Five Things to Keep in Your Backpack for Camping

Sunny days are here, and what better way to spend them than by enjoying the great outdoors? In a previous article on RV campgrounds in California, we talked about some fantastic natural sites in the state that backpackers and families alike can visit. There’s nothing that brings a better appreciation of nature and fun than camping, and every American should try it at least once.

Camping isn’t as simple as throwing a few things in a bag and heading out into the wild, however. It’s still important to ensure that you have the right supplies for a safe and enjoyable trip. While your gear will definitely vary according to your destination and the weather, there are some things that stay constant. Below, we’ve compiled five things you need for any camping trip, anywhere.

Sun Protection

Enjoying the great outdoors can come with a few downsides, and those downsides include sun radiation. Overexposure to the sun can result in immediate ailments like sunburn or heatstroke, as well as longer term conditions like skin cancer. While it’s fine to enjoy the warmer weather, sun protection during camping or hiking trips should be a priority.

KOA recommends taking precautions, such as applying sunscreen and limiting time outside during noontime or other peak sun hours. You should make sure to bring a small tube of sunscreen around and reapply regularly, as well as other sun gear like hats and sun visors. The better your protection against the sun and the heat, the more likely you’re able to enjoy your trip.

Snacks

No matter the type of activity, if you’re planning on going camping you need to keep your energy up. And the best and simplest way to do that is to pack some good snacks. Portable yet filling snacks like protein bars or bananas are great solutions to hunger pangs on your trip, and can help keep your energy and spirits up for longer.

If you’re looking for light snacks with tons of health benefits, Brightcore recommends apple cider vinegar gummies. These gummies come with all of the benefits of ACV, and none of the downsides. They’re made from organic ingredients, including healthy digestive enzymes, and are a refreshing bite during long hikes.

First Aid Kit

One thing everyone should have when they go camping is a well-stocked first aid kit. You have to be prepared for every eventuality, and that includes injury and medical emergencies. A first aid kit should be your first priority when packing, and should be in easy reach at all times on your trip.

TripSavvy recommends filling your first aid kit with the basics, including adhesive bandages, butterfly bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic ointments and sterile wipes, anti-diarrhea medicine, and anti-inflammatory medicine. You’ll also need antihistamines or an epi-pen, as well as scissors, tape, and prescription medicines. While this seems like a lot to bring on a trip, safe is always better than sorry, and you’ll be glad to have your kit when you need it.

Water Purification Tablets

If there’s one thing that humans can’t go without, it’s safe, clean drinking water. Although camping trips can bring us closer to nature, they can also take us further away from safe water sources. As clear as the water in that creek is, you never know what bacteria could be lurking in there.

Camping means you need to be mobile, though, and carrying around gallons of drinking water can make that difficult. That’s where water purification tablets come in. Mountain Knowhow lists the Katadyn Micropur MP1 as their top water purification tablet, because it kills bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. Investing in a pack now will save you a lot of gut and health trouble in the future, so don’t skip it.

Fire Starters

Fire is essential to human life and safety. Not only is it used to cook your food, but it’s also necessary for repelling dangerous wildlife and keeping you warm on cold nights. While you’re probably going to be doing your cooking on a camping stove, you should still make sure you have a reliable fire starter in your gear.

Getting lost in the wilderness is a worst-case scenario, but it’s one you should prepare for anyway. Outside the Box Mom recommends investing in a fire starter with a large strike capacity, quick start time, and great weather-proofing so you can use it in an emergency rain or shine. As long as you follow fire safety and environmental safety standards, a fire starter is an excellent piece of gear to have.

Thanks For Reading!

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