Safety & Resources

Know Before You Go: Camping & Hiking Safety

A perfect outdoor excursion comes with good preparation. From bears to ticks, the outdoors can be dangerous if you are not prepared. Remember to pack the safety essentials before pitching your tent or hitting the trail. At Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, we have you covered with the necessary gear, guides and expert tips for a safe and fun time in the outdoors.

Wildfire Safety Tips

Safety should be your top-most priority when camping and hiking in a wildfire prone area. Wildfires are hazardous and unpredictable, which is why it is essential to take necessary precautions.

Here is a list of things you should do before your camping trip:

  1. Always Have a Backup Plan: Stay flexible and be prepared to take your trip to another location or postpone it if necessary. Choose a destination with multiple roads or trails in and out of the area. It's better to opt for a staycation than to head into a stressful environment that you won't be able to enjoy.
  1. Do Your Research: Conduct thorough research before departing for your camping trip. Check the wildfire forecasts, weather conditions and air quality index. When you arrive at your destination, reach out to the local land manager for updated information on fires, road closures or trail conditions. It's advisable to leave a detailed trip plan with your friends or family in case of an emergency.
  2. Pack Essentials: While you don't need to pack an emergency fire suit, it's worth considering packing a few items such as a signal mirror to flash three times (a universal distress call), a satellite messenger, medications, an emergency kit and a radio. These items can come in handy in case of an emergency.
Bear Safety

Backpacking in Bear Country

Learn More
Beat Ticks with these Tricks

Protection, removal & treatment

Learn More
Poison Ivy Education

Identification, prevention, protection, symptoms and remedies

Learn More

Foot Blister Management for Hikers, Walkers and Trekkers

Blisters are one of the most common issues hikers, walkers and trekkers face. While they are usually minor, they can quickly turn a comfortable outing into a painful ordeal.
Causes of Blisters

Blisters form when repeated friction causes the layers of your skin to separate, creating a pocket that fills with fluid.

Ill-fitting footwear, moisture (sweat and wet conditions), sock choice (cotton socks trap moisture and increase friction), debris and pressure points (small stones or poorly adjusted laces) can cause blisters.

Blister Prevention and Aid

BASIC PREVENTION

BASIC FIRST AID

Well-fitted footwear.

Intact blister: Clean with antiseptic and cover with a bandage.

Moisture-wicking socks (wool, synthetic blend).

Burst blister: Clean with antiseptic and allow the fluid to drain naturally. Leave the skin in place and cover the area with a bandage or medical tape.

Firm lacing

Signs of infection: Increased redness, swelling, warmth or pus. Seek medical attention.

Change out of wet socks and shoes.

Blister kit essentials: Blister pad or moleskin, antiseptic wipes, medical tape, antibiotic ointment, bandage and sterile needle (for emergency drainage).

How to Choose Insect Repellents

As we encounter with various creepy crawlers and buzzy insects, choosing and using insect repellants wisely is important for your safety.

Insect Repellant Comparison Chart

ACTIVE INGREDIENT

TYPE

INSECTS AFFECTED

AVERAGE DURATION

Allethrin

Synthesized chrysanthemum plant ingredient

Mosquitoes

As long as emission device is running

DEET

Chemical

Mosquitoes, some flies, ticks

Up to 12 hours

Picaridin

Synthesized pepper plant ingredient

Flies, mosquitoes, ticks

Up to 14 hours

Permethrin

Synthesized chrysanthemum plant ingredient

Mosquitoes, ticks

Up to 70 washings in pretreated clothing, up to 6 washings when sprayed on & loses effectiveness after 6 or more weeks of outdoor exposure

p-Menthane-3,8-diol/oil of lemon eucalyptus, hydrated, cyclized

Synthesized plant oil

Mosquitoes

Up to 6 hours

Essential Oils (Lemongrass, soybean, citronella, cedar, etc.)

Natural plant oil

Some mosquitoes

From 30 minutes to 2 hourss

Satellite Communications

When in the great outdoors, there might not be Wi-Fi or cell service and when you need access to help or weather updates, the right satellite communications make all the difference. From compact messengers to full satellite phones, stay connected no matter how far off the grid you go.