Camping can be an enjoyable activity. Being out in nature, living off the land, and putting down your cellphone are all things that can cause that feel-good feeling. However, it can be a bit overwhelming if you are unsure what to pack, even more so when you forget an essential item.
Thankfully, this post has outlined four of the important items you might forget to pack, which could hinder your chances of a successful camping trip. Forgetting one of these items might see you left in the cold or dealing with an infected wound, and both of these scenarios are best avoided.
Keep reading to ensure you pack all of the necessities when heading off on a camping trip.
Multi-Tool or Knife
A high-quality multi-tool or camping knife can be a beneficial item to pack for a camping trip, especially if you are planning on wild camping. Multi-tools can be used for a range of tasks as they combine many tools in the one gadget, from setting up tents to cooking on a campfire. Just like a knife, a multi-tool can help you fillet fish, skin animals, and complete activities that are key to your survival.
If you do not have a multi-tool, then a knife specifically designed for camping will do the job. Most camping knives are roughly six to eight inches in length and made from carbon steel. A durable sheath is required to ensure the blade stays in good condition and to avoid any injuries. For more tips on using camping knives, check out this advice from experts in outdoor skills.
Fire Starter
Even camping in the summer can get cold, especially as night. A campfire is needed to warm things up when this happens, and a fire starter is a quick way to get one lit. Of course, there are other ways to start a fire, such as with matches or a lighter, but a fire starter can be used again and again. As long as you have a little bit of kindling, it will catch.
A fire starter can be used by a beginner and will often work in a variety of weather conditions, which is vital if it begins to rain or the wind picks up. It will also save you a lot of time, too, allowing you to focus on other tasks like setting up the tent. For tips on using a fire starter, click here.
First Aid Kit
While no one wants to imagine being injured while camping, there are some cuts, scrapes, and similar wounds that are unavoidable. For example, it’s easy for blisters to form when you are hiking all day long, especially if you’re trying out new boosts. This is why packing a small first aid kit is a very useful addition.
Injuries can even become infected when they are left untreated, which can be an unpleasant complication to experience when you are away from home. Most first aid kits will contain antiseptic, which can cleanse the wound, and bandages to ensure the injury stays free of dirt as it heals.
Other items needed in the first aid kit include gauze, painkillers, scissors, and soap. You might want to add a bottle of sunscreen and insect repellent, too.
Flashlight
Unfortunately, a campfire will not be burning all night long, and it definitely isn’t mobile. Due to this, at least one flashlight or headtorch is absolutely necessary. It is encouraged to pack two or more, though, as well as extra batteries. This is very important if you choose to camp off the beaten track.