Happy camper

Camping gives us a chance to escape from our busy, modern lives and to savour the fresh air, the starry night skies, the sound of a crackling fire, and the quiet expanses of wilderness and wide-open spaces. Not to mention all of the fun activities: hiking, canoeing, roasting marshmallows, rolling up your pant legs to wade in riverbeds… Unfortunately, the camping experience can also be marred by accidents, injuries, bug bites, itchy rashes, and all manner of inconveniences, both big and small. A healthy, happy camper prepares for the worst and hopes for the best.

Weathering the weather

Dress in light, waterproof layers, so you can adapt to shifting weather patterns. Make sure to shelter your skin from the sun, even when it's shaded by clouds, by slathering on a good high-SPF sunscreen and wearing a hat. You'll be on your feet a lot, too, so wear comfy shoes to match the terrain.

Itches and injuries

Even the most surefooted hikers stumble now and then on rugged, ragged terrain. Bring along antiseptic to clean wounds, a topical antibiotic cream or ointment to help prevent infection in minor cuts or wounds as well as gauze and bandages of various sizes. Shield yourself with bug spray and weather-appropriate clothing that covers your skin. Also keep handy a pair of tweezers in case of ticks or splinters and an antihistamine to battle itches. Depending on where you're camping and hiking, you may also want to pack a snake-bite kit.

Food for fuel

Camping calls for loads of energy and an alert mind. Keep yourself and your fellow campers well-fed by packing plenty of healthy snacks in addition to the food you'll bring for meals. Think portable, low-waste foods like nuts, fruit, and granola bars. Bring more than enough of food, just in case. Water in streams and rivers may not be drinkable, so opt for bottled water. Safely stash your trash so you don't attract animals to your campsite.

Clever camper

Time to set up the tent? Seek level ground free of branches and rocks, fit for a campfire. Scan the site to make certain you haven't camped near a beehive or a wasps' nest. Once night falls keep a flashlight nearby and make sure to pack extra batteries. Be sure to put out the campfire before bedding down, dousing the flames with sand or dirt and checking for smoldering embers. Other camp-out musts you might forget: a lighter or matches, a map of the area, a compass, and a whistle (to blow on in case you get lost).