How To Buy General Camping Accessories

Sometimes it is the little things that make or break a trip. Here's a basic list to get you started on the right track.

• Maps, compass and field guides
• Personal items
• Lights
• First aid kits
• Knives and tools
• Sleeping pads
• Emergency blankets

Maps, compass and field guides

• Maps will tell you where you are and how far you have yet to travel. They can also help you find campsites, water, and emergency exit routes.
• Used with a map, a compass will help guide you through unfamiliar terrain. Be sure to learn how to use it before you go into the outdoors!
• Field guides will help you identify flora and fauna, and will discuss the geological history of the terrain you are passing through

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Personal items checklist

Here are some key items to bring along on any trip lasting more than a day:

• Sunscreen, lip balm and sunglasses
• A particular necessity if you're out in the open or in high altitudes
• An SPF (sun protection factor) of 25 or higher is recommended year-round
• Medications
• Including prescriptions, pain killers and antihistamines
• Bring along a plastic storage container to keep them dry
• Insect repellent
• Particularly if you plan to be in the woods or near water
• Multi-purpose lotions will protect you day and night
• Toilet paper
• For those who eschew leaves
• Personal hygiene items
• Toothbrush and paste
• Mirror
• Biodegradable soap
• Comb or brush
• Contact lens supplies

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Lights

What you choose depends on what you'll be doing and where you'll be camping.

• Lanterns
• Lanterns, because of their size and fuel requirements, are best in base camps or more permanent campsites
• They are also suitable for car camping
• Headlamps
• Headlamps are great for those who don't want to be encumbered with a flashlight
• They are especially useful in the backcountry, and are good for those who must hike or climb in the dark
• Flashlights
• Flashlights come in a wide range of sizes and styles
• Don't forget to bring extra bulbs

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First aid kits

You can buy prepackaged kits or create your own. It is an essential on any trip. Items should include (but are not limited to):

• Triangular bandages
• Pressure bandages
• A roll of gauze
• Adhesive tape
• Band-Aids
• Moleskin
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Antiseptic
• Insect Bite/Bee Sting Medication
• Pencil and paper
• First aid booklet
• Needle and thread
• Pain relievers and other medications you may require

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Knives and tools

These will serve a variety of purposes, such as cutting a cloth into bandages, repairing eyeglasses and gear, and opening cans.

• Straight knives
• Take up more room, but are often sturdier than folding knives
• Better for jobs where a lot of cutting or slicing is required
• Folding knives
• Basic and utilitarian
• Usually consist of one blade that folds into the handle
• Utility knives
• Offer more choices than straight or folding knives
• Usually come with a variety of blade sizes and edges
• Multi-use tools
• Combine knife blades with a host of other implements such as pliers, screw drivers, corkscrews, bottle openers, allen keys, even socket wrenches
• Many are sport-specific (such as those made for biking, snowboarding and golf)

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Sleeping pads

A sleeping pad will add comfort, help decrease heat loss between you and the ground, and protect your sleeping bag from extra wear. The two main types are inflatable and foam.

• Foam pads
• Foam pads come in varying thicknesses and lengths, which affects compressibility
• Unlike inflatable pads, foam won't puncture and will last longer
• Most foam pads aren't as comfortable as inflatable pads
• Inflatable
• Inflatable pads are usually self-inflating
• They are generally more comfortable than foam
• Will not last as long and stand the risk of puncture
• When deflated inflatable pads are more compact and pack easier than foam

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Emergency blankets

Useful if you get wet, lost, cold or the weather takes a turn for the worst.

• Made of thin, reflective material that will help you retain body heat
• Emergency blankets are light, weighing as little as 3 ounces
• They are designed to retain 80% of a person's radiated body heat
• Most are made of polyethylene film and aluminum laminates

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