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NDTV
09-05-2025
- NDTV
9 Game-Changing Tips For A Wild Camping Trip In India
Sleeping under the stars, cooking by a campfire, waking up to the sounds of nature-camping in India can be incredible if you know what you're doing. From Himachal's pine forests to the backwaters of Kerala, the country offers loads of off-grid spots where you can unplug. But let's not pretend it's all Instagram-perfect moments. Without proper prep, you'll end up fighting off leeches, arguing with Google Maps, or worse, trying to explain your tent to the local police. Here's how to actually enjoy camping in India — with no filters needed. Here Are 9 Smart Tips To Go Camping In India: 1. Know Where It's Allowed Wild camping in India exists in a bit of a grey area. It's not exactly illegal, but it's also not widely encouraged unless you're on private land or have explicit permission. States like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and parts of the Northeast are more relaxed about it. Ladakh is a top choice, especially near Tso Moriri or Pangong Tso (but camp only in designated zones). In the South, Coorg and Wayanad offer forested spaces, but you need permits in most areas. Always talk to locals or forest officials before pitching a tent. 2. Bring Food You Actually Want To Eat Maggi is a camping classic, but there's only so much you can eat. Pre-cooked rice packets, theplas, dry sabzis, and energy bars work well. Pack masala, tea bags, and instant coffee — you'll thank yourself. Avoid meat unless you can keep it properly stored. No one wants a stomach issue in the middle of nowhere. 3. Choose Your Spot Wisely Don't just stop where the view looks good. You want a flat, dry surface, away from cliffs, rivers (they can rise overnight), or animal trails. In India, human-wildlife conflict is a real issue. Avoid camping deep inside forests unless you have a guide. Also, check for ant hills. Trust us on that. 4. Network With Locals Villagers and local guides can be your best allies. They can help you find safe spots, warn you about wild animals or weather changes, and sometimes even let you pitch on their farmland (a small payment helps). A little Hindi — or better, the local language — goes a long way. 5. Get Offline, But Not Lost Mobile coverage vanishes fast in the hills or jungles. Download offline maps (MapMyIndia, Google Maps offline, or Gaia GPS), and always carry a physical map. Leave your itinerary with someone before you head out. A basic compass doesn't hurt either. 6. Don't Skimp On Gear Camping stores aren't on every corner in India, so prep before you go. A lightweight tent, a weather-appropriate sleeping bag, and a foam mat are essentials. Nights in the hills — even in summer — can be brutal, so layer up. Insects are a real thing here, so get a mosquito net or a good repellent. Portable stoves (like the small but mighty butane ones) are lifesavers, especially in remote areas. 7. Don't Ignore The Weather India's weather can flip in minutes. In the Western Ghats, it can pour without warning. In the north, winds pick up fast after sunset. Always check the IMD forecast before heading out and pack rain gear even if the sky looks clear. 8. Toilets? Make A Plan Public toilets in remote spots are rare. Carry a small trowel to dig a cat hole at least six inches deep. Stay away from water sources. Bring biodegradable wet wipes and always pack out sanitary products. A foldable toilet tent is a good idea if you're in a group. 9. Respect Nature And People This one's non-negotiable. Don't leave litter. Don't light fires unless you know it's safe (dry leaves mean disaster). Don't blast music. And don't share your exact camp location on social media in real-time — it attracts the wrong kind of attention.
USA Today
28-02-2025
- Lifestyle
- USA Today
What is rucking?\u00a0Understanding the fitness trend taking the internet by storm.
What is rucking? Understanding the fitness trend taking the internet by storm. Show Caption Hide Caption Hiking apps like All Trails, Gaia GPS help you find the best spot These hiking apps can help you find and navigate trails around the country. Problem Solved It's not unusual for fitness equipment, trends, and workouts to mimic everyday movements or activities. The stair climber machine at many gyms, for instance, is not much different than the flight of stairs we take on our way into the office. The treadmill provides the same opportunity that walking across the parking lot offers; and swimming or rowing a boat works many of the same muscles that weightlifters target with dumbbells and barbells. Rucking falls into that a similar category of fitness because a version of it is something that many of us are doing every day - often without realizing. Examples include trekking across a college campus with a backpack full of textbooks; slinging a bag of groceries over a shoulder as we carry them from the store to our car; or strapping our baby or small child to our back before going for a family walk or hike. Here's what rucking is, how it got started, and how you can safely participate in the practice. What is rucking? Originating as a military training exercise that required soldiers to march long distances carrying rucksacks (heavy backpacks) over rugged terrain to help them build endurance and strength, rucking is not much different today. Named for the rucksacks that the soldiers wear, rucking is also sometimes called tabbing or yomping and consists of weighing down a backpack or strapping on a weight belt as one goes about a hike, walk, or run. In this way, "rucking combines cardiovascular exercise with strength training," says Austin "Ozzie" Gontang, a licensed psychotherapist and the director of the San Diego Marathon Clinic. He explains that one's backpack (or fanny pack!) can be weighed down with just anything heavy: a hefty rock, canned goods, a couple of bricks, or a few thick books. Even a dumbbell or two does the trick. "Sometimes people buy weight plates that fit into designer rucksacks," he adds. Along with using weights, "when rucking, you can also increase your workout by the locations and terrain you choose," says Gontang. For instance, walking or hiking uphill or traversing across rocks up staircases can improve results. Such simplicity and flexibility are among the top reasons so many people - including famed restaurateur Guy Fieri - are drawn to the increasingly popular fitness trend. In fact, Fieri reportedly lost 30 pounds by rucking frequently. Read more wellness news: Sign up for USA TODAY's Everyone's Talking newsletter. What are the benefits of rucking? Indeed, weight loss and healthy weight management are a top health benefit of rucking. "An average person burns about 125 calories on a 30-minute walk, but throw on a rucksack, and, depending on your weight and speed, you can burn about 325 calories on the same walk," says Dr. Michael Fredericson, director of physical medicine and rehabilitation sports medicine at Stanford University. "Rucking can burn two to three as many calories as just walking." Gontang says that rucking is also a terrific way to build endurance and enhance your cardiovascular and respiratory fitness. "Rucking puts your body into the ideal fitness zone - around 60-70% of your max heart rate," echoes Fredericson, "And research shows that carrying heavy loads over complex terrain increases heart and respiratory rates, indicating elevated cardiorespiratory demands." He points to a Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research study that shows that rucking can also strengthen the same muscles impacted by squats, push-ups, and sit-ups. Along with building lean muscle mass this way, "core and whole-body vibration exercises combined with rucking can improve trunk stability and reduce muscle sensitivity - potentially decreasing the risk of low back pain and other musculoskeletal injuries," says Fredericson. Rucking may even improve thinking and concentration as a 2024 study found that cognitive function increased in participants who went on a ruck march. Is rucking safe? Despite so many benefits, Gontang says there are some risks to be aware of when rucking. For instance, carrying too much weight or an unbalanced load can put stress on your shoulders, spine, knees, and other joints. "This can lead to lower body, lower back, shoulder, or neck pain," echoes Fredericson. When rucking, it's also possible to strain muscles or tendons, to increase your risk of heel pain or conditions such as plantar fasciitis, or to fall and become injured. Gontang cautions that such injuries are often caused through "improper form or carrying excessive weight." He says that failing to ensure your rucksack or backpack rests snugly against your straight back or not wearing proper footwear can also cause issues. "Think of your shoes as your foundation - they need to support you through every step," he advises. "Posture is everything," he adds. "Keep your body upright by thinking tall and steady and avoid bending at the waist or collapsing your chest - your head should be up with your eyes on the horizon." Fredericson recommends increasing the amount of weight in the backpack and distance traveled gradually after starting with a light load. "Always listening to your body and warm up before each session," he adds. "Consult a healthcare professional if you have any pre-existing conditions and make sure to always have enough water and let someone know your route when rucking in unfamiliar areas."
