The Ten Camping Essentials

Many outdoor books and magazines, provide a list of The Ten Camping Essentials for wilderness survival, or the top ten pieces of gear and equipment you should never leave home without. Well, here is our version of the 10 essentials.

Map and Compass

Obviously these are must-have items. Getting lost is no fun, and it can be very dangerous. That is why they are #1 on our list of ten camping essentials for wilderness survival. A map and compass are priceless. However, they are useless if you don't know how to use them. Make sure you know how to use them by taking a class, joining an orienteering club, reading a book, etc. Books can be very helpful, but nothing can replace actually getting out there and "doing it".
Extra Clothes

Always take at least a little more clothing than you think you'll need no matter how long your trip is. At the very least you should always take rain gear and a hat and gloves. An extra fleece jacket is also nice to have. Even in the summer a wicked storm could blow in that drops the temperature drastically. So be over-prepared. And you may want to consider taking an emergency "space blanket". It weighs next to nothing and takes up very little room, but it could save your life.
Water Bottle and Means of Purification

You can go weeks without food, but only a few days without water (See the Wilderness Survival article). You can either take a small filter/purifyer pump, or you can take iodine tablets or drops, and now they even have fancy UV ray purifyers. As a backup to your water bottle (in case it breaks or gets lost) carry a couple of non-lubricated latex condoms. They will hold an amazing amount of water, and they are surpisingly durable as long as you're careful. Make sure you get the Non-Lubricated condoms.
Extra Food

Take at least one extra meal on day hikes and at least one extra day's worth of food for 3 to 7 day trips. You never know when you might be stuck out there because of weather, injury, getting lost, etc. The food should require very little or (preferably) no cooking. Trail mix, sandwiches, bagels, dried or fresh fruit, hard candy, etc.

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit might seem like a pretty obvious piece to the ten camping essentials, but it can easily be forgotten. You should take a basic first aid course (or better yet a wilderness first aid course) before you go, because a first aid kit is almost useless if you don't know how to use it. Check with your local Red Cross, Hospitals, and Universities for classes. Also make sure that your first aid kit is fully stocked before you leave. It's easy to forget to refill any first aid kit supplies that may have been used on the last camping trip.

Fire Starter and Waterproof Matches

It seems like you really NEED to build a fire when it is the hardest to do so (i.e. - you're lost in the middle of nowhere, it's 40 degrees, windy, and raining). That's why having some fire starter and waterproof matches is a must. You can buy commercially made firestarters, or you can very easily make your own. For tips on how to make your own fire starters for your ten camping essentials Click Here.
Pocket Knife or Multi-Tool

A pocket knife has virtually unlimited uses on a backpacking trip. With a knife you can cut the cheese (hee hee), spread peanut butter, cut medical or duct tape, cut rope down to size, cut moleskin for blisters, whittle wet sticks down to get to the dry part for a fire, and so on and so forth... A multi-tool can be even handier, espcecially for repairs of stoves, tents, etc. The choice is yours, but either a knife or multi-tool is a must on the ten camping essentials list.
Flashlight or Headlamp

It's extremely difficult to do anything in the dark without one. A headlamp has the advantage of offering you hands-free lighting, so that is what we recommend, but a flashlight will do just fine. Be sure to check the batteries before you leave. Another great tip is to put the batteries into the headlamp or flashlight backwards until you need to use it so that it will not turn on if the switch is accidentally bumped, which would drain your batteries. For headlamp and flashlight reviews Click Here.
Sunglasses and Sunscreen

This might not seem like an one of "ten camping essentials", but it definitely is to us. Good sunglasses are even more important when traveling on snow or water. The snow or water can reflect a lot of harmful UV radiation and can cause a very painful condition called snow-blindness, so make sure your sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays. And a bad sunburn can make any trip unbearable, so take some sunblock.
Means for Signalling

If you ever get lost or injured (We hope you never do, but it's bound to happen if you get outdoors a lot), then you will need a way to signal for help. A high-pitched whistle is a great way to call of help, and it can be heard a lot more easily than even the most desparate screams. Three short blasts is commonly known as a cry for help. You should also consider carrying a small signalling mirror to signal to planes, boats, or anyone far away. Be sure to learn how to signal with one before you leave.

If you have anything you think should have made our list of the ten camping essentials then please let us know.

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