Tenting within the mountains is a improbable journey that you need to completely take. From means up excessive, you’ll be capable to entry wonderful climbing trails, play in mountain streams, and see some animals that don’t are inclined to make their means right down to the larger human civilizations.
All that stated, there are some stuff you want to remember with a purpose to be correctly ready for tenting within the mountains. Right here we share our high mountain tenting ideas so you possibly can go in prepared for regardless of the mountains could throw your means.
Discover a Nice Website
First, you’ll wish to discover an superior campsite. Relying on the place you’re planning to have your mountain tenting journey, you’ll doubtless discover that there are a variety of choices out there, from primitive dispersed campsites to full-fledged RV parks.
Our high choose for tenting within the mountains? Forest Service campsites. If tenting in a nationwide forest is a chance, that is what we advocate doing. You may both discover a longtime campground run by the forest service or select to move out into one of many dispersed tenting areas. Try RV LIFE Campgrounds to see some nice choices.
Both means, you’ll be handled to beautiful surroundings and really low (and even no) tenting charges.
Obtain a Map
In the event you’re heading right into a nationwide forest (and even simply into the mountains, actually) you might be very doubtless headed into a really distant space. That is superior for tenting as a result of it means little noise, unimaginable evening skies, and sure extra wildlife. That stated, it additionally tends to imply little to no cell sign.
Because of this, we extremely advocate downloading your instructions or map onto your GPS earlier than you allow house. The RV LIFE app is ideal for this and can simply information you to your campsite whether or not or not you might have cell service.
Know How you can Drive in Mountains
Driving within the mountains might be tough enterprise, particularly in a big automobile like an RV. Because of this, it’s a good suggestion to do a little bit of finding out earlier than you allow house to make sure you know easy methods to deal with the steep grades in your rig.
Account for Altitude Illness
Angle illness is, sadly, a really actual factor. Not everybody will likely be affected by it, however should you haven’t hung out at excessive altitudes prior to now and also you aren’t positive whether or not you’ll get sick or not, it’s finest to organize for the worst and hope for the perfect.
Our greatest recommendation is to keep away from planning something for the primary day or two of your journey with a purpose to give your physique time to regulate. It’s additionally a good suggestion to pack loads of ibuprofen or acetaminophen—in addition to anti-nausea meds—to take as wanted.
In the event you do find yourself with altitude illness, remember to keep effectively hydrated (see beneath) and get plenty of relaxation till you get better.
Drink A lot of Water
That leads us to our subsequent tip: Keep hydrated. This one is tremendous vital so be certain you bear in mind it, even if you’re out climbing and having a grand outdated time.
You see, it’s quite a bit simpler to turn into dehydrated when at excessive altitudes. This reality, mixed with the truth that you’ll doubtless be having enjoyable and distracted from consuming water, might be a recipe for catastrophe. Add in the truth that you may need restricted entry to water and the issue may simply get much more out of hand.
Pack loads of water (particularly should you’ll be dry tenting), carry water bottles all over the place, and put a jug of water or two within the tow automobile or dinghy for refills.
Put together for Low Oxygen Ranges
Altitude illness and dehydration aren’t the one bizarre issues that occur when excessive within the mountains; there’s additionally quite a bit much less oxygen up there. What does this imply for you? Properly, it implies that you’ll most likely have a more durable time respiration and may end up panting after solely delicate exercise. You may also expertise dizzy spells should you push your self too arduous.
That is simply one more reason to put low for the primary couple of days of your journey. Keep away from taking strenuous hikes or bike rides throughout this time, and as an alternative spend the time stress-free at your campsite and absorbing the great thing about the realm. This can give your physique time to regulate in order that respiration is a bit simpler.
Don’t Rely on Propane
These low oxygen ranges don’t simply have an effect on us people. You may also discover that your propane home equipment have issue working correctly within the mountains. It is because these propane flames want oxygen to maintain going, and there isn’t at all times sufficient to go round up there. This may be an particularly huge drawback in case you are boondocking and relying on a propane fridge and stovetop.
One of the best ways to unravel this drawback? Have a backup plan. A high-quality cooler will preserve your meals chilly simply in addition to a propane fridge, and it doesn’t require oxygen to run. So far as cooking goes, take into account packing an electrical equipment when you’ve got a solution to run it whereas off-grid. In any other case, you possibly can at all times use the campfire.
Observe: Campfires might also have a tough time lighting, particularly should you’re utilizing a lighter, which can or could not work. Nonetheless, should you use matches, a starter log, and a whole lot of persistence, you need to be capable to get an honest flame going.
Regulate the Generator
Final however not least, we should point out your RV’s generator. When you have an RV generator that you just plan on utilizing whereas tenting within the mountains, you will want to regulate it to work at elevation. Happily, that is simple sufficient to do.
Most mills have a small knob that may be turned to the proper elevation. Do that earlier than making an attempt to start out the genny, and so long as you aren’t larger up than the best setting permits, it ought to run in the course of your journey with out subject, even in case you are within the mountains.
There you might have it, our high ideas for tenting within the mountains. Use these the following time you head to excessive elevations and have a tremendous time exploring!
