Let me be honest with you—I rarely spend time in nature. As a matter of fact, I rarely spend time outside, and I’d like to change that. That’s why I started planning short camping trips. But then I realized one thing—it’s not the safest activity, especially if you’re alone and ill-equipped! So, I went down the rabbit hole and started watching YouTube videos about camping safety.
One channel that caught my eye was Dog Dad Outdoors, which has a video on camping safety. If you want to learn more about staying safe in the bush—read on!
Avoid Being Seen
When you camp or bushcraft, you don’t want to be seen, by animals or by other people when it’s time to settle in for the night.
Camping Safety: How to Hide in the Bush Safely
- Don’t make noise by listening to loud music or talking on the phone
- Don’t use too bright lamps at night
- Only light a fire unless you need it for cooking/staying warm.
- NOTE: You should wear hunter orange while wandering in the bush during daylight to be visible to hunters. This is very important, especially during hunting season, because hunting accidents can happen.
Deter The Danger With a Dog
If you have a large dog, you can bring it along. This might prevent unpleasant encounters with wild animals such as coyotes (and a dog is always good company!). He or she will also deter shady people that might be nearby.
Set Up Barriers for Camping Safety
Additionally, you can secure your campsite by placing some barriers around it. For example, you can use fallen trees and thick bushes as barricades. You can also use camouflage netting or heavy-duty bird mesh. Even better: use a micro-cord to set a perimeter, and anyone who tries to pass it will trip over it and get entangled.
Use Trip Wires
Do you want to hear when something or someone is approaching you? Then you should set up tripwires around your perimeter. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy—if you have already used the micro-cord as in previous trips, you can add some bells or other metal bits that make noise.
Plan Your Response
But what if someone or something actually approaches you? Would you be able to hide until the threat is gone, or should you try to run or fight it? What would you do in the case of a grizzly bear attack? Or, if someone tried to hurt or kidnap you? Think about these scenarios and make plans for how you should react and defend yourself.
Self-Defense Tools for Camping Safety
One thing that could help you plan your responses is self-defense tools. Carefully consider self-defense laws in your state. Try to find some self-defense tools that are legal and easy to use, such as a Maglite torch that can serve as light and a tool to defend yourself.
Break Contact/Leave Quickly
Finally, keep in mind that you might have to leave your campsite, and you may need to do it quickly. So, don’t get too comfy. Always be ready to pack your most valuable things and leave. Sometimes, you might not have enough time to pack anything. In that case, forget about your belongings! You can buy new ones, and your safety should be your priority. Sleep with your shoes on so that you can move quickly, even in the middle of the night.
Connect With Nature & Observe Camping Safety Rules
When you plan your next camping or bushcraft trip, always have your personal safety in mind. Even if you are a seasoned camper, you can never pay too much attention to your safety and well-being. Have fun, bond with nature, and eat some marshmallows for me!
Be aware, and stay safe!
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