruits, energy bars, biscuits, and nuts.
Headlamp or Flashlight: You may not plan on night hiking, but you never know when it would come handy.
Multi-tool or Knife: These will always prove to be useful at one point or another.
Navigation Device: This can be a compass, a map, or a GPS device. The trail may be well-labeled, but it’s better to be prepared.
First Aid Kit: Include antihistamines, antiseptics, bandages, pain killers, and tweezers, just to name a few.
Extra Clothes: Weather conditions can be unpredictable, so you’re better off bringing some extra clothes.

3. Wear the Right Clothes

It might be tempting to choose stylish clothes just to look good on your photos, but you will be sorry if you wear the wrong clothes and footwear to your hike. For clothes, go for moisture-wicking fabrics and wool (for cold weather hikes) as these materials dry quickly.

Wear the proper hiking clothes and equipment

You should also bring sun protection accessories such as hats and sunglasses if you are hiking in the heat. Make sure that you do your research on the best hiking clothes for men and women so that you’re well-protected when hiking day comes.

4. Fuel and Hydrate Adequately

The importance of hydrating before, during, and after the hike cannot be stressed enough. Additionally, snacks can also keep you going when you’re already feeling weak. Make sure that you also pack a “victory snack,” or the snack that you will eat at the end of the hike. This will serve as your reward for a job well done.

5. Follow Outdoor Etiquette

“Leave No Trace” is probably the most widely known outdoor etiquette in existence. It just simply means that you should clean up after yourself, and leave the trails exactly as you found it––or even better than you found it, if you chanced upon it in bad condition.

Be considerate of other people and the wildlife that live in the area. As the saying goes, “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.”

Conclusion

Even if it might take a lot of physical effort, hiking can be a tremendously rewarding experience. The key to surviving hikes is to ensure that you know exactly what you are getting yourself into. If you are fully prepared for the challenges of the trails, you’d surely enjoy your first hiking trip.

SHTF Essentials – A Comprehensive Bug Out Bag List

A bug out bag is basically pack of survival items that you can easily carry around with, especially with the aim of reaching your bug out location. The bug out backpack has to be resilient and comfortable enough for you to carry around, at least for 72 hours. The main reason of having a bug out bag is so that you can easily evacuate if there’s a need.

To have the ‘BEST’ bug out bag, you need to have an awesome bag, and the bug out bag contents has to be planned as well. This would mean you need a comprehensive bug out bag list. Having a quality bug out bag is only half the battle, you need suitable survival gears and survival skills to face the situation.

Do note, you can further split this into categories too such as children’s Bug out bag or even a bug out bag for the elderly! There’s no hard and fast rule as to how you should pack your bug out bag, but I’ll raise some of the common items everyone should consider putting in their bug out bag.

In my view, there are some fundamental items your bag should contain, and you can customize your bag for different emergency situations.

Important Rules

The purpose of making a bug out bag list is so that you will have a clear idea of what you need (making a distinction between your wants and needs). Although we don’t know what the future holds, you can’t be bringing too many things. There’s no way you can carry it for long hours.

The goal is to keep only items that help you become self-sufficient, surviving various situations. You don’t need to stuff any fancy shmancy tools that you don’t use. With that said, let’s see what are the top items you need for your bug out bag.

1. Water

Water is placed number 1 because of its importance. Without getting proper water supply, your success of surviving a bug-out situation will drastically decrease. I would suggest prioritizing the need to get good water supply before even thinking about food. Especially if you are caught in hot weather, you may suffer from dehydration.

Water can be seen in 2 aspects, (1) Storage and (2) purification.

For Storage, you can use water bottles or even sealed pouches. The water bottle you choose should be solid and has no paint or coating.

Ideally, you should keep 3 liters of water in your bag because it’s suggested that one adult should drink at least 1 liter of water per day. Since you are aiming to survive for 72 hours, you’ll need 3 liters.

You can even get a Platypus Bladder, where most of them has holsters for a bladder container which you can use to store water and drink from it. Make sure to get one that is easily collapsible so that you can store it with ease when you are not using it.

For Purification, you can keep some iodine tablets or some other device to filter the water.

You need to pick your water purification tablets wisely because there are a huge range of products in the market, manufactured for different needs. For example, some tablets are made to purify water you obtain from rivers.

Alternatively, you can pack water filters such as LifeStraw. They are often compact, which makes packing them easy.

To kill two birds with one stone, I would suggest storing a backpack stove because they are an excellent tool for cooking water and food. Let’s be real, it’s extremely time consuming to get an A-frame logwood to ignite. This would be highly dependent on your surroundings as well, if the temperature is cold or its drizzling, the probability of you successfully setting up a campfire would fall drastically.

Since water is heavy, you need to consider how to balance the need to pack clean water, and getting water purifiers as substitute.

2. Food

Next, you may want to ensure that you have enough food supply. There are several criteria to consider, including how long the food can last, how much energy content does it contain and what nutrients it has.

You definitely need to keep some food supply packed in your bug out bag to keep your body healthy and obtain stamina. You should definitely consider the weight of the food as well.

If you live in a rural setting, you can consider packing hunting gears so that you can hunt animals as a source of food when you are en route to your bug out location.

If you don’t want to make things complicated, you can just get any energy bars that is jam-packed with calories. If you want to be more careful with what food you pack, you can check out this list of food which I recommend having:

Energy bars – It’s important that you distinguish between a food bar, a ration bar and even a candy bar. Candy bar is self-explanatory, so I’ll skip that.

Ration bars are often packed in mylar, which are made of a combination of flour, vitamins and electrolytes. Ration bars usually have a bland taste, made to address a particular emergency situation.

Since there are many types and flavors in the market, you need to test them out to see which one you like. You can check out Mayday Apple Cinnamon Bar which come in individual packets and they come with specific flavours. Or, you can even choose the Datrex 3600 Food Ration Bar which comes with multiple bars with each sub-packaged to ensure freshness.

Some do not consider this as food for your bug out bag because they are designed to save lives (such as being stored in lifeboats). But to me, they are fundamental items you should store as well.

For Food bars, they are portable bars which taste better than ration bars. Most of them taste like candy or even cookies. These bars are made to give you energy and sufficient nutrition as well. However, ration bars tend to give more nutrients because they are ‘made’ that way.

You can check out Clif Bars to get food bars that have a good source of protein and fiber.

MREs – Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) or “wet food” often taste better than energy bars. Also, most MREs are made to last for years. If you would like to prioritize long-term storage, MREs would be your top pick.

However, your body may have some reactions to MREs if you are not used to consuming them. This can be solved by getting your body used to it.

Dehydrated Food – Dehydrated foods are excellent for long-term storage but they are a bit pricey. Dehydrated food requires a reasonable amount of water to re-constitute, which cause you to use-up some clean water-supply.

Mountain House is THE company to look out for when it comes to dehydrated food. They are known for producing survival food kits and dehydrated food that taste awesome!

3. Clothing

Clothing comes hand in hand with shelter, because both of them are aimed to protect you from external elements.

Although there are various disaster scenarios that you may be caught in, you can still reasonably predict what environment you will be in when Shit Hit the Fan.

To make your thought-system more systematic, you can think of what layer of clothing you need to pack for.

For myself, I would like to see it as Base Layer Clothing, Mid-layer clothing and outer-layer clothing. Each layer has different functions and purposes.

The base layer is meant to keep your body as dry as possible. This means that getting a fabric that easily absorbs moisture would be ideal. Keeping your body dry throughout the bug out scenario is important to avoid bacterial growth and it helps keep you comfortable. I’ll suggest that you use cotton or wool for base layer clothing.

For mid-layer clothing, its purpose is to help maintain your body temperature. Therefore, it’s important that you get a mid-layer clothing with good insulative qualities. For this layer, the materials which you can look out for is cotton, wool and fleece.

The Outer layer should be waterproof and durable but allows moisture to escape. One excellent material you can consider is jackets that are coated with membrane.

With that said, here are some general ideas for what clothes you need to pack – spare clothes, long pants, coat, boots, extra socks, mid-layer shirts and a hat.

4.Shelter

In your bug out bag, you need to include some type of shelter to protect your body from external elements. You can either pack a tarpaulin sheet, a tent or a sleeping bag.

Tents are really comfortable to be in, but they are heavy and bulky. Try to get a tent that weighs less than 5 lbs so that you won’t go overboard on the weight.

If you are looking for something more portable, you can opt for tarps. Since you can set them up into different configurations, they are definitely more feasible to be used in most situations.

Since ‘shelter’ include anything that protects your body from external elements, it will include fire starting kits as well.

A general list of items you can consider include a space blankets (first aid blankets), poncho, Tarp, sleeping bags and tents.

As for a list of items to help you maintain surrounding heat., you can consider getting a firestarting kit, single Burner Folding stove, hand warmer and windproof torch lighter.

Shelter is important because exposure to cold temperature for long hours can kill you. If you stay in a place with extreme weather, you need to take shelter SERIOUSLY. For cold weather, you will need to find ways to create heat sources so that you can retain your body heat. Make sure you don’t lose your body heat unnecessarily.

If you live in an area with warm weather, you may have to consider bringing more water and packing more loose clothing.

5. Medical Supplies

Getting ready a first aid kit in your bug out bag is a MUST-HAVE. Usually, they won’t take up a lot of space.

Medical supplies are highly personalized, so you need to mull through what you need to use. This includes going through what are the potential diseases that you will likely contract.

To do this, you need to know what are the injuries that you will most likely face in a bugging out situation. There are various categories of injuries including Traumatic injuries, burn injuries, minor wounds, mobility injuries, infectious diseases and your individual medical needs.

To understand your individual medical needs, you need to go through a personal screening by talking to your doctor and ask what are the medicines you need.

Generally, it’s important to include some basic items such a bandage, disinfectants and scissors. Other items you can consider are Tourniquets, Israeli Bandages, Hygiene Kit, Wet Naps or even ThyroSafe Potassium Iodine Tablets.

To Sum Up

I hope that the bug out bag list has helped you consider different aspects as to what you should pack. This list is aimed to help you create a new bug out bag list, which is definitely not an exhaustive list. Feel free to give your suggestions in the comments on what to add in the list.

Bear in mind the important factors when considering which items you want to store in your bag. Be sure to take into account other considerations too such as what location you live in, what bug-out skills you have, what are the likely threat you will face and how many people you need to protect. With all these factors considered, I am sure your success of surviving a calamity will drastically increase.

By Peter Betts

Create A Simple Portable Stove From An Aluminum Can [video]

Easy enough to create a few of these simple portable stoves for your survival kits. Lightweight carry for hiking, backpacking or in your bugout bag.

You can store the fuel in a small shampoo bottle, and add when needed.

5 Tips to Hunting and Camping to Survive in 2019

Successful camping and hunting should be characterized by fun, the desired outcome, and safe adventure. It is possible to realize the best hunting experience with proper planning and preparations. The jungle may be hostile, and terrains are changing; thus, you need the new tips to have a successful hunting and camping. Here is how you can make the experience more exciting without risks.

Be prepared when you go camping or hunting. 5 Tips to Survive.

Safety first- pitch your camp away from danger and dress in protective gear

When you go out hunting and camping, you should be able to get back in sound health if not re-energized. You having your camp miles away from the field will ensure you avoid attacks during the night. Some diseases can be transmitted from the animals to humans, and thus, it is advisable that you take necessary precautions. Having your tent away from the field will also ensure that you don’t scare away the prey; hence, you will increase your chances of making a kill. Carry a first aid kit as well.

2. Have the necessary equipment with you

Some of the material that you will readily think of packing when going for hunting and camping include the weapons, safety belts, and binoculars. You will have your focus on the big occasion, and it is appropriate that you prepare early enough. It would help if you started packing since some of the basic stuff are likely to be left out when you don’t have a checklist. You can’t avoid going without a compass. Without the native compass, you will get frustrated when you lose directions in the process. However, it is vital that you keep your load manageable as well.

Carry the proper equipment needed for hunting or camping.

3. Carry sufficient food

You must keep stable during the hunting period. It would be best if you carried adequate meal and snack with you to the hunting fields. The diet should sustain you for the entire duration. Running out of food and other necessities will disrupt your adventure since you have to cut it short or replenish your stock. Often people tend to think that they will catch the deer and feast from day one. This may not be true at times; hence, you will starve when you fail to carry adequate food.

4. Learn the state’s hunting regulation

Acquainting yourself with the laws of the land will help you avoid contravening, which will limit or make the event get chaotic. Requirements differ from one region to another, and it is prudent that you learn of the new laws in the original jurisdiction. You should ensure that you get the necessary documentation and carry them along in the trip. Engaging in illegal hunting can curtail your camping and hunting experience.

Obey your local hunting laws and regulations.

5. You can bring entertainment with you

You will be away from home, but the camping site should be your new home. Bring along everything that will make you comfortable. It is good that you carry the Bluetooth speaker with your playlist loaded the latest music. Entertainment should not miss in the experience. Have an excellent speaker and good music to keep you company if you are to be alone. All your devices should be well powered during this period.

5 Reasons Why Biology Homework Is Essential For Your Survivability

As a student, you need to view homework as more than just a way to improve your grades in school. Learning should not be centered around the four walls of a classroom. When you have the right attitude toward learning, and toward your biology homework, you will learn skills that are essential for survival in different situations. You see, biology as a science studies life forms. It dwells on everything regarding life from the single cell organisms to multi-cell organisms. Freelance writers who write about biology can testify to this fact that knowledge of biology is key to survival.

5 Reasons Why Interest In Biology Can Save Your Life

1. In Case You Get Frostbite

Frostbite can happen when you stay in cold regions for an extended period. Whether you’re there by choice or by force, knowledge of biology can help you survive. While a mild case of frostbite will not cause any lasting damage, a more serious case can lead to a number of severe symptoms. Some of these include blistering, loss of feeling, cold sensitive, and hypothermia all of which can lead to death. The worst mistake you can make at a time like this is using friction to warm the part of your body that is affected. This can damage your tissue.

2. In Case Of A Heart Attack

While heart attacks are more likely to happen to people who are more advanced in age, youths still have a slight risk of having a heart attack. When the body can no longer pump blood to the heart efficiently, the heart muscles suffer a deficit in oxygen and die. From a biology textbook or articles written by freelance writers, you can learn the symptoms of a heart attack and seek out professional help. Taking an aspirin tablet as soon as you notice the symptoms can reduce the risk of clot formation. If you’re not the one having the heart attack and the patient is not responding, attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation with your hands.

3. In Case You Suffer Burns

There are several circumstances that can lead to burns. Whatever the case may be, knowing about the human body will help you get or provide instant relief before experts get there. Most people think the best way to relieve a burn is with ice. This is only going to damage the burnt skin more. The best thing to do in such a situation is to use a sterile dressing to cover the affected skin and wait for the medical team to arrive.

4. In Case Of Convulsions

If someone around you suffers a convulsion, you can quickly check the internet for an article about how to provide first aid. There are many articles by freelance writers about this emergency. A convulsion is also called a seizure and it’s a situation where a person suffers rhythmic movements of the muscles that cannot be controlled. It happens when the brain receives abnormal electrical impulses. While these seizures can stop without any first aid, you can help the victim by assisting them to lay down in a comfortable position. It’s common to see people put objects in their mouths but this should be avoided. Just remove harmful objects from the environment and wait for a medical professional.

5. In Case Of A Traumatic Head Injury

You can suffer a traumatic head injury when you hit your head hard. If you don’t get medical attention as soon as it happens, you will be at risk of brain damage. The first thing to do would be to call for professional help. If you’re not the one who got injured, you can assist the victim by checking if their airways are blocked. If the person is not conscious, perform CPR.

There are many other ways to care for yourself or someone else during a medical emergency. Learning about how the human body works during biology lectures or from freelance writers will teach you more survival techniques in cases of emergency.

Sebastian Miller is a former Calling Lake School science teacher. After 4 years of teaching, he decided to become a freelance writer. In Sebastian’s opinion, math is the core of all science and his goal is to enlighten as many schoolers as possible through writing.

Security Tips For Campers

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Visiting the great outdoors is a chance to rest and relax, to put your worries on hold and recharge. Except that’s not always the case.

While camping may be an escape from a lot of things, it’s not an escape from security concerns. It’s just a time when security concerns change — radically. And if you want to be safe, you need to be prepared. To keep you and yours secure on your next nature adventure, try the following tips:

Rent A Satellite Phone

Everyone knows that satellite phones are a must if you’re camping out somewhere desolate and dangerous like Death Valley. But there are plenty of cell phone dead zones in places like the tame old Smoky Mountains. You’ll need a phone, stat, if someone in your party gets injured, if you’re menaced by a bear, or god forbid, another human. You can rent an iridium satellite phone for as little as $8 a day, plus data.

Keep Valuables Away

BassPro says that campground security strengths vary depending on the budget of the campground in question. And we can all imagine the annual budget of most park campgrounds. The best you can do? Lock all your valuables in your car: that means credit cards, watches, cell phones, and anything else you wouldn’t want to lose.

Don’t Display Expensive Gear

Got a nice new Yeti cooler you want to drag along with you into the great outdoors? Don’t park it in front of your tent and wander away. Same with high-end hiking gear: stow away your brand-new backpacks, that rented satellite phone, and even your expensive outdoor clothing. Or else when you walk off for that morning hike, you may return to find that your shiny new gear has walked off, as well.

Be Cautious Of Fellow Campers

Showing off expensive gear also marks you as the type of person who can afford expensive gear, and out in the wilderness, you’re at the mercy of the elements — and one of the elements is your fellow man. A branch to the back of the head is all it takes to leave you gearless, cashless, phone-less, and in some serious trouble several miles from civilization. Always be cordial, but also be wary.

Bring A Camping Safe

You can buy a lightweight camping safe like this one for a decent price, and you’ll need it: you can slip your wallet in back pocket while you hike to that waterfall, but you can’t take several clattering bottles of prescription drugs with you.

When To Lock It Up

Be sure to bring a tent lock, but to use at the right time. And that time is not, counterintuitively, when you’re out of the tent. SimpliSafe notes that the only thing separating your valuables from the outside is a thin piece of canvas. If people see a lock, it’s a red flag that you’re keeping something valuable inside, and they might have no compunction to ruin your tent to get to it. Instead, put the lock on when you’re sleeping inside. If anyone makes an attempt to invade your home away from home, they’ll get a nasty surprise and flee.

The Illusion Of Companionship

If you’re camping alone, it helps to bring a canine friend — hopefully a large, German Shepherd type. If you can’t get your mitts on a scary-but-sweet hound (the barkier the better) take other precautions. Make it look like you’re camping for two. Bring a two-man tent inside of a tiny solo deal; SimpliSafe recommends setting out two camp chairs instead of one (make sure you stow those safely in your car — those are prime candidates to go on a hike of their own and never return). And remember: the need for a satellite phone skyrockets when you’re without a hiking buddy to run for help.

Have Fun And Be Safe

By and large, camping is a safe activity. It’s fun, it’s invigorating, and it gets you out of the rat race of the modern world for a few days. But that doesn’t mean you can throw caution to the wind like confetti. Take some simple precautions to assure that you don’t come back without your gear — or worse, with some kind of bodily harm. Get a satellite phone, get a safe, get a buddy, and do your best to exercise precautions when it comes to your fellow campers. Happy — and safe — trails.

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