Camping and other outdoor activities are great ways to relax, enjoy nature, connect with friends and family, or to just have fun! However, if you’re going on an adventure where you’ll be away from civilization and using natural resources, you need the right gear to help ensure that your trip is as safe as possible. Here are 9 essential camping and outdoor gear items that you should never leave home without
Backpack
You won’t get very far into your next great adventure without a backpack. Whether you’re hiking up a mountain, through a forest, or just around town with friends, you need somewhere to keep your clothes and other items safe during your travels. When choosing a backpack, there are two main things to consider: size (how many liters will it hold?) and comfort level (is it breathable? How much can it weigh?). To choose which is right for you, take stock of how long of an adventure you’re planning on going on as well as what type of climate conditions you’ll be experiencing. Hiking through forests? Be sure to find one that offers plenty of breathability. And if you’ll be exploring mountainside cliffs? Look for durability!
Hiking Boots
You can’t go wrong with any name-brand hiking boot, but there are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing them. Make sure they fit well (you should try them on barefoot) and that they have support—one way to tell if a pair of boots has good support is by looking at their soles: you should be able to see lugs or grooves for grip. A good pair of hiking boots will also provide protection from rocks and roots as you hike. If your outdoor adventures will mostly consist of hikes, then boots are definitely your best bet; otherwise a sneaker may be a better choice since it’ll give you more flexibility while providing less ankle support.
Lightweight Sleeping Bag
Nothing can ruin a camping trip like freezing temperatures at night. A lightweight sleeping bag is a must-have because it will keep you warm without adding unnecessary weight to your pack. A temperature rating of 20° F should suffice, but if you’ll be hiking in cooler weather, it’s best to opt for something that’s rated 0° F or higher. A good rule of thumb: Opt for a lighter bag if you expect warmer weather and vice versa.
Weatherproof Tarp
This piece of camping gear is crucial if you’re going camping or hiking in bad weather. Even if you think it’s a beautiful day out, that doesn’t mean that things won’t change. For example, rain is unpredictable; even sunny days can bring a sudden downpour. So, whether you’re tent camping or car camping, having a good tarp is an absolute necessity. Just make sure to waterproof it before heading outdoors! (In fact, always waterproof your tarp with some extra waterproofing spray before setting up camp.)
Fire Starter
Lighting a fire to get warm is great but starting a fire to cook your food is even better. There are plenty of camp-friendly ways to start a flame. One of our favorite methods is using matches, which you can light with items that you’re probably carrying in your pocket anyway. For example, strike a kitchen match against its striker strip, hold it at an angle under kindling like newspaper or dryer lint, then gently blow on it until it ignites—and voila! You’ve got flame.
Tent
If you’re a serious outdoors person, there’s no way around it: You need to invest in a tent. Between extreme weather conditions and insects, simply sleeping in a sleeping bag just isn’t enough to make sure that you have a good night’s rest out there in nature. The first thing to consider when buying a tent is your intended use. For example, if you plan on camping primarily on beaches or grasslands during mild climates, then look for tents designed with lighter materials that don’t take up much room but still shield you from wind and rain; most will also include mosquito netting.
Cooking Pot
On any outdoor adventure, a good cooking pot is an essential item that should not be overlooked. It’s one of those things you might not think about until you need it—but once you do, there’s no substitute. A good cooking pot will allow you to make a wide variety of delicious meals over an open fire or gas stove. And if they’re non-stick, cleanup will be easy after a long day in nature. No cook is ever going to regret having a high quality cooking pot in his or her backpack. Plus, pots are cheaper than people often think so there’s no excuse not to include one in your gear lineup!
Sunscreen/Sunblock
Staying hydrated is one of those things that’s easier said than done. Relying on your body to tell you when you need water can often lead to dehydration, especially if you aren’t paying attention. Make sure it’s easy to know when your body needs water by carrying a water bottle or hydration bladder. A 2-liter Nalgene bottle is a great option because it fits in many cup holders and allows you to see exactly how much liquid is in your bottle at any given time. The downside? You have to carry it with you—there’s no quick way (yet) to rehydrate using only a tablet or powder. If that doesn’t bother you, feel free to save money on something else in our list of essentials below!
Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder
Hydration is essential to everyone’s overall health, yet it is often neglected. A good rule of thumb is to drink 16 ounces of water per hour while you are out in hot weather. Bring along a high quality water bottle that you like using so that you can easily remember to stay hydrated. If a water bottle isn’t your cup of tea, consider a hydration bladder instead – they allow you to drink without having to remove your pack or take off your layers. These bladders come in 2L, 3L, and 4L sizes – depending on how much water you want (or need) when hiking or camping. For more details, please click here campingfeed
