Tips For Hiking Solo
Tips For Hiking Solo
Getting out into the wilderness for a couple of days of hiking and camping can be invigorating, and provide some time for some down time. Having a light weight 2 person tent can be very advantageous. Going solo, or with a friend, hiking into the woods with a backpack, tent, sleeping bag, and a few basics can create lots of tremendous memories. There are some very basic rules that you need to observe for both your own safety and that of the environment.
1. Choose The Correct Equipment
What equipment you take with you will determine the success of your camping trip. A 2 man tent is a great way to go backpacking light. Often if you have another person, a two man tent isn't big enough for both of you and your gear. This is especially true if your hiking companion is very tall or rather large. If you are going to be solo hiking a two person tent is perfect for holding you and your gear.
Having a warm sleeping bag is a necessity that should not be overlooked. Even though you checked before leaving you can never count on the weather. Often the temperatures can drop drastically at night or a storm can unexpectedly blow in. The second most important thing after your two man tent, is a sleeping bag that is appropriate for the season you are in.
You also need to be sure to have such things as a good knife, a comfortable backpack, waterproof matches, a first aid kit, cooking utensils, a change of clothes and a method to handle personal sanitation.
2. Placing Your Two Person Tent In the Right Location
Many a backpacking trip has been ruined because a person set up their tent in the wrong place. Setting up on a high level area will let you to sleep better and not fret about any runoff puddling in the bottom of your tent. Placing your tent near a fire is asking for trouble, don’t do it. Small sparks can burn holes in the tent, or completely burn it down. Another good idea is to pitch your tent with the door facing in the opposite direction of the morning sun.. You don’t want the morning sun glaring in and waking you or blinding you first thing in the morning. Angle it a little so you still get the heat, but not the intense morning light.
3. The Correct Way To Store Your Food
Having food is almost as important as your shelter. If you don't keep it stored right, it could spoil, or become infested with bugs. Use air tight containers for food to keep animals from smelling it and invading your campsite. Find a cool place to store your perishables like fruits, vegetables and breads. Always keep food away from your site, especially at night, in case roaming animals come through. Do not eat any food in your tent. Any crumbs will attract small animals into your tent.
4. Pack Up Carefully
Packing for the trip can help save you a lot of aggravation when hiking in. Getting your 2 man tent, sleeping bag, clothes and gear into a back pack can be a science unto itself. Proper technique will keep you load even and not strain your back while at the same time keeping it light enough that you can carry everything you need.
It is just as important to pack out your things as it is to pack for your trip. First, you don't want to leave anything behind. No garbage should ever be left behind and you should carefully bury any waste away from a water source. Clean all your gear, and especially the tent. Leaving dirt on your tent can cause weak spots and leaks over time. Pack even more carefully was when you leave than when you were going out will pay dividends over time. Taking proper care of your 2 person tent should last for many years of great camping experiences.
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