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Checklist: 5 Camping Essentials for a Safe and Enjoyable
Adventure
Special to The Truth
More than 30 million
Americans camp in tents yearly, according to the Outdoor
Foundation. As with any outdoor adventure, having the
necessary equipment is crucial.
Whether you’re hiking
through backcountry or headed to an established campsite,
this checklist will help you prepare for your expedition.
1. Navigation
Approximately nine million
campers backpack to outdoor destinations, making navigation
a top safety necessity. Remember that camping often means
leaving behind cell coverage, Internet access or a GPS
signal, making such low-tech gear as a compass and map
mandatory. Other potential tools include a topographic map
combined with an altimeter to help gauge your journey’s
terrain and altitude.
2. Insulation
Knowing climate and
weather conditions is vital. According to Backpacker.com,
clothing is just as important as a tent or sleeping bag to
stay insulated. Outerwear should repel rain and snow, but
also breathe so you don’t get wet from perspiration. Your
base layer should be made of moisture-wicking fabric -- not
cotton --- to prevent chafing. Consider that day and night
temperatures can differ greatly, so layer clothing, and
choose materials and thicknesses appropriate for your
destination -- and don’t forget a hat and extra socks.
Bring along T-Rex Clear
Repair Tape to mend holes or tears in tents or clothing. It
sticks to both wet and dry surfaces, ensuring an easy and
instant fix to keep gear insulated in any weather condition.
3. Illumination
Campers should always
bring enough illumination to be able to safely see and move
after sundown, especially in case you get delayed, lost or
separated from the group. While flashlights are obvious
choices, headlamps are popular, as they allow for hands-free
operation, and are typically small and lightweight. Another
feature to consider is a strobe lighting mode for emergency
situations.
Extra batteries are
essential as battery lighting was the most popular purchase
among adult campers in 2014, according to the Outdoor
Foundation. Available in single-use or rechargeable models,
ideally the batteries should offer a balance of long
duration, high performance and environmental friendliness.
4. Emergency/First Aid Kit
Accidents happen to even
the most experienced and best prepared campers. Your kit can
prove invaluable if you, or another member of your group,
are in a first-aid situation, need gear repaired or are
under other tense conditions.
SectionHiker.com proposes
supplies such as a pre-assembled first-aid kit, a
multi-tool, knife, scissors, screwdriver and safety pins.
You can then add other items based on preference and
experience. A useful addition is a high-quality tape, like
T-Rex Tape, as it can be used to repair hiking poles, patch
sleeping bags, make a rope, temporarily stabilize an injury
or broken boot, and more. T-Rex Clear Repair Tape can even
be used to fix cracked GPS or phone screens and flashlights.
5. Hydration and Nutrition
Food is an enjoyable part
of camping, but deciding what to bring will depend on
whether you’re backpacking miles to your site or camping
near your car, as well as how many days you’ll be gone. If
you’re trekking far, be prepared with lightweight and
nourishing options.
Water is essential but
heavy, so check the area for potential natural sources.
“Mountaineering” suggests carrying a collapsible water
reservoir and purification tablets to ensure water safety.
Freeze-dried meals are popular selections, however, no-cook
meals with long shelf lives are better in arid regions.
Other possibilities include energy bars, nuts, dried fruits
or jerky. Never leave out animal-attracting leftovers, as
that could attract unwanted intruders.
“Essentials” are called so
for a reason. Don’t be caught camping without proper
supplies. With these necessities, it will be easy to prepare
for and enjoy your next adventure in the great outdoors.
Courtesy StatePoint
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