Camping Tools – What I Would Bring

by Chris Vegvary

As you may know from one of my previous blogs (entitled “Is Camping Fun?”), I’m not big on camping. I believe I’ve been camping a total of three or four times in my life, but I’m not really sure. What I am sure of is that I didn’t like it one bit. Turns out I like technology too much to just go off the grid for a couple of days out in the wilderness. Chances are that I won’t be going camping again anytime soon, but if there is ever a possibility that I may have to, I’ve made a list of the things I’d like to bring along with me.

For starters, I have no idea how to start a fire, and I imagine I’d have no luck in making one by rubbing two sticks together, no matter how long I tried. Therefore, I’d probably want to take something like this Swedish Firesteel Scout, which is good for three thousand strikes and works for starting a fire in any weather. Some may consider this more survivalist or somehow “cheating” in some way, but guess what? If I need to start a fire real quick, I’ll have that option, whereas we’ll see how long it takes you to rub two sticks together. Bring it.

You know what I don’t like at all? Insects. Especially the ones that bite and leave itchy red marks, and that is encountered a lot when you’re out camping. Don’t deny it, don’t tell me you love the thrill of nature or anything weird like that. Instead, I would say to you that you need to try some form or brand of insect repellant to keep the hungry little critters from devouring you throughout the day and night. You think it’s not worth it now? Wait until you wake up being carried off by some pretty serious-looking ants the size of club bouncers, then come talk to me about not wanting to keep bugs away. It’s a real eye-opener.

Lastly, but not leastly, I want to know where I’m going at all times. People like myself aren’t going to know where the crap to look for the North Star, or how to use the sun to tell which direction I’m going. Getting lost in the woods is not appealing to me, what with all the…you know, nature and whatnot. Also, I like to know what time it is. However can I combine the two to make something that will tell me the time as well as which direction I’m headed? Oh, how about BOOM: here’s a military field watch with a compass attached to it. Were you expecting THAT? Of course you were, you’re always two steps ahead of me.

So while I don’t foresee any possible future where I’ll be camping anytime in the near future, I realize that it could happen, and if so, I want to be prepared for it. Hopefully, if you’re like me and have no idea what to bring on a camping trip, this article may have helped you to be ready for whatever comes. Just remember to keep the bugs away.

Camping supplies for first time campers

When people are first time campers, they normally do not come prepared. If they do come prepared, they usually bring way too much! As a first time camper this summer, I think I brought all the necessary supplies. The camping supplies I brought consisted of a propane lantern, tons of bug repellant, instant sting treatment and quite a few other important items.

I have to say that the sting treatment helped immensely! I stepped on a nest of some kind of bees and I saw stars! The sting treatment and ice eased the burn and pain I was dealing with. Benadryl is very vital as well; just in case you are allergic to something you step on or brush up against. At night, even though you are at a campground; the grounds are not equipped with enough lighting. A lantern and flashlights made a world of a difference. Also, citronella candles gave off not only light but protected us from bug bites.

You do not want to over pack clothes! Just make sure you bring something light for the day and something warm for the night, and over course, plenty of underwear! Do not forget to bring towels and water shoes. If you are going to venture into the water and there are rocks, the water shoes will give you grip on slippery spots. Also, always wear a life vest in the water! Even if you are a great swimmer and decide to go tubing; there is always a change of hitting your head. A life vest will save your life! These are just a few tips to help you start a great camping trip!