Packing for the wilderness – what to take
When packing for a wilderness trip, you need to make sure you have all of your essentials
Depending on why you are heading off to the wilderness, you may be thinking about checking out the latest cameras, for photographing the wildlife, shopping for fishing lures or finding red dot sights , for hunting. There are certain items which need to be taken along, depending on what you are intending to do while you are there.
However, there are some items which are a good idea to pack, no matter why you are taking off into the wilderness. Let’s take a look at what you need to consider.
The right knife for the job
It’s always a good idea to take a knife with you when you head off into the wilderness. They come in useful for everything from cutting branches to gutting fish. A fixed blade knife is the best choice as it tends to be more reliable than a folding knife; there are less moving parts where there can be problems.
A hat for warmth
It can get really cold when you are out in the middle of nowhere, especially at night. Do not forget to pack your reliable beanie hat, to help keep you warm.
Water bottle with at least a 2-liter capacity
It goes without saying that it’s important to keep hydrated if you are out hiking. This is why you need to pack a good quality water bottle, where you can store at least two liters of liquid.
Somewhere to sleep
You do not necessarily have to take a tent with you, into the wilderness; although this does tend to be the most popular option. If you are heading somewhere which is protected by plenty of tree cover, you may want to consider taking along a hammock, or even just a tarpaulin, instead. You can also supplement any sleeping facility you take with a sleeping bag, for extra protection and warmth.
A form of light
Obviously, you do not want to be stuck out in the middle of nowhere, with no form of lighting. Depending on your individual requirements, you should take a head lamp or torch to use.
The basics for hygiene and health
You do not need to take the entire contents of your bathroom with you; this is supposed to be about getting back to nature after all. But, you should take the basics, such as a travel size toothbrush and toothpaste, bandage and band aid, and some painkillers.
Clothing and shoes – the essentials
If you are heading into the wilderness, a good pair of hiking boots is essential. It’s also a good idea to take some light shoes, for when you are around the camp in the evening. Make sure that you take clothing that is easily worn in layers, and that is fast drying.
Packing the items you take into a pack that has a frame and a strap that fastens around your waist is the best idea. This makes it easier for you to carry the load when you are hiking out to your destination. Stick to packing just the necessities as you do not want the pack to be any heavier than it needs to be.
