Make a list!

by Diana
(Spokane, Wa. U.S.A.)

My most important camping or hike tip is to make a list of the important items you need to take with you on your camping trip or hike. Nothing worse than getting to your destination and missing a valuable item like a flashlight or a first aid kit. Having a list will help put things into perspective too so you don't overpack.

Emergency Caffeine

by Tommy Rebar (Thomas Dillon)
(San Tan Valley, AZ)

Very Important. If you are addicted to coffee (like me), don't forget to pack an emergency ration of some kind of caffeine or Excedrin (which has some caffeine in it) for a trip. That way, if you get lost or delayed for any reason, you won't also be dealing with a nasty withdrawal headache!

Life saving iPhone App

I just bought Adventure Plan app for iPhone. Think everyone should have it too. Could save your life if you get turned around or your car breaks down.

You use it by sending the details of your hike or camping adventure to friends and if you get lost they will know a little more info about where to find you, just in case. Very useful.

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Nathanael says:

Thanks for the tip! I am a strong believer in leaving a trip plan with a trusted friend or family member who can notify a rescue service in case of trouble.

Wilderness travel carries certain risks; getting injured or lost should end up being an interesting story you tell your friends, not the end of your life. Everyone thinks it will never happen to them--until it happens to them.

I've had a few close calls myself, so I know the importance of having a notification plan in place. I can also recommend a free online service called TrailNote that will notify your friends if you don't return by a specified time. I've used it, and it's very easy and convenient.

For additional peace of mind, you can also carry a SPOT Personal Tracker. This sweet little device uses the GPS satellite system to send your exact location to your loved ones via email, along with a message saying either you're "Okay" or you need "Help" (e.g. for a minor injury).

If you get into serious trouble, you can send a "911" message to emergency personnel for immediate rescue. It's a great safety tool for backcountry travel.

Whichever app or service you use, make it a habit to do it for every trip! You never know when you'll need it.

Winter Camping Tips For Women And Dog Owners

by Susan

1) If you have something that shouldn't freeze over night, keep it in your pocket of the clothes you are wearing. Your body heat will help keep it from freezing. I learned this after having some contact lenses freeze in their case.

You might also want to keep a water bottle in your sleeping bag if you are afraid you won't have any drinking water when you wake up.

2) After showering the morning of your hike make sure and rub your entire body with a good high quality moisturizer in the winter and a good water/sweat proof at other times.

3) I will be testing this one in the mountains of NC this weekend. Unless you can afford the expensive dog coats that cost $60 and up to keep your canine companion warm, I went to Goodwill and bought my Labrador a child's good quality fitted sweatshirt with a fitted waist for less that $4.00.

Most of the dog clothes you buy at a regular retail store are for looks, not warmth. Also, I am carrying her four children's size socks to wear at night in the tent.

Before deciding to take her camping with me I researched dog first aid. For example tylenol and ibuprofin are both poisonous to dogs. Imodium AD can be poisonous for some dogs, especially collies. Most dogs can safely take pepto bismol, aspirin, and benedryl.

I added several items to my first aid kit specifically for her. Liquid bandage to seal pad wounds, and a wound sealer/blood stopper if she stabs herself. Also, I read that a lot of dogs do not like water purified with tablets because of the taste. So I added some chicken bullion cubes to our kit. They take up very little room.

Not to offend anyone, but one of the most important things a female backpacker can take for hygiene are panty liners. Nobody wants to strip in the winter and these make it easy to keep things fresh anytime. One of my fellow backpackers was talking about designing some ladies underwear that could be secured on the sides, kind of like a babies diaper. I said no need. These liners are really all you need.