5 Tips for Surviving Camping with Allergies

Posted on April 13, 2015  •  3 minutes  • 605 words

It’s unfortunate, but 1 in 3 Canadians suffer from seasonal allergies. It’s a tough time of year, with itchy, sneezing, coughing, generally “not feeling great at all” type of days. Some people report it more in the morning and night, others experience the nasty effects of allergies all day. When the outdoors attack your head, it can sometimes put a damper on any camping trips. While I’m fortunate enough not to get too beat up by the spring season, my wife tends to get hit hard with all the symptoms. We came up with a handful of tips to survive camping with allergies.

1. Tissues are key

When you’re heading out on a bit of a hike, nothing makes you want to turn around faster than a drippy nose. Tissues take up barely any space at all, and can be stored in just about anything you have on you, pockets, backpack, hip satchel, or if you’re a woman, inside your bra. Keep those puppies on hand, just be sure to bring them with you, and don’t be a litterbug. Bears eat tissue litterbugs for breakfast.

2. Unscented Lip ointment

Windy days dry lips fast, but worse than cracked lips is a raw nose from too much nose wiping care of the tissues or sleeve you’ve been vigorously painting with snot. You need something to ease that discomfort and make it through the night. Hit two birds with one stone, and find some unscented lip balm (preferably the hippie-dippie natural stuff with coconut oil in it) and apply liberally to your nose throughout the day and before bed. Your shnoz will thank you.

3. Choose campgrounds wisely

While it’s nearly impossible to tell where allergens might hit you hard, according to Dr. Stuart Carr, an Edmonton-based allergist and President of the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. _“Any place that is a dry, agricultural sort of an environment, you’ll get a lot of mould”. _He claims moulds typically grow from grain crops and other Prairie vegetation. This is likely why cities near lots of farming all have higher reports of allergies. If you’re camping near farmers fields, you might have to be prepared for your allergies to kick the snot out of you. Pardon the pun. [box border=“full”] Protip: Planning on camping but suffer from allergies? Remember to bring some allergy meds like REACTINE® inside your tent. You’re much more likely to get hit by your allergies if you’re sleeping outdoors. While the fresh air is welcome, the allergies usually aren’t. So prepare for the worst! [/box]

4. Allergy Medicine

Pills are probably one of the smallest things you can pack along with you. During allergy season (spring thru fall) it can’t hurt to keep a small pack of REACTINE® with you. REACTINE® lasts for 24-hours and is non-drowsy, which will allow you to keep up, whether you’re canoeing, hiking, biking, or just chopping wood. Since it starts working in 20 minutes, you’ll be able to keep focus on the great outdoors.

5. Saline Spray

Head to the nearest drug store on the way out of town and pick up a small bottle of saline spray. Netti Pots are commonly used for clearing your nasal passages, but unless you’re sure the water is going to be completely safe to snort, I’d recommend sticking with the pre-packaged saline sprays. Saline Sprays come in several sizes, and can be easily packed for any camping trip.

Do you suffer from spring allergies? Any other tips you can recommend for camping with allergies?

This post was sponsored by the makers of REACTINE®. All thoughts & opinions are my own.