There are few things better than getting outdoors, stepping away from the stresses of everyday life, and truly enjoying all of what nature has to offer. Any camping enthusiast will tell you that there is just something magical and refreshing about exploring nature. Society has become so attached to technology, communication, and status that it becomes easy to forget how beneficial getting back to nature can be. However, whether you're looking to reconnect with the great outdoors, or are simply looking for a more efficient means to enjoy your exploration, there are a few tricks that every camper should know.
Nature can be breathtaking, but it can also be quite unforgiving. By staying informed and well educated, you can help ensure your safety, survival, and enjoyment is met. Aside from environmental dangers, nutrition is one of the leading causes of sickness, risk, and death amongst campers. To help ensure your nutritional needs are met while camping, this article will give you a few basic tips for all your drinking and eating needs.
Sanitation
In the modern, urban environment, sanitation isn't much of a concern. Everywhere you look, food and drink are either bottled, packaged, processed, or preserved. Even if you're preparing fresh foods, cooking and cleaning sources are always close by. However, this isn't always the case when it comes to nature. Bottled water brands may claim they get their “crystal clear” taste straight from the source, but the truth is, most natural water has to be filtered and processed before it is even safe for consumption. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to all food and drinks remaining as sanitary as possible.
Below you will find a few helpful devices that can help with sanitation:
- Portable water filters - No, these are not like the water filters you have at home. These portable filters are usually built into the bottle, and provide a way to quickly filter and clean your water while on-the-go.
- Portable gas cookers - These cookers are about the size of the average football. Tall, skinny, and cylindrical in nature, these gas cookers are typically made up of 1/2 gas canister and 1/2 lighter. These cookers are quick to disassemble, are easy to transport, and are perfect for cooking small amount of food or boiling un-sanitized water.
- Sanitation kits - From hand sanitizer and soap, to food containers and bathroom supplies, keeping your items sanitized can play a big role in keeping you healthy. Bring recyclable toiletries that you can safely dispose of. Use soap and hand sanitizer before ingesting any food or drink. And always keep your food safely sealed to prevent bugs, parasites, and animals from contaminating what you eat and drink. Many survival and sporting-goods stores now sell packaged sanitation kits that can cover all of these topics.
Nutrition
Aside from sanitation, proper nutrition can play a big role in your camping experience. Hiking requires an abundant amount of energy, and without proper nutrition, you could find yourself weak and stranded out in the middle of no-where. Nutritional supplements are available for campers looking to get the most out of a limited carrying capacity.
Protein and energy bars are a fantastic source of vitamins, minerals, and overall nutrients. Most bar supplements come fully sealed so preservation isn't required, and they're extremely portable, so hikers can save valuable space. Protein powders, such as those made from whey extract, are also an excellent source of nutrition. Maybe whey powders today come loaded with essential amino acids and peptides required to sustain prolonged muscle use and energy. Simply combine whey protein with water and you've got an excellent on-the-go meal supplement.
Freeze-dried food is another versatile option for campers. Most freeze-dried meals can be eaten directly from their containers, but some require a bit of water to be consumable. Either way, freeze-dried food and beverage supplements are a portable, healthy, and convenient solution for campers.
Finally, vitamins can also be an excellent source of nutrients. Hikers and campers alike don't always have the means to ingest all food sources required to maintain proper nutrition. Therefore, including some multivitamins in your camping arsenal can help even the playing field. Select a brand with vitamin C and B-6/12 to help boost your immune system, and kick your energy into overdrive.
Camping can be a great way to heal the body, mind, and soul, but without proper preparations, you could come back in worse shape than you left. However, by following the tips listed above, you can enjoy the most of what nature has to offer, all while ensuring your dietary needs are properly protected.