I was out hiking the other day, and I hear the tell-tale “crack” first, and then approximately 1-2 seconds later, I hear it lumbering through the branches making its way toward the ground …and then the subsequent “BOOM!” Then I stood there watching the top of this very ordinary looking tree, not at all dead, on this bright sunny day, with hardly any wind at all, wondering what could have possibly triggered this large limb to fall!?
It was a warm, humid day after a bit of rain, but not enough to damage a tree, so what had happened? My curiosity is what prompted me to write this post, and my conclusion is nothing. Or at least nothing I need to concern myself with, other than when scouting a tent site location, awareness of your surroundings is absolutely critical. Yes, even on windless, sunny days. 
You know what they say… “Location, Location, Location!” …and it’s true. Especially when choosing where to make camp for the night. Our recent Backcountry Survival Instructor training teacher said, “A good shelter in a bad location is a BAD shelter.” He was referring to scouting out locations to build a wigwam, but tent-site selection needs the same level of attention.
An easy way to remember what to look for is to go by the five “W’s:”
Water: Where will water flow if it begins to rain? Is it the perfect flat spot because it is a low spot where water collects? There are several tell-tale signs to look for.
Wind: Which way is the wind blowing or predicted to blow? Which direction is best to face a tent door or tarp wall?
Weather: What is the incoming weather like? Is lightning or hail possible? Do you know how to adjust your tent’s rain fly for condensation and heavy rainwater management?
Widow-Makers: Look up! Are there dead branches or standing dead trees that could land on your tent, tarp, or hammock?
Wiggly things: Ground dwelling hornets, bees, ants and other bitey things can make their presence known in less than desirable ways. Look at the ground closely for indicative signs of critters that also like your perfect tent spot. A little mindfulness goes a long way.
However, knowing what to look for and how to improve our observation skills instills peace of mind when spending time outdoors. Then, we can relax and enjoy our adventures with more trust and self-confidence.
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