As the weather begins to warm up, Wyoming is becoming the perfect place to explore the outdoors and enjoy amazing views.
Taking a camping trip can be a great personal experience, but there are some key ways to stay safe and comfortable when venturing outside.
Although trekking into the wilderness can seem daunting at first, being prepared and knowing the risks involved can make it a worthwhile and positive experience.
First, remember to pack the essentials.
“I always make sure I have a heat source, some way to filter water and emergency snacks like granola bars,” junior Spencer Duffy, a frequent car camper, said.
Junior Jami Oyster, a wilderness first responder, said that it was important to have a good first aid kit. Oyster said that Gauze and Moleskin (a type of padding used for blisters) are essentials for first aid.
Oyster also said that extra food, water, an emergency heat blanket, and a battery pack for charging phones are also useful items to bring.
When traveling to remote areas by car, it is also important to have a full tank of gas, a spare tire, and jumper cables.
Another important factor to consider when camping is location.
For tent camping, Oyster recommended choosing a flat spot away from other people that avoids covering vegetation.
“If I’m going to be there for multiple nights, I want tree cover and ideally I’d like it to be further away from other people,” Duffy said. “I’ve had bad experiences with people near my campsite going through my stuff.”
Oyster agreed that even in the outdoors, humans can be bothersome.
“Don’t keep valuables in your tent. If you’re gone during the day, someone could go through your stuff,” Oyster said.
Additionally, paying attention to wildlife is important.
“Don’t leave food or smelly things in your tent because even if you’re not in bear country, chipmunks and squirrels can chew through your tent,” Oyster warned, recalling an event she has personal experience with.
Even when not in the wilderness, it is crucial to acknowledge that being out in nature involves knowing the risks and being prepared for things to go wrong.
“Being aware of the dangers that you could face, potential things that could happen or situations that you could be in and preparing for that is important,” Oyster said.
“If you have someone else who can go with you, don’t go by yourself,” Oyster said. “If you’re in an area where you don’t have service, having something that you can send an emergency signal out with is really great and is good if you’re by yourself.”
Additionally, planning out locations ahead of time and informing someone of where you will be and when you will return is also crucial in the event of an accident occurring.
Duffy said one of the most important rules when recreating outdoors is to practice leaving no trace. “If we aren’t able to keep our nature clean, what’s the point in protecting it?” Duffy said.
