There’s nothing quite as invigorating as breathing the fresh air of the backcountry while taking in the sights and sounds of nature.
Whether you’re planning a 3-hour hike into the great outdoors or a 3-day camping trip, you want to be prepared for the unexpected. Here is our list of the top five backcountry essentials you should bring on every trip.
1. First Aid Kit
The number one item on our list of outdoor essentials is the one item we hope you don’t need to use. However, everyone needs to carry a first-aid kit any time they diverge from civilization.
Insect stings, cuts, scratches, and even broken bones can be treated while in the backcountry when you carry a well-stocked first-aid kit. Make sure yours is stocked with bandages, antibiotic ointment, and creams for burns and stings. It’s also advisable that you get a medical certificate in first-aid in case of emergency situations.
2. Knife
It makes good sense to include a good knife in your outdoor supplies. A good, sharp knife can mark your trail or cutaway briars and brush from the path, prep your meals or repair your gear. Every adult in your party should carry one.
Whether you choose to carry a single fold-out blade or a more sophisticated multi-tool, you’ll find a huge selection and great prices at tacknivesusa.com.
3. Food & Water
Even if you’re only planning to hike for a few hours, you should carry extra food and water. Keep your backpack light with dehydrated foods like beef jerky, trail mixes, and protein bars.
You never want to be without water, but there may be times to you don’t have access to clean water. Along with a full water bottle, you may choose to carry water purification tablets or a portable water filtering system.
If you are planning an extended camping trip, Expert Camper recommends bringing along a portable table top gas cooker so you can create meals with ease.
4. Fire
Okay, so you can’t really pack a fire in your backpack, but you should definitely include fire-starting materials in your outdoor gear. Matches and lighters are essential. You can gather straw and kindling on your trek, or you may opt to bring homemade fire starters made from toilet paper tubes stuffed with dryer lint. Be sure to pack all of your fire essentials in waterproof containers or bags.
5. Overnight Essentials
Even if you’re not planning an overnight trip, it’s wise to include a few overnight essentials in your backcountry supplies just in case things don’t go as planned. Even during the summer, outdoor nighttime temperatures can drop dramatically.
Be prepared with an emergency shelter. This could be a lightweight ultra tarp or an emergency space blanket, both of which are easily packed into a backpack. The goal is to keep you warm and protected from the elements, so even a trash bag could work in a pinch.
Be Prepared With Backcountry Essentials
We want you to enjoy your next outdoor trip to the fullest, and we know that the best trips are the ones that are well-planned and well-prepared for. We hope this article has encouraged you to gather up your backcountry essentials and go exploring!
If you enjoyed this article, be sure to explore the rest of the blog for more interesting information.