Bug bites, poison plants, wildlife safety, first aid, and water purification.
The most reliable way to keep mosquitoes off you while camping is to combine skin-applied repellent (DEET or picaridin), treated clothing and gear (permethrin), and a physical barrier (net or screen tent) when you’re asleep or sitting still. Most campers get bitten because they rely on only one of these layers—usually a spray on their…
The best insect repellent for camping depends on how long you’ll be outside, what bugs you’re facing, and whether you can afford to damage gear. For most campers, 20% picaridin is the sweet spot—nearly as effective as DEET against mosquitoes and ticks, odorless, and safe on tents and sleeping pads. If you’re heading into heavy…
The moment you feel that telltale itch, clean the bite with soap and water, apply a cold pack for 10 minutes, and reach for an anti-itch cream containing 1% hydrocortisone or pramoxine. That combination stops the itch quickly and reduces the urge to scratch — your single biggest risk for turning a minor bite into…
The most effective way to prevent bug bites while camping isn’t the repellent you apply at the campsite — it’s the pretreatment of gear and clothing hours before you leave. Most campers grab a single spray at the last minute and wonder why they still get eaten. A three-layer system — repellent, clothing, and campsite…
You spot a red, swollen mark on your arm after gathering firewood. The short answer: clean the area, apply a cold compress, elevate the limb, monitor for symptoms, and evacuate only if you develop muscle cramps, breathing trouble, or redness spreading beyond a 4-inch diameter. Treating a spider bite correctly while camping starts with confirming…
A mosquito net only works if it stays off your skin, seals at the bottom, and uses mesh fine enough to block the bugs in your area. Most camping nets fail on at least one of those three points. Here’s what to look for and which product fits your setup. Quick answer Buy a hanging…
Only a handful of natural mosquito repellents have measurable scientific backing. Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) and its synthetic version PMD are the most effective plant-based options, matching low- to mid-strength DEET for many conditions. Citronella, lemongrass, and other essential oils provide very short protection (under 20 minutes in lab tests) and frequently fail in…
Spraying your clothes with permethrin creates a fabric-bound barrier that kills ticks, mosquitoes, and other biting insects on contact. The treatment lasts through multiple washes and stays effective for weeks. Here’s how to apply it correctly, what to expect for duration, and the safety rules that matter — plus the one mistake that ruins coverage…
Thirst is actually a late sign. By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already mildly dehydrated. While camping, the combination of sun, exertion, and limited water access can accelerate fluid loss faster than you expect. The short answer: stop activity, get to shade, and drink small amounts of water or an electrolyte solution every 10–15…
Blisters are the most common foot injury on the trail, and they can sideline you fast if not handled correctly. The short answer: catch a hot spot at the first second of tenderness, protect it before it blisters, and if a blister does form, drain it only under clean conditions with sterile tools. The most…
