Getting out into the great outdoors is a great way to escape every day and getaway. It keeps you connected to the real world, it’s good for your health, and it teaches you survival skills not learned from urban living.
The options are endless, from long hikes to mountain climbing. A genuinely cathartic way to spend a few days in nature is to pack up a few things and spend a couple of nights camped out in the woods. When doing this, though, you need to know what few things will help you make the most of the experience, as well as take care of yourself. Here are some top suggestions for what to take along.
1) A Tactical Flashlight
A quality flashlight is a must. You can check out the source of any odd noises you hear at night. If you need someone to find you, it’s a beacon that helps show where you are. It’s also great for having to answer the call of nature in the middle of the night – without tripping over a tree root.
Getting away from urban light is a beautiful experience, but having an available light source call on is vital. Get the best tactical flashlight to make your trip safer and more comfortable.
2) Something Warm
From a thick coat to blankets, you must have something that can provide you with warmth. You can’t always rely on fire if it’s unexpectedly rainy, and nights get so much colder in the outdoors.
Find something made of warm, durable material – and make sure there’s enough for everyone on the trip. A thick rug may be a bit more to carry, but it can save you from hypothermia. And it makes sleeping much easier!
3) Clean Water
Depending on how well you know the area you’re traveling in, you may know of a local freshwater source. Even so, it’s a good idea to carry plenty of clean drinking water with you. If you get lost, or injure yourself in any way and need to clean a wound, freshwater can save your life.
Remember – you can go a long time without food, but very little time without water. You should always keep a supply of water with you.
4) A Good Tent
If you’re looking to make your shelter from natural resources, you can skip to part 5 (you’ll need it!). If you’re bringing shelter, then make sure you’re getting quality. A cheap tent will only last a few outings and won’t hold up to extreme conditions.
If you enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, it’s worth paying extra for something that will survive – and help you do the same! A tent with a more durable frame and a proper waterproof canvas will last you for years and be far more comfortable than an average cheap tent. With tents, you get what you pay for.
5) A Sharp Ax
As mentioned above, this is especially important if you’re planning to make a shelter from branches and foliage – which should only be done if you know what you’re doing. If you’re going to be chopping any wood, for fire or shelter, don’t bring a dull ax.
Sharpening tools can be easily acquired, and there’s plenty of useful information out there on how to do it. If it seems like a lot of time and effort, compare it to trying to chop up wood with a blunt edge.
A sharp knife is also handy for smaller pieces and trimming.
There are two primary considerations when getting away to the woods. The first is safety. Prepare well, and make sure you can take care of yourself out there. The second is to enjoy yourself! Spending time outdoors is essential to well-being and keeping our connection with the world around us. Get your kit together and get out there to breathe the free air.
