Back in May we took a trip for a weekend and ended up at a pimp hip camp spot. It was primitive not all bedazzled. There were some mishaps and consider this an AAR (After Action Review.)
The enemies where mud from previous flooding, gear and fitness.
Scenario 1
At night the temp dipped 10 degrees lower than called for. Using our standard sleeping pad was fine at first. Sleeping bag was not up to snuff either, which was my fault. So due to cold ass overnight spring weather it led to small naps at night and basically hardcore spooning. I had the proper gear sleeping bag wise, just not with me. I figured (wrongly) that a summer rated bag plus a warm blanket would capture my heat. Nope. That dirty sleeping pad went limp and left us essentially on the floor which as most pros know is bad. Being in direct contact with the ground pulls warmth from your body and you could end up in a bad way.
Lesson: Proper gear keeps you clean warm dry alive etc. Do Not Underestimate the need for proper gear.
Scenario 2
So, after we adapted and overcame the night it was a dang good day. Sun was out, flowers were blooming and throwing off their delectable scents as is there want in spring, all is well. Right? Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit!
So, we are checking out the property and bebopping about. Lo and behold, we get stuck in mud. Like proper stuck. Here is the thing, we drove that way 3 times that day already. No problems, just some fun splashing and getting the tires dirty. 4th was the charm this time.
This is where fitness comes in and pimp slaps you. You go get all kind of logs, wood etc. to try and make a bridge or get grip etc. you push pull bounce the truck to try and get it out. you walk over acres, dragging logs and suddenly you’re like shit you can never have enough cardio! One can never be too fit.
Lesson Learned: you can never be too fit. Being in shape makes handling crisis easier, doing hard labor easier and being outdoors, the more fit and tougher you are the easier it is.
Recap, proper gear, be as fit as you can be, and I’ll throw in a bonus. Bonus: know some first aid. Literally the more first aid you know the less you are afraid of bad things happening but just know some basics and have the basic gear with you. The bonus was because I somehow cut myself carrying logs or placing them. It was on my arm, no life-threatening danger. I self-treated and now I crawl on walls and shoot webs, no kidding. All is well. First Aid. It is as important or more than fitness and proper gear.
Be Blessed and Stay Dangerous. Vet.