Camping is generally a group event. We spend it with our loved ones, family and relatives or friends. It lets us get away from our regular daily schedules and go back to nature for some relaxation and recreation.
There are some times however, when stepping away on your own to camp by yourself makes a lot of sense. It lets you clear your mind and reflect on life or meditate on your own. When you find the need to go on a solo camping expedition, make sure you pack the proper equipment to get the full benefits of going out on your own.
Benefits of Solo Camping
Camping by yourself can be an extremely rewarding and relaxing experience as long you are properly prepared. Spending time outdoors living with nature for a few days can be a great way to unwind as long you know what you are doing.
As with any other activity you are planning to do you first need to make safety a priority before turning your attention elsewhere. When you are camping by yourself there are more risks involved than if you go with a group. However the potential reward of the experience is also much higher.
There’s something special that you feel when you are camping by yourself, it’s a connection to nature and inner peace that is hard to replicate in any other way. Because of how rewarding a solo camping trip can be many people go out of their way to plan them so they can enjoy their many benefits.
Being Prepared for the Trip
When preparing to go on a solo camping trip, there are a number of things you need to do to ensure that your journey is as safe as possible. The first thing you need to do when you are going camping on your own is to tell someone you trust where you will be, and when they should expect you back. This is basically creating a safety net for yourself.
On the day you are due to return your contact person will know that if you don’t check in with them, something is probably wrong or could be wrong. Another important thing you can do for safety is to over prepare for your trip.
If you are planning on going camping for 2 days, then pack enough supplies to get you through 3 days. This will give you another type of safety precaution in the event that something comes up and you end up stranded for an extra day.
Know the Weather Forecast
You also need to be prepared for whatever type of conditions you are going to encounter on your camping trip. Watch the forecast and find out what the expected weather is going to be.
Make sure that bring appropriate clothing, and if necessary a sleeping bag. Many novice campers make the mistake of assuming that warm weather during the day will mean that it will be warm at night. Even in desert environments hypothermia is a real risk at night. To help counter this risk make sure that you bring with you the means you make fire. Matches are a poor choice since they can become wet or damaged easily. Instead bring a lighter, and also a flint striker as a back up.
Solo Camping in a Nutshell
By following some basic safety rules and using common sense you can have a great time camping by yourself. There’s something truly unique about laying down in the wilderness by yourself at night, and spending some time in solitude. It’s a way to connect with nature and also to reflect upon yourself and your life.
Make sure that when you are camping alone you are properly prepared, have extra supplies, and take the time to inform someone of where you will be and when you expect to return.
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