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Recently, looking through WeChat Moments and Xiaohongshu, the feeds are full of camping, hiking, and self-driving tour content. Watching young women lay out beautiful picnic blankets and arrange exquisite picnic boxes in the wild certainly creates a nice ambiance. But honestly, as a veteran outdoor enthusiast, seeing this "glamping" content makes me quite concerned.

Do you know? Just last year, I saw a couple sharing their camping experience on social media, equipped with all sorts of aesthetically pleasing gear, but when I carefully looked at their camping location, I couldn't help but gasp - that place was known for wild boar activity. This made me realize that many young people today pursue the "aesthetics" of outdoor activities while ignoring basic safety issues.

As someone who has been doing outdoor activities for ten years, I deeply feel that outdoor survival skills are truly essential core skills for modern young people. I'm not saying you need to become a professional adventurer like Bear Grylls, but you should at least know how to protect yourself and make outdoor activities both fun and safe.

Why It's Important

At this point, some might think I'm making a mountain out of a molehill. After all, with today's advanced outdoor equipment, isn't bringing a tent, sleeping bag, and stove enough?

However, the reality is that rescue data from 2023 shows outdoor emergencies increased by 67% year-over-year. Behind this number are countless concerning stories. For instance, last year in a national forest park, there was a frightening incident.

A young couple, wanting to check off a popular internet route, set off with just fashionable backpacks. Their equipment list included a tent, picnic blanket, and photo props, but lacked basic essentials like a compass and emergency food. When they encountered heavy rain, they had no phone signal and got lost in the vast forest. For 48 hours, they were stranded in the wild, surviving on wild fruits they found. Though they were eventually rescued, this experience left an indelible mark on them.

Actually, there are many similar cases. Just the year before, I encountered a group of college students who had packed a whole box of snacks and beer but didn't bring even a simple first aid kit. More worryingly, they planned to camp on the mountaintop without knowing how cold the temperature would drop at night.

These examples tell us that in the outdoors, even the best equipment can't make up for a lack of basic skills. It's like driving - having a luxury car doesn't mean you know how to drive. The same goes for outdoor activities - you must master basic survival skills to truly have fun and stay safe.

Basic Preparation

Pre-departure Homework

I remember making many mistakes when I first started outdoor activities. The most memorable was my first camping experience, when I nearly got into big trouble because I didn't understand the destination environment at all.

It was an early summer weekend, and my friends and I chose what looked like a perfect hillside for camping. The terrain was gentle, with open views - it seemed perfect. But shortly after setting up our tent, we suddenly discovered numerous hornets flying around. We had unknowingly pitched our tent near a large hornet nest.

That feeling of panic is unforgettable. We had to hastily pack up at dusk and evacuate overnight. Since then, I've understood the importance of doing "homework." Before each trip, I spend time researching detailed information about the destination.

This includes: local climate characteristics (temperature variations across seasons, precipitation patterns), terrain features (whether there are dangerous sections, mobile phone signal coverage), wildlife distribution (common dangerous animals in the area), plant characteristics (distribution of poisonous plants), etc.

Speaking of plants, I must mention an interesting example. In North America, there's a plant called "poison oak" that looks ordinary, even cute. But if you accidentally touch it, it causes severe allergic reactions. The skin becomes red, blistered, and unbearably itchy - severe cases require medical attention. This plant is very common in some areas, but many people can't identify it.

Therefore, understanding local plant characteristics is really important. My habit now is to research guides of common poisonous plants in new areas before visiting, saving their photos on my phone for reference when needed.

Besides the natural environment, the local cultural environment is also important. For example, are special permits required? Are there any special local regulations? Where is the nearest medical facility? This information might prove crucial in critical moments.

Equipment Checklist

Regarding equipment, my motto is: Better to bring too much than too little. But here, "much" refers to variety rather than quantity.

For me personally, I always bring these basic equipment items:

First, regarding clothing. A good waterproof and windproof jacket is essential - it can protect you in bad weather. I remember once encountering a sudden downpour in the mountains; fortunately, I was wearing a professional waterproof jacket and didn't get soaked. Additionally, thermal underwear is important because temperature variations outdoors are often greater than expected.

Second are tools. A multi-tool is one of my most valued pieces of equipment. It's not just for cutting rope and preparing food - in emergencies, it can be used to make simple tools. Fire-starting tools are also essential; I usually prepare both waterproof matches and a fire starter, just in case.

Regarding safety equipment, a first aid kit is crucial. Besides regular bandages and disinfectant, my first aid kit includes special items based on the destination, such as anti-snake bite medication or sunscreen. A compass and map are navigation essentials - even with phone GPS, these traditional tools remain indispensable backup options.

Lighting tools are also key. I carry a main flashlight plus a small backup light, along with several sets of spare batteries. These might add a few hundred grams of weight, but their value is immeasurable in the dark wilderness.

Rope is another often overlooked but actually important piece of equipment. A good climbing rope can be used not only for building shelter but also for self-rescue in dangerous situations. I usually carry a 50-meter main rope plus several shorter auxiliary ropes.

Finally, water purification tools. I carry both a portable water filter and purification tablets, ensuring safe drinking water even if water source problems arise. Though these equipment items total 3-4 kg, they're all proven necessities that could be lifesaving tools in critical moments.

[Due to length limitations, I will send this in two parts. This is the first part, please let me know if you need the second part.]