Bear Safety Guide For Camping In The Southwest United States

When camping in southwestern parts of the nation, it is important to keep bear safety in mind. The most common species in this region is the black bear. It inhabits many wooded areas and may live near rivers in arid locales. These tips can help you stay safe:

1. This large brown or black animal usually comes in contact with humans when convenient food sources are located nearby. It normally avoids humans unless it becomes familiar with them. To prevent this, cooperate with fellow campers to eliminate any food sources.

2. If you camp with pets, do not leave cat or dog food outside where wild animals can find it. Make sure the bears cannot easily access water bowls or bags full of trash. Avoid camping near any fruit-bearing trees or gardens that could attract a hungry bear.

3. Black bears climb well, so a fence must measure six feet or taller to deter them. Some fences provide surfaces they can easily grip. Outdoor lights usually will not prevent this animal from entering a camping area.

4. When you see a distant bear, change direction to avoid it. Never run away from this animal or it will chase you. If it comes in contact with you, do your best to behave calmly and back up at a slow pace.

5. It is rare for a black bear to act aggressively. If one attacks you, use any weapons you have available. Pepper sprays or stones may prove helpful. As soon as possible, contact the local authorities for emergency assistance.

6. If you feel the need to shoot a bear, remember this is only legal in some situations. Arizona permits it when bears endanger humans, farm animals are killed or gun owners obtain the appropriate hunting license. Do not use a firearm near someone else’s home unless it is absolutely necessary.

Basically, it is wise to avoid providing any convenient sources of food or water on your campsite. A carefully selected camping location can also enhance bear safety. Remember to exercise extreme caution and try to avoid direct contact.

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Tips For Choosing A Camping Tent

Choosing a camping tent can be a hard task given the large number of tents on the market. To make this task easier, here are tips for choosing a camping tent:

Sleeping Capacity

Choose a tent that can accommodate the number of people you would be willing to accommodate while on a camping trip. The sleeping capacity of tents varies from one to as many as eight people. Check the manufacturer’s label for information on number of people a tent can accommodate.

Design

Design is an important factor one should consider when buying a tent. Design touches on aspects such as floor space, doors, storage options, and height. For instance, floor space dimensions allow one to determine how many people can fit inside a tent as well as available space for storing personal effects. If you are planning to go camping in winter or during a rainy season, go for a tent with enough space to stand and turn without bumping into another person or the roof.

Waterproof Capability

A tent should keep you and any other person sleeping inside dry. To keep the inside of a tent dry, manufacturers use waterproof coatings like silicone, polyurethane, or a mixture of both. In addition, they use numerical figures, which range anywhere from 1200mm to 3000mm, to show the capability of a tent to keep inhabitants dry. In general, the higher this figure, the better a tent is in terms of waterproof capability. For instance, 2000mm means your tent’s fabric can prevent a water column 2000mm tall from seeping through.

Material

Most tents are made of synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon. In fact, the upper part of a tent, the canopy, is usually made of tough, nylon material. Before buying a tent, check the denier value of its nylon fabric. In essence, a higher denier value denotes a heavier and stronger the nylon fabric and vice versa. Polyester fabrics are usually reserved for the rainfly or floor. Nevertheless, you will come across tents with polyester fabric canopies and nylon fabric floors or various combinations of synthetic materials.

Some of the important factors to consider when choosing a camping tent include the sleeping capacity, material, waterproof capability, and design.

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Ready To Go Camping? Read This First

There are three common types of camping; tent, RV and cabin rental. Each of these types of camping can be great fun. No matter the type of camping trip you plan to take, you need to prepare for just about anything. Read the guide below to learn how to make your camping trip as enjoyable as it can possibly be.

When you are planning a camping adventure, make sure you pack the appropriate clothing for your trip. Check the weather forecast and bring the clothing that will be needed on your trip. If it is going to be cold, make sure you have the appropriate coats, gloves, and shoes. Remember to also pack a rain poncho no matter what the weather forecast predicts.

Before you start out on that relaxing camping trip, it is essential for your safety to make sure to let someone know you are going. Give a friend or neighbor the name of the campsite if you are using one. If you are headed out on a less structured trip, give your contact a general idea of where you are headed and a timeline for your return. If something goes wrong, there will be someone to know where to look for you.

Practice makes perfect when pitching a tent. Take the time to put the tent up before leaving for your trip. This allows you to build your proficiency at erecting the tent, and will also help locate any issues with the tent in case you need to exchange it for a better option.

This guide can help a camper of any level find new ways to prepare for their camping trip. Use it as you plan your next excursion and you are sure to have the time of your life! Plan, prepare and enjoy your very next camping trip this coming camping season.