The essential items every camper should have on him

Reconnecting with nature can be a wonderful, relaxing experience and what better way to do it than going camping? But spending time outdoors can be an exciting adventure or a dreadful survival test. It all depends on how well you are prepared.

We are not going to mention the tent, sleeping bags and all their accessories and clothing, as we assume those are too obvious to be forgotten. But here are some other important items you should always have on you when you go camping:

A first aid kit. May you never need to use it, but don’t ever forget to add one to your camping gear, just in case. You can purchase one or put one together yourself. Just make sure it contains all the basic items: painkillers and other essential medication, bandages, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, tweezers, scissors, splitting materials, sterile compresses, etc.

Matches and/or a lighter. Rubbing sticks to make a fire might look cool in the movies, but it’s no easy task, nor is it an efficient one. Maybe you’ll be forced to make a fire while it’s raining or when it’s dark or cold outside and you don’t have any time to waste.

Flashlight/lantern/headlamp. And since the outdoors don’t provide any outlets, don’t forget to pack enough batteries, power bank, etc., to go with them, just in case you run out of juice.

Rope. Rope is that essential and versatile item you don’t tend to think about too much, but it can have countless uses. That is why you should always have one on you when you go camping. You might need it to hang clothes to dry, tow someone in trouble and more.

Solid knife/pocket knife. No, we’re not sending you to stab or hunt anything, but a survival knife is an essential item. How are you going to cut the aforementioned rope without one? A knife can also help you slice or chop food, offer a sense of protection and much more.  

Paper maps and a compass. Nowadays, we are used to depend on Google Maps and our GPS for getting almost everywhere, but there are places out there where technology can’t help you. In remote areas where there’s no cell phone service, a paper map is essential if you don’t want to get lost. So is a compass. Add them to your camping gear and learn how to use them before you go camping.

Insect repellent. Nature itself is perfect, but most of us can’t say the same thing about all the bugs and insects that populate it. Especially those that feed on your blood. You can include insect repellent in your first aid kit or put it separately.

Air-tight containers. So you’ve got your grill, camping stove, pots, pans and food, but if you are going camping for more than one night, you should also take with you some air-tight containers to store your food. You don’t want to leave your food out to be sniffed by all the wild animals around you. These recipients trap smells and also seal your food really well, so you won’t attract any hungry uninvited guests, such as bears, raccoons and others.