Preparing for Back Country Camping

You can enjoy back country camping all year long in many parts of North America as long as you have prepared for your adventure. While you can often wing it while camping out in the wilderness there are some basics that you should follow to make sure that you have a safe trip. This will enable you to get the most out of it.

If you’re not familiar with the region that you’re going to be camping in it’s a good idea to do some research to find out as much as you can. You’ll be able to search for it on the internet and from camping guidebooks etc. It’s also important that you know the weather patterns in the area too. There are basically four seasons in most of North America and you usually have to prepare differently for each season.

Back Country CampingThere could be certain hazards that you have to be aware of. These could include extreme temperatures, floods, mud slides, and avalanches etc.

You also need to know if there is any hunting allowed in the regions you plan to camp in. The last thing you want to do is be mistaken for some kind of game animal.

And speaking of animals, make sure you know what type of wildlife and insects are common to the camping areas.

Water is essential for any back country camping trip, meaning it’s important to take your own or make sure you know where you can get some. Carrying water can be quite cumbersome though, so knowing where there’s a water source will be a big bonus.

Of course, you’ll need to have a camping checklist to make sure you don’t forget any of the essentials that will be needed. Try and keep all of your items in just one backpack if possible. Some of the things you’ll need to take along with you include a water pump/filter, food, a portable stove, the appropriate clothing, a tent and sleeping bag, rope, a lamp, sunscreen, insect repellent, a first aid kit, a compass, and cell phone.

There will be some other items needed, depending on where you’re going to be camping and the time of the year that you’re taking the trip. Before leaving, make sure you inform other people where you’re heading and how long you’ll be gone. Give them a copy of your plans, including camping location and route if possible.

When you reach the back country area where you want to camp, try and find a site that’s close to a source of water. This will make it easier to transport to your tent. Having a tree close by is also a good idea as it will allow you to use it for shade. You can also use the branches to hang clothes on and fix up a pulley system if you want to store food and other items out of the reach of animals. The area you camp in should also have a decent natural drainage system so you don’t get flooded if it rains heavily.