Backwoods Camping Supplies:
Essential Backwoods Camping Supplies You Need:
There is nothing quite like camping outdoors to connect with nature, your family, and yourself, but what backwoods camping supplies do you need? We have taken the replies of our readers, past surveys, and our experience to give the following essential camping checklist:
1. Clean drinkable water
Many parks offer water spots but if you are truly going backwoods, you need your own supply. Many times a simple CamelBack will suffice as most hold all the water you need for a few days and are easy to refill. They fit easily into backpacks and are equipped with a spout to keep around your shoulder so you wont miss a step on the trail when thirst hits. Keep a water filter kit handy. Click here for water purifier options.
2. Food
When it comes to food it is easy to get carried away. But keep in mind with backwoods camping supplies you carry everything in your bag. Avoid bulky pots, pans, and coolers, and opt for one mess kit. Mess kits are lightweight, portable, and unbelievably useful. With mess kits less is more, and the pots and pans may also be used as eating utensils.
NorthFace Camping Tent
3. Tent
While there is a wide range of tents available, the overriding concerns should be durability and weight. Being lightweight will always be better than the style or color of your tent. Keep under 6 lbs.
4. Sleeping Bag
Choose a down sleeping bag if you know you’ll be in non-humid or rainy environment, otherwise choose synthetic (retains warmth even when wet).
5. Lighter
Fire remains one of the most elemental items. Without it in backcountry camping, eating and staying warm will be impossible. Long gone are the days of rubbing two sticks together. Lighters are small, durable, and highly effective to starting a fire.
6. Warm/cold weather clothes
Be sure to pack proper clothing. Should rain, snow, or cold weather strike when you’re miles away from your car or other people, having extra warm clothing will keep you warm, dry, and healthy. Hypothermia is the number one cause of death to people lost in the wilderness. Many forget just how much temperatures can drop once the sun sets. Be sure to layer clothing; it is always easier to remove or add as the temperature fluctuates.
7. Flashlight
The only thing worse than getting lost is getting lost in the dark. Be sure to pack a flashlight in your backpack or wear a headlamp. Even around your campsite, a light will help you with all tasks once the sun sets. And with increasingly longer battery lives, these small portable devices can save the day.
8. Knife
Small and versatile, a knife is is one of the most important tools of backwoods camping supplies you need. Whether you need it for protection or to catch food for the day, a knife is essential. Injured? Use it to cut clothing for bandaging. Cold? Use it to collect kindling and firewood. Hungry? Use it to catch and eat food. Remember, you don’t need a giant machete to get by in the woods. A simple pocketknife can do wonders, just make sure it is sharp.
9. First aid kit
It only takes one wrong step to become injured outdoors. Trails can be rocky, rocks can be slippery, branches can be sharp. Be prepared for any injury by purchasing pre-packaged kits or make your own.
10. Ground mat
Sure you have your tent and sleeping bag to protect you from the elements, but without a ground mat, you’ll be surprised how miserable a night gets if you forget this item. Expect to wake up to a pool underneath your backside if rain, snow, or humidity is present. Ground mats are lightweight and can roll into your tent so you will barely notice it is in your pack.
11. Map and GPS Unit
Even seasoned campers can get lost. And being lost without a map can be terrifying. Sure it is possible to find your way home or at least to get help, but why risk it? Maps fold up to almost nothing and fit inside backpacks or pockets. GPS units are inexpensive and can be invaluable if lost.
12. Good pair of hiking boots
If you are going backwoods, the terrain can be tricky and loafers and many tennis shoes will not cut it. One of the most valuable backwoods camping supplies, hiking boots can be very comfortable and durable, while not costing a leg to buy them.
13. Garbage bags
Perhaps the most forgotten item to pack, garbage bags are actually one of the most important things to bring on any camping excursion. garbage bags are unbelievable versatile for nearly all backwoods camping supplies. If cold or wet weather hits, cut a small hole in the bottom of the bag and slide it over your head. Now a poncho, garbage bags can keep you dry while keeping the warmth of our body.
14. Lantern
You need light inside your tent for most activities and a flashlight is normally too directional. Get a battery operated lantern for inside the tent rather than a fire lighted one because fumes can be deadly.
15. Internal/External Frame Backpack
A backpack combines all of the necessities above into one convenient method of carrying along everything with you. With multiple pockets, straps, and size carry the day.
The above list is by no means everything because everyone has their favorite essentials such as entertainment items and other comfort needs. Compile your own backwoods camping supplies list to maximize your fun camping experience.
What backwoods camping supplies don’t you need?
Check out the items you think you need but can actually leave at home:
1. Pillow
Sure they are comfortable, but these bulky pleasures are difficult to pack, an annoyance to carry in and out of sites, and in nearly all instances completely unnecessary.
2. Compass
Surprised? Compasses can be useful and many campers may choose to bring one, but remember, the time and direction can all be calculated by using the sun. And GPS units are everywhere now.
3. Anything Cotton
When packing clothing, be sure to include materials that are lightweight, keep body heat in, and wick away moisture. Cotton is an unforgiving material when camping – it is difficult to keep dry, allows heat to escape, and can actually lead to overheating.
4. Single-Serving Food
They may be useful for astronauts but single serving foods actually create a bigger hassle for campers. The convenience of a meal in a small pack flies out the window when you realize the amount of waste they create. Remember you carry out what you carried so try packing foods like granola in bulk.
5. Matches
One of the biggest misconceptions in camping is that matches are essential. Many fail to realize that if these little fire starters get wet they are completely useless. And that’s why the durable lighter is best.
6. Water Bottles
Remember for backwoods camping supplies, you carry out what you carry in, so avoid packages of water bottles which only create more waste. See the #1 item under essential backwoods camping supplies on what to take and avoid bulky plastic.
