Just because camping alone is definitely not safe, it doesn’t mean you should completely avoid doing it.
However, it is crucial to always take precautions whenever you venture on your personal spiritual expedition into the wild.
You must keep in mind that you are entirely on your own, meaning there is no one present to assist you should you sustain an injury or encounter a bear that chooses to attack.
I am here to supply you with an overview of the risks associated with camping alone, methods to avoid encountering them, and actions to take in case of injury during your solo journey.
I hope you find it enjoyable.
Doing Proper Preparations Before Going Out
As the saying goes, “It is better to prevent than to cure.” Therefore, it is advisable to plan ahead and make proper preparations, especially when embarking on your first solo camping experience.
So, what exactly do we mean by “proper preparations”? In addition to essential items for wild camping such as first aid kits, food, and water, there are additional things that you need to include in your preparation list. While there may be numerous definitions to explain this, we have successfully narrowed them down into the following categories:
1. Master Camping And Navigation Skills
When going camping alone, it is important to have knowledge of essential skills such as setting up a tent and starting a fire. If you are a novice, it is strongly suggested to gain some experience beforehand. If your intention is to visit a secluded location, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with using a compass and consistently carry a map. By doing so, you will be able to successfully navigate through dense forests or rocky mountains, even if you do not have access to cellular service.
2. Carry Some Medicines And Antibiotics
It is essential to have a first aid kit with you at all times because it can be very useful in the event of an injury. However, it is also important to consider other conditions that may arise. When venturing into the wilderness, you will encounter a completely different environment, which increases the risk of catching a cold, even if you have a strong immune system.
Due to the changes in food and water quality on your camping trip, it is typical to experience stomach issues. That is why it is important to have medicines in addition to your basic first aid kit. Carrying a few extra pills shouldn’t be too burdensome.
3. Don’t Forget Your Entertainment
When going on a camping trip alone, one would prefer to spend time remaining connected to nature. Nevertheless, many of us are used to busy city lives, so sitting idle for long periods often proves challenging.
When it’s evening, it’s advisable to have something with you for entertainment as you will be spending the majority of your time in your tent. This could include items such as a book, journal, phone, or tablet. Additionally, listening to music or audiobooks can help in avoiding any unsettling sounds coming from the forest.
Share Your Plans
The first thing you need to do is share your plan with trustworthy individuals. Sharing does not involve publicly posting your location and specific information on social media. Instead, select a couple of reliable individuals who will support you when you need them, and provide them with all the essential details.
In the event that things go awry, it would be beneficial to have someone reliable to rely on.
The Dangers You Might Encounter
Rolling An Ankle
Rolling an ankle is a possibility in any location. However, if you happen to roll your ankle while on a solo camping trip, it is essential to remain calm and composed in order to deal with the situation effectively.
If you think calmly and logically, there is no need to become stressed, angry, or raise your voice, as this will not be beneficial to you in any way. Instead, it will only result in a negative camping experience, which you would not wish to repeat in the future.
Breaking An Arm Or A Leg
If you are really unlucky, the risk of breaking an arm, leg, or even a leg arm is even worse.
It is necessary to have a contingency plan in case you sustain a leg injury while out by yourself.
Once you read the story in the link, you will quickly understand that breaking your leg is highly probable, thus, you should exercise caution when camping alone. However, we will delve into this in a moment.
Fending Off An Attacker (Humans and Animals)
Humans should think step by step.
It is still possible to encounter another human who may attempt to harm you, particularly if you happen to be a female. While the likelihood is low, it remains a possibility.
There are no excuses; you must be aware of how to protect yourself.
It is always advisable to engage in dialogue to defuse a situation before resorting to violence.
Animals are a diverse group of organisms that inhabit our planet. They are multicellular and belong to the kingdom Animalia. Animals are further classified into various phyla, such as Chordata, Arthropoda, and Mollusca, based on their characteristics and body structures. Animals can be found in a wide range of habitats, including terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments. They display a wide range of adaptations that allow them to survive and thrive in different conditions. Some animals are domesticated and serve various purposes for humans, including companionship, transportation, and food production. Overall, animals play vital roles in ecosystems and contribute to the biodiversity of our planet.
I’ve repeated this multiple times, and I will repeat it once more: to scare off the predator, you should appear larger and more intimidating (widen your legs, stand tall, wave your arms, and make loud noises).
When the animal realizes that you will not retreat, there is an increased likelihood of it fleeing in the opposite direction.
Because of our ability to use tools, humans are advanced creatures, and you should leverage this to your advantage.
If you were to grab a stick for the purpose of waving it, it would prove to be quite helpful. However, it is advisable not to grab it in a rapid manner as that could potentially lead to the animal charging towards you.
Eating The Wrong Plants (Don’t Do It)
Unless you are a professional, it is advisable to completely avoid eating plants, even if you believe you are certain about their identity. However, if you are a professional, this advice does not apply and a different situation arises.
If you are unsure about the identity of the plant or berry, it is advisable to refrain from touching it. Prioritizing the task of getting home is more crucial than taking unnecessary risks.
Accidentally Starting A Wildfire
Although it is highly improbable, there is a complete possibility for this to occur, which is the reason I chose to incorporate it into this list.
First, be sure to clear the area where you plan to start your campfire by removing all forest duff, leaves, sticks, and other debris. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the fire laws applicable in your region. Finally, always exercise caution when igniting the first match.
Catching An Illness
Personal hygiene is extremely important because there are numerous illnesses that we can contract.
Due to our relatively weaker immune system compared to animals, the likelihood of us contracting a disease is higher than theirs.
When dealing with food, make sure to wash your hands consistently and frequently.
It is important to take a shower immediately after swimming in a lake or river, avoid consuming water that appears to be dirty, ensure protection from insects, and so on.
