A Survival Tips and Techniques Blog | UrbanWoodsman.com

You never know what you’ll run into o a backpacking trip; rain, snow, lightning, rockslides, dehydration, altitude sickness, and the aches and pains associated with hauling a 40-60 pound backpack along mountainous trails. Trekking into the wilderness should not be taken lightly because there are real dangers, but these can be mitigated with the following ten backpacking trip essentials. 1. Knowledge – Knowledge is power. Learn how to read a map and compass; make a fire in the rain or snow, with and without matches. Learn basic first aid. Take a survival course. The point is the more you know before you ever step foot on the trail the better your chances of dealing with any emergency situation that occurs. 2. Map/Compass – Getting lost is not an option. Learn to use a compass and read a map in tandem. These two items can get you out of unfamiliar territory. 3. Lighter, matches, and a fire starter – Water proof matches and a lighter can come in handy but what happens if these don’t work. There are many sparking fire starters available at any number of outdoor stores. Get one, learn how to use it, and keep it in a safe place in your pack. 4. First aid kit – Get one from your local outdoor store that is specific for backpackers. Make sure it contains pain relievers, bandages, anti-biotic ointment, anti-septic spray or ointment and some form of allergy medicine. An Epi-pen can also be a good investment because an allergic reaction to a bug bite 20 miles in the wilderness can be deadly. 5. Foot care – Blisters can quickly bring any backpacking trip to a painful halt if you don’t have the necessary treatment options. Moleskin and a needle should both be included in your first aid kit to care for any blisters. 6. Water – Dehydration is not something you want to experience. Make sure your filter is in working order before you hit the trailhead. Even then it may break or quit working so have iodine tablets as a backup because while dehydration is not fun neither is giardia. 7. Rain gear – No matter where you are going always carry reliable rain gear. Hypothermia sets in fast if you get wet and is one of the biggest causes of wilderness deaths. 8. Shelter – Whether you use a tent, tarp, or bivy sack you need a way to get out of the elements. Learn how to use which ever shelter you do use so that you can set it up quickly. 9. Sleeping bag – Where you are going and what time of year will help determine what kind of bag you need. Down sleeping bags are the warmest for what they weigh but lose their insulating ability if they get wet. For camping in wet nasty conditions it may be best to have a synthetic bag. 10. Tailor your gear for where and when you are going – Quite simply this means take stock of where you are going, how long you will be gone, and the weather conditions you are likely to experience and customize your gear list to that. Planning ahead will keep surprises on the trail to a minimum. You don’t want to be 10 miles down the trail and find out you forgot something that you will really need.

Copyright (c) 2009 Jonathan Perez

Even though leaving the everyday constraints of a nine to five is always on the back of the nature lovers mind, regardless of how experienced they are it is always imperative that you’re properly equipped when you go. Probably one of the types of gear you must take with you that could prove to be a lifesaver when something unexpected occurs is emergency supplies and kits.

You have to take with you the proper climbing boots if you are planning on doing any kind of hiking when you’re out camping. If you do happen to get stuck in the woods, a pair of sneakers just won’t do. Now, durable footware will cost more, however it will give your tootsies stronger protection from blistering up, will keep them nice and dry, and will let air ventilate your feet. Have in mind the type of footware you take along and use since if you get to the point that your feet begin to experience pain even the littlest things and movements can really hurt.

Following, the true nature lover will have to have a reliable tent to sleep in at night. Whatever tent you choose to take with you has to be one that you can walk with for a good distance and that’s not difficult to have breakdown and set up. Practice carrying the tent around on your back before the trip to test if you can withstand the weight for a long period of time while on the go. One thing you definitely want to avoid is carrying that tent with you and then having to waste hours mantling.

I would have to say that two of the most important pieces of camping supplies to bring along on your hiking trip are a sharp buck knife and a rechargeable flashlight. Knives can help cutting up food, getting branches for fire, and for repairing or making other tools. Be sure to get a proper sheath for your knife and to make sure that the blade is sharp for every trip you make.

So the outdoorsman will be carrying a tent, extra clothing, food, white gas for fire, a knife and other equipment, therefore he will need a good backpack that will help him haul along whatever he needs. A backpack that you can rely on has to come with chest and waist straps, because if not you’ll be forced to manhandle the entire thing on your delts, and it will definitely feel a lot more difficult to take with ever move you make. To protect your back, the backpack should have support bars.

Pack your bare necessities because that’s all you’ll stand to carry for a long hike. Don’t forget, in addition to the previous items, you’ll need to bring emergency supplies as well. You’ll need a first aid kit, spare batteries, ropes and flashlights. For comfort you’ll want to have a sleeping bag and cooking supplies.

Without these items or a superior knowledge of outdoor survival, it would be difficult to spend extended periods of time out in the wilderness. Though you may not plan to be away for long, sometimes the worst can happen and therefore it is best to be prepared. Even the most rugged outdoorsman would agree.

One of the great things about planning an Oregon camping trip is the number of options visitors have, both in things to do and see and in where to stay. With nearly 100 state and federal Oregon campgrounds and even more privately owned facilities, the challenge won’t be finding Oregon campgrounds, it will be deciding which ones to choose.

When to Go

For most people, work and school schedules often help determine when they can take an Oregon vacation. Those with kids typically have to wait for the summer months if they want to visit for more than a few days. For most this works out great because Oregon weather is at its warmest, and it is the peak of the travel season so all the Oregon campgrounds and attractions are open. Reservations are recommended during the summer months as many of the most popular campgrounds tend to fill up fast.

Many festivals are held in the summer, wild and cultivated flowers are in bloom, and there is even a resident group of whales along the coast for those that want to experience Oregon’s legendary whale watching.

Whale watching is at its peak in March, making spring an ideal time to visit Oregon, especially the coastal area. Snowmelt also increases the water levels in rivers, creating churning rapids just waiting to be kayaked or rafted.

Autumn is a good time to visit if you plan to fish Oregon coastal rivers and streams. Steelhead and salmon enter these waters to spawn beginning in September and continuing into late fall. Forest Service offices provide information on fishing conditions in their areas, as do websites for the local communities.

Fall is also a good time to visit one of Oregon’s vineyards. The Willamette Valley, slightly inland from Oregon’s northwest coast, is known as wine country, and there are numerous wineries that offer tours and tastings.

In addition to fishing and wine tasting, the fall foliage is in full color and the Oregon camping sites are typically less crowded than in summer months. Contact the Oregon Fall Foliage Hotline at 1-800-547-5445 to find peak color times for the areas you plan to visit.

Winter is the perfect time to visit Oregon if you like skiing, snowboarding, and other snow activities. In the winter months, average inland daytime temperatures are often in the 40s. A second whale migration in December through January makes a winter trip to the Oregon coast appealing as well. The ocean climate helps keep temperatures relatively mild, and winter camping in Oregon can be cozy and comfortable with proper clothing and camping equipment. Even in mid January, temperatures often reach into the 50s in the coastal areas.

Many of the state park campgrounds remain open year round although running water may not be available. Fewer families come to Oregon in the winter months, so if you like quiet getaways, this may be the best time to visit Oregon.

Choosing Oregon Camping Sites

City living: Portland, Eugene and several other larger cities in Oregon have numerous campsites close to town for those that want to be close to the action but still enjoy the fun of RV travel or tenting it. Even Oregon’s more populated areas are surrounded by forests, mountains, and waterways, so finding a natural setting is not difficult.

Private campgrounds in Oregon: There are hundreds of private campgrounds throughout all areas of Oregon. Some cater to families with children and offer playgrounds, activities, and other kid-friendly features. Others are more basic or focus on nature and peaceful settings. No matter what your areas of interest and your camping style, you can likely find a private campground to fit your needs. Begin by contacting visitor information offices or city chambers of commerce in the area of the state you plan to visit.

Oregon state park camping: The number of state parks, scenic sites and recreation areas in Oregon is simply amazing. While some of these are day use only facilities, many provide overnight camping with both tent and RV sites. Often, these Oregon state park camping sites are located in some of the state’s most beautiful scenery, and fees are typically comparable or less than those at privately owned campgrounds.

For a truly unique experience, some Oregon state park camping areas offer camping in tepees, yurts and covered wagons. Visit the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s state parks website at http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/index.shtml to find Oregon camping sites in the area you plan to visit. When you get to the park, don’t forget to stop and get your permit or park pass.

Oregon beach camping: Oregon is one of only two states in the U.S. whose beaches are all considered public land. The beaches are managed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, and many offer camping facilities. With the stars overhead and the sound of the surf providing background music, Oregon beach camping can be one of the most memorable ways to experience the beauty of the Oregon coast. Note: it is illegal to camp on the beach in unauthorized areas, and anyone setting up camp without permission can be asked to leave.

What to Bring When Camping in Oregon

In addition to the standard food, water, clothing, first aid items and camping equipment, it is advisable to also include:

• a hat

• sweatshirts and jackets for layering

• a plastic garbage bag, to use as a rain poncho just in case

• a map of the area

• a flashlight

• bug repellent

• a pocket mirror (for signaling if you get lost)

• a whistle

Check all your equipment before you leave to make sure it works properly and is in good condition. Many Oregon campgrounds are in remote locations where it can be difficult to find replacement batteries or lantern fuel in the middle of the night. For this reason, it is also helpful to know some basic first aid and wilderness survival information.

Other Considerations

Weather conditions, construction and repairs, and standard regulations can impact campground activities and services. For example, some Oregon campgrounds prohibit alcohol. Open campfires may be restricted at certain times of the year. Buildings and natural areas may be closed. Pets may not be allowed or allowed only in certain areas of the campground. It is a good idea to contact your chosen campsite or visit their website to learn about rules, regulations, and current conditions.

When planning a trip into the wilderness, whether it be for camping, fishing or hunting there are some survival essentials that you must take with you.

Shelter

We will start with your shelter. This is one of the obvious survival essentials. Although some people do not mind sleeping under the stars, having shelter from the elements can make or break your trip.

There are many different types and sizes of tents on the market. Determine how many people will be sharing your tent before your trip and whether or not you will need a second tent to store your gear. If you do not want to bring another tent, bring a tarp (if you have room) to cover your supplies to keep them dry.

Secondly, a sleeping bag that is designed for the climate is another of the survival essentials. All sleeping bags should have a label that indicates the temperature rating of the bag. However, they are not always accurate. This is one item that you should not go cheap on; you usually get what you pay for in a sleeping bag.

Food and Water

You should always bring enough food; this may seem like an obvious survival essential and it is. When planning your trip, it is very important to plan your meals. This way you should be sure of taking enough food and not taking too much with you, especially if you are hiking or portaging.

Since water is heavy to carry, take a water filter and pump or iodine tablets if there will be water where you are going. If water is going to be scarce on your trip then one of your survival essentials will be taking enough water with you for everyone in the group. I hope that you will have a pack mule or something to carry it all!

Make sure you have a variety of healthy food with you so that you are not deficient in some vital nutrients. You can expend a lot of energy while outdoors and you need to replenish your strength each day.

Tools

A sharp hunting knife is another of the survival essentials. No camper should venture into the wilderness without one. It is used as a tool and a weapon of protection if needed.

An implement for cutting wood is also an important tool. Check out the local camping supply stores for some very handy folding saws. A small hatchet can be very helpful as well.

I usually carry a good multi tool as well. This can be clipped on your belt along with the knife. With the advances in technology, you have other resources readily available these days, including a GPS and satellite telephone.

Backpack

A good waterproof pack would be an important piece of equipment, but would it be a survival essential? Not necessarily, a pack will not save your life, but it will keep your gear from getting wet and it is much easier to carry everything as well.

Fire

At one time, waterproof matches were considered one of the survival essentials. However, not so much anymore. With the advent of fire paste and other fire starters, matches are becoming obsolete. I have had waterproof matches get wet and become useless. Even carrying a small lighter is a good idea. There are ways to start a fire without some fire starter of some kind, but it can be difficult without experience.

First Aid Kit

Having a stocked first aid kit is another of the important survival essentials. Before leaving on your trip, check your kit to make sure it is not out of anything. Some important components of the kit should be band-aids, antiseptic, gauze, tweezers, bug bite cream or spray and other items that may be needed for the area you are traveling in such as snakebite kits etc. Also, included should be painkillers such as Tylenol for example. If anyone in your group requires specific medication then they are responsible for bringing it with them.

Planning

Planning the trip is one of the most important aspects of the survival essentials. Your route should be mapped clearly. You should have more than one map with you. In addition, you must provide your trip plans to friends or family who are not going with you. People need to know when to expect you back and where to look for you if you are not back on time. Alert the local authorities or park Warden to your trip plan as well. In addition, stick to your plan; do not decide to change it when you have already begun the trip. Search and Rescue can be quite expensive!

Wilderness trips can be a lot of fun if planned properly. Never take a trip without the survival essentials.