Published in cooperation between AGM Global Vision and The Pajaronian
Camping is an ideal activity for those tired of the city’s hustle and bustle and constant noise. It allows the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of wild nature, listen to birds singing, breathe fresh air and see the night sky filled with stars. One problem for campers is safety. It is especially noticeable in the dark, when visibility is reduced to a minimum, and the number of potential dangers often increases. To improve the situation, camping fans often use thermal imaging. You will learn how it helps make activities in the wild safer from this article.
Ideal Thermal Imaging Devices for Campers
There are many types of thermal imaging equipment suitable for camping. Well-known companies such as AGM Global Vision produce many models that have been adapted for use in the wild. These devices have special characteristics and meet several basic criteria.
For fans of camping, thermal imaging devices of minimal size are ideal. This way, they will easily fit in a backpack and will not create problems during transportation to the event site. Compactness will positively affect the weight of the structure, which will also simplify the lives of outdoor recreation enthusiasts using it. An extended period of autonomous operation is another sign of an ideal thermal imager for camping. Economically consuming energy, the device can function for 10 hours or more, eliminating the need to charge the battery several times a night.
Good protection from various external influences is also a sign of an ideal thermal imager. In this case, during overnight stops, the device can be used in any weather conditions, without fear that moisture or temperature changes will lead to its breakdown. It is also essential for all campers to obtain the highest quality image possible. It will make it easier to identify objects and detect potential dangers. Therefore, compliance with this criterion is another sign of ideal thermal imaging equipment for recreation in the wild. Finally, the device used during camping should be as reliable as possible. Only then will it work properly until returning home, and it will not let the user down at the most crucial moment.
How Thermal Imaging Improves Event Safety
Detecting Wild Animals
One of the main night dangers for campers is animals. Bears, wolves, wild boars and wild cats are just a few examples of such living creatures. Some can approach the tent and attack people, so you must know about their presence in advance. The easiest way to do this is with thermal imagers. Thanks to their use, you can quickly inspect the surrounding area and detect approaching animals, even in complete darkness. This will give you a certain amount of time and help you avoid or prepare for an unwanted encounter. Thanks to the ability of thermal imaging to “see” through obstacles (leaves, grass, etc.), it will be possible to detect dangerous animals even if they are invisible to campers due to darkness. This will eliminate any unpleasant surprises and increase the safety of the event participants.
Simplifying Navigation
Navigating in the dark is a difficult task. Due to the lack of light, it is almost impossible to find visual landmarks and choose the right direction of movement. Various devices do not solve this problem either. Flashlights illuminate only a small area and do not allow the user to see everything else. GPS trackers only provide an approximate location of a person and can make errors. In such a situation, thermal imagers become the only salvation. They improve visibility in the dark and allow campers to move through unfamiliar natural locations safely. With their help, camping fans will not have to sit near a tent all night and use only paths that are well lit by moonlight.
Shooting Items Faster
Searching for various items in the dark can be a dangerous activity. During this process, a camper can go too far from his tent and get lost, trip over a rock and get injured, fall into a hole unnoticed during the day or, even worse, fall off a high cliff. To prevent this, campers can count on thermal imaging devices. They will speed up the process of finding lost items and make this activity safer. Thanks to the technology’s ability to detect heat waves, you can find items hidden in thick vegetation or behind the smoke from a campfire. All this will eliminate the possibility of losing valuable equipment and help you safely complete the event.
Detecting Weather Changes
Dangers camping enthusiasts face can be related to changing weather conditions. A sudden cold snap or heavy rain or snowfall can start suddenly and catch campers by surprise. To prevent this from happening, campers can use thermal imaging equipment. Of course, a thermal imager is not a weather station and cannot provide weather forecasts for the next few hours, but with its help, campers can detect visual signals indicating that something bad is approaching. For example, even in complete darkness, a thermal imager can monitor the movement of clouds, determine the presence of rising warm air currents (a sign of approaching precipitation), find dew on the grass (a sign of a sharp drop in temperature), etc. All this will help camputers understand weather changes in advance and better prepare for them.
Ensuring Safety in Bad Weather Conditions
If the weather is already terrible, then even in this case, campers will be able to increase their safety with the help of thermal imagers. In fog, these devices will allow campers to notice various dangers and avoid them; in heavy rain, they can help campers to find suitable shelters and quickly get to the camp; and during snowfall, they can aid the camper in detecting and avoiding slippery sections of the trail and even see the tent’s location. In each case described, thermal imagers will become indispensable equipment, allowing campers to wait out the bad weather and complete the event safely.
Tips for Using Thermal Imaging Capabilities
Thermal imaging is a technology with almost unlimited capabilities. Devices that support it are indispensable for camping fans and help them cope with many tasks at night. To unleash the full potential of available thermal imaging equipment, you must consider several essential recommendations from experienced users. First, remember that thermal imaging can work effectively when ordinary human night vision is powerless. For example, during morning fog, heavy rain or smoke, this technology will give campers an informative image that will help campers detect all potential dangers.
Secondly, any thermal imaging equipment should be used only for its intended purpose. This way, it can unleash its potential and be helpful to the user. Next, it is essential always to save battery power, even if there is an opportunity to replenish energy reserves. This approach will help maximize the device’s battery life and avoid situations when it is still dark outside or a message about the need to charge the battery already appears on the display. For the thermal imager of campers to work effectively, it should be stored in a tent in a special protective case. Even if the device is protected from moisture and temperature changes, such a measure will not be superfluous.
Safety in the wild depends on the ability to use thermal imaging devices. They provide good visibility in the dark, simplify navigation, speed up the search for various objects and therefore make it possible to detect wild animals and reduce the possibility of danger in bad weather conditions. All these advantages make night camps safer and allow camping fans to eliminate anxiety that prevents them from getting the most out of their vacation in the wild.
