Hiking and Camping Essentials

Hiking and Camping Essentials

With winter weather in the rear view, it is time to start planning to get out and enjoy nature and the warmer weather. If hiking and camping are on your to do list, now is a great time to start collecting gear and planning your supply list. Here are some tips to get you started.

Choose Your Gear

Choose the appropriate size backpack for your expedition. We also recommend a pack cover to protect your gear from rain and maybe a little waterfall spray.

Make sure you bring navigational tools such as a map and compass. Even if you are bringing a GPS device, a map and compass are essential. If your adventure requires permits, we recommend storing those with or near your map. Keep these papers somewhere they will be safe and dry.

If you are spending the night, don’t forget to pack a sleeping pad along with your tent and sleeping bag. While a stove may be a luxury, a mug or pot along with a lighter or waterproof matches are a must.

If you are an NCIS fan, you already know this next one. Always carry a knife. A moderate sized pocket knife has many uses on a trail and at a campsite. Some camping knives even come with kits that include paracord and other materials or tools that can come in handy.

Be sure to pack clothes that can be layered. This will make it easier to adapt to the changes in temperature after the sun goes down. An extra set of clothes will come in handy if you get wet in a lake, stream or from sweat.

While a campfire is a great source of heat and light, it’s not mobile. If you want to see where you are going after sundown, be sure to bring a flashlight and headlamp. Pack extra batteries so you don’t risk running out of power in the middle of your trip.

Gather Supplies

Pack plenty of food and water. While you don’t want to go overboard and overload your pack, you should still pack more than the minimum you think you will require. In addition to food and water, we suggest a water filtration system or purification drops or tablets. No matter where you are hiking or camping, a LifeStraw is a small and useful addition to your pack.

For food, bring snacks that are compact but have high nutritional value. This is one time that you should not shy away from high calorie foods. Nutritionally dense, calorie rich foods will take up less room in your pack while giving you plenty of energy to keep hiking, fishing and exploring.

Pack Safety Gear

While a first aid kit seems obvious, many people forget to include adequate first aid supplies. Another overlooked supply is sun protection. Even on a cool day, you can get a nasty sunburn. Be sure to pack sunscreen and sunglasses to protect you from the suns rays. While you are at it, throw in some bug spray.

Don’t head out without remembering your Pee Pistol. In addition to providing self defense against potential attackers, Pee Pistol can be sprayed around your campsite to help deter some campsite pests. Any animal that would be prey to a fox will avoid areas where there is fox urine, the key ingredient in Pee Pistol.

Order Your Pee Pistol Today

We can help you check off one camping essential right now. Visit PeePistol.com to order your Pee Pistol online. Our quick and easy online ordering means you’ll have your Pee Pistol delivered to your door in plenty of time for your next excursion.