New at Camping - Help...Please!?

Question

I'm going camping at Devil's Bathtub (Central Sierra Nevadas, Near Edison Lake) soon...I'm an inexperienced camper. I'm going with my boyfriend and a friend who are experienced. My only camping experience consists of 3-4 days trips here and there, but as car camping, or in tent cabins. I've gone tent camping a few times, but only once in a secluded area - where I hiked in (2 miles, 1500ft. elevation gain) and only for one night. This trip is 4 mile hike - 3000 ft. elevation gain, and for 3 nights only. But hiking in makes me nervious, I don't enjoy being isolated - I worry the whole time that there might be an emergency, not really injury, but sickness and what would we do? Last time our cell phone worked and that was really comforting, but I don't know how to find out if this area has cell phone range? Also I'm not in great shape, but my boyfriend really wants me to go - and says he'll hike as slow as I want. Any tips to ease my troubled mind???

Answer 1

Most of the answers here are giving good advice but I just had to point out that "patches" is 100% WRONG about cell phones! If there is no tower near enough to allow communication, 911 WILL NOT WORK!!! Cell phones are not satellite phones. Even though some DO have GPS receiving capability, that does not extend in to any TRANSMITTING capability.

Answer 2

Make sure you have plenty of water.

Bring a few extra freeze dried meals in case you have a delay.

If you are that concerned about an emergency, bring an air horn of some type.

http://www.buyautotruckaccessories.com/p...

This is the first one I clicked on, but I'm sure that there are a number of good air horns.

Three rapid blasts is a signal for help and an air horn is pretty good at repelling the local wildlife. Pepper spray should be pretty effective against the lions and bears, too.

Just don't be messy when you eat and keep your food away from where you sleep.

Cell phones aren't reliable, but sometimes work. Just hike to the highest point that you can if you really need to make a call. I have made calls from many 'isolated' spots in California, but I'm not sure about your area.

I have found that the city is more dangerous than the outdoors.

Answer 3

Write down things that you think are essential and may be overlooked. Go over your list with your boyfriend to see if he has those items, if not, get them together yourself. Emergency items may be extra battery for your phone, first aid with Tylenol, gallon extra water, some power bars, extra batteries for the flashlight, things that you would want in your car in case of an emergency. These things you can leave in your car afterwards, and you will know you're covered there. Make sure you have things for your car in case of a flat, cables, a few tools, things like that. Don't forget hygiene items as well! Once you have seen how prepared your boyfriend is, and helped, perhaps that might alleviate some anxiety you have. Happy camping :D

Answer 4

Lots of good advice so far.  Here's a couple more:  Boy Scouts of all ages and fitness abilities do this stuff all the time, I've discovered.  They can do it because safety is #1 and they really are "prepared".  First rule:  tell someone who is NOT going with you all about your plans...where and when you expect to be at point A, point B, etc., and mostly when to expect you back, & how far past that time to call authorities.  Rule 2:  your most important safety device is your whistle.  Air horns are loud but can malfunction, yelling will eventually make your voice give out, etc.  All Boy Scouts carry a whistle with them on outdoor adventures.  Rule 3:  If you do get hurt/lost, stay put and use your whistle at regular intervals.  You can't be found if you keep moving locations (possibly into a previously searched and therefore "clear" search grid area), and you wont get better or heal faster by more blind traveling.  The rest of the tips here are good.  Hope these help some, too.

Answer 5

Be prepared, pack light and learn as much as you can about the area. Knowledge is power.

Here's a link to  a photo essay from someone that hiked to Devil's Bathtub last year. http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?me...

Also, REI has some good packing lists: http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/camping.

And, there are books out there about the Sierras that cover weather, altitude, wildlife, etc.

It looks like it's going to be a beautiful hike! Relax and enjoy!

Answer 6

Nothing going to happen if your safe! And if you love your boyfriend you should trust him and just have fun with him.  No worries!

Answer 7

You can always take your cell phone.Just because you do not have service does not mean you can not get help.All cell phones these days have a general locator built in to them.You may still be with out phone service,but I can assure you that if you dial 911 that you will be able to connect to 911.This locator, will give them a general location of your where abouts.I had this situation last xmas,very poor reception as well as location.Thank goodness I had my cell phone.this note comes to you from southern kenia peninsula,alaska

Answer 8

Just relax and take in the nature. If it makes you feel better then learn basic first aid and some survival techniques.