First Aid Kits and Training

Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere.   This is no more apparent than when camping.  The very nature and location of camping activities presents situations outside our normal day-to-day lives where we may very well incur injuries that need more than some first aid spray and a Bandaid -- and professional medical help may be many miles and/or hours away.  Many outdoor activities carry a risk of serious injury.  Even if we are careful, wear proper safety equipment, keep our equipment in good condition, and are experienced and take proper precautions, "stuff" happens.  Because many if not most camping activities occur in remote locations, having good first aid skills is essential to deal effectively with injuries since emergency medical services will probably some distance away.   Proper first aid can prevent additional trauma and sometimes can, literally, be life saving.  You can never have too much first aid training and practice.   Keep your skills and certifications up to date by participating in regular training exercises and classes.  Recommended procedures are updated quite regularly.  Sometimes knowing what NOT to do is as important as knowing what TO do.  First aid supplies and training will also come in handy in any kind of disaster situation -- at home, at work, or on the road.  Being adequately prepared for camping and exercising your training will help you be ready for emergencies at home.

Proper preparation involves two main ingredients:  good first aid skills and proper resources, such as a good first aid kit and appropriate supplies.  You will need both of these in order to deal with medical emergencies on the trail or in camp or during an emergency at home.  But even with both of these, the most important thing of all is to keep a cool head.   If you panic, your ability to help yourself and others will be substantially diminished.  Maintaining your cool when a loved one is severely injured is not easy.  Even the sight of a stranger's wounds may cause you to cringe or even become physically ill.   Proper training and preparation will make it easier for you to get past the gore and screaming and focus on what to do.   It isn't going to help your victim if you scream 'Oh My God!' and turn away or throw up.  No matter how bad it looks to you, do your best to stay calm and do whatever is within your power and training to assist.

You can buy a good first aid kit at just about any camping, sporting goods, pharmacy, or department store.  There are many brands, styles, and sizes to choose from.  The kit you need depends on the kinds of activities you and your associates will be involved in, the number of people involved, and the kind of injuries you might expect.   Small, simple first aid kits that fit in your pocket and basic skills are adequate for minor personal injuries -- small cuts and scrapes, minor burns, blisters.  These are usually adequate for simple outings like picnicking, camping, and hiking. You can sometimes even pick these up at "dollar stores" so everyone should have one in his pocket or pack. instantly available for their own needs or those of their companions.  If you're involved in more vigorous activities (horse back riding, OHVs, rock climbing, water skiing, jet skis, snowmobiles, etc.) that might lead to more serious injuries such as broken bones or arterial bleeding, you need a more sophisticated first aid kit and more advanced training.   If you want advanced first aid kits, look for kits designed for hunters.  Even then you will need to supplement commercial first aid kits to meet your particular needs.  None of them will come with your prescription medications and only the largest and most elaborate and expensive will include the splints, large dressings, and large bandages you may need for "extreme" activities.   Government surplus stores are a good place to pick up some of these items.  Surplus military supplies are usually heavy duty and can be had at bargain prices if you shop around.  You can also improvise.  You can make your own bandages from bed sheets or other cotton cloth.  Bandannas make good slings and bandages.  Sanitary napkins and even tampons can be used for dressings.  They are readily available, inexpensive, and are often more absorbent than ordinary gauze dressings.   Splints can be made from sticks or scraps of wood or rolled newspapers or magazines. A convenient type of commercial splint is a wire splint.  These are made from expanded metal.  They come in a roll and can be easily cut to size.  They can be formed to fit most limbs comfortably and once unrolled and formed, create a rigid splint.  They are comfortable and light weight. The initial roll form makes them easy to carry in fanny packs and first aid kits.  The only downside is they are a bit pricey and you may have to special order them.  In a pinch, you can use rolled up newspapers or magazines to immobilize fractures.  I have actually done that several times and gotten praise from the triage nurses when my patient arrived at the ER.   I supplement my commercial first aid kits with extra OTC pain relievers. I can usually find a variety of generic pain relievers at the local dollar store, making it inexpensive to have just about every type of OTC pain reliever on hand to accommodate the preferences and needs of everyone in your group.  Whether your patient is allergic to certain products or simply has a preference for what works best for him/her, having the right one on hand is always helpful.   Even if it is only the "placeo effect", having the pain reliever you're used to using seems to work better for most people.   I've found that anti-diarrheal medications are handy for outdoor activities too and you won't find them in most commercial first aid kits.  Camping frequently means eating unfamiliar foods and all too often involves other sources of digestive problems.  Antacids are also good to have on hand.   I have also found it useful to have several different types of antiseptic since some people may be allergic to certain formulas. The latest guidelines proscribe using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to cleanse open wounds. In addition to being painful, these powerful antiseptics can kill healthy tissue along with the germs. Flush wounds with clean, preferably sterile, water. Don't have any water handy?  Surprisingly, urine is sterile, unless the donor has a urinary infection.  A student in a first aid class once asked a nurse about using soda pop to cleanse wounds and she quickly advised him that urine would be a better alternative.  The sugar in soda pop is an ideal medium for bacterial growth and would promote infection.  Apply a modest amount of antiseptic to prevent further infection or use an antiseptic bandage. For small wounds I like Bandaids treated with silver. Silver has natural antibiotic properties and few people have adverse reactions to it.  Speaking of silver, liquid colloidal silver was once a very popular antiseptic and is very effective.  You may have to search online to find a source for it.  It seems to me it also speeds healing.

First aid kits are often sized by the number of people and number of days they are designed to support.  Match your first aid kit to your situation, based on how many people you will be responsible for and for how long you think you will need coverage.  The math is pretty easy if you have, say, a family of 4 and you want to cover your weekend (2 or 3 day) outings.   Estimates can be more difficult if you are planning for a local emergency where you may not know how many victims you might be treating or for how long before normal emergency medical services are restored.  For camping and on the trail, you will necessarily need to limit how much stuff you carry, but for long term emergencies at home it is good to build up as large a stock of supplies as you have budget for and room to store.

You can obtain first aid training through local Red Cross approved courses.  These are often offered by scouting organizations, schools, adult education programs, fire departments, civic groups, churches, hospitals, and local government agencies. Once you have mastered basic first aid skills, you may want to seek advanced training.  Many advanced first aid courses are available.   I had a unique opportunity to go beyond ordinary advanced first aid.  My wife was working for a medical school and I was able to attend a course in Advanced Wilderness Life Support to enhance my preparations for handling off-road emergencies.  We both also obtained the training to become certified as Red Cross Professional Rescuers.  I frequently tout the benefits of getting C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Team) training and strongly recommend it to everyone.  The medical triage and first aid modules provide excellent training for all kinds of emergency medical operations and coupled with CPR and first aid certification should prepare you for most of the situations you will encounter during outdoor recreational activities.

You will probably need to customize your first aid kit to fit the specific needs and preferences for you and your family.  Most comprehensive kits come with at least one generic pain reliever like aspirin or acetaminophen.  Check to see what you have in yours and supplement per your own preferences.  I try to keep a supply of several generics in my RV medicine cabinet, including aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen.  Antiseptics are another item that is often subject to strong personal preferences.  Some people are terribly allergic to some antiseptics, so make sure you have products in your first aid kit compatible with all members of your group.  If anyone is allergic to bee stings, have your doctor give you a prescription for an epi-pen and teach you how to use it.  If anyone in your group takes prescription medications, keep an up to date stock in your first aid kit.  Make sure all medications are clearly labeled with the type of medication and the expiration date.  If you don't have an expiration date, record the purchase date so you at least have some idea how old things are so you can replace them before they become ineffective or even dangerous.  Some medications, such as aspirin will give off a recognizable odor when they start to go bad. If you detect a vinegar smell when you open your aspirin bottle, it is time to toss it out and replace it.  Still, if you open your aspirin in an emergency and the only bottle you have smells like vinegar, I would consider them better than nothing and use them anyway.  In fact, an Army study concluded most medications are good for at least 15 years after their expiration date, so don't be too quick to toss out things you might need in a future emergency unless there are obvious signs of deterioration or contamination.

Many people confuse bandages and dressings.   What is often called a bandage is really a combination of a dressing and a bandage.  A dressing is used to "dress" or cover the wound. A bandage is used to hold the dressing in place.   A Bandaid is essentially a combination dressing and bandage.  Thus, the pad on a Bandaid is a dressing; the plastic or fabric adhesive strip it is attached to is the bandage.  For large wounds, gauze pads are frequently used as dressings and held in place by cloth or tape bandages.  A dressing protects the wound from dirt and infection and also absorbs blood.   Sanitary napkins make excellent emergency dressings.

Responding quickly, confidently, calmly, and appropriately to a medical emergency saves lives and helps set the stage for the victim's comfort and recovery.  Stay calm and methodically apply your training and skills as required by the situation. If YOU scream, turn away, or throw up, it isn't going to help anyone.  On the other hand, if you remain calm and move with confidence, your patient(s) will respond better and you'll be able to accomplish a lot more.  One of the most useful techniques I learned in C.E.R.T. training is a "60 second assessment".  This is particularly useful when the number of victims exceeds the number of rescuers, which is often the case in an emergency situation.  You methodically examine each victim from head to toe, especially looking for signs of serious (life threatening) injuries, but taking inventory of all injuries for subsequent triage and treatment.  You use touch, sight, and hearing to locate injuries.  You may feel unusual bumps or depressions in body parts. You may detect soft spots that shouldn't be soft (like the skull) or places that are hard that shouldn't be hard (like the abdomen).  Inappropriate soft spots are likely signs of crushed bones or tissue.  Rigidity in the abdomen may indicate internal bleeding.  If your victim is conscious, ask them questions:  where are they injured?  where does it hurt?  how bad is the pain?  how were they injured? In addition to the facts they give you, you can discern something about their mental state from their answers.  Though it isn't a pleasant idea, pain is actually your friend when doing an assessment, though your patient may not agree.  We don't want to intentionally inflict pain on an injured person, but if they cry out when you gently touch them, you have found an injury and that is important information.  Wear latex gloves if possible to prevent both infecting your victim and contaminating your own hands.  Begin by running your hands lightly over their head.  Start with the scalp and work your way down.  Check your hands frequently for blood, especially after checking the back of the head or other places you can't easily see.  Gently check cheek, nose, and jaw bones and eye sockets for signs of bruising or broken bones.  Look for bleeding or other fluid in the eyes and ears. Bleeding from eyes and ears is not good, but clear liquid is even worse since it is probably cerebral fluid from the brain indicating a serious head injury.  Check the back of the neck.  If you find any protruding bones whether they have broken the skin or not, there is likely a cervical spine injury. Do not move the victim unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.  Try to immobilize the neck to reduce the risk of further injury.  Next run your hands down their arms and hands.  Once again you are looking for distortions, pain, or blood.  If you find no injuries, try gently lifting their arms to check for shoulder injuries.  You should not attempt to relocate a dislocated shoulder if you have reasonable access to emergency medical services (within an hour or two).   If the victim complains of numbness or tingling in the affected limb, or if a check for capillary refill indicates restricted circulation, it may be advisable to attempt to relocate the shoulder right away -- if you have been trained in the technique!   Next, check the back and ribs.   Any unusual protrusions may indicate broken or dislocated bones or the presence of a foreign object. If there are no indications of protruding bones, press firmly on the rib cage with your palms to check for broken ribs.  If the ribs are cracked, broken or bruised, your victim will cry out.  If they are broken, you might feel or hear the ends grinding together.   About all you can do for injured ribs is wrap the victim's chest tightly to restrict unnecessary movement and prevent additional injuries.  Some practitioners now advise against tightly wrapping ribs because it can inhibit breathing so use discretion.   Some containment can improve comfort but don't make it so tight it restricts breathing.  Press on the abdomen to check for rigidity or pain.  Rigidity may indicate fluid build up from internal injuries.  Run your hands down both sides of both legs, ankles, and feet. You will need to begin your examination uncomfortably close to the victim's crotch.  A damaged femoral artery can be life threatening (the person can bleed to death in about 3 minutes) and the artery runs the full length of the inside of the thigh.  You don't want to have them die because you -- or they -- were too shy for a thorough assessment.

Treating serious injuries.  In an emergency situation you will have to do some triage.  That means you need to identify and treat the most serious injuries first.  That doesn't mean taking care of the first victim you come to, the person who screams the loudest or who is the bloodiest first.  Check the ABCs -- airway, breathing, and circulation.  A person whose airway is blocked won't live long -- about 3 minutes before brain damage beings to occur.  Nor will they survive long if their heart has stopped or they have severed or blocked arteries.  Arterial bleeding can be differentiated from other bleeding by the way it spurts with each heartbeat.   "Ordinary" bleeding will just ooze or flow. Some "ordinary" injuries, like scalp injuries, will bleed profusely but such bleeding is not life normally threatening unless left untreated for long periods of time and can usually be controlled by direct pressure.   Place a dressing (preferably sterile if possible) over the wound and apply direct pressure to slow the bleeding.  You may be able to have the victim hold the dressing in place if they are conscious or you may be able to assign other "walking wounded" victims to assist you so you can examine other victims.  If you encounter spurting blood, you MUST control the bleeding quickly or the victim WILL bleed to death.   Typical locations for severed arteries include the neck, thigh, chest, and arms.   You may be able to control even arterial bleeding with direct pressure, depending on the location and extent of the injury.   In some cases a tourniquet many be required.  The general advice is to avoid using a tourniquet unless there is no alternative.  Tourniquets can cause loss of limbs below the tourniquet, but it is better to lose a limb than a life.   At one time there were recommendations to release the tourniquet periodically to allow blood to flow into the closed off limb in an attempt to preserve it.  Today the recommendation is that once you have applied a tourniquet, leave it in place until it can be removed by medical professionals.   Loosening it can allow contaminated blood from below the tourniquet to return to the heart causing further complications, even death.  Better to lose a limb than a life.  Another serious injury that needs special attention is a compound fracture.  First of all, what is a compound fracture?  Simply put, it is a broken bone that protrudes through the skin.  A broken bone that does not poke through the skin is a simple fracture.   If you will have access to professional medical services in a reasonable amount of time (a few hours at most) simply rinse any dirt and debris off the exposed bone using clean water, cover it with a dressing and try to keep it moist and immobilize the break to prevent further injury.  Do NOT try to put it back in place.  In an extreme, long term emergency where medical attention may not be available for days or more, you may need to attempt to retract the bone for the patient's comfort and to minimize further injury and infection.  Here is where some extra training is a necessity.  DO NOT try to set any broken bone or reduce a dislocation if you haven't been trained to do so!  For both compound and non-compound fractures, splint the break by attaching something rigid parallel to the bone and secure it above and below the fracture.  Secure the splint in at least two locations on each side of the break and immobilize the joints above and below the break to prevent movement that could produce more injuries.  In normal circumstances, do not try to re-align the broken bone, just secure the damaged limb in place with as little movement as possible.   In a long term disaster situation where trained medical help will not be available in a reasonable amount of time, you may need to be able to set broken bones.  So get trained if you can.   Wood splints are commonly used on broken limbs, but lacking wood you can use a rolled up newspaper or magazine, cardboard, even a rolled up towel -- anything that will help immobilize the break.  A broken leg can usually be securely fastened to a healthy leg if no other splints are available.  Secure the splint both above and below the break, making sure you don't tie it so tightly as to shut off circulation.   Keeping it from moving will greatly reduce pain, improve the patient's comfort, and prevent further injuries.  Broken fingers and toes can be taped or tied to adjacent digits to stabilize them.  About all you can do for broken ribs is wrap the torso to limit movement.   Broken hands, feet, wrists, and ankles should be immobilized using a splint.

Shock is another serious condition that occurs with many injuries and it can be life threatening if not treated.  Shock occurs with any trauma and can occur without physical injury.  Shock usually does accompany serious physical injuries.  And remember, your victim might not have any external wounds and yet have serious, even life threatening internal injuries.   I know of a dirt bike rider who crashed really hard, got up and dusted himself off, and insisted he was OK.  He refused any assistance and rode back to camp.  A few hours later he was dead from a ruptured spleen.  Careful monitoring of his condition may have detected his internal injuries in time to get treatment.  Abdominal pain and swelling, headache, dizziness, and large areas of purple skin are all signs of internal injuries.  If you or your victim experience any of these, especially if they get worse was time goes on, seek immediate medical help.  Signs of shock include low blood pressure, fast weak pulse, profuse sweating, nausea, dizziness, fainting, clammy skin, shallow rapid breathing, and blue fingernails or skin.   If a victim has any of these signs, especially more than one, they are going into shock.   If possible, lay the victim down, elevate their feet, and cover them with a blanket or coat to keep them warm.   I once passed out in a dental chair and the first thing the idiot dentist did was to set me up!   The boys in my scout troop know enough to lower the head to treat shock!  The first thing the paramedics did when they arrived was lower my head.   Reassure your victim and immediately begin treatment for any life-threatening injures.  One way to assess blood pressure any where is what is called "capillary refill". Squeeze a fingertip or press on a fingernail for a second or two, then release and see how quickly the color under then nail returns to normal.   If it takes longer for your victim to return to normal than it does for you, they are probably in or going into shock or have some injury that is affecting circulation, such as a severed or pinched blood vessel.

There are legal considerations you need to be aware of to avoid expensive liability, especially when treating strangers.   In most states there are "Good Samaritan laws" that provide some measure of legal protection but they do not protect you against gross negligence or inappropriate actions.  You will not be protected if you attempt treatment that is beyond your skills and training.  Before beginning treatment on any victim, ask their permission.  If they are unconscious or otherwise mentally impaired you may be covered by the concept of "implied consent".   A good way to approach a stranger at an accident scene it to say something like "I am medically trained.   Is it OK if I treat your injuries?"   Stating you are "medically trained" helps give them confidence in allowing you to treat them.   What does it mean to be "medically trained"?   Obviously if you are a doctor or nurse you are medically trained.   For purposes of assisting victims in a disaster or other emergency situation, having first aid certification could be considered being "medically trained".   If you are first aid certified, chances are you are better prepared to give assistance than most of the other by standers.   As long as you provide treatment within the scope of your training you should be safe from prosecution.  The answer to the question "Should I try to help?" should usually be an unequivocal "YES!".   You can always turn treatment over to more qualified medical personnel as they arrive, but doing nothing in those first few critical minutes could have serious negative affects.

There are important psychological aspects to giving first aid.  Whenever you treat a victim, you need to present a confident appearance.  Your attitude is going to have a significant affect on how your victim responds to your treatment.   Strive to control your reactions to their injuries.   It isn't going to do them any good if you scream or turn away or cover your face or cry or throw up!   If your victim is conscious, tell them you are "medically trained" and ask permission to treat them.  Telling them you are medically trained does not imply that you are a doctor, but gives them confidence in your ability to assist them.   Keep them informed about what you are doing.  Some parts of a good 60 second assessment may require rather intimate contact with your victim.   Make sure they know your actions are purely to assess and treat their injuries and avoid any prolonged contact that could be misinterpreted.  However, do make sure your assessment is thorough.  Better you and your victim experience a little embarrassment than you miss a severe chest injury or a severed femoral artery (a life threatening injury).  Make sure any bystanders are also aware of your training, your intentions, and your actions.  A paramedic at an automobile accident got sucker-punched by a female victim's boyfriend when he attempted (appropriately) to remove the victim's bra to administer CPR -- largely because the paramedic failed to explain what he was doing.  By the way, bras should always be removed to perform CPR.  They interfere with proper pressure and movement, and, in the case of under-wire styles, can cause further injuries.   I've heard of bra wires puncturing the victim's lung during attempted CPR with the bra in place.   CPR is a vigorous and demanding activity.   Even properly done it can break ribs.  Once you start CPR, you don't stop until you are relieved by another competent rescuer, told do so by emergency medical services personnel, or you become too tired to continue. And that's not just "I'm tired of doing this" kind of tired, it's "I really am too completely worn out to give even one more push"!  At that point it isn't likely to be a deliberate decision, but rather involuntary collapse.  And, by the way, don't perform CPR on a victim wearing a "DNR" (Do Not Resuscitate) medical ID.

First aid training may come in very handy in any kind of local disaster as well as out in the woods.  Local emergency services will be stretched beyond limits in a wide-scale event such as an earthquake, hurricane, or tornado.  Remember:  YOU are the only first responder you can really count on!  You may be on your own for days or even weeks and have to rely on the skills and equipment you have on hand.  Get the training and equipment now, before you need it!  Run through potential scenarios in your head and plan your response today.   Practice with your local C.E.R.T. or other emergency response team.  Coordinate with and educate your family and your neighbors and co-workers.

Advanced and specialized supplies and equipment.  A fairly inexpensive item that can come in useful for many extreme sports injuries is a back board.  It may be needed to transport your victim if there are any spinal injuries. Spinal injuries can occur in many sporting event accidents.  Crashing on OHV, falling off a horse, skiing accidents, and diving accidents are among the most obvious ways spinal injuries can occur.  If you even suspect spinal injuries, as a precaution you should stabilize the victims neck (medics all this "C-spine" for cervical (neck) spine). This is usually done with a cervical collar.  In an emergency  you might  use towels or sheets to limit movement.  A backboard can be made from a piece of plywood.  It should be about 2 feet wide and 6-7 feet long.  Cut hand-holds about every 18" or so along both sides so several people can get hold of it to securely move victims. Rounding the corners will make it easier to maneuver in tight spaces and through doorways.  If you need a backboard and don't have one you may be able to improvise using a door or table.  Other useful items, though usually somewhat expensive, are hemostatic dressings.  These dressings are treated with chemicals that stop blood flow.  Be aware that some people who are allergic to shell fish may have an severe allergic reaction to the chemicals in hemostatic dressings.  In an emergency or for minor wounds, you can use cayenne pepper to stop bleeding.   You might hang on to leg, neck, and back braces if anyone in your family has used them or look to pick some up at garage sales or thrift stores.   A cervical collar is a good addition to any first aid kit for extreme sports and for disaster preparedness.  Same with crutches.  You probably won't want to pack them along on camping trips, but they might be a useful addition to your home first aid supplies for extended emergencies.   It wouldn't hurt to tuck a pair away in an RV closet if you have the room.  These days portable defibralization devices (AEDs) are becoming fairly common in airports, schools, and even restaurants and some other businesses.  They are still too expensive for most home first aid kits, but if you have the budget, they would be definitely be good to have.  They are simple to use and may save a life. Make sure get trained how to use them.  It isn't difficult and most of it is automatic, but you still need the training.   Until you can acquire your own, keep an eye out for where you might find one.  These days you might find them in airports, restaurants, theaters, malls, schools, and other public places.  I recently saw an advanced first aid kit designed for emergency preparedness that includes lidocaine, hemostatic powder (stops bleeding), sutures, and a tourniquet.   I am not certain of the legal requirements for using lidocaine or suturing wounds, but in an extended emergency situation where normal medical services may be interrupted or weeks or months, having advanced supplies like these might be advantageous.  You probably wouldn't need them for incidents arising during normal recreational activities.  Along those lines, antibiotics may be something to have on hand.  Since stockpiling prescription medications is severely limited by current laws, you might look into veterinary or aquatic versions.   Some aquatic antibiotics are identical to the human prescriptions, right down to the color and numbering on the capsules.  And you don't have to have a prescription to buy them.  In dire emergency, even feeding a victim of infection moldy bread may be beneficial.  Bread mold is the source of penicillin.

Wilderness medicine.  In the unlikely event you get lost or stranded without any medical supplies, it can be useful to know what natural resources may be helpful.  Since natural resources will vary from location to location, be sure to research what lives and grows in the areas you will be visiting.  As an example of natural remedies, consider that willow bark was used by Native Americans and other primitive peoples going back as far as 400 BC much like we use aspirin, to treat pain and inflammation.  It actually contains an ingredient (salicin) similar to the active ingredient in aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid).  In fact, acetyl salicylic acid, is actually a synthesized version of salicin. You can chew the inner bark or seep it in hot water and drink the tea. Aspen and poplar also have similar properties.  I found that chewing about 6-8" of bark stripped from a green branch about 3/16" gave me about the same relief as a couple of aspirins.   Another way to use willow bark it so make it into a mild tea.   Do not use or administer anything containing salicin to anyone who is allergic to aspirin. Diarrhea and some other stomach problems can be treated using charcoal (readily availble in the wood ash from most campfires).  Just grind up a tablespoonful, mix it in a cup of water, and drink it.   It tastes TERRIBLE, but it can relieve a lot of the stomach distress. Another use for charcoal is to apply it around your eyes to help prevent snow blindness.   If you lack dressings and bandages, you may be able to make your own from local plant materials.  Covering an open wound with a large clean leaf and securing it with vines or long grass, for example.   Check out the resources in the areas you frequent so you can take advantage of them if you find yourself in a survival situation.  Not all resources are available in all areas.   Having extensive knowledge of  the marvelous pharmacological benefits of tropical jungle plants won't do you much good in a pine or hardwood forest or in the desert.

Good Samaritan laws protect providers of first aid in most states.  That means that if you are acting in the best interests of your victim(s) within the scope of your knowledge and training you are generally protected from criminal charges and civil suits.  However, if you go beyond your training and certifications and something goes wrong, you could be liable.   Good Samaritan laws are designed to protect first responders and encourage ordinary people to help -- within the scope of their skill, knowledge, and training.

Look out for yourself!  When it comes to helping people, you need to consider yourself your number one priority.  This isn't a totally selfish concept. Y ou can't help others if you become a victim.  Assess the situation before you jump in to help someone.  Can you help them without endangering your own health and safety?   Every year many would-be rescuers become additional victims when they generously attempt to help someone when it isn't safe to do so.  If you are dealing with injuries where there are bodily fluids like blood present, wear rubber gloves. A concept taught to emergency services personnel is: If its wet and it isn't yours, don't touch it!

As the Boy Scouts say, "Be prepared!"

Roughing It Easy

Today's society has an obsession with convenience and instant gratification.  We are surrounded by "labor saving" devices and we have a tendency to carry our obsession over into our camping experiences.  I have a friend whose idea of "roughing it" was having to ring twice for room service. Let's face it: we like our creature comforts!  No doubt one of them is not having too many uninvited creatures in our living abode!  That is, certainly, one of the driving forces behind Recreational Vehicles (pun intended), but even when tent camping, we like to make things as comfortable and easy (and free from unwanted intruders) as possible.  We seek equipment that is lighter, roomier, more comfortable, more durable and easier to carry and use -- and to clean.  My favorite tent is a pop-up tent.  To set it up you just remove the retraining strap and throw the folded tent up into the air.  Its fiberglass poles make it spring loaded.  Poof!   It pops open, ready to stake down and use.   Instead of sweeping it out I usually just pick it up each morning and shake out any debris that has been tracked in.   Camp chairs have evolved from heavy wood and canvas creatures of yesteryear to lightweight aluminum and fiberglass mesh creations that weigh a fraction what their predecessors did and fold up into more compact form.   The more recent "bag" or "quad" chairs collapse into a 4" square package for transport that is easy to carry and takes up very little room.  We use sleeping pads and air mattresses and even folding cots to increase our night time comfort.  Camp stoves give us near residential control over cooking instead of having to cook over fickle open fires.  We bring along folding tables and chairs and awnings and umbrellas to increase our camping comfort and keep at bay the very nature we came camping to enjoy.   Gas and battery powered lanterns give us near residential illumination options in even the most remote locations.  Portable water heaters give us hot showers even when tent camping.  Battery powered radios and TVs bring home-like entertainment even out in the sticks.

Luxury motorhomes are the epitome of roughing it easy.  Some are literally equipped with ALL the comforts of home, including forced air furnaces, air conditioning, range and oven, washers and dryers, dishwashers, multiple bathrooms with hot water, and even sophisticated home theater entertainment systems.  I've even seen some with hot tubs!  Most modern motorhomes and travel trailers include a microwave oven. Some are equipped with a "power center" built into the counter top to power a variety of food processing implements.   Many up-scale RVs include elaborate and powerful home theater systems that rival or surpass their residential counterparts.   Queen and king size beds with memory foam pillow top mattresses often match or even exceed their equivalents at home in terms of slumber inducing comfort.   Even the famous "Sleep Number" beds are available now in sizes to fit your RV.  Side by side refrigerators and ice makers adorn high end coaches.   Some even have gas or electric fireplaces!  We liked that idea so well we purchased a small portable electric fireplace to use in our classic Class A motorhome.   It adds a nice, cabin-like ambiance together with 1500 watts of auxiliary heat on cool nights.  Automatic electric steps and electrically operated awnings take some of the physical labor out of using your RV -- hopefully leaving you more time and energy for fun activities!  Hydraulic and even computerized automatic levelers level and stabilize our homes on wheels at the touch of a button.  Unfortunately, the only exercise many campers get is bending their elbows to consume their favorite beverage and the only weight lifting they do is hoisting a brewski from the cooler or a remote to tune the TV.   That is one reason I find adding OHVs to our camping trips healthy as well as fun and exciting.  You might be surprised how many calories you can burn riding a motorized off highway vehicle!    Even though the motor does most of the work, Supercross has been defined as THE most physically demanding sport in the world and since it is a formalized form of dirt biking, dirt biking is also quite demanding.   I usually have to  (happily) take my belt up a notch or two after a weekend of dirt biking.

Just because you enjoy the air conditioned comfort of your home-theater equipped luxury motorhome when you're "camping" doesn't mean your not a "camper".  You don't have to work up a sweat and smash your thumbs setting up a tent to enjoy the benefits of camping.  The sights, sounds, and smells of the campground are the same whether you're sitting under your beach umbrella or lounging under the awning of an elegant 40' Class A motorhome.  There is nothing wrong with seeking the most convenience and comfort you can afford.  Whether your temporary abode is a second hand tent or the most magnificent mansion on wheels you can still share the love of the great outdoors and revel in the camaraderie of the campfire and it is great to "get away from it all" for a few days or so.  And no matter what our individual means of transportation or our choice of accommodations, we all strive to make our outings more convenient and more fun.

What will make your camping life easier?  Your needs will vary according to your camping style, climate, activities, destinations, family size, and personal preferences to say nothing of your budget. Almost every camper will benefit from light weight, comfortable camp chairs.  Good lanterns and flashlights will improve and make safer evening and nighttime activities.   If you don't like cooking over an open campfire, check out the many alternatives -- camp stoves, portable BBQs, solar ovens. Each time you visit a sporting goods or RV supply store, look over the new gizmos and a gadgets, especially devices which help you better organize your gear and campsite.   As time goes by, manufacturers make improvements to traditional products that may make them lighter, more compact, more convenient, more powerful, or more durable so compare new products with those you're already using.  And don't let anyone talk you into things you don't really find appealing or out of of things you really like.  Hey, if having and using nice, professional grade, stainless steel cooking and serving spoons gives you pleasure, go ahead and upgrade to restaurant quality from the cheap plastic ones you may have started out with.  They may be heavier to haul around, but the extra weight and durability might be more than worth it.  My wife criticizes my fascination with and seeming addiction to hand tools, but quite honestly, they give me pleasure and I usually find them to be very useful. Some simple, inexpensive camping gizmos we've found useful include clamps to secure the table cloth to the picnic table so it doesn't blow up over things (or blow things over) and wall-mount toothpick and match holders that put them right at your fingertips when you need them.  Bathroom organizers hold and protect toothbrushes, toothpaste, and paper cups.

Some motorhomes and travel trailers are equipped with central vacuum systems.   If yours doesn't have one and you have a spare cabinet (like under the bed or dinette) you may be able to add one.  Or just get a compact canister vacuum. It will be a lot less expensive and nearly as convenient.

Tent campers are not immune from seeking more comfort.   Larger tents with front porches or built in screen rooms expand livability.   Portable canopies provide extra outdoor comfort with shelter from sun and rain.   More comfortable sleeping pads or mattresses or cots make for better slumber.  Improved gas or battery powered lanterns can give almost the same illumination as 120-volt lights do at home.   Portable hot water systems can deliver wonderful hot showers on demand.   Portable chairs and tables reduce reliance on picnic tables and let you avoid sitting in the dirt!

Funny isn't it?  We go camping to get away from it all and then try to take it all with us!  And that's OK!

Rough it easy!

Expanding Your Storage Options

Somehow we always seem to have more stuff to carry around than we have room for.   Eventually we run out of storage space even in huge RVs with expansive "basement" storage compartments.  The first thing to do when that happens is to re-evaluate what we're carrying around. Over time we tend to accumulate stuff that is seldom used and is best left at home except on trips where you KNOW you're going to use it.   The exceptions to that rule are tools and emergency supplies.  With any luck, we won't need our tools or emergency supplies on most outings so they may fall into the seldom used category, but it is still a good idea to make room for them.   More likely candidates for reduction include souvenirs from previous trips and seasonal clothing and equipment that only needs to be loaded up for appropriate outings.  Some souvenirs from previous outings might be unintentional, like heavy mud deposits in the wheel  wells or the frame.

Storage is a concern when tent camping too.  You need to make efficient use of available space in your tent, your camp site, and your vehicle.  You also need to consider how you'll store your equipment at home between outings.   If you need to carry more equipment than fits in the trunk of your car or the back of your truck or SUV, you may need to consider getting a small utility trailer. Roof pods and storage racks or trunks that fit into the hitch are also viable options for both tent camping and RVs.

Your first priority should always be to make do with the space you have.   Many times simply organizing things better will improve storage capacity.  You may have to make trade offs to choose which things are most important and make the best use of the limited space you have.  Try hard to adjust what you bring along to fit within the space and weight limits you have.  What if, after I've eliminated unnecessary items, I still need more storage?  Two external storage options come immediately to mind.   Outside storage isn't the most convenient to use but is the easiest to add.  One is the external trunk, a box that attaches to your trailer hitch to provide extra storage space.   Or just a hitch mounted storage rack.  These can be used on motorhomes, SUVs, pickup trucks, cars -- anything with a tow hitch.  You might be able to add a hitch to the back of your trailer to mount an external trunk or storage rack. A second option is a roof pod.  Roof pods can add significant storage space to just about any RV or other vehicle IF the roof is strong enough to support the load and tolerate being walked on.   Some RVs have areas that have been specifically reinforced to accommodate storage pods.  If you don't know if yours is so equipped, carefully walk the roof and see how much it flexes when you walk on it.  If it flexes a lot, it probably won't support a storage pod. Mounting a pod requires locating rafters to secure it to.  If you not sure of where the rafters are, you should seek professional installation to make sure your pod doesn't come off and to avoid permanent damage to the roof.   Roof pods are best used for light weight items.  Heavy items are difficult to carry up the ladder and put more stress on the roof.  You also want to limit the amount of weight you carry that high as it will raise the center of gravity and make your unit more unstable in cross winds and in the blow by from passing trucks.  Soft-side roof carriers can be added to most passenger cars and SUVs and are good for transporting tents, sleeping bags, duffle bags, and suitcases.   I prefer to place hard items like stoves and lanterns in the car trunk or the cargo space of an pickup or SUV.

If you are tent camping or your RV is a motorhome and you live and travel in a state that permits multiple trailers, you may be able to solve storage problems by towing a small utility trailer.  This is an especially good solution for temporary needs, such as hauling extra equipment and supplies for a large gathering or special gear for a specific activity.  If you need more storage for all your outings, towing a trailer may be an added inconvenience and ultimately you may be better off seeking other solutions, such as storage pods or even getting a larger RV, perhaps one designed with the extra storage you need for a particular activity.

Extra interior storage. Most RVs have already made pretty good use of every available nook and cranny but sometimes you may find some hidden storage or may be able to make better use of available storage.  Sometimes adding shelves to large cabinets can give you more usable space.   I once discovered some dead space in a Class A motorhome near the bed, under what served as a night stand.  By removing the top I gained access to a compartment big enough to mount a "pancake" air compressor without sacrificing any other usable compartments.  An alternative use of the space might have been to put a door on the compartment so the space inside could be used as an additional cabinet.  I saw an idea for storing cutting boards in the galley that was pretty clever. The owner simply cut vertical slots in the front of the cabinets between the doors to allow him to slide the cutting boards into unused space between cabinets. If you want to try this, make sure there are no obstructions (like plumbing or wiring or structural elements) in the way of where the boards will go before you start cutting. In addition to cutting the slots you will need to provide supports for the cutting boards inside the cabinets.   Another neat idea I'm planning to implement is making kitchen knife holders that attach to the inside wall of a cabinet to hold the knives securely out of the way.  If you use this idea. store the knives with the sharp edge up so they aren't dulled by travel vibration.  Or use a magnetic knife holder to keep them safe and easily accessible.

Wire racks and shelves are an easy way to add space for books, magazines, maps, manuals, spices, cleaning supplies, and sundries.   They can be mounted just about anywhere there is adequate wall space or, sometimes they can be used to good advantage inside cabinets to improve storage options and efficiency.

Space bags can compress bedding and clothing so it doesn't take up so much room in drawers and cabinet.  While they don't actually add space, they make better use of available space.   You might even use them in closets to capture bulky clothing you don't use frequently.

Organizers.   There are a number of organizers for automotive and home closet use that can be adapted for your RV.  Check out the trunk organizers for cars and behind-the-seat organizers for pickup trucks.  You may find a place to use them in your RV.   The cloth shoe caddies that hang on the back of a door can be adapted to hold many things besides shoes and can be used effectively on closet and bathroom doors.  Spice carousels can enhance storage and convenience in your kitchen cabinets and might be adapted to organize medicine bottles in the bathroom.   Be creative!

Plastic tubs can be used to corral loose items that otherwise tend to bounce around and often take up more space than necessary.   I like to use translucent tubs so I can kind of see what is inside. Plastic baskets can likewise be used on shelves or in cabinets to organize items and make it easier to get to things that aren't right up front.   Baskets and tubs also keep things from sliding around during vehicle maneuvers.

Be creative.   Look for unused spaces that can be adapted.  I make use of the gaps between the 1" steel frame of my motorcycle trailer and the roof to store folding aluminum chairs, my "Desert Rat" outing sign posts, and my collapsible flag pole. They remain secure, out of the way, and convenient to use when I need them, without sacrificing other valuable space.

A word of caution: Do NOT try to store things inside the furnace or refrigerator access panels nor against power converters or inverters or water  pumps. The clear space around them is there for a reason!   These devices have clearance and heat dissipation requirements that, if compromised, will lead to problems, such as over-heating that can damage the equipment and even set your RV on fire.  Avoid storing heavy items in overhead cabinets where they could become unguided missles during unusually violent maneuvers.

A recent article in Highways (The Good Sam Club Magazine) had an "outside the box" solution for a couple who was looking for ways to bring along a motorcycle and a scooter on their planned full-time trip.   They were debating whether to get a bigger tow vehicle or add an extra trailer. Bob Livingston aptly suggested getting a toy hauler but it was his second suggestion that was "outside the box": simply rent a one-way truck (or trailer) to transport the machines between destinations since they were planning to spend 3-4 months in each location. If you need extra capacity for a single event, do consider an extra vehicle for that one event. If you find yourself frequently renting extra equipment, consider buying.  Owning your own stuff makes sense if you use it regularly.  It may save you money and will definitely be more convenient but if you only need it  now and then renting (or borrowing) is the better option.

Stow it!

Upsizing

Since upsizing is the most common practice, it is almost self-evident, but it is worth mentioning a few of the things to keep in mind when it comes time to move up.   Upsizing in this article applies mostly to RVs, but tent campers will often want to upsize to larger tents  and other equipment too. Many of the concepts given below for upsizing considerations for RVs can also be applied to getting a bigger tent.  The justification, timing, and even the idea of alternatives, are all applicable to tent camping as well as RVing.  Upsizing might be applied to upgrading your equipment even it it doesn't mean getting larger versions.

Many of the reasons for upsizing have more to do with wants than needs.   Sometimes you really do need a bigger rig as your family grows, but very often we just want more luxury and convenience.  We often see features on  rigs belonging to fellow campers that we find desirable and it is surprising how quickly we begin to perceive our wants has needs.   Many of our upgrades were driven at least as much by desirable additional features as they were by the need for a larger RV as the family grew from 2 to 6 kids.   Today's RVs even have slide outs that expand the living space once you are in camp and eliminate the "tunnel" feeling of older rigs.   I've seen some big motorhomes with slide outs on both sides where the main living area rivals my living room at home.   Let's face it, unless you are using your RV for business parties it is hard to justify slide outs as a need, but a lot of us sure want them, and they are very nice to have.  The open space certainly does make many activities more convenient and comfortable even though they usually don't expand bed space.   Some other, often coveted amenities include ice makers, electric steps, built-in food processors, automatic levelers, and home theaters.   It is really kind of strange.  We go camping to "get away from it all" and then strive to take it all with us.  But, I guess, we can even overdose on the wonders of the great outdoors and it is nice to have a refuge where we can return to the familiar womb of electronic entertainment and modern conveniences to sooth our psyche and give us an alternate means of escape.  It sure is nice to have a climate controlled RV to return to after an afternoon of outdoor activities, whether its a place to warm up after snowmobiling or a place to cool down after some desert trail riding or just too much sun at the pool or on the lake.

When to upsize is something you have to determine based on your own situation.   Certainly if your family has grown and you no longer have enough beds for everyone is one measurement.  That prompted one of our first upgrades from a handy little Class B van conversion to a larger Class C bunkhouse style motorhome.  When we first upgraded to Class A motorhomes, we considered the front salons an unnecessary  luxury and a frivolous waste of space, but after a few long trips with 6 kids, we decided that extra space was a necessity.  Today slide outs would probably be high on the list.  If you find your RV too cramped for activities such as preparing and serving meals you may want to consider moving up.   If you REALLY have strong feelings about some of the additional luxuries and conveniences, you will want to include those in your plans for your next RV.  Regardless of the fundamental reason(s) for upgrading, there are some basic steps you will want to take to make sure your solution is a satisfactory one.  First, make a list of all the features you desire and prioritize the list.   Some items will be on the "must have" list, some may be "nice to have", and some may be completely optional.  Check the prices on the options you want to make sure they are within your budget and to help you prioritize what you "need" most.  You may decide some upgrades just aren't worth the cost.   Second, check out rigs with the features you want.  You may be able to find pictures and reviews on the Internet and in RV magazines.  Visit RV shows and RV dealers so you can walk through some units and get an idea of what feels right and what doesn't.   Collect prices as you go so you can evaluate potential deals and get the best value.   If you find your perfect rig, try to contain your excitement to allow yourself to negotiate the best possible deal.  Jumping up and down and chanting "I want this one!" is not going to give you much bargaining power with the seller.  If you are considering previously owned rigs, be sure to either check them out or have them checked out carefully.  It is way too easy to get excited about desired features, a nice paint job, and a "special price" when you find that "perfect" RV and overlook basic problems that could be inconvenient and expensive to repair.   If the price is too good to be true, there is probably a good reason.  Ask questions of the seller.  Why is the unit being sold?   How did he/she arrive at the asking price?   How often and where did they use the RV?   Do they have service records?  Where has the unit been stored?  What, if any, upgrades does it have?  Has it ever been in a serious accident or had any structural damage or mechanical problems?  If so, how were they resolved?

Upsizing alternatives. There all some alternatives to getting a bigger motorhome or trailer, depending on your current situation and your needs.   If you have a motorhome and need more sleeping room, you might be able to purchase a small travel trailer or utility trailer to pull behind your motorhome to expand your living and/or cargo space, depending on your needs.  This may a be a lot less expensive than buying a bigger motorhome and you can even rent the extra unit when you need it instead of having to buy one.   Having a second RV will expand virtually all of the facilities, including beds, cooking area, bathrooms, fresh water supply and holding tank capacity.   Carefully consider what additional facilities you really need.   Make sure the Combined Vehicle Weight Rating and hitch rating of your motorhome is adequate to pull a trailer.  If you have a trailer and need more space, a second trailer will only be an option if you live and travel only in states where you can tow multiple trailers or have a second vehicle and driver to tow the second trailer.   Also make sure you will be comfortable towing two trailers.   Small, older travel trailers can often be purchased at very low prices. If all you need is more cargo space, a small utility trailer or a roof pod may take care of your needs for at least a while.  Another way of expanding living space in camp on an existing RV is with an "add-a-room", which essentially is a tent or awning enclosure that attaches to your RV. Sometimes, you can redesign some of your interior space to better fit your particular needs.  This usually takes the form of swapping out furniture in the main living space to either increase sleeping capacity or create more floor space and make it easier to move around.   More extensive modifications might redesign the gallery to make it more efficient to use and/or create additional storage or counter space.  Bathrooms are often tight and difficult to improve.  Many RVs have only a shower, but if you need a tub to bathe toddlers, you might be able to replace the shower pan with a suitably sized RV tub -- or just bring along a baby bath tub.  If your primary need is increased sleeping capacity you may be able to install fold down bunk beds over existing sleeping and seating areas.  I've seen several Class B's with cots that fit on pipe rails across the front seats.   This idea can be adapted to many other types of RVs and even vans and passenger cars. More convenient, permanent (and expensive) options are beds that drop down from the ceiling.   Some are even electrically operated.   These are not cheap mods, but they may be a lot cheaper than buying a bigger RV!  They will probably require professional installation to be sure they are properly anchored and do not compromise the structural integrity of the RV.

Downsizing to upsize.  OK, how's that for a paradox?  Here is what I mean. Instead of getting a bigger rig, try getting rid of some of the stuff you're carrying around all the time.  Make more room by eliminating un-used or seldom used items and by making better use of the space you have. Perhaps you can move some items to an outside compartment or roof pod to make more space available inside.   You might be surprised how much you can improve usability with some creative organization.  Take inventory of your equipment.  There may be newer, more compact versions of some of your gear and equipment that will help you lighten the load and make more room.   More efficient use of existing space can make a surprisingly large difference in the livability and convenience of your RV.  Because space is so limited to start with even small changes can achieve a significant percentage difference.

Parking/storage.  When choosing a larger RV, be sure to consider your parking and storage requirements.  You don't want to learn your new RV is too tall to fit in your RV garage by ripping the A/C off the roof when you drive in!   Is it too long for the available parking space?  Will it fit through access gates?  If you have a steep driveway, will the overhang drag?  You don't want to smash your dump valves or tail pipes or rip off the back bumper.  Any problems with parking or storage should be eliminated or mitigated BEFORE you buy a bigger unit.

Move on up!

Rightsizing

Rightsizing is a kind of new buzzword being tossed around in corporate circles and by the RV industry.  It is often a polite way to disguise downsizing, which is often the case in the business world.  While RV manufacturers wrestle with demands for ever more amenities, higher performance, and better fuel economy, they try to create new packages under the title rightsizing.  By utilizing lighter materials and improved drive trains they have, to some extent, succeeded, but you still won't find humongous luxury motorhomes getting compact car fuel economy, though some smaller diesels are pushing 20 mpg these days, rivaling the impressive fuel economy of the 1960's Corvair powered Ultravans.

Rightsizing is perhaps an even more important concept for consumers.  Buying more or less RV than you need -- or want -- is not a good value nor a good investment.  The key is matching your unit to your needs -- and your budget. You might save a lot of money buying a 19' class C mini motorhome but it won't be of much real value if your family doesn't fit in it comfortably.  A big luxury RV might seem desirable until you discover it doesn't fit where you have to park it, it costs a fortune for insurance and fuel, and it is too big to go some of the places you want to go.

Rightsizing might mean adding a utility trailer or a small travel trailer instead of buying a bigger motorhome.  Take a look at why you need a bigger unit. If it is only to haul more "stuff", either lighten your load or get a utility trailer.   If you need more beds, perhaps an inexpensive travel trailer will fill the bill without giving up the comforts and familiarity of your current motorhome.  We found that our Smuggler toyhauler made a good extra bedroom for some of our boys on our dirt bike outings.  Small travel trailers (or even tent trailers) are pretty inexpensive and could provide significant additional living space in camp without a large investment.   A properly equipped travel trailer would also expand your other conveniences giving  you more cooking space, a second bathroom, more fresh water, and additional holding tank capacity.  Just make sure your motorhome has sufficient Combined Vehicle Weight Rating to handle the trailer.

Rightsizing for tent campers might mean changing the size of their tents, adding tents, or changing the number and content of the tubs of supplies they bring along.   It may also be applied individually to each outing.   Having the right size tent for the number of people on any given trip is going to make it more convenient and more comfortable.   You don't need that big family tent for a couples outing.

Sometimes rightsizing may mean downsizing.  As the kids leave home, you may not need a big bunkhouse RV or huge family tent anymore.  When you retire your budget and your travel plans may change. Your interests and activities may be different.  Match your equipment to your current needs, wants, and budget.

Very often rightsizing means upsizing.   As you mature and your wants and/or needs or family grows, you may need a bigger RV or a bigger tent, or an extra tent or extra beds in a travel trailer to pull behind your motorhome. 

Make it right!

Downsizing

Downsizing is going from a large RV to a smaller one.  Or from a large tent to a smaller one. Downsizing  isn't as common as upsizing.  Sometimes it makes sense but the typical path of RV and tent ownership over time is usually to larger equipment with more space, luxuries, and conveniences so the downward move is somewhat unnatural.  However, there may come a time when upsizing is no longer appropriate and you may need to downsize.  Now that all our kids are grown and gone they are encouraging us to downsize.   I could see the practical side of it but for a long time I wasn't sure I was ready to give up the luxuries and conveniences of our 40' diesel pusher just yet.  We tried a 23' Class C for a while after the kids had all left home, but we soon found it didn't fit our acquired needs.  The 25 gallon fresh water tank was not enough for a long weekend in the desert for even the 2 of us, let alone when some of the kids tagged along.  Downsizing your tent may make sense if you no longer need to lug around that big family tent once all the kids have grown up and left home and a smaller tent will be easier to set up and easier to keep warm in cold weather.

Why would you ever want to downsize? As your family grows up and moves out you may not need as large a facility.  Changes in employment, including retirement, may reduce your disposable income.  Or you may simply change the kinds of activities you participate in and the destinations you choose to frequent.   Smaller units are usually more fuel efficient and can negotiate some roads and fit in some campgrounds where big motorhomes are prohibited or impractical.  A smaller, more fuel efficient unit, might be better suited to retirement than a big fuel guzzler.   Smaller units are also easier to drive and can go places the big ones can't.   As you mature you might simply get tired of driving a behemoth RV or setting up a big heavy tent.

Our first attempt at downsizing wasn't very successful.  The kids were mostly grown and gone and we figured that with just the two of us we could get by very comfortably with a 23' Class C instead of the 35' Class A we had when the kids were growing up.  Several factors made it a less than perfect decision.  We soon discovered that the limited water and holding tank capacities were inadequate for extended weekends in the desert, even for just two people.  Our Class A had about 100 gallons of fresh water. The Class C had only 25.   The second problem was that we underestimated how many of the kids would still be going with us on typical outings.   A big part of why it didn't work out was we hadn't evaluated our needs and our expectations correctly.  Had we done so we might been able to better adapt our behavior to the more limited resources and been able to manage the transition better.  As it was, our solution was to move back up into a Class A motorhome with increased capacities and, frankly, we've never regretted it.  In fact, we upsized again one more time after that.

A second downsizing occurred a few years later. This time we didn't replace our big Class A motorhome, we added a truck camper we could use for limited activities and have access to smaller campgrounds and be able to negotiate narrow mountain roads that were too tight for the motorhome. Buying the camper was also cheaper than replacing all tires on our big motorhome to meet short term camping 'needs'.   This turned out to be more successful, mostly because we had adjusted our expectations and weren't trying to use the camper as full replacement for the luxury motorhome.  By adjusting our activities to those appropriate to the truck camper we were able to enjoy outings not suitable for the big motorhome and we avoided the disappointment and limitations that plagued our first attempt at downsizing.

We recently faced another (involuntary) downsizing when our 40-foot Class A was damaged in an accident.   It was a rare model that could not be replaced.   We looked at hundreds of online ads, visited at lest a half dozen dealers, and examined more than a half dozen private party sales.   Over time we developed a list of "must have" features that helped us narrow our search.   We found that at least some of the luxury features on our big motorhome, while sometimes nice to have, weren't critical to our desired camping lifestyle.   We settled on a much smaller, 27' Class A that still provided many of the creature comforts we had come to enjoy in our bigger unit.   Downsizing required carefully choosing the items, gadgets, and supplies we could fit into the smaller unit.  While a general rule for the big motorhome was "If you think you might need it, bring it along" the rule for the smaller unit is pretty much "If you aren't sure you'll need it, leave it home."  For example, I had a 12 volt chain saw I'd carried in the big motorhome for years and seldom used but there isn't room for it in the "new" motorhome.

If you attempt downsizing, you should plan to make adjustments.   Manage your expectations and realize you will be giving up some of the luxuries and conveniences you've become accustomed to.  Alter your activities to take advantage of the smaller size.  You may have access to smaller campgrounds and other remote locations you didn't have with your big unit, but you may also have to limit duration and modify your activities to match the capabilities of your smaller unit.  That may mean more frequent trips to the dump station and/or bringing along extra water.   And don't forget doing what you can to make your smaller unit as comfortable as possible.  Explore what features the big motorhome or trailer had that you really liked.  Can you add similar features to your replacement? Can you adjust your activities and/or the gear and equipment you carry to fit the smaller unit?   Can you adjust your expectations and accept that not all your "wants" are needs?  If, after considering all your options, you don't think you'll be happy with the smaller unit, forget it!  Any changes you make are intended to improve your enjoyment, so don't do something that isn't going to make you happy.

Trial runs are a good idea if you can make it happen.  Most RVs represent a significant investment so you don't want to be jumping from one to another without good reason and careful planning.  If you think you want to downsize, consider renting or borrowing a unit similar to the one you're considering and take a few short trips in it.  That way you'll know if you will be comfortable BEFORE you get rid of your old tried-and-true behemoth . It will probably be an expensive proposition if you downsize and then have to upsize again.   It was for us.

Bigger is not always better.

Best and Worst Camping Experiences

How do you define your best camping experience? You can't really set a particular set of criteria to evaluate your outings. Each one has its own special features and memories. Even outings where things went wrong may qualify among your best experiences while some that were "perfect" may get left behind because they weren't particularly memorable. Some that were particularly difficult may one day be remembered as "adventures".  Almost never is it considered an adventure when its happening!

Since we're an avid dirt-biking family, it is no surprise that our best outings were dirt-bike outings.  The trips up Nine Mile Canyon (a driving adventure in itself) to Troy Meadows, have to be among our top favorites.  So, what gives them such status?   Well, getting up Nine Mile Canyon is an accomplishment in itself, especially driving a motorhome towing an enclosed dirt bike trailer.  Nine Mile Canyon is essentially a single-lane dirt logging road cut into a steep hill side.   There are many times when your left front wheel is right on the outer edge and you can't see ground out the driver's window for about 1200' down the canyon.  In the meantime, the right hand side of your motorhome and/or trailer is scraping the rocks on the uphill cut.  Now imagine meeting a logging truck coming down that road!  It was always a relief to reach the summit and the paved two-lane roads at the top safely.  Another major factor in giving these outings high marks is the quality of the campground.  It is nestled among giant Sequoia trees, which provide shade and create a very serene environment.  The trails in the Sequoia National Forest were a real delight to ride, especially in their original pristine state before environmental closures shut down looping trails, forcing riders to back-track. This doubled the traffic on the remaining trails and created two-way routes that turned pristine single-track trails into two-lane trails resembling fire roads. The excess traffic soon had the trails whooped out and dusty or muddy.   The summer weather was usually very pleasant, with warm days and cool nights that made for comfortable riding in the day and perfect campfire activities in the evening. Another major factor was the company of fellow riders who were among our best friends.  The trails themselves were picturesque and generally offered just enough technical difficulty to be interesting without being downright scary or dangerous.  Of course for the hard core enthusiasts there was something called Machinery Creek that required lowering and raising the bikes with ropes to get past some of the obstacles.  Some other good memories include trips to the Mojave Desert. Riding a route called The Trail of Tears to the Husky Monument comes immediately to mind.  The Husky Monument is an old Husky dirt bike set in concrete out in the middle of nowhere.   It was placed there by friends of a fallen desert racer who wanted his ashes spread in the desert he loved.  Since then dozens of additional plaques and small monuments have been added honoring other riders. There is no telling how many funeral urns have been emptied there.  Several of my riding buddies have expressed their desire for that to be their final resting place.

Another favorite area for us was Searles Station near Randsburg in the Mojave Desert.  It is a large open camping area within the Spangler Hills Off Highway Vehicle Area. OHV opportunities abound, with sand washes, hill climbs, roller-coaster hills, and open desert.  There is enough room for our annual "Turkey In the Dirt" outings at Thanksgiving. W e attracted up to 175 people our peak year.  There is enough space that OHV traffic on the trails isn't too bad, even on busy holiday weekends, even though the collection of motorhomes and trailers made the desert look like a sprawling city.  While we go camping to get away, it is also close enough to the little historic mining town of Randsburg to ride into town for lunch one day or a little further into Ridgecrest for supplies.

Worst camping experiences are actually a little harder to define, believe it or not.  I've seen a bumper sticker that says "The worst day fishing beats the best day working" and that definitely applies equally well to camping and OHVing.  Pretty much the worst day camping does beat the best day working. I can recall specific incidents that were less than happy at the time -- like having a hitch break and drop our trailer in the middle of the road as we were preparing to go home.   But all in all, that was still a pretty good outing -- up 'til then.  And it was a recoverable problem.  Guess I sound a little like the optimist who falls off a 30 story building.   As he passes the 15th floor someone shouts out a window "How's it going?"  The optimist replies "So far, so good!"  We've had times when one or more of our family were injured and we have made more than one trip to the emergency room, but even those weekends wouldn't qualify for being listed among "worst" experiences.  We have had some "less successful" outings, like the time I left the keys for our dual-sport bike at home and we had to tear apart the ignition switch and hot-wire it.  I think that may have been the same trip that I brought lots of canned foods but no can opener.   Both of those circumstances were frustrating and inconvenient, but overall, the weekend was still quite enjoyable.   And, if nothing else, we learned some valuable lessons and it makes for a good story today.  We've had our share of flat tires and other equipment failures, but for the most part those are just minor inconveniences and not enough to put a whole outing in the "worst" category.  I've witnessed situations that may qualify for a "worst" outing for the individuals involved (and their families).   One young man went over the bars of his dirt bike hard enough that he was knocked out and when we got to him he was twitching as if he'd had an epileptic seizure.  That one was scary, but ultimately he was OK.  The teen age son of one of my riding buddies road down into a steep ravine. When he hit bottom, it was too sharp of an angle and his front wheel stopped suddenly instead of going up the other side.  The young man snapped both wrists.  I've seen an adult do the same thing and have helped splint broken bones on more than one injured rider for transport to the emergency room.  That is one reason I carry a big first aid kit and maintain my first aid and CPR certifications.  I broke a collar bone on one dirt-bike outing, but I still don't consider even that enough to put the whole outing into the "worst" category, even though it was quite uncomfortable (down right painful actually!) and somewhat challenging driving a big class A motorhome pulling a dirt bike trailer home with a broken collar bone.   I had little choice. My only companions, my son and my nephew, were too young to drive.  Other adults on the same outing had their own vehicles to get home.

The worst day camping does beat the best day working!