Tips To Enjoy Camping Even If You Have An Injury

Camping is a favorite activity by many adventurers because it’s fun regardless of your expertise level. Beginners and advanced campers can go on trips together without compromising on the excitement and anticipation factors.

You can even go camping even if you have an injury like back pain or a broken leg. The fresh air and interaction with nature can do wonders for your health and recovery. Your physical situation shouldn’t be a hindrance unless your doctor recommends that you stay at home. You just have to bring the necessary equipment and be mindful of your actions, so you don’t aggravate the injury or the soreness that you’re feeling.

Here are some tips to help you enjoy camping even if you have an injury:

1. Bring a Specialized Camping Chair

Since your physical activities should be limited to low-impact ones and those that won’t exacerbate your injury, be prepared to spend a lot of time sitting down. However, this doesn’t need to be a tedious task because you can use this opportunity for meditation.

A specialized camping chair is valuable, whether you’re experiencing back pains or knee and ankle injuries. Find the best camping chair for bad back by reading reviews and checking out guides on the factors that you should look out for, like support and adjustability.

2. Invest in an Insulated Sleeping Pad

Aside from your sleeping bag and tent, a sleeping pad is also an essential camping accessory. It provides additional warmth and support for your body to give you a good night’s rest every time. It’ll give you so much comfort that you’ll feel as if you’re on your king-sized bed instead of sleeping under the stars.

There are two types of sleeping pads:

  • Air Pads – This one is lightweight and inflatable, which makes carrying it to and from your campsite more manageable. However, you have to remember that it can get punctured by rocks and other sharp objects.
  • Foam Pads – Closed-cell foam pads are less expensive while providing you with the same level of insulation. Plus, they don’t get damaged easily. One disadvantage, though, is that it’s bulkier than air pads.

Top factors to consider when choosing a sleeping pad:

  • Size – Find one that accommodates your size, especially if you’re taller than six feet.
  • Material – The sleeping pad you purchase must be made of heat-reflective material. Also, look for one that doesn’t make crunching noises as you move because the sound can be annoying to you and others.
  • Comfort – Ensure a good night’s sleep during your camping time by trying out your sleeping pads before you buy them. Your comfort is the most crucial factor to consider when choosing camp accessories and equipment.

3. Don’t Forget Your Medication

Nature walks are one of the best family bonding activities that people of all ages can enjoy. Don’t let your pain stop you from spending quality time with your loved ones.

Always bring medication with you when you go on overnight or extended trips. Some people even recommend packing for worst-case scenarios, which means taking as many pain meds as you can just to be on the safe side.

This is particularly true for those who suffer from chronic pain because you can’t always predict when your bad days will come. Make sure that the meds you bring along are sufficient for the entire duration of the trip, just in case you experience the symptoms daily.

4. Pack Static Entertainment

As mentioned above, your physical activities can be limited when you camp with an injury. Aside from bringing a specialized chair and pain meds, you should also pack entertainment that can keep you occupied for a long time.

Books are ideal companions in the solitude of the forest. You can bring your e-book reader, but remember that you might not be able to get to a power source frequently.

Crossword and Sudoku puzzles are also great static entertainment ideas. If you enjoy drawing, camping is the best time to shake off the dust on your skills and sketch nature in all its glory.

5. Learn Stretching Exercises

You’ll definitely experience some soreness upon arriving in your camp area, especially if you had to walk from the parking lot to the site. Equip yourself with the knowledge on how to do proper stretching exercises for warming up and cooling down your muscles to prevent aggravating your injuries.

Some Other Helpful Tips

The list of tips below will keep your camping safe and enjoyable.

If you’ve never gone camping before, you might be wondering if it’s safe, and that question is quite reasonable.

Even though camping is a wonderful hobby, there are several precautions you can take to keep yourself safe whether you go for a fun-filled weekend or an exciting week-long excursion. For additional information on how to make the most of your next campaign trip while keeping everyone safe and comfortable, read the following camping safety instructions.

1. Select the Appropriate Site and Shelter

Consider your age, physical limits, and medical requirements, as well as those of everyone else in your group, while choosing the correct sort of shelter and camping spot. If you’re camping in a tent, as opposed to a cabin or RV, you’ll have access to different facilities, so consider what equipment you’ll need based on your site preference.

For instance, although sleeping in a tent may need bringing an inflatable mattress, sleeping bag, or other amenities, camping in a cabin will equip you with complete mattresses and bunk beds.

2. Stay Up-to-date with the Weather

Prior to your travel, make sure to monitor the weather forecast. We all know that the weather may change in an hour, therefore it’s important to prepare for bad weather like rain, snow, and extreme heat and humidity. To be proactive, 33% of campers schedule their vacations one month in advance.

3. Pack and Store Food Safely

Food left out unattended, such as on picnic tables or other unsecured areas, increases the likelihood of attracting wildlife. Pack your food in secure, waterproof containers and keep them chilled in a cooler to avoid unwelcome encounters with animals. Wash your hands after handling raw food, and keep cooked food away from uncooked food. Make sure you’re following the right food safety procedures because one in six Americans gets sick from eating tainted food each year.

4. Practice Campfire Safety

Fires should be kept at least 15 feet away from tent walls, plants, and trees inside your campsite. Your fire should be kept small and controlled in a certain location, such as a fire pit. Additionally, you need never ever leave a fire unattended. Always keep a pail of water handy, extinguish the fire before leaving or retiring, and make sure all the embers, not just the red ones, are submerged.

5. Use Inset Protection

Use insect repellent that doesn’t dissolve quickly in water to protect yourself against mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects. Make sure to regularly examine your body for ticks, especially in concealed locations. To prevent direct contact with insects when trekking, long sleeves and long pants are also advised. Place your clothing in the dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes after a hike or other outdoor exercise to kill any ticks that may have made their way home on your clothing.

6. Be Aware of Allergies

A wise method to be ready for any unexpected interactions is to pack prescriptions for any known sensitivities you may have. Keep a first aid box close by and keep an eye out for symptoms like lightheadedness, hard breathing, and swelling around bites or other areas where plants or insects may have come into touch with your skin.

7. Protect Your Skin from the Sun

We frequently mistakenly believe that UV rays are missing during gloomy days, however they may still badly burn your skin. The sun’s rays are at their greatest during the middle of the day; you may shield yourself from them by finding shade, donning a hat, or putting on sunglasses. We advise wearing lip protection and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15.

8. Stay Hydrated

Drinking water often throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty, is the best way to stay hydrated. This is different from drinking only when you feel thirsty. At the very least, a 3- to 5-day supply of bottled water should be included in an emergency bag. You may already be dehydrated if you feel thirsty.

9. Watch Out for Wildlife

Unwanted wildlife can be avoided by storing your food in a vehicle, a bear-safe container, or a food storage locker. If you do come into contact with any animals, be careful not to touch or feed them. Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol or soap and water to wash your hands.

10. Have Fun and Remain Alert

While camping may be enjoyable, it’s important to pay attention to your body’s demands and how it responds to the surroundings. Limit your alcohol consumption, be alert, and get enough of sleep. Enjoy the outdoors and have fun with your fellow campers; over the past three years, around 3.4 million new U.S. families have started camping.

Conclusion

You can help alleviate the pain you feel from minor injuries by communing with nature. Go camping and experience the benefits of breathing in the fresh air as well as interacting with the animals.

Just make sure to bring a specialized camping chair, sleeping bag and pad, your pain meds, and static entertainment. Learn how to do proper stretching exercises as well to get your body.