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Camping is more popular than ever, with more than 6.4 million American households stating that they've gone camping for the first time in 2023. With so many new campers, many are unaware of the potential risks associated with the hobby. To be clear, disasters such as animal attacks are rare — most animals tend to be docile and tend to only attack humans when threatened or suffering from rabies. That said, it doesn't mean you shouldn’t take caution. Grizzlies, for example, can seriously maim and kill humans if they’re not careful. It may be rare, but it only takes one wrong encounter or accident for serious danger to arise. Hope for the best but plan for the worst, as the saying goes. Here's everything you need to make sure your next camping trip is a safe one.
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Basic camping safety tips
- Always travel in groups when possible.
- Do not litter or keep your food out.
- Use designated fire rings, if campfires are permitted.
- Avoid poisonous plants.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Dress in layers to ensure warmth.
- Pack a first aid kit.
- Monitor the weather.
- Wear sunscreen.
- Use insect repellant.
- Bring emergency supplies.
- Avoid camping in areas prone to natural hazards.
- Carry a communication device at all times.
- Pack extra food and water.
- Create an emergency plan.
Safety products to bring camping and hiking
Bug repellant
Bug repellant will be helpful in making sure you have a safe and fun camping trip, especially if you're allergic to mosquito bites or if you're in an area where ticks are common. One insect repellent to try is one containing DEET, which is a compound that has been used for decades and has generally been found to be safe.
That said, if you want a more natural bug spray, consider using one made of oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE).
Sunscreen
If you'll be outdoors for the entire day, wearing sunscreen is a must. The best mineral sunscreen we've tested is the Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk SPF 50 Sunscreen. This sunscreen is lightweight, has a pleasant smell and doesn't leave a thick white cast on your skin.
You can try other methods to protect yourself from the sun, including wearing a hat. There are many effective and stylish sun hats you can purchase from Amazon.
A whistle
A whistle is a simple but effective way to alert others of your location when you're in danger. This whistle from REI has reviewers raving due to its versatility, as it also acts as a thermometer, magnifying glass and compass.
$7 from REI
A headlamp
Being able to navigate your campground in the dark will ensure your safety after sunset, particularly if you don't have a campfire for illumination. Instead of a standard flashlight, we recommend using a headlamp, as it will free up your hands for other tasks. One of the best headlamps we've seen is the GearLight S500 thanks to its low cost and water-resistance.
A power bank
Keeping your phone charged will be a great help in emergency situations, whether you need to consult a map or if you need to make a call. For ensuring your phone stays charged, we recommend using our favorite portable battery pack, the Mophie Powerstation PD, which has fast charge times.
$35 from Best Buy
If you need even more juice, check out the Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD, a power bank meant for laptops. We tested this power bank and loved its features such as wireless charging and multiple ports that can charge multiple devices at once.
A Lifestraw
If you find yourself without access to a purified source of water, Lifestraw will be a lifesaver. Lifestraw is a portable water filter that filters various microbes, making it perfect for use in rivers and streams when you're out camping. It has over 90,000 five-star reviews, with buyers praising the straws for their size and effectiveness.
A GPS
While modern phones have had robust navigation capabilities for years, if you find yourself without a phone or signal out in the wilderness, you may have to turn to a classic GPS. There are many different types of GPS to choose from, with a wide range of prices. A fairly basic Garmin GPS unit will set you back $180, but many reviewers found it to be a bang for your book, citing its features including downloadable maps.
$180 from REI
A first aid kit
A first aid kit is another essential piece of emergency gear, not just when it comes to camping, but anywhere. The best first aid kit you can buy is the Protect Life 100-Piece First Aid Kit. This first aid kit is both compact and lightweight, making it easy to pack and transport. This first aid kit has all the essentials while being roomy enough to add your own safety items, too.
A radio
To avoid rain on your parade, or rather, campground, then we suggest bringing along a radio to your next camping trip. With a radio, you can stay informed about the weather, meaning you'll be able to safely leave your campground before bad weather begins. One of the best portable radios you can buy is Eoxsmile's emergency radio, which easily tunes to your local news station, doubles as a portable battery and has a built-in flashlight. Plus, it supports multiple ways to power it including use of batteries or a hand crank.
A thermal blanket
Emergency blankets, or space blankets, are a vital piece of safety gear, as they can keep an already cold person from growing colder in the elements. While often associated with keeping someone warm in the snow, they have other applications year-round, such as keeping something warm after falling into a lake. This top-rated emergency blanket from REI offers protection from water and wind and comes in a bright orange color to help its wearer be spotted.
$5 from REI
A Swiss army knife
Thanks to their versatility, Swiss knives are a must-have in your camping emergency toolkit. From cutting ropes to screwing and unscrewing devices, packing a Swiss knife will prepare you for a variety of scenarios while you’re camping.
$22 from REI
A water bottle
Drinking plenty of water is vital to staying hydrated when camping. This is especially true if you're hiking during your camping trip, or if you'll be out in the sun a lot. Dehydration can lead to dizziness, headaches and other ailments that you won't want to experience in the great outdoors. To stay hydrated, we recommend bringing a water bottle such as our favorite, the Brita BB11 Premium Filtering Water Bottle. This filtered water bottle is insulated, easy to clean and filters out odors and tastes.
A tent
No camping trip would be complete without a tent. In regard to safety, tents are vital because they keep wild animals from disturbing you as you sleep. The best tent you can buy is the Coleman 4-Person Skydome because it's easy to set up and very sturdy.
A cooler
You'll want to bring a cooler for your next camping trip, as it will keep your food insulated. Many animals will be unable to get into your food if it's stored in a cooler, assuming they'll be able to smell the food through the cooler at all. Our favorite cooler we've tested is the Yeti Tundra 45 thanks to its temperature retention and secure lock.
Hiking shoes
When it comes to safety, wearing hiking boots that fit you important because they'll help mitigate your risk of injuring your feet. One of the best women's hiking boots is the Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot thanks to their protective rubber toe caps, cushioning and foam tongue that keeps out debris.
For men's shoes, there's the Thermo Chill Mid Waterproof Merrell Hiking Boot which is affordable, comfortable without breaking and supportive.
A hiking stick
Hiking sticks can provide extra stability, which will reduce your risk of injury when walking. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned hiker, using a hiking stick will help you move about with confidence. One of the best hiking sticks you can buy is the Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Quick Lock Trekking Poles. Collapsible and weighing less than an inch, these sticks are extremely portable, while being able to be expanded to fit your specific hiking needs.
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