Follow These Safety Tips for Hiking

Bismarck State College alumnus Heath Harmon works in the refinery industry and has earned distinction for safety. An nature enthusiast, Heath Harmon spends much of his free time outdoors. To that end, he enjoys camping, hunting, and hiking.

Although hiking is a rewarding experience that brings one closer to nature and offers solitude and stunning views, it can be quite dangerous without taking safety precautions. Properly preparing for a hike can enhance safety and even make it more enjoyable. For starter's, consider hiking with at least one other person, ideally a friend or someone you trust. Consulting a park ranger should also be a priority, especially when you are hiking in an unfamiliar area. Park rangers can relay information such as changes to terrain and the type of wildlife commonly found along the trail.

Regarding equipment, be sure to bring a printed map. Phones and GPS devices can be useful but are also unreliable due to battery power and service limitations. Make a list of other gear that might be required during the hike with and check off all items to ensure they've been packed away. Aside from a map, essential items include water, rain gear, food, and a first aid kit. 

Three Novel Ways to Book a Campsite

With a combined 30 years of professional experience, Heath Harmon has worked in exploration and production for oil fields and in construction as a carpenter, concrete finisher, and concrete labor. In his free time, Heath Harmon enjoys camping, hunting, and hiking.

Camping has become an increasingly popular activity, especially when other forms of travel aren’t an option. But sometimes traditional campsites book up fast. According to BusinessInsider, here are some nontraditional ways to book campsites.

Airbnb. Not just for houses and apartments, Airbnb also lets people post their backyards and independent campsites. Through Airbnb, campers can get access to unique camping experiences, such as a farm in Maine or a meadow in California.

Hipcamp. Billing itself the Airbnb of Camping, Hipcamp lists hundreds of campsites and RV sites, as well as glamping sites for those who want to splurge. This site is tailored towards people with campers, and includes options to filter for specific needs, such as running water and accessibility, and for desired amenities, including hot springs and waterfalls.

Tentrr. This site lists spaces offered by private landowners and some state park property, and can be filtered based on whether the camper has equipment or not. Tentrr offers unique experiences (including camping in an abandoned zoo in the Catskills), and allows users to purchase extras for their trips when they book their reservations.