any good tips for my first backcountry camping trip?
Posted: July 5th, 2010 | Author: Mitch | Filed under: Camping Tips | Tags: camping, massasauga, planning a trip | 7 Comments »I am planning a trip to Massasauga Prov. Park – this will be my first time backcountry camping…does anyone have any good tips ( things I should bring, not bring, expect etc. )
Thanks =)
Well since you are going to a park they should have Rangers. I am sure they will be more than willing to give your helpful advice than to have to do a Search and Rescue. The will give you information on things you may not even have thought of. You may also want to check if Bear Canisters are required, or if you can just simply use bear bags. Different parks have different regulations. Maybe brush up on your Leave No trace skills? I`m sure (at least I hope) you are comfortable enough to rely on a map and compass and not just a GPS and know how to use the two together. Have fun! Happy Trails!
http://www.lnt.org/
Ah, lovely Ontario.
Just watch out for the bears.
well, chances are your not going alone, ask around the group your going with, they probably know more then you and your the one learning.
Understanding leave no trace is important as well as basic survival in case of emergencies as well as a first aid kit and survival kit including a map and compass and understand how to use them, whistle, knife, waterproof matches, flashlight/headlamp.
Also bring layered clothes, sunglasses, plenty of water or a way of filtering/purifying from water sources (depending how long of a trip), sunscreen/bug repellent, hand sanitizer, biodegradable soap (dr. Bronners can be used for everything including face, hair, body, clothes and dishes), tp, stove, pot and utensils, a little extra food just in case (energy bars, nuts and dried fruit are good for this), sleeping bag, and tent.
You can bring cell phone and GPS but do not expect them always to work depending on where you are at. Extra batteries are good.
When backpacking light weight is usually best but you also want to be prepared. So as far as things not to bring, I would say anything too heavy as in a large air mattress, giant tent, ice chest and so on.
Leave an itinerary at home with friends or family so they know when to expect to hear from you and where you will generally be.
Find out the regulations of the park. Be aware of the plants, animals, bugs and weather of the season and location. As some mentioned a bear cannister but even if this is not required you will want to bring some rope and a stuff sack to hang food, toothpaste, soap etc. from a tree away from any other animals that may be around.
Hopefully the others along with you will have some experience. But if not keep in mind minimizing your impact on the wilderness. Pack out what you pack in, dig a hole for going to the bathroom away from water sources, do not feed animals or leave food lying around for them to find, and not in your tent with you. You don’t want any surprise visitors in the middle of the night. Use stove instead of fire for food if necessary. If you want/need a fire clear the area and keep it contained.
And most of all remember that while you are enjoying the outdoors it is not on schedule to make things safe for you. Respect nature and prepare for it. Backcountry camping requires flexibility and self reliance. But the unpredictability and seclusion is a great part of the appeal.
Hope you have a great trip!
bear mace and a map.
Assuming that this will be in the winter, the right clothing is essential. Bring synthetic material clothing that will wick away water. Wear warm boots, hat, socks – no cotton. There are some great tips at http://www.princeton.edu/~oa/winter/wintcamp.shtml
Happy trails…
don’t eat yellow snow. don’t pet the kitty with white stripe. don’t take hairdryer they shut the power off the pine trees after x-mas. seriously read up on first aid or take a small book with you also backcountry survival. talk to outdoor shop. ask friends who have experience outdoors. are you sleeping in tents, cabins or camper? i live in the north and always take some small servival kit with me even just to go fishing. use a backpack that is adjusted to you and your load. decent footwear.