Spending time camping in the great outdoors has a myriad of benefits for people of all ages. In fact, a study by researchers at Liverpool John Moores University and Sheffield Hallam University found that out of 10,992 respondents, 48% of campers feel generally happy compared to just 35% of non-campers. The findings also suggest that campers have significantly higher levels of psychological, emotional, and social well-being. But before you take your family on a camping adventure to harness these benefits, there are some health and safety essentials you need to consider first. Below are four camping must-haves to ensure the well-being of every family member in Cheshire’s outdoor havens.
First aid kit
No matter how prepared you are, accidents can happen during a camping trip, especially if you have small children who can get caught up in the excitement. In any case, it’s best to be equipped with a first aid kit that contains aspirin, disposable non-latex gloves, hand sanitiser, antiseptic wipes, an antibacterial ointment, gauze, a variety of plasters, tweezers, instant cold packs, and a burn hydrogel. If any of your family members require it, don’t forget to pack an EpiPen as well in case of emergencies. Additionally, experts recommend using a transparent container that’s waterproof and air-tight. If you don’t already have a first aid kit, Lifesystems carries a Camping First Aid Kit that is fully stocked with what you may need.
Sun protection
Outdoor activities like camping and beach outings necessitate sun protection. Even on overcast days, applying sunscreen with SPF 30 is crucial to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. Sunglasses are also essential to protect your eyes from UV light, which can harm the eyelids, cornea, lens, and retina. Children are especially vulnerable because their lenses allow more UV radiation to penetrate compared to adults. Opt for sunglasses offering 100% UV protection, such as Ray-Ban’s Erika frames or Armani Exchange’s AX2040S model with polarised lenses to reduce glare and improve contrast. Vision Express also offers children’s sunglasses like the Ray-Ban RJ9069S frames, crafted from lightweight acetate. This ensures comfort and durability, on top of protecting your little one’s eyes from the sun.
Water filter
Summer is the best time to go camping in Cheshire when temperatures reach mild highs of 21°C. However, the warmer weather also entails an increased risk of dehydration, so make sure that you and your family are drinking plenty of water. The Hi-Gear Water Carrier is ideal for camping as it folds away flat when empty and can hold up to 15 litres of water. Meanwhile, if you’re planning on using water from freshwater sources, bring along a portable filter like the Platypus Gravity Filter 4.0L Water Filter. Water treatment is an important step that removes bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can otherwise make you and your family extremely sick.
Insect repellent
Coming across insects is a part of the outdoor camping experience, and in the UK, the most common pests are midges, mosquitoes, and wasps. Mozzies are particularly abundant during long, hot summers with shorter periods of rain. While we don’t have mosquito-borne diseases, their bites can be very itchy and painful. Fortunately, insect repellents formulated with diethyltoluamide (DEET) are quite effective in keeping insects at bay. To keep your family itch-free, opt for Jungle Formula’s Maximum Pump Spray, which contains 50% DEET and can protect you for up to nine hours. Since smoke is a natural insect repellent, you can also pack a citronella coil or candle.
From first aid kits to insect repellents, a camping trip is incomplete without health and safety essentials. Armed with these crucial outdoor gear, you can be sure that all future camping trips remain enjoyable for the whole family.