Heading out into the forest to enjoy some time off the grid while camping with loved ones, or alone with mother nature, is one of the most thrilling experiences the modern world has to offer. However, to safely enjoy an excursion into the wild, campers must be mindful of the items needed to keep them comfortable and safe while spending time on their own in the wilderness.
Having a few essentials ensures the campers will be comfortable while in the wilderness, and they may end up being the very items that save a life or allow contact with emergency services if anything should go wrong while out in the forest alone.
The following items are basic necessities every camper should have while in the wild. Still, it doesn't take an expert wilderness enthusiast to use them properly and enjoy a safe and comfortable adventure, whether at a campground or deep in the forest.
1 - Bring Shelter With You (Tents)
Whether you're headed to the nearest state park campground with tent sites or going on a backpacking excursion through the forest, you'll want to have a sturdy tent in which to sleep. They come in many shapes and sizes and can accommodate entire families if necessary. Some tents even have shelving and lighting available for those looking for a more civilized camping experience.
2 - Stay Warm and Comfortable (Sleeping Bags)
Trying to get comfortable for a good night's rest in a tent isn't as straightforward as some might believe. If you're planning on spending the night on the ground in a tent, you'll need a sleeping back to stay warm as you rest. Not only will the sleeping bag provide comfort, but it will relieve some discomfort from sleeping on the ground all night. Purchase a sleeping mat to go beneath your sleeping bag at night for added comfort and protection from the ground.
3 - Know Where You Are at All Times (Compass/Map or Navigation System)
Whenever you wander out into the wilderness, it's always wise to have some form of navigational system with you. This can be as simple as carrying a map of the area and proficiency with a compass. You could also utilize available technology to contact emergency services through a satellite phone or messenger, or with a personal locator beacon.
4 - Always Have A Heat Source (Matches and Flint)
Whether you choose to bring along a box of strike-anywhere matches or a lighter with a small amount of extra fuel, you should always carry a means to make a fire while in the wild. You can use the fire to stay warm, keep predators at bay, and cook meals throughout the day. Bring a piece of flint along just in case your matches get wet or the lighter runs out of fluid, and you'll always have a reliable way to spark a flame.
5 - Ensure You can See At Night (Headlamps & Extra Batteries)
Headlamps you can strap to your forehead are vital for seeing where you're going at night. Tent campgrounds in national parks rarely have much lighting around bathhouses and restrooms, so it's always good to carry a headlamp and extra batteries with you so that you can see where you're going at night. Having a light nearby can also help you see what might be lurking in the shadows around your campsite.
6 - Keep Safety A Top Priority (First Aid Kit)
One of the most important items you can have with you on any trip into the wilderness is a first aid kit. There are many different first aid kits on the market for campers, but make sure you have one that includes emergency items you may need to save a life in the wild. Kits can consist of flares, bandages, splints, gauze, and so much more.
7 - Food Preparation On-The-Go (Camp Stove)
Although a Coleman camp stove is one of the most convenient camp cooking items you can have in your arsenal, you don't necessarily need to carry something so bulky if you're trying to keep things minimal. As long as you can make a fire, all you need is a small grate and perhaps a small cast iron skillet or pot to cook your food with.
8 - Be Prepared For Survival (Emergency Rations)
Think ahead and make sure to have an extra gallon or so of water, protein bars, clothing, and first aid materials in case of an emergency. Mother nature is unpredictable, so make sure you carry a few extra supplies with you the next time you plan a hiking or camping trip in the forest.