Safety in the Forest

Summer camping season is finally here! Next week marks our first major outing this summer (and the first camping trip with my son), so this weekend I began getting all the gear together. The one thing that I always remember (even when I always forget at least one thing) is a small emergency kit. Unless I'm hiking into a campsite I actually take quite a bit of gear for a "just in case" situation.

#1 - Water
Everybody's heard about how long you can live without food but you would die in just a few days without water. Having seen the effects of Giardiasis or Beaver Fever, I would like to emphasize the importance of clean water. Sometimes having access to water, if it's not clean, can make a bad situation worse. Clean water is a must, no matter where you are going or how far you travel.

#2 - Flashlight or Headlamp
Anyone who has the burn scars from trying to use a lighter to find their way at night can attest to this. When there is a new moon, it is unbelievably hard to see anything. They also work great when trying to draw attention to yourself at night.

#3 - Lighter, matches, or some fire starting tool
Even when it's warm enough outside and you don't really need a fire, there is something comforting about having a campfire that can keep you from going crazy. It also offers a way to cook food, boil water, dry clothes, keep you warm and signal for help.

#4 - Food
I have an MRE that I keep in my emergency kit. They don't always taste the best and the crackers are like eating stale bricks but when you are really hungry and need some energy, they are a lifesaver. Also trail mix, dried fruit, granola bars, peanut butter... anything to give you protein and keep you going but also doesn't go bad if it isn't refrigerated.

#5 - Pocket knife or multi tool
When you have to, a pocket knife can be used for just about anything. It's a versatile tool that should never leave your pack. I also recommend using larger than a standard pocket knife, just in case you need to use it as a makeshift hatchet or to acquire protein another way.

#6 - Blanket or emergency shelter
Even if it's not used to keep you warm, it can be used to keep you dry. There's also various other ways it could be used if you had to.

Those are the essentials that everyone should have with them when they go out hiking or camping. They really don't take up much room, they weigh very little and they could save your life. There are a few other items that usually get thrown in like a small first aid kit, a whistle, a mirror and a compass. All of it seems a little cumbersome until you actually need them but it's better to have them and not need them then to not have them and need them. Know the area where you are and if there are any concerns at the time, here in Oregon that would entail forest fires. It just takes a few minutes to check the news before you leave to get a pretty good account of impending natural disasters. Common sense goes a long way and it could save your life. I hope everyone is getting ready to enjoy the camping season this year, maybe I'll see you out there.