Camping Survival

This is an indoor-outdoor heater. Sleeping outdoors in the cold can be extremely dangerous. Items like this are well worth the buy.

Ok so when you think about camping survival the images that pop into your head are probably of people stranded or lost at some abandoned location with no food or supplies. They have to use their surroundings to survive. This article is not intended to help you if you are in that situation. We will try to give you the advice you need to avoid getting to this point but we are going to talk more about what you need to survive a camping trip which will vary greatly depending on the individual.

While some of us will get a kick out of just getting out on the open road, finding a nice camping site and getting by using the bare essentials that are needed, there are many more that want to camp in style. Some of us want to be just as comfortable living outdoors as we are accustomed to indoors and with so many modern advances in technology, we certainly can do so—we will pay extra—but it can be accomplished. So where do I fall? It depends on who I am camping with, my mood, the season, my budget, etc.

For a list of the bare essentials needed, check out our page, camping equipment checklist, where you can download and print the list. If you want to get an idea of what is available to make your camping trip a bit more comfy, please continue.

The top five amenities for a more luxurious camping trip would be:

Camping portable toilets – Yeah the ground and buckets work fine, but we are talking about comfort here. If I were going on a trip with my significant other, I would not even think about not having one of these. I would also get a portable camping toilet/shower shelter to go along with it.
Camping shower – These are totally affordably and easy to use and install.
Portable Kitchen – I love these, as most come with tables and sinks. I like to put all my camping cooking supplies on the portable kitchen and to use them as needed, verses keeping all my utensils packed up and then unpacking them as needed.
Camping air conditioner - Pretty self-explanatory.
Camping heater - Again, self-explanatory.

Surviving the Cold

When camping in cold weather, it is important to pick the right tent and appropriate clothing.

For hard-core winter weather and mountaineering, it is best to purchase a winter camping/mountaineering tent. If you think your campsite will only have light snow, then definitely try a three-season tent.

I live in Chicago, so I know all too well how important it is to dress in layers. Synthetics and wool are superb materials to wear in inclement weather conditions. Cotton is not a good choice because it will not dry quickly if you sweat which is likely to happen when you are out enjoying various camping activities. In general you should have an inner layer that is closest to the skin. This material should dry easily and allow your skin to breathe.

The ideal middle layer material is fleece or wool.

The outer layer is meant to withstand the cold and precipitation, so it should be wind, weather, and/or water proof.

Surviving the Heat

You won't always be this lucky, so prepare. Make sure you carry plenty of water and sun protection

First of all don’t try to do any strenuous activities on the days where the weather is predicted to be extremely hot.

You should carry all the water you possibly can with you if you venture away from the camping site. Don’t count on finding water or being back in time. It is always best to plan ahead and you will not want to get lost without proper hydration.

Dressing light for the weather is fine as long as you are not doing anything like biking or hiking. If you are going to be out in the weather for long periods of time then you should protect yourself from the sun. That requires you to wear long pants, long sleeve shirts, sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats.

Surviving When Camping Abroad

REASEARCH – Make for sure that you are well versed on the different kinds of animals in the area, the weather, the laws, and the campsite location. I would also take the time to research the people in the area.

Carry all your identification documents.

Error on the side of caution and purchase traveler’s insurance.

Plan Ahead, in Case There Are Emergencies

Pack extra food in case of an emergency. If you have to stay longer than you planned for any reason, you will be glad that you did this.
Always keep at least one friend updated on your trip. Tell them where you will be, when you arrive, and when you plan to leave.
Know where the nearest hospital is and the fastest route there.
If you are traveling in a group, it would be great if you or someone with you knew CPR and other basic emergency procedures.
Invest in a good first aid kit.
Make sure all members of the camping group, including kids, know what to do in case of an emergency.

This may seem a little graphic at first, but I promise it is not.
This will help prepare you for camping in the cold. It can be very dangerous; it's best to be prepared.
Hiking requires special attention. Here's a little something to think about when prepping your kit.
REI does it again! Great video - great tip.

Back to Camping Checklist Essentials Home from Camping Survival

Camping Survival

Surviving the Cold

Surviving the Heat

Surviving When Camping Abroad

Plan Ahead, in Case There Are Emergencies

Enjoy a couple of videos on camping safety and survival.