One week in the great outdoors is a wonderful adventure. Or it can be a nightmare. Most camping experiences are a result of what you bring (or not). It can make all the difference between a relaxed vacation in the forest and a long trip to the emergency department. You can’t go camping without the essentials, whether you’re an experienced camper or just starting out in survival.
1. Tent
Even if slumbering in the stars is your preferred option, it is important to always have a shelter or tent on hand in case of emergency. Otherwise, you could find yourself in the middle of a night deluge, snowstorm, or other severe weather event that can make you miserable and even at risk for hypothermia. Your gear and you can be protected from high winds with a tent. You can get a great tent for 2 or more people. But, it is important to have all the accessories you need: stakes and rope.
2. Sleeping Bag
Even though it might sound like fun, laying on a mattress of moss or leaves won’t keep the sun from shining down. Temperatures can drop to as low as 20°C at nightfall. Don’t forget to wrap your body in a sleeping bag. Many insects are more active at night and can get on your skin. If you don’t have a sleeping bag, it could result in uncomfortable nights or even exposure. It’s a common mistake to take a sleeping bag with you when you go camping.
3. Water Bottle
Water is essential for survival in great outdoors. And the farther you travel the less water seems to be available. Being without water is the last thing any camper needs. Water can be dangerously depleted from lakes and ponds, which can cause serious illnesses due to bacteria. Even if your destination is only a few hundred feet from your car’s location, be sure to have a full day’s worth in a camelbak (or other large container). You should also keep water purification tablets or filters on hand for when you need to refill from nearby streams.
4. Fire Starter
Camping isn’t complete without a warm, burning campfire. Campers can make fires using a flint steel, matches and a lighter. If you use matches, make sure they are waterproof. If one of the fire starters doesn’t work, it’s okay to bring two. Also, make sure to bring some kindling like newspaper strips or dry bark in a waterproof bag. It can be challenging to find dry kindling outside.
5. First Aid Kit
Although it is unlikely that you’ll suffer a life-threatening injury when camping, it is possible to get blisters even after a long day of hiking. If you don’t treat small cuts or scrapes quickly, they can spread infection. Always have antiseptic, bandages, and antiseptic available. A first aid kit should contain scissors, adhesive and gauze. Keep sunscreen and insect repellent in your first aid kit. A sunburn or bite from a bug can quickly end your trip.
6. Pocket Knife
The ultimate multi-purpose tool in the outdoors, the pocket knife. A knife can be used as a trimmer, cutter of fishing line, to dice bait, to slice cheese, sausage, or open sealed packages. It can also be used in a variety of other tasks such as to sharpen a stick or deal with tangled vines or tighten screws. These tasks are almost impossible to do without a kitchen knife. Don’t leave your knife behind. You will be frustrated all the time.
7. Map and Compass, or a GPS with a charge
Use a map, compass, and/or GPS in remote areas if your camping itinerary requires you to hike. Wanderers may become disoriented by constant changes in the location of the sun. Sometimes campers are left wandering the woods for days, sometimes without knowing where to go or how to get back to their camp. The danger of getting lost or stranded is real, especially in areas with limited water supplies. Even if your child wants to go to the nearest creek near your campsite, make sure there is a way for them to return to their campsite.
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8. Weather-appropriate Clothing
Camping means only having a few change of clothes. Therefore, it’s essential to keep your clothes dry. Not only is it unpleasant, but it can also make you more vulnerable in lower temperatures where hypothermia might be an issue. Wet gear is also heavy gear which can make carrying a backpack uncomfortable. Consider a waterproof rain jacket lightweight and waterproof that can be worn over multiple layers of clothing. For extra protection, get another rain bag.
9. Flashlight, Lantern, and Head Lamp
A campfire will only work for about six feet. It is essential to have a battery-powered, portable light in case you need to locate items within your tent and visit the latrine. Because of their hands-free function, headlamps are often praised by campers as the best option.
10. Toilet Paper
Even though hardcore survivalists may see toilet paper as an unnecessary luxury out in the wild, many campers swear it is necessary. For comfort and hygiene, leaves and bark are poor alternatives. Also, a chapped back could make sitting difficult. Some campgrounds have run out of toilet paper at times. If you want to camp in deep woods without worrying about the environmental impacts of toilet paper, make sure it’s biodegradable and bring a refuse bag.
