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10 Indispensable Camping Tools
Going on an extended camping trip is the best way to experience the outdoors. But while camping trips can be a lot of fun, they are also potentially dangerous. You’re away from civilization and must learn to fend for yourself. To ensure that you have the best camping experience possible, make sure to bring the following ten essential camping tools.
Flashlight
It gets dark out in the wilderness. And we mean Really Dark. When you go camping, always make sure to have a flashlight available. Buy a headlamp if you can, as these leave you hands free to work. Keep extra bulbs and batteries handy.
Water bottle
You can live weeks without food, but only days without water. Keep enough water to last you your entire trip and invest in a water purification kit in case of emergencies.
Fire Starters
When you’re in need a fire, it’s good to have a reliable fire starter that won’t be affected by weather. Which is why it’s worth your while to invest in waterproof matches; they’ll keep you warm and safe from the cold at night regardless of the weather.
First Aid Kit
First aid kits are crucial to have when you’re out camping, away from hospitals and emergency rescue crews. Include in your kit a good number of band-aids, sterilized gauze, gauze adhesive, pen or pencil and paper, scissors, antiseptic, elastic bandages, and a CPR mouth barrier device.
Self-Rescue Aids
A rescue mirror and a rescue whistle should form a part of every camper’s pack. In an emergency situation, you can scream for help all you want, but your voice won’t carry far and you’ll run out of it quickly. A whistle, on the other hand, carries further and is louder. Plus, you can whistle for a lot longer than you can yell. Rescue mirrors are important in case you need to signal an overhead plane.
Non-perishable foods
Power bars and MRE’s are key for long camping trips involving heavy hiking. Non-perishables will save you time and weight, while giving you all the calories you need.
Rope
Rope is useful for building shelters and for emergency rescue scenarios. There are literally thousands of ways you might use a rope, and you never know when you’ll need it or when it would be nice to have. Learn a few basic knots, like the bowline and the square knot.
Compass
No digital map is going to replace the durability and reliability of a good old fashioned compass. Keep one with you at all times when camping.
Pocketknife
Pocketknives and other leatherman tools are good for a wide variety of tasks. Always cut away from yourself and keep your blade well sharpened.
Appropriate clothes
Dress in layers of appropriate clothes. Weather can change drastically and quickly when you’re out in the wilderness.
About the Author
Ryan Frank is a 23 year writer and blogger living in San Diego, CA.