Camping: The Ropes to Having a Good Time in the Wild

A Whistle and Compass;

Every camper should have a whistle around their neck and a compass in their pocket at all times. The woods are very hard to navigate through without a trail or map to guide you. If an individual gets lost, he can whistle for others to locate him or use a compass to find his way back.

A Sleeping Bag;

Though some may think sleeping in a tent is comfortable, it is actually quite unpleasant. The forest floor is full of twigs and branches that, unless swept from the area of the camper’s tent, may become a nuisance when sleeping. With a sleeping bag the camper will be comfortable and the sticks won’t prod as much when trying to get a nice and restful sleep. Also, it is good to have one in case the temperature gets too cold for some people.

Utensils for Cutting and Digging;

Some campsites do not have cut wood already prepared for campers or a fire pit. It is always good to keep a hatchet, saw, and shovel on hand when going camping for just these occasions. When using these tools, it is always a good idea to follow good safety precautions because they can be dangerous.

Gallons of Water;

Fire is very hard to control in a fire pit and, on very rare occasions, can accidently begin to spread. In an emergency like this it is best to have multiple gallons of water in the campsite, in order to put the fire out. It also is best to use the water to put out the fire in general when the campers are done using the fire pit. Water is a camper’s best friend, as it is the best way to stay hydrated.

A First Aid Kit;

Accidents happen on campouts and campers can get hurt in multiple ways. Having a first aid kit is a requirement when going camping, just in case something unexpected happens. The first aid kit should contain bandages, gauze, moleskin or blister medicine, tweezers for splinters, aloe for burns, sutures just in case stitching is needed, and medical tape to keep the gauze on.

A Poncho;

Down here in Florida the weather changes abruptly all the time. With rain chances being high in this state, it is best to have a poncho just for that situation. Though rain shouldn’t be that big of a problem, with cool weather it can cause sickness. Before going on a campout, it is a good idea to check what the weather is going to be like while at the campsite, letting the individual know what clothing to pack.

Eating Equipment;

Though some campers bring snack food like trail mix and beef jerky, others sometimes bring canned foods. Cast Iron pots and pans are great to use over the fire pit to cook food, and silverware is good to have on hand. To cook over the fire pit, make sure you have a proper fire grate for maximum safety, and also oven mittens as not to burn yourself.

Rope;

Though it is an odd item to have, rope can be used to do multiple tasks needed for camping such as helping tie down a tent, create a clothing rack, and tie around lumber too heavy to carry. It can also come in handy in a situation where it can be lifesaving, like needing to tie around a tourniquet.

Suitable Shoes and Clothing;

When on a camping trip, it is best to have clothing prepared for all kinds of weather or situations. Hoodies, sweaters, and pants can be worn when it gets cold at night or when it begins raining at the campsite. T-shirts, armless tees, and shorts should be worn when it gets too hot or whenever doing work in the camp, that way the individual does not get heat exhaustion or stroke.  Boots are also a must when camping due to their protection against venomous animals and insects.

Flashlight;

When the sun goes down and the stars and moon come up, the only light normally in the campsite is the light of the fire. However, if the camper has a flashlight on hand they can light up anything in the site and more. Flashlights help in a major way to make sure the camper can see in front of them and also check for animals.

Pocket Knife;

The sword of the wilderness, a pocket knife is an important tool to have on a campout. It can help with cutting rope, cutting off decayed wood, and can be used as an eating utensil. The most preferred pocket knife is a Swiss army knife, as they come with multiple convenient tools. A good hobby to pick up with pocket knives is whittling wood into animals and shapes.

Entertainment Items;

These items, while not necessarily used for camping, can give campers something to do that doesn’t involve the outdoors. Some of these items can include books, radio, and card games. Be careful not to lose these items in the outdoors.

Knapsack or Book bag;

Finally, there is the book bag where all the items listed are put into. The knapsack is normally carried whenever going hiking and keeps everything organized in small compartments. A lot of hikers carry their backpacks while hiking because it can be good exercise. The goal of a knapsack is to carry the necessities without overloading oneself. Any large items that have been brought along can be placed in a car if it is parked close enough to the site.

Camping needs a lot of preparation, even though others would only think to bring the clothes on their back and a blanket to sleep under the stars. However, having most of these items, a camper can then be more prepared for any situation and can have a more relaxing campout. For all of those who are going camping, have fun and be safe.