Safe Camping and Hiking in the Desert Southwest

In Sunday's edition of the Las Vegas Sun, Tony Nester, an instructor at wilderness training school Ancient Pathways, offers five must-haves for safe desert camping and hiking:

1. A first aid kit that includes items for treating insect stings and snake bites
2. Shelter, such as a poncho or tarp, so you can create your own shade
3. Water
4. Three fire starters: a lighter, a spark rod, and storm-proof matches
5. Something to signal with: a bright item of clothing or small mirror and a whistle