Going on a hiking or camping adventure means that you have to bring along certain things that will help you have a more pleasant and easier experience. You will have to sleep somewhere, light a fire, prepare and eat food and be ready in case you get cut or injure yourself somehow. When roaming the outdoor camping stores, you will probably wonder what are the most essential things you need for your adventure. Here is some must-have gear experienced campers recommend to always take with you.
First and foremost, if you’re going on a camping adventure, you’ll need a place to sleep and hide from potential rain and cold weather. This is why the first on your camping supplies list should be a tent. There are various tent sizes, types and styles, so you can get pretty much anything you need.
Whether you need a small tent for one or two people, to a large one that will welcome an entire family, make sure that it is easy for carrying on your back and also not too complex for setting up. Larger tents naturally are heavier, which is why many backpackers decide to carry their own tents (especially if they are walking for kilometres). Backpack tents can welcome one to four people while camping tents can house up to twelve people. So if you’re driving to the place where you’ll set the tent, you can go for a larger one (therefore, a heavier tent).
It’s important to get a tent that is made of waterproof materials that will keep you warm and dry inside. Some tents have features that will make the camping comfortable, especially if you camp in a larger group. This means that some larger tents have rooms, ventilation that will make hot days bearable, light source, side pockets and so on.
When visiting the well-stocked outdoor camping stores, make sure to get a sleeping bag. This is another camping essential that no camper can go without. Even if you don’t have a tent, a sleeping bag should be your highest priority. It will help you stay warm during the night and sleep on a more comfortable surface than the cold and rocky ground.
Sleeping bags come in various types and weights. It’s important to check the temperature rating. This depends on where you go camping. If you know that the area is cold and the climate is wet, your sleeping bag should be well insulated and made of waterproof material. Some bags are intended for a milder climate, others are specially made to help you stay warm in sub-zero temperatures.
Also, consider the weight, since you’ll be carrying the back on your back. It should not interfere with your balance when you walk, but also it should be too lightweight since in that case, it will not keep you warm and safe when you sleep. If you’re camping with a car and have enough space, you can also get an air bed for camping and make your sleeping experience that more comfortable.
You will need to cut your food with something, as well as eat it (unless you prefer to eat with your hands). You don’t have to carry the entire utensil drawer with you, but having a practical utensils set designed for camping trips will help you have a pleasant meal in the wild. You can find excellent multi-utensil sets that include a fork, spoon and knife all in one convenient and lightweight product.
Water should be on top of your list of priorities as well. You have to stay hydrated with about 2 litres of water per day. Even if you’re sure there will be drinkable water where you go, make sure to get some hydration gear with you just in case. Water purifying powders and tablets are lightweight and easy to carry and can make a real change in cases when you aren’t sure if the water is safe for drinking. If you can’t get such powders, you can always carry a small pot where you can boil the water so you can be sure you’re drinking safe water.
You never know if you’ll need a bandage, pain killers, anti-allergy pills or a gauze, hydrogen or alcohol, antibiotic salve and so on. You’re going into the wild where anything can happen. This is why a camping first aid kid should find its place in your backpack. If you have insect allergies, have diabetes or other health conditions, make sure to include the necessary medications in your first aid kit.
No matter how many times you’ve gone camping or hiking, no matter how well you can orient in space, make sure to have a navigation tool. These tools should include a topographical map of the area you’ll be in, a magnetic compass, and an altimeter or GPS receiver. You could easily lose your way and that may turn into a dangerous adventure you wouldn’t want to have.
Illumination is also important, so don’t forget to carry a flashlight, or a headlamp so your hands can be free to do things such as cutting wood, setting the tent or cooking a meal. LED type light bulbs are excellent since they last for a longer time and provide a stronger light beam, making your camping brighter.
You will probably need to start a fire, so you will have to have fire starter gear. Matches, a butane lighter or a flint will help you light a fire even if you are a beginner or haven’t tried to start a fire before. Make sure to keep the matches in a waterproof container so it stays dry and you can easily use it when necessary.