Tag Archives: camping equipment

The Ten Essentials of Outdoor Survival

The Ten Essentials list was first created in the 1930s, in an article that appeared in the newsletter for the Mountaineers. Its goal was to put together a list of the 10 most important items an outdoors person should have on them at all times. It came up with a definitive list that, while not covering everything (no list of 10 items can), lays the foundation for preparedness in the outdoors.

The items are:

1. Strike anywhere matches- important because with most matches, if your striker gets ruined your matches are basically useless. Strike anywhere matches offer you a lot more flexibility. Place them in a waterproof case, with a piece of emery board for a striker.

2. Fire starter- put some of this in your fire proof case. In some conditions, it will be impossible to get a fire started without it.

3. A map- seems self-explanatory, but many a bad situation could have been avoided if people just thought to have a map on hand.

4. A first aid kit- Always essential for treating wounds and injuries. There are many for sale, but for information on how to build your own (and learn how everything works in the process) check out the related article here.

5. A compass- For navigation. Make sure you know how to use it.

6. A flashlight- Another essential item. Have extra batteries and an extra bulb.

7. A pocket knife- a multi-use, Swiss army style knife.

8. Sunglasses- useful in both sunny and snowy environments.

9. Extra food- gives you energy, keeps your head clear, and helps ward off hypothermia.

10. Extra clothing- a rain coat and wool hat at the bare minimum. A rain coat will help you dry, and can be used to build a shelter. A wool hat keeps your head warm, where a large amount of body heat is lost. You cant go wrong with some extra socks, either. And that is the Ten Essentials list.

Good luck and stay prepared!

How To Make Your Car Camping Check List

Are you the type of person that likes to make check lists out for everything that you do including car camping?  Are you looking for a general car camping check list before you make your next adventure camping trip? I like to use a checklist before I leave on a trip so I do not forget critical items such as flashlights, sleeping bags, air mattresses, and a tent. The beautiful thing about car camping is that you can always purchase a forgotten item on the road.  Using a camping checklist will prevent any of this.

I like to divide my camping check-list into multiple categories to make it easy for me and my wife to use.  For example,  I use a clothing checklist; frequently used staple foods checklist; first aid kit checklist; sleeping gear checklist; automobile checklist; gadgets checklist; etc. I don’t suggest getting to obsessed with your checklist as it will evolve as you gain experience with each camping trip. On the other hand, if you have never gone on a car camping trip, then it will be wise to use a general camping checklist and modify it to your needs before your departure.

After completing your camping checklist, you may notice that it includes items that are not on other campers list.   This is normal as you are unique.  If you cannot live without an item, make sure that it goes on your checklist.

Your final checklist can be used and modified to fit any camping or travel situation that you go on. Even if you go on ski trips during the winter and stay in hotels, you can copy and paste essential items from this checklist.

Basic Essential Outdoor Camping Checklist

Family camping trip ideas.

Water Storage Solutions

5 gallon stainless steel water jugs.
Small portable BPA free 1 liter water bottles.

Camp Cooking Kit & Accessories

Large stock pot for making soups and sauces.
Round caste iron skillet or griddle.
Strainers washing vegetables and straining pasta.
Stainless steel drinking cups.
Coffee filters
Melitta Single cup drip coffee brewer.
Assortment of stainless steel or plastic flatware.
Stainless steel measuring cup.
Measuring spoons.

Car Camping Tent & Equipment

Camping tent.
Goose down or synthetic sleeping bags
Light weight camping air mattresses
Air mattress repair kit
Ground cloth to keep ground moisture out of tent
Camp towel for wiping down tent
Camp ax/hammer to pound in tent stakes
Spare tent stakes
Light weight rope

Automobile Checklist

Assortment of car campground maps
Local city and country maps
Campground atlas
Flash lights.  Pack a lot of them as most flashlights are small and cheap
Multiple outlet power inverter
Large cooler
Small water bottles
Emergency first aid kit
Healthy snacks
Music CDs
Car emergency kit

As you can see, this list is not exhaustive.  It’s a good starting point.  Your camping checklist should be as unique as your own home.  It will contain the basics camping essentials and the items that are unique to you and your family.

Leatherman Multi Tools for Backpackers

Leatherman Tools makes several different multi tools that serve different purposes. Some of the tools are best for jobs around the house or on the job site while others work well for the outdoors. If you are a backpacker you may be interested in the multi tools that Leatherman makes that are geared toward outdoor enthusiast. It is definitely important to carry a multi tool on you when backpacking and here are some of the best choices you have to choose from.

Leatherman Charge TTI

This multi tool is really the top of the line when it comes to tools. It is one of the more expensive multi tools that Leatherman makes but it is definitely worth the price. It’s a very compact tool that features a wider and stronger blade and knife. This can come in handy for backpackers who may find themselves stranded and needing a knife out in the wilderness. It is also very lightweight which means it won’t weigh your back down while backpacking. If you want a top of the line quality multi tool, this tool is definitely the one for you.

Leatherman Squirt PS4

If you don’t want to spend that much money but you still want a quality Leatherman multi tool, then I recommend the Leatherman Squirt PS4. This is a miniature multi-tool that you can buy for under $25. This multi tool actually has a keychain attachment that can go right on your backpack or even on your set of keys. With this tool you get just about every tool you would need but it comes in a much smaller and convenient package.

If you want something more top of the line that is the utmost in quality then go with the Charge TTI but if you want something a little less expensive but still of good quality try the Squirt PS4. You really can’t go wrong with a Leatherman multi tool.

Essential Equipment For Family Holiday Camping Trips

Most families have been camping together at one time or another. For some it was a first and last time. Not everyone enjoys the outdoors. But for those families that do take to the natural world of camping they tend to find every opportunity to get outdoors again. Holiday seasons are particularly popular times for family camping trips. The ease of making arrangements while school is out and the range of activities on offer from Park Rangers is inviting. The key to any family camping adventure is to make sure you have all the necessary equipment to enjoy all weather conditions and to be comfortable away from home.

Of course the most essential part of any camping equipment inventory is a tent. There are tents to suit every family, as well as single person or twin hiking domes. Depending on the size of your family and your tent you could find a tent that one person could carry while hiking. Alternatively you could find a secure structure that you could leave up while you spend the day exploring the trails. Large family tents commonly have two rooms that both open onto a corridor down the center. This in turn has two openings at either side. The advantages of corridor tents is that they avoid letting dirt and sand into the sleeping quarters. There are other, slightly smaller tents, with only one room that have an entry ‘foyer’ where you can come in and take off your shoes comfortably before going into the main sleeping areas.

Apart from a tent you’ll also need some warm sleeping bags that are going to stay dry in any weather. Because of the advances in technology most sleeping bags easily fit the bill. Unless you are planning a snow camping expedition a standard sleeping bag should be sufficient. Also, make sure you have good quality packs for hiking, a quality cooking stove and utensils, a tarpaulin to create shade and possibly a fold-out table and chairs. It is also advisable to invest in a fully stocked first aid kit. Because you are going to be away from emergency services it’s essential to make sure you can respond to any injuries with first aid. Finally, it’s advisable to have some old towels, fuel, ropes, torches and a radio.

Unfortunately, camping equipment can be an expensive investment, particularly for families on a tight budget. In my experience if you want to build up a good supply of quality equipment (it’s always best to buy something that will stand the test of time rather than save money and run into maintenance or replacement problems later on) you should discuss as a family the idea of each member of the family devoting their gift giving and receiving to building up a camping inventory for 24 months. Everyone can buy some things and contribute this way and with Sear’s coupons and several stock-take sales during this time you’ll have a great supply of equipment in no time.

Quality Outdoor Equipment Tested In The Toughest Terrain

Outdoors enthusiasts, campers, prospectors and adventurers need the best equipment to explore the natural environment, but the cost of this equipment can sometimes be staggering. Even family-targeted camping equipment comes at a cost and when the expense of buying your outdoor equipment goes up the temptation to sacrifice quality can be hard to resist. But what if there was a great way to buy the highest quality outdoor adventure and camping equipment and save money at the same time? At military surplus retailers and online stores you can get the quality you need at prices you can afford.

I’ve been camping and exploring for years. It started with family fishing trips when I was young and now as a father I often take my own children outdoors on the holidays for a little adventure. Like me, my children love getting outside for fishing, hiking and prospecting. It’s a family tradition enjoyed by millions of people across the world, but it can be a costly pastime. The cost of tents, clothing, equipment and hunting and fishing gear is staggering, but since I’ve discovered military surplus I’ve been able to save a lot every year when adding to and updating our equipment.

One of the best purchases I’ve made from military surplus has been sleeping bags, tents and clothing (check out considerations for the best camping tent). The range of clothing and backpacks in particular is exceptional and my kids love to dress up in camouflage and go spotlighting at night. I admit I love the look of camouflage clothing too, but I also appreciate the quality and the durability of the materials, and the fact that I’m not going to have to replace it after every trip. I also love tucking into a warm and dry sleeping bag at night to rest after chasing after the kids all day.

But it’s not just family trips that I’ve been able to enjoy more since discovering surplus. I love hunting, and while it’s not everyone’s favorite activity, for enthusiasts like me it’s important that I can carry the right knives and guns for each outing (check out what to look for in a hunting knife, too). Military surplus is a great source of knives, sheaths and netting. The quality is made for combat so it is sturdy and reliable. The range of rifles are also impressive.

Hunting equipment is a specialized necessity for sporting enthusiasts and while many military guns are not appropriate for sporting activities it’s possible to modify some combat rifles for these purposes. I recently purchased an AR-15 builder instruction manual and have been able to adapt my rifle to suit the exact purposes I’m looking for. You can also buy handguns and collectors weapons from World War I & II.

Whether you are strictly a family camping hobbyist or adventurous outdoor explorer, military surplus stores offer a great range of supplies for any expedition. Tested in harsh environments by our brave soldiers, surplus stock is a fantastic idea for building your store of outdoor gear. Compasses, portable bathrooms, sleeping bags, clothing and more. Military surplus stores stock everything you need at prices you can afford.