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Tips on Survival When Camping in Remote Locations

Sudip Paul
In some cases, deciding to camp in a location that is far from popular rest stops, can make your remote outdoor experience a lot more exciting. Your campsite will be intimate and unfenced, while the noise from personal emails or noisy neighboring campers drowned out under the vast Australian skyline.
Camping with no or minimal facilities can be really amazing, yet it is not a friend to those who act foolishly. Camping in remote and wild locations can be very dangerous, especially when you are not accustomed to such primitive landscapes. Remember, always carry a get home bag with the essentials.
If you have a goal to remain safe while enjoying the rough outdoors, here are 10 essential survival tips for you to use.

Transportation (Fuel And Build)

Your SUV may be resilient when it comes to the antics of your young children, but can it withstand rugged terrain? You should look for a vehicle that is made for camping that will become your trusted companion when you are out in the middle of nowhere.
The four-wheel drives are a better option when you are driving to your location, or you can always decide to hike to your destination.

Choose the Right Camping Spot

Choosing grounds to set up your camping site is something you need to think about as early as possible as this could end up making a difference between getting a great night’s sleep or none at all. You want to avoid collecting water in your tent or sliding into a hidden sinkhole.
You need to find a level and solid ground before you pitch your tent. Rocks and bushes are also helpful to protect you from the wind or to offer shade when the sun is beating down.

Knowledge, Map, And Compass

Even when there is a defined track that will lead you to your destination. Always bring along a map and a compass as your back-up. It is also important that you have basic skills when it comes to navigation if you would like to enjoy your time out in the wild.
Navigation skills, a compass, and a map are also fantastic for activities that include off-trail photography or hiking. Once you start hiking it is very important to mark the places you have already been along with the way to return. You can also take visual notes of any landmarks.

Light

It is important to realize how dark it will really get when you are out in remote locations. Light will provide you with comfort, functionality, and protection, so always ensure you have matches, extra batteries, and solar-powered gear with you on your trip.

Emergency Signals

Have you given thought to what you will do if you get lost or you break a leg and are no longer able to walk back to your campsite?The basic types of signaling devices include whistles or pocket mirrors.The mirror can reflect light that is visible to any passing aircraft, while a whistle is better suited for alerting any adventurers that might be in earshot.

Consumables, Water, And Food

The food essentials for camping include drinks and soup (in ice brick form), loads of water, and containers that are fire-friendly. You need to ensure you have packed enough as you won’t be able to refuel when you are out in the wilderness.
There are also specific methods to find natural water sources, yet these may be unreliable or dependent on where you have decided to set up your campsite.

Warmth

Fire on a trip out into the wilderness will become your most loyal friend. When you are in your tent wear warm clothing and use insulated sleeping bags. If necessary, bring along extra clothes and socks. If your clothing gets wet it will quickly cause you to lose heat, which is why it is important that you always have a set of dry clothes handy.

First-Aid Kit

It is important to realize that you need to become accustomed to the outdoors rather than the opposite way around. If this means sustaining a few bruises and cuts, make sure you deal with them as they happen with your first-aid kit.
Bring along extra medication for any health conditions to make sure you have enough should your medication get stolen by wild animals or lost along the way.

Protection

This will depend on the climate and the terrain, as each is accompanied by its own set of unique and distinct wildlife. For instance, those that belong to the Nullarbor wildlife are not as feral and wild as you may think, yet they are not easy to socialize with.
Protecting yourself means knowing the right time to leave a territorial dingo alone, or that you should always store your food safely and off the ground. You should also be mindful of staying away from anthills.

Practical Waste Management

Lastly, when you leave a campsite, try and leave behind as little human impact as possible. Respect the wilderness and nature, and also think about anyone else that may visit this area next.
This will mean being very conscious of the way you dispose of your bodily waste and your garbage. Regardless of what method you choose, always avoid leaving non-biodegradable items close to water sources or trails.