First camping trip this weekend, educate me

[AgirlAndAgun]

I'm going into Delaware. It is not a State park.

Aside from screaming like a girl for self defense what options do I have for over-night? I have a pepper mace and the camper door locks (but, realistically, somebody can just punch through the canvas and break the velcro away).

Thanks in advance for ideas!

[ehidle]

A 4xD-Cell MagLight makes a decent blunt instrument defense weapon. It's nice and heavy and packs quite a punch. I used to carry one when I delivered pizza back in college. We were not allowed to have weapons, but could have a flashlight for finding numbers on houses in the dark. I had to use it on more than one occasion.

Pepper mace in close quarters is not a good idea - especially in a confined space like a tent. You'll burn your own eyes out. Also, wildlife may or may not be sensitive to it.

You could also bring one of those compressed air horns. Noise that loud can be debilitating to an intruder, and it will also call attention to you for about a 1-mile radius. You could even use it to call out "SOS," which is three short pulses, three long pulses, and three short pulses - repeated over and over.

Are swiss army and other utility knives illegal in Delaware? I don't recommend a folding knife as a defensive weapon unless it can lock open (swiss army knives don't).

[God's Country]

Pepper mace in close quarters is not a good idea - especially in a confined space like a tent. You'll burn your own eyes out.

What about the foam type?

[ehidle]

What about the foam type?

I haven't tried the foam type, but generally, I imagine it's not a foam when it leaves the container. It probably needs time to set.

Anything with an aerosol propellant is going to atomize to some degree. It's a risk that you just have to consider.

The other option is to get trained to the pepper spray. It is possible to become accustomed to the effects of it so that it will not affect you, but that's something that requires constant exposure/re-training. Most people aren't going to go through the trouble.

[CommonHighrise]

Check in with anyone camping nearby, or any local authorities, such as campground officials or property owners. Leave a 'JIC' (just in case) envelope at home, with your intended route, camp locations, timetable, and vehicle information, all in one place.

On your person, if youre trained in the use of defensive knives, I'd recommend carrying some form of camp knife on your belt. Something midsized and fixed blade, like a Swede Mora, Gerber Profile, SOG Seal Pup, etc etc. Pepper spray would be a good idea when not in your tent, though double check it's legality in DE.

When in your camp, keep either or both a large flashlight like stated before, and possibly a sharp hatchet. Hatchets are great weapons, as they are extremely difficult to block/defend against without getting badly cut. An airhorn is a good suggestion as well. If you're planning on 'car camping' only a few yards from your vehicle, park with your headlights pointing towards the campsite, and keep the alarm fob handy in the tent after dark.

[AgirlAndAgun]

Check in with anyone camping nearby, or any local authorities, such as campground officials or property owners. Leave a 'JIC' (just in case) envelope at home, with your intended route, camp locations, timetable, and vehicle information, all in one place.

On your person, if youre trained in the use of defensive knives, I'd recommend carrying some form of camp knife on your belt. Something midsized and fixed blade, like a Swede Mora, Gerber Profile, SOG Seal Pup, etc etc. Pepper spray would be a good idea when not in your tent, though double check it's legality in DE.

When in your camp, keep either or both a large flashlight like stated before, and possibly a sharp hatchet. Hatchets are great weapons, as they are extremely difficult to block/defend against without getting badly cut. An airhorn is a good suggestion as well. If you're planning on 'car camping' only a few yards from your vehicle, park with your headlights pointing towards the campsite, and keep the alarm fob handy in the tent after dark.

Great suggestion! I have a button on my keychain that activates my alarm and blinks the headlights when you can't find it in a parking lot. I will also purchase the flashlight recommended above. I'll take a hatchet too. I'm not skilled in using a knife -- can barely cut my own steak. I'm left handed and the damn blade is on the wrong side of the knife for me.

[CommonHighrise]

can barely cut my own steak. I'm left handed and the damn blade is on the wrong side of the knife for me.

Thats funny right there.

Look up forum member Mercop, the name of his school escapes me at the moment, but he does some excellent edged defense courses. Very practical, and cuts out the silly Secret Service/CIA Agent/Ninja baloney.

[ehidle]

Thats funny right there.

Look up forum member Mercop, the name of his school escapes me at the moment, but he does some excellent edged defense courses. Very practical, and cuts out the silly Secret Service/CIA Agent/Ninja baloney.

Good to know he cuts to the chase, carving out the important stuff, and dishing out a little slice of practicality.

[Karl/PA]

Run like hell if you hear banjos.

[tdyoung58]

I'd bring a high density LED light, I have one that puts out 132 lumes, blinding at night.

My Gerber Para II pocket knife, as well as my multi-tool

Big-ass Brinkman flashlight like already suggested, they aren't weapons but will crush a attacking animals skull if necessary.

Pepper spray, rather sniff a little myself, than be attacked so dipstick, but since I love hot peppers anyways, it doesn't bother me as much as some, especially the OTC stuff most places sell