Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ate what the weather and terrain will be like and plan for the type of shelter that
will work best for your comfort level (see Equipment later in this section).
Finding a campsite.
If there are established campsites, stick to those. If not,
start looking for a campsite early—around 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. Stop at the first de-
cent site you see. Depending on the area, it could be a long time before you find
another suitable location. Pitch your camp in an area that's level. Make sure the
area is at least 200 feet from fragile areas like lakeshores, meadows, and stream
banks. And try to avoid areas thick in underbrush, as they can harbor insects and
provide cover for approaching animals.
If you are camping in stormy, rainy weather, look for a rock outcrop or a shelter
in the trees to keep the wind from blowing your tent all night. Be sure that you
don't camp under trees with dead limbs that might break off on top of you. Also,
try to find an area that has an absorbent surface, such as sandy soil or forest duff.
This, in addition to camping on a surface with a slight angle, will provide better
drainage. By all means, don't dig trenches to provide drainage around your
tent—remember you're practicing zero-impact camping.
If you're in bear country, steer clear of creekbeds or animal paths. If you see
any signs of a bear's presence (i.e., scat, footprints), relocate. You'll need to find a
campsite near a tall tree where you can hang your food and other items that may
attract bears such as deodorant, toothpaste, or soap. Carry a lightweight nylon
rope with which to hang your food. As a rule, you should hang your food at least
20 feet from the ground and 5 feet away from the tree trunk. You can put food and
other items in a waterproof stuff sack and tie one end of the rope to the stuff sack.
To get the other end of the rope over the tree branch, tie a good size rock to it, and
gently toss the rock over the tree branch. Pull the stuff sack up until it reaches the
top of the branch and tie it off securely. Don't hang your food near your tent! If
possible, hang your food at least 100 feet away from your campsite. Alternatives
to hanging your food are bear-proof plastic tubes and metal bear boxes.
Lastly, think of comfort. Lie down on the ground where you intend to sleep and
see if it's a good fit. For morning warmth (and a nice view to wake up to), have
your tent face east.
First Aid
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