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By Maiden Bernaldez, Contributor
Whether your summer vacation takes you
beachcombing, island-hopping, mountain trekking... etc, here are
some tips to make you a true survivor, whoever said to pack light
was mistaken, these tips will make your trip more enjoyable and they
just might save your life.
Pack smart—Have a durable bag so you would be
prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at you. Also, don’t
leave home without the essentials: flashlight, map, compass, extra
food and clothing, sunglasses, first aid supplies, pocket knife,
waterproof matches, fire starter and baby wipes (to wash your
hands).
Conserve fuel—Cool your jets. Unless you are
trying to launch the space shuttle (or your dinner), running your
camp stove on full power all the time is a waste of fuel.
Stay hydrated—Watch your pee for cues. If your
body is producing relatively clear urine five times a day, your
fluid intake is fine. Cloudy or dark urine means you need to drink
more—at least two liters per day. No, Hawaiian Punch does not
count. Neither does beer.
Be kind to your footwear—Invest in a pair of
good boots. Don’t dry wet boots in front of a fire unless you plan
to eat them. Can you say barbecued boots?
Be fashionably rational—Mosquitoes are
naturally attracted to darker colors. When hiking, keep covered and
wear light colors. Buy a comfy pair of shoes and garb.
Take it easy—Skip the death march. Learn to
relax and enjoy the quiet moments while camping. Your family and
friends will soon learn to avoid your camping trips if all you do is
schedule grueling hikes, early rising and constant activity.
Tent testing—Set up your tent once before
leaving for your trip. Ever try and set up a tent in the dark and
forget how? Or, discover that a mouse has set up house over the
winter and the tent looks like Swiss cheese? Hold a practice
assembly in your back yard to get the routine down. Another tip: try
color-coding tent poles by size with colored tape to make assembly
quicker and easier.
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