Camping In The Post-Quarantine Era: How To Keep Yourself Safe

Ahh, the great outdoors. How we’ve missed you. Like, terribly.

Now I don’t know about you guys, but after months of being cooped up inside trying to stay safe from a virus that certainly has no business doing this much damage in 2020, a lot of us are just about ready for a little time away from home. And what better way to do that than to spend some time outside in nature?

Easily one of the most famous recreational activities that one can do, hiking and camping is enjoyed by millions and millions of people all over the world, and is a good way to get some proper exercise while also boosting your mental and emotional health.

But don’t pack in that tent just yet, as there are some things that you need to know before you camp again in this “new normal.” For one thing, we have some good news for you, because camping is truly-risk activity, which means that it’s generally one of the safer bouts to do. But between the bugs, the lack of a proper toilet, and a looming pandemic, there are still some rules that you have to follow in order to make your trip worthwhile and more enjoyable.

With that, here are some preparations you can follow to ensure the scariest thing you encounter in your trip is the scary story your friend John has been aching to tell… or his burnt BBQ. Here you go:

1. Camp during the week

First off, go for the path less travelled and camp during the weekdays instead of the weekends if you can. This way, there are sure to be fewer crowds around because most people will be off doing weekday things… like work. Furthermore, the attractions in and around the campground will also be quieter, and nothing says “nature-time” than camping in a spot where there are so many people… NOT. And hey, you get all the trails to yourself!

Alternatively, make sure to have a few choices for camping spots to ensure that you can easily move to another spot if the first one is crowded. Avoid drop-in bookings as well, and don’t go where everyone else already goes.

2. Don’t forget your mask!

You may be out in the air, but so is that pesky virus. As such, safety rules and CDC recommendations still apply: if camping with other people can’t be avoided, make sure you mask u, and follow social distancing guidelines. Mask when it’s sensible, and mask when there are other people near you.

Thankfully, you also have other options if you’d rather not bring your disposable masks in the woods. You can wear a buff or a bandana instead, which can also double as a cover from the harsh sun. They’re also good for more ventilation. In any case, just make sure you always have appropriate facial cover when you need it.

3. Make a hygiene pack

Being in nature absolutely doesn’t mean that you’ll have to live like a caveman, so make sure to make a hygiene pack to keep yourself clean out there. Make sure it has all the essentials as well, such as alcohol, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, some bug spray, soap, and an extra pack of M&Ms. That last one is totally optional.

Additionally, also make an emergency pack that contains a first-aid kit and other essentials to be extra prepared. Polish up on your emergency preparedness as well, such as consulting with local authorities, learning about evacuation routes, and knowing what to do in case of disasters like storms.

4. Bring the right gear with you

Speaking of packing, make sure that you bring the right gear with you. After all, who goes camping in tennis shoes? Not you, that’s for sure.

Now, there are two ways to go about this. If you’re a seasoned camper and you already have a good supply of hiking and camping equipment then you’re basically good to go. However, if you’re more of a casual camper and the best you have is a tent that has only been ever used in your backyard, then you can make use of rental services like Arrive Outdoors to get all the best gear available for a much lower cost.

Having already been featured in multiple publications like Forbes and the Wall Street Journal, Arrive Outdoors specializes in renting premium hiking gear and equipment from big brands (Adidas, Nikon, The North Face etc.) to ensure nothing but the best quality. This includes essentials like camping cookware, hiking footwear, and hiking backpacks to more specific needs like sunglasses, binoculars, and portable chargers.

Arrive Outdoors delivers anywhere within the U.S. without the need for a monthly subscription and for a much lower price than other retailers. Best of all, the company also works with National Parks and campsites, and can even help you book the best and safest spots.

Learn more about the company here, and immediately up your hiking game.

5. Play it safe

We know you’ve been planning that epic cliff drop all year, but now is just not the time to do it. Remember that if you end up needing help in a remote area, you’ll also be putting search and rescue or local responders at risk. So make sure you don’t take any unnecessary risks.

Instead, opt for safer and more general activities, such as hiking, fishing, relaxing by the lake, or even mountain biking, if you have the gear for it.

6. Enjoy!

Lastly, have fun. Really, have fun. Lots of it. When 2020 first entered, none of us knew that we’ll be facing a global pandemic that will keep us all cooped up just a couple months later. So use this downtime to breathe in some fresh air and shake off the isolation and cabin fever that we’re sure a lot of us are experiencing.

Research proves that spending time in nature is good for our physical and mental well-being, so set up that tent, start a fire for your s’mores, and enjoy the peace and quiet in good ol’ Mother Nature. Sometimes, this is all we really need… just make sure cousin John doesn’t tell his stinky ghost story again.

Happy camping!