Imagine a campfire, you and your friends sitting around it and enjoying the cool summer night under the stars. Camping is a fantastic experience that gives you a sense of freedom and time to relax far away from the big city and busy life. Toasting marshmallows, telling stories and making new memories are all part of this journey. You can play games, hike, go fishing and learn new things. But, to have peace of mind while you’re there, you need to have some essential safety gear in case something goes wrong. It can be a lifesaver if you’re in a dangerous situation, need medical attention or get lost in the woods.
PLB – Personal Locator Beacons
This is a device you’ll never want to use, but you’ll be glad you have it in an emergency. The PLB device connects with the global satellite system to send SOS alerts all over the globe. Like the 000 calls you make in Australia to get the emergency services, the 406MHz receives only SOS signals. It must go through the military or government-run frequencies because their satellites are very powerful and accurate. Once you send it, it can’t be unsent, so use it in life-or-death situations where you can’t rescue yourself.
To send the PLB signal, extend the antenna and press the button. This sends an alert to the satellites, and your coordinates are emitted. The signal bounces to the closest rescue centre in just a few moments. Thousands of people used this signal and were saved from life-threatening conditions. When you buy personal locator beacons, you can be sure you have a reliable partner at all times. It works in any remote area and has a battery life that lasts for a long time. You can also replace just the battery in case you use it once. Some of these devices have a strobe light that can help in case there is low visibility in the area.
When buying this device, you need to register it with the Australian Maritim Safety Authority. Doing so gives you a unique number that belongs only to you. It’s helpful if you update any personal information that changes over time and if you go on a trip, give an update on where you’re going. This way, it’ll be easier for the rescue team to locate you. There are personal locator beacons approved by the AMSA. If you’re a foreign citizen, consult and register with the AMSA about your beacon so they can monitor your situation until you get out safe and sound.
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is truly an essential piece of equipment you need to carry when you go camping. Even if it’s not the biggest one you can find, you’ll be grateful you have it by your side in case of an emergency. You can use it to treat minor injuries and prevent them from becoming bigger and more dangerous. There are pre-made kits that include different components for different purposes. Before choosing one, consider the size of the group you’re travelling with. If it’s bigger, get a kit with the approximate number of bandages, pain medication, gloves etc. Make sure it has tweezers, thermometers and splints.
Consider the length of the trip and the purpose. If you’re going through water, consider a waterproof pack; if it’s a long walk or trail running, buy a lighter one. Consider the possible risks and special needs, such as tick tools or poison ivy treatment. If you don’t like the pre-packed ones, you can always create a kit on your own. Combine gauzes, tapes, ointments, medication, scissors, antiseptics and elastic wraps as needed. It’s a good idea to check if someone is a trained first aid professional or has visited a first aid course; it can be of great help. Make sure everyone knows where the kit is and how to locate it fast.
Flashlight
Every camper should have a high-quality flashlight to rely on when the time comes. Having no light can be a problem in any situation. There are specially designed flashlights suited to the needs of campers. First, you need to know how many lumens you need. A standard camping flashlight should emit 160-200 lumens. This is an excellent light to get you through the dark and also scare off some predators and human intruders. You can opt for more lumens if you have the need, but 200 would suffice. Choosing a durable flashlight is a must. You need something made from sturdy materials, ready to take a hit and even be waterproof if possible.
Battery life is also very important. Buying a flashlight with rechargeable batteries is the best option. It’ll save you money in the long run, and you can charge them at any time with a suitable power bank or in the car. Go for a smaller flashlight that’ll fit in your backpack and won’t be heavy. Plus, this essential is budget-friendly but will do a great job keeping you active. Many also have additional features such as an SOS light, magnets and infrared lights. These flashlights will also come in handy when hiking or doing house chores.
Firestarter
You can use everything from a match to rubbing sticks together to start a fire while camping. Being effective means being well-prepared. If you understand the principles, making a dire can be very simple. It can be affected by various factors such as rain, wind, and humidity, but if you play your cards right, you’ll have a fire in no time. Fire means life, so having a firestarter with you while camping is essential. It all comes down to personal preferences when choosing a firestarter. Matches, lighter, sticks, and rocks can do the same job but with different difficulties. If you can’t decide what fits you best, try them out before going on your adventure. This way, you’ll be sure you have the right tool with you.
In Summary
Having high-quality safety equipment on your camping trip can be a lifesaver in some situations. Good lighting, first aid and SOS signals will all come in handy. You’ll feel safer when you have these essentials with you wherever you go.
