A map and compass
by Admin
Posted on 03-02-2023 10:50 AM
When you’re out in the wilderness, anything can happen. Hopefully nothing does, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared for the worst.
Chances are you’re probably quite far from the nearest city, so you need to make sure you have some basic emergency supplies with you. This includes things like a first aid kit, a flashlight, batteries, a whistle, a map and compass, and a fully charged cell phone. It’s also a good idea to have some basic first aid skills and knowledge, in case someone gets hurt while you’re out in the middle of nowhere. A map and compass might seem old school, and you might think you don’t need them, what with your cell phone and gps.
https://f004.backblazeb2.com/file/onlgsb/campervan-ireland/Campervan/What-is-Wild-Camping.html
It is extremely important when you go out for some wild camping adventures, that you make sure that you pack correctly. You do not want to have to keep stopping to go searching in the bottom of your backpack every time that you want a drink of water or a bite to eat! also, you certainly don’t want to arrive at your wild camping spot and need to pull everything out of your backpack to get to your tent in order to set up camp. Preparation is key! so what does that mean then? well, it means think about your particular backpack, and all the separate pouches and areas that it has and then make sure that the items that you want to grab regularly are quick, easy to grab and accessible. https://www.craicncampers.ie/can-i-park-my-craic-n-campers-vehicle-wherever-i-like-whats-wild-camping/
Some navigation skills and experience will be needed to safely navigate the australian bush and should not be underestimated. Not knowing where you are or how to get home results in tragedy for both experienced and amateur hikers every single year. But there are a number of ways to find your way more safely, whether you’re just starting out or venturing off trail, as gordon dedman explains. Of course having the skills to use tools like a map and compass takes time to learn, but they are essential when navigating off trail. There are gps trackers and other devices which are good for checking your position, but shouldn’t really be used to plan and tell you where to go.
Download maps. Me and bring a paper map and compass. If you are using your phone, make sure you have enough battery / bring a battery pack with you.
A method of dealing with toileting and waste.
You'll also need a head torch and if you think it will be chilly take a lightweight insulated jacket to sleep in and a small hot water bottle. Wearing a woolly or beanie hat at night can be a life-saver on a chilly night but don't wear socks that are too tight.
Loose socks are ok, but tight socks will only cut off circulation. It is vital that you have some method of dealing with toileting and waste while wild camping. Take a pocket trowel and dog poop bags, or similar. Other useful items are dry wash gel or baby wipes, for a substitute “shower”, and a tick remover.
Pitch your tent where ever you like and enjoy nature! that’s the image most of us have about wildcamping. But camping is not only about a beautiful view, it is also about freedom and adventure. Isn’t this how you imagine your holiday? wildcamping is when you decide to spend the night outside of a campsite, a caravan site or similar facilities. You can use a tent, a caravan, a motorhome or even sleep under the stars. Bivouacking – spending the night outside – is permitted by international law, in cases of emergency. But it should not be misused! it is primarily intended for mountain regions, when surprised by bad weather, losing your way or hurting yourself.
Is it flat? anything that might damage the tent or cause discomfort? any sign the ground is waterlogged or might be? if in hilly terrain and there is a chance of rain, might water get funnelled towards the camp? any signs of large or potentially dangerous animals that suggest this is a spot best avoided? "even in the uk i’ve had a stag get furious at me for camping in his woodland, and on another occasion, a small herd of cows and horses appeared together because i had apparently chosen their favourite tree to bivvy under. " - mark hines.
You need to be self-sufficient but the whole idea of wild camping is to get back to basics and feel free. The very basic wild camping essentials are: a tent or other shelter; sleeping bag and mat; compact stove, pot and spoon; basic food and water bottle; torch and compass; and a rucksack lined with a drybag. The clothes you hike in are enough, plus an extra layer and hat.
Following the backpack camping code will help to protect dartmoor’s fragile moorland environment. Check the camping map to find out where you can pitch your small tent.