| Before you head out on that first camping, hiking, | | | | sick. Check the equipment to be sure the valves |
| or backpacking trip of the season, there are | | | | are not leaking and still work properly. Any |
| some things you should do first. Â You should plan | | | | rubber seals that show wear should be replaced |
| ahead, be prepared and stocked up ahead of | | | | and cooking surfaces should be clean. Â This is also |
| time, not only with your supplies, but also with | | | | the right time to check your backpacks, ice |
| your equipment. Â Having a checklist and making | | | | chests, and cooking utensils, a can opener, which |
| sure you have everything you need before you | | | | is one of the most commonly forgotten items. |
| leave will help ensure an enjoyable and safe | | | | Plates, cups, pots pans, staples like napkins, trash |
| outing. Â Here are just a few of many tips I | | | | bags, salt and pepper, you get the idea. |
| consider useful. | | | | Whether you are hiking, backpacking or on a |
| Â Â Â First, before you go hiking or camping, make | | | | camping trip, there are some items that you |
| sure that all your equipment is in good working | | | | should always have. One of them is a well |
| order. Start by setting up your tent in the back | | | | stocked first aid kit. While ideally you don't want |
| yard. Â Make sure all of the stakes are still there | | | | to get injured, you still have to be prepared. |
| and that the poles are not bent or broken. Â For | | | | Â Even a slight nick or cut can get infected if not |
| the spring pole dome style tents, make sure that | | | | sanitized and taken care of right away. Â At the |
| the poles themselves aren't splitting and that the | | | | very least your first aid supplies should include |
| ends fit securely. Â While your tent is up, check | | | | antiseptic wipes, band aids, and some sterile gauze |
| for any rips or tears, and this would also be a | | | | pads. It is also a good idea to have some kind |
| good time to apply a sealer to the seams. | | | | of compass when on a hike, a highly reflective |
| Â Attempting to stop leaks while it's raining is no | | | | surface for signaling, and a good old fashion flint |
| fun. On more than one occasion the rain has run | | | | and steel kit. |
| me out of my tent to my vehicle. Unroll sleeping | | | | Prior to heading out on your trip, you should |
| bags, and check the seams, zippers, and inner | | | | check out the weather forecast before you go, |
| liner as well as the outer jacket. Repair any rip's | | | | and even if it is supposed to be nice, bring at |
| or tears as needed. Take care of your | | | | least one extra set of clothes, a waterproof |
| equipment and it will take care of you. | | | | jacket, and extra socks.  If at all possible bring |
| Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | | | | along a battery operated weather radio and stay |
| The next thing you need to do is check any | | | | up to date on weather. It is a well known fact |
| cooking equipment you intend to use.  When not | | | | that weather can change on a moment's notice. |
| operating properly, stoves or other cooking | | | | The least bit of preparation could save your life. |
| equipment can be fire hazards or make you | | | | |