OK, we’re ready to roll! Flashlights, extra batteries, lanterns, extra fuel, GPS, survival gear, solar chargers, fire starters, cooking gear, camping lights… Did you pack the tent? I thought you packed the tent. Who packed the tent? There it is! Where? In the garage. Oh boy…

And This Is Why We Use A Checklist!

Credit Anastazia

If you break your checklist down into categories, you stand a better chance of remembering everything. This is just an example and by no means includes everything you’ll need:

• A basic first aid kit
• Personal items
• Clothing
• Cookware and meal preparation
• Bedding
• Shelter

Try to take your environment into consideration along with any possible changes in the weather (checking a weather report can be helpful but it’s never a sure thing); think about activities for not only the kids (because goodness knows, they get bored at the drop of a hat) but the adults as well; and whereas the food that you’ll be eating may or may not depend on hunting and fishing, be prepared in case the fish aren’t biting and the small game is in hiding. And of course all that miscellaneous silliness (necessary though it may be, it is too a big category to explain here today).

Your First Aid Kit – You Don’t Have To Be As Equipped As An EMT (But It Doesn’t Hurt)

Having the basics for first aid is really all you need and the knowledge of how to make a splint and other emergency items out of what you have around you will serve you well. Here are some basics:

• Medical tape (to hold on dressings or fashion a butterfly bandage from);  Sterile gauze pads, gauze and ace wraps and band aids; Sterilizing lotion/antiseptic soap.
• Latex free gloves; Cold/hot packs; Anti itch spray or lotion, epi pen (if required), Benadryl.
• Burn and sunburn lotion; Hydrogen peroxide and triple antibiotic cream; Scissors/knife/or razor blade; Sterile water (or at the very least filtered).
• Safety pins and tweezers, and if you’re on any kind of medication, don’t forget to bring it along too.

Personal Items For Hygiene And Otherwise

Here are some things that you’re going to need for each person on the trip:

• If you’re really in the wilderness at least 5 gallons of water for a sponge bath.
• Toilet paper; feminine products and a razor unless you’re going way back to nature.
• Brush/comb; toothbrush and toothpaste; deodorant (the others will appreciate it); some kind of soap and shampoo.
• Washcloths and towels, flip flops.

Unless You’re Camping In A Nudist Camp, You’re Going To Need Clothing!

This can be a combination of individual needs and group needs:

• Laundry bag; swimwear; towels.
• Rain gear; sleepwear; underwear; shirts; pants or shorts and a belt (this belt can also serve as a tourniquet in a worst case scenario; jackets.
• Bandannas; hats; socks and more socks; shoes and more shoes and possibly boots.

Cooking And Food Preparation

This is a wide open category because you might be hunting and fishing for your food, you might be bringing it with you in a cooler; you might be grilling or preparing food over an open fire; and even if grilling it may be charcoal or propane. Here are some suggestions:

• Heavy duty aluminum foil (make sure to take it home and recycle it); condiments; dishwashing supplies for when you’re not using paper or plastic (please bring trash bags for whatever garbage you create); zip lock bags.
• A table is nice but not required; any kind of plastic ware, paper plates, grilling utensils, mixing bowls, etc.
• Open fire cookware such as pots, pans, coffee pot; cups; bottle opener and can opener.
• Hot pads or oven mitts; grill; matches or lighter; charcoal or propane.
• Thermos; coolers; lots of bottled water; bucket and a shovel.

And Finally We’re Down To Bedding And Shelter!

Just a few suggestions:

• If you take along air mattresses, you’ll need also an air mattress repair kit and air pump; pillows; sheets; blankets or sleeping bags.
• For the shelter you’ll want a broom with which to clean up the tent; a hammer; an ax; all necessary tent supplies; and don’t forget that tent!

Don’t forget that emergencies go beyond a first aid kit when you’re talking about camping gear. Make sure that you have your flares, a cell phone (hopefully in an area where you can get reception), and some bills and notes (not everybody takes credit cards… particularly in the middle of nowhere).

Copyright (c) Travellers Quest