Camping Equipment – Choosing the Right Camping Gear

Choosing the right camping gear can be a daunting task if you do not know where to start. But which categories do you need to look at when choosing your items? After all, there are so many categories to choose from. Any guess? No? Everyone knows you need food and water. But other than that, what do you really need? Here, I will tell you what you absolutely need:

Tent:

Do not think you are going to buy a dining canopy and just set up shop under the stars. Doesn’t work that way. You need a tent. A tent that is manufactured. Not homemade. Some sort of tent that is going to keep you, your spouse, children, friends, dry in case stormy weather hits. Not to mention to protect you from various forms of wild life. (Bear, Moose, Elk, wolves, etc.) A 2 person tent is preferred, but not required if you are going camping alone. Remember: Canopies are a great accessory but not an essential item.

Sleeping Bag:

A sleeping bag is one of the things that should always be utilized while camping. Can you go without one and sleep on the cold, hard, rocky ground? Sure. But why do it? Anything can be done. True. Just because it can be done doesn’t mean it is a smart thing to do! Along with the sleeping bag, get some padding to go under it so you’re not getting poked by rocks while trying to fall sleep. An emergency survival sleeping bag is nice to have as a backup. Not a primary.

Flashlight:

A flashlight or lantern will help you see in the dark. It can help you navigate your way back to the campsite during dusk, help you walk to the car, or assist you in finding something in a fanny pack while you are in the tent. The benefit of a flashlight is that you can aim the light in any direction that you want. While a lantern lights up one specific area. In the end it comes down to personal choice which one you decide to get. One can certainly not go wrong with either. A flashlight and/or lantern that handles batteries is recommended.

Water Purification:

Chlorine Dioxide or Iodine tablets and/or liquid are a must have item. In case your water supply gets damaged you need to have a secondary means of drinking. These chemicals are your lifeline if your water supply gets cut off. Think about this: You only have 3 days to survive without water. You can survive 3 weeks without any food. The liquid water treatment formulas are recommended over the tablets because you do not have to wait for the tablets to dissolve if a situation ever developed. Purchase both if you have the funds available.

Extra Clothing:

When you are out in the wilderness you can not go to a retail store to buy yourself a new wardrobe. Obviously clothing is going to be weather specific based on your geographical location. What I am saying is to bring enough of it in case your clothing gets wet. Nobody wants to cancel their first camping trip early because they didn’t bring the essentials! Emergency Ponchos are a great thing to have to protect your clothing from the elements.

So there you have it. You now know which camping gear you should have before you set foot into the wilderness. Happy Camping!