Inspect the Trees in your Campsite
- Check out the surrounding trees in the potential campsite. You don’t want any dead looking trees towering over your site. If the worse were to happen and it broke and tumbled in the night, you’ll some damaged gear–or worse–you could get hurt.
- On the other hand, some big healthy tree coverage will be convenient and helpful if it were to rain. Also pay attention to where the sun will rise and set in relation to tree layout; depending on if you’d prefer to see the sunset and sunrise. Think it through.
- Pick lively and strong trees for your hammock . Be sure to use tree-friendly straps to ensure minimal impact.
Get Sound Sleep
- Depending on the weather and temperature, have the right gear to sleep comfortably. You don’t want to wake up with a runny nose and sore throat. Make sure your sleeping bag is rated for how cold the environment is.
- If you’re hammock camping (some of the best sleep around) consider a top quilt and/or underquilt to properly insulate your body on all sides.
- In a pinch, you can always use an emergency blanket to aid sleeping gear that is not quite tough enough for lower temperatures.
Before You Peace Out
- Make some review notes in your hiking journal or phone about the site. Did you like it? Is there the perfect tree to hang your lounger on for next time? Were there dead trees? Are there an unusual amount of bees nest in the area? This is important to jog your memory next season and if you want to return.
- Carefully inspect your campsite to make sure all trash is picked up. Even pick up other people’s trash. Be responsible and Mother Nature will thank you and will love you more for it.
- Be sure that your fire in properly extinguished. There are now several schools of thought as to what the best and most efficient method is. Currently, shoveling dirt on the fire is popular, this way when the next camper comes along they aren’t dealing with a saturated fire pit.
