Don't forget to put your food box and cooler on the front seat at night. Solo camping for beginners – Checklist. Those moments could leave you feeling weird unless you have something planned. It provides an opportunity for personal growth through introspection. Canopy Tent Advisor is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, audible.com, and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. Keep your cellphone on your body at all times. Remember you are going to be away from the city and most probably in a place where communication won’t be that great, so it is important that people know where you are in case something unfortunate happens. Fortunately, with some proper research you can easily plan your first solo trip and make it the best experience of your life. Mar 31, 2018 - Don't forget a thing with a camping checklist. You will want to include some very important information for emergency personnel in case something happens. Thanks for sharing your expertise, voted you up. Depending on other factors of your trip, you could bring along your dog because frankly speaking, it will still be a solo-camping trip but only better. Check out the guide if you are looking for a camping canopy or a pop up tent. To help you along, I’ve put together a list of nine essential camping tips. Lastly, research the climate of the area in which you're camping. This is especially relevant for any solo camping checklist. Get to know your gear. When you call the office or ranger station, you should: The ranger may ask about the following information, so it's best to prepare it beforehand: After that, turn your attention to driving directions. or "Is it safe to camp alone?" The pain finally subsided enough (I broke the ninth rib on that side) that I eventually made it inside to apply ice and call for help. Since you'll want to take a copy of the checklist with you on your trip (so you don't leave anything at your campsite) and you will want important phone numbers and information with you for emergencies, might as well put it all in the same place. Unless you're really breaking out the luxury items, your tent will probably be the most complicated thing you have to set up. Nature has so much to offer and sometimes we miss out on a lot of great things when we have other distractions. Fortunately, a tent designed for two will not really take up too much space or be too heavy when compared to a single’s tent so you don’t really have to worry about space or load. Scope out your campsite and place a bucket or marker wherever a hazard may be. Eureka! This is as true of the outdoors as it is anything else. It can be very rewarding experience, but precautions and planning are necessary. Wondering "Should I go camping alone?" Once you have familiarized yourself with the local climate, you can then select your choice of clothing and supplies for the trip accordingly to avoid freezing, overheating, dehydration, or similar issues caused by improper preparation. All of things mentioned in this article are good practice regardless of whether you are camping alone or in a group. We think you'll be glad you did. Maps, photos and elevation information. Practical suggestions for personal protection are everywhere, but I would recommend simply not turning over rocks or tree stumps, looking before you grab, and giving adequate warning to animals that you are about to enter an area (singing works). I have been camping since I was born. The clothes you pack should be comfortable and lightweight so that they do not weigh you down. Unpleasant experiences that could have been avoided are too often the result of improper preparation, poor foresight, and a lackadaisical approach to the planning process. You don’t want unwanted guests showing up at your camping spot, being lured in by the smell of food. It is often when we are alone and free from duties that we realize how amazing it is to be out in the wilderness, away from all the noise and commotion of the city and our busy lives. If you're bringing a tent, shower unit, or complicated camp furnishing that you have never used before, test it to make sure you can set it up by yourself. Your guide is priceless. We don't quite have the same weather as you guys do over here in the UK though.:). Good luck and happy camping! As a solo camper, you will have more responsibilities and safety precautions to take than you would if you had company. Some people prefer to camp at actually campgrounds because everything is usually arranged and hassle free, but if you want to make things a little more interesting then you can go hiking and set up your tent or hammock in the wilderness. When you’re camping solo, though, there is no such luxury. Solo camping does mean you’re on your own, so it’s critical you pack the right things. Hendrika from Pretoria, South Africa on February 06, 2013: Thank you so much for this article. It really doesn’t matter where you wish to camp, just checking out the place a few days prior to your trip will save you a lot of trouble, give you an idea of the weather conditions and also help you remain safe. So take a solo camping trip. Here’s our list of the most important gear you really can’t do without. Take proper precautions to ensure you are as safe as possible from poisonous creatures, large predators, sick or disturbed animals, and even human threats. Again, if you haven't put it together by yourself before, you may want to practice before you're by yourself in the woods—save yourself the unnecessary headache. If you don't have the budget to buy a new tent, several stores rent them by the day for low prices. Camping solo doesn't really impact what equipment you should bring—just be sure everything you're using isn't too complicated or heavy to be set up without a second person. Request a copy of the rules and regulations. You can greatly reduce the risks involved with solo camping by preparing for possible injuries and illnesses and practicing intelligent action. Sufficient amount of underwear that will last you at least a week. A wealth of information and everything one needs to know about camping. If you are not in a secluded area or your vehicle is in a location that is not in your direct line of sight it is recommended that you place this paper in the glove compartment of your vehicle. Another thing to keep in mind is to avoid carry food that give off smell. Before you actually head out to camp at your chosen spot, find out a bit about the place and its surrounding. Without company, you not only have more space in your shelter for yourself and your things, but you also have extra space in your vehicle for any equipment or luxury items you may wish to bring with you on your camping trip. If your phone camera is great, then you don’t really need to carry a camera and can use your phone for both photography and to make emergency calls but if you wish to take quality pictures like a pro then a proper camera is a must. While walking through your home and making note of various items you should consider your daily activities including use of the bathroom, showering and grooming, cooking, eating and washing dishes, preparing meals, lounging, dressing and undressing, cleaning, and also sleeping and awakening. Well, no. Simple steps that you can take include having proper medication available, keeping a good First Aid Kit handy, wearing protective clothing, using a saw instead of an axe or hatchet, watching where you walk, protecting your hands with gloves when handling firewood, properly securing your footwear, and refraining from eating unknown plants and animals. For your first time camping solo, if a tent is not for you and you have an SUV, minivan, or van, you can sleep in your vehicle with a mattress like this. Solo Camping Safety Gear Whistle; First Aid kit; Knife; Flashlight with extra batteries; Portable Power Bank; Lantern; Insects Repellent; Map of the Campground; Hiking Vest; Sunscreen; Bear Repellent; Note that these are the safety gear for solo camping, you should also add other basic items to the checklist such as Food, hygiene items, and clothes. I mean, everything is in the manual right? Next, you will want to calculate the mileage to be traveled round-trip and the estimated cost of gasoline. There are plenty of checklists available on-line, but years of experience has taught me that using any of them ultimately results in forgetting an item, including useless items, or in forgetting personal items that you would have included had you created your very own checklist. If possible, check out the place yourself and make it a point to visit during daytime when you can really get a good view. Creating a camping checklist is easy, and I'm going to show you how to do it! Reach out to the office, if you're staying at a private campground, or ranger station, if you're camping on state or federal lands. These items should be part of your backpacking checklist: Hiking boots or shoes; Backpack; Tent; Sleeping bag and sleeping pad; Stove and fuel; Kitchen supplies; Plenty of food; Water bottles and water-treatment supplies; Weather-appropriate clothing; Emergency and hygiene supplies; Small repair kit; The Ten Essentials How to Use This Backpacking Checklist Solitary camping is a unique and enjoyable experience. Camping alone is guaranteed to be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, and you will more than likely be plotting your next excursion before the first one has even ended. You can literally camp in all types of weather, but it is best to know what you are getting yourself into—nothing puts a damper on camping like failure to prepare for the temperature or precipitation. Pick at least two people from your family, friends or coworkers and give them all the details of your little getaway. For free printable camping checklist visit www.savingmoneycamping.com. My cellphone was in the RV and it was then that I realized I couldn’t even make it in to call for help. Another thing to include is definitely a bear spray, whether you camp in a bear territory or not, a bear spray works great to keep off all predators. This extensive car camping checklist will help you the next time you go to stock up for a trip in the outdoors. But if you have your car with you then you don’t really need to worry about the weight and can carry quite a bit of extra stuff too. When solo camping, it is a good idea to leave your route and itinerary with a trusted person back home, who can help you in case of an emergency. Are those memories of what mom and dad brought along on those family camping outings is a blur? You should also get driving directions to the ranger station or office that you spoke with and directions and phone numbers to the nearest hospital and the closest police station. However, there are plenty campgrounds that are perfect for some solitude fun, so you need to do some searching online or maybe even ask friends for suggestions. I am terrified that one of these times I'll have a run in with a bear or mountain lion. For the shoes, you want something that will be comfortable to wear and walk in for long hours. Note: Consideration should be given to both the positive and the negative aspects of solitary camping before heading out alone. Now, these are just two of the main advantages that come with getting a health check before the trip, but there are some more ways in which you will be benefitted. Don't worry you're in the right place. You could also carry crossword puzzles or some paint and brushes to bring out the artist in you. As mentioned earlier, you can review or print the checklist below for help in the process of creating your personalized checklist: Photo from Loyalstock State Forest near Williamsport, Pennsylvania (Old Loggers Path), [ ] Charged Radio Shack Pro-528 Portable Scanner with Weather Radio, [ ] Grundig S350DL Shortwave Radio w/ Batteries, [ ] Canon Powershot S95 Digital Camera w/ Spare Batteries, [ ] Bottle of Cotton Balls Soaked in Vaseline, [ ] Rayovac Sportsman Mini-Lantern w/ Batteries, [ ] Reliance Portable Camp Hassock (toilet). If you are thinking about spending some quality solitary time in nature, then what better way than to go solo camping? I've been able to introduce camping and a love of nature to some that didn't know what they were missing! Two very valuable lessons learned that I would like to share: 1. Tents such as the CampRight Pop Up Tent simply fold out and up as a complete unit. I hit the ground hard on my right side and the severe pain to my ribs kept me on the ground until I could finally roll over to my good side and sit up. Also always keep your phone on you if there is service but use only when there is an emergency so you do not waste the battery life. Midori or Solitaire solo backpacking tents are the perfect backcountry shelter for those of us who prefer to go it alone. Important info that should be listed at the top of your checklist includes the following: Your name, address, and phone number (s) Name/number and location of campsite. Now that you know the incredible benefits of solo camping, you are almost ready to embark on your journey and reap all the rewards of this time to yourself. Shelter and Safety. However, there is one last thing: read over the below solo camping tips, and follow what they say to ensure your camping trip is safe and enjoyable. You are going to spend hours fumbling over how to set up the tent, thus getting off to a bad start. You WILL have long, out-loud conversations with your dogs (or a volleyball named Wilson in the absence of pets). Carry enough food and water to last you for the whole trip and more if possible. Camping is a great way to get outside with family and friends or even by yourself. Whistle. While the goal is to travel light, you don’t want to leave out anything essential because if you are in sudden need of something, there is no guarantee that you will find another person to help you out with it. While this camping packing checklist is handy for anyone, I like to note that it’s specially designed for hikers planning on overnight or multiday camping in mild to moderate weather conditions.It’s basically all the stuff I took with me to the Queen Charlotte Track, minus the board games cuz I was hiking solo.. I would have to concur. Download the Wild Camping Checklist here: PDF | WORD. All the space that another person and his or her equipment would have taken up is now available should you desire to use it. If you are allergic to bee stings, camping several miles from the nearest paved road, and unable to get cell phone reception, you could be looking at a serious situation. You can easily obtain driving directions from such websites as MapQuest, Yahoo! The site number, letter, or name of the location you wish to stay at (if you already know it). Maps, Google Maps, and Expedia, or you can procure them through your local automotive club such as the American Automobile Association (AAA). [Our Reviews and Comparisons], Coleman Montana 8 Person Tent Review – 2020 Deep Dive. Mandrake, hay there. We would recommend some place not too far from your home or a place familiar to you, especially if it is going to be the first time you camp there alone. 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