My Essential Camping Items
When I say that I am "learning to love the great outdoors," I am literally in the smack dab middle of the process (translation: by no means am I an expert camper). I admit that I have only camped outside a handful number of times, my first time in May of 2014, and I have yet to encounter any life-threatening emergencies *knock on wood* that would automatically level-up my camping game (i.e. bear sightings, forest fires, etc). Nevertheless, it only really takes the first few camping trips to realize which items are most important to ensure your safety and a good time.
No, I'm not famous enough to have any businesses sponsor me. You can rest assured that these items have passed the test of personal trial and error.
Ten Essential Camping Items
1. Shelter - Tent/Tarp & Sleeping Bag
When the season is right and the skies are clear, you could probably get away with sleeping out under the stars. Under all other circumstances, it's important to have a tent or tarp to protect you from earth's elements as you slumber.
2. First-Aid Kit (including bug protection)
First-aid kits are essential for survival (period). You never know when you're going to need one, but you would much rather have one handy in the event that you did. I am absolutely adamant about this one. I'm using this as my one-time public service announcement - if you do not have a first-aid kit, you need to stop reading this article and buy one ASAP. First-aid kits can be bought pre-packed from any pharmacy or you can build your own using items tailored to your specific needs. Don't know where to start? REI (AKA the holy grail of everything outdoorsy) has got you covered: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/first-aid-checklist.html.
One year for Christmas, I gave each of my family members a starter first-aid kit to keep in their cars. It came equipped with potable water tablets, waterproof matches, various bandages and antiseptics, etc. They laughed at how "nurse-like" the gesture was... but, oh, you know, they'll thank me one day.
3. Knife
Is a pocket knife considered a tool or a weapon? Both! I have yet to use it as a weapon, but it does a fine job at slicing fruit and popping open corked wine bottles.
4. Fire Starter
Matches stored in a waterproof container are your best bet for starting a fire. Firestarters are elements or things that help to quickly ignite the fire. Some of these include tinder, wood chips soaked in resin, or my personal favorite - dryer lint stuffed into empty toilet paper rolls!
5. Head Lamp/Flashlight
Personally, I favor head lamps over flashlights for the convenience and mobility of freeing up both my hands. My head lamp has prevented me from falling on my a** on muddy trails and it makes going to the restroom in the dark much easier. Strap it to a filled water bottle and you've got yourself a makeshift lantern!
6. Water Bottle/Reservoir
Water is essential. You're going to need lots of it for various reasons - cooking, cleaning, staying hydrated, etc. I recommend a water bottle (for drinking or other uses) and a water reservoir (for easy access to staying hydrated). For backcountry camping without potable water sources, you'll need some sort of water treatment such as a pump or potable tablets to ensure that your water is clean and safe to use.
7. Sun Protection
You should never underestimate the power of the sun. Improper protection from the sun can lead to serious heat-related illnesses, long-term skin damage, and night-time blindness. Sun protection includes wearing long clothing to prevent direct exposure, hats, sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses.
8. Food
Even if you're going for a short trail run, it's best to bring extra food in the event that you may need it. Foods that do not require cooking and are packed with high-energy calories are ideal. These include nuts, dried fruits, and energy bars. I'm a sucker for Crunchy Peanut Butter Clif Bars. You can pretty much find those puppies stashed in every backpack I own, under every seat in my car, under my bed, maybe even a drawer in the bathroom.
9. Extra Clothing
I'm a Southern California native, which pretty much means I rarely ever need to bring a jacket anywhere I go. Too many times I have found myself "smuggling raisins" at the end of a trail because the weather changed and the temperature dropped at higher altitudes. You don't need to pack an entirely new outfit, but a lightweight rain jacket at the bottom of your back and a clean pair of socks will usually suffice.
10. Some Sort of Navigation
I'm not going to lie - map and compass navigation is a skill that is lost on my generation of millennials. Gone are the days of memorizing your best friend's address and printing the directions prior to leaving the house. We are in the age of GPS technology that allows us to automatically re-route directions to get us to our destinations faster and receive real-time alerts of when police cars are nearby. Satellite reception and built in altimeters make navigation as easy as a push of a button on your wrist.
The map and compass combo will almost never fail you on the trail, so long as you know what you are doing. Even if you plan on using your own high-tech GPS navigator, maps and compasses weigh next to nothing and can be a vital back-up for when you run out of batteries or lose reception.
Simple Pleasures
Eno Hammock
Nothing really says luxury like swinging in a hammock on the beach or in the middle of the forest. Cup of hot cocoa spiked with Baileys and a good book - I'm in heaven.
Neck Pillow
I bought my neck pillow last year for my trip to Vietnam and it has not left my side for any trip since. I keep it stowed in my car for quick naps and it easily clips onto any bag or suitcase for traveling. Since it's small and sits around my neck, it's the perfect pillow for cozying up in my sleeping bag.
GoPro
If you don't take a picture of it, did it really happen? GoPros are notorious for being the go-to adventure camera. It's waterproof and pretty indestructible, if you ask me.
Osprey Kestrel 32 National Park Service Pack
This daypack has been on every single hiking trail and camping trip with me this summer season. It's beautiful, vibrant green color is to die for and the National Park Centennial Logo gives it a little extra class on the trail. It carries everything I need for an entire day and it comes in two sizes, so you're guaranteed to have it fitted to your comfort.