Tactical Essentials to Take Camping

You’re in a hurry to put the city in your rearview and get into the great outdoors – but forgetting just a few camping essentials can derail the whole trip. Use our list of what to bring camping to help you enjoy your best trip yet.

Survival of the Fittest: Tactical Camping Gear

You have the basics down – the tent, sleeping bags and recreational items you always use when you camp – but the little stuff is just as important. You need a tactical backpack loaded with gear that’ll help you set up camp, cook and enjoy your trip.

The Basics

It’s easy to forget basics – you wouldn’t be the first person to trek 5 miles into the middle of nowhere and realize you left the sleeping bags in the garage – so use this checklist of camping basics when you’re gearing up to go:

• Food and water
• Mess kit that includes cookware and utensils
• Sleeping bags
• Tent, shelter or waterproof bivouac (bivy) sack
• Thick socks
• Extra clothes
• Toiletries

Tools and Equipment

Tactical tools that get you through the trip are essential, and so are emergency items that you’ll be glad you brought if things go south. Here’s a list of tactical tools you can’t afford to forget when you’re camping:

• Map
• Compass
• Tactical flashlight
• Fire-starting kit
• Waterproof matches
• Hand-crank radio
• Tactical multi-tool
• Survival knife
• Binoculars
• Paracord
• Pepper spray
• Shovel or E-tool

Emergency Supplies

Stash emergency supplies in an extra pack – or in the bottom of your ruck or backpack if you’re hiking out and back – so you’re prepared if something goes wrong. Here’s a list of emergency supplies to bring camping:

• Medic bag or IFAK
• Extra food and blankets
• Fishing and hunting equipment
• Mini water filter
• WAG bags or waste kits

Comfort Items and Snivel Gear

You can’t predict the weather, so it’s always better to be prepared for a downpour, a sudden dip in temperature or a little more heat than you expected. Here’s a list of comfort items and snivel gear you might want to toss in with your tactical camping essentials:

• Airtight containers for food
• Headlamp
• Bug repellent
• Sunscreen
• Extra boots
• Camp sandals
• Hand warmers
• Cap or beanie
• Long Johns, silks or other cold-weather gear
• Poncho or other wet-weather gear
• Cooling bandana
• Hammock
• Camping chairs
• Solar chargers
• Stove

If you’re hiking out and back, it’s hard to strike the right balance of essentials, emergency gear and comfort items – but it’s easier with a high-capacity pack that’s designed for camping. Pack what you know you’ll need for the duration of your trip, plus an additional two-day supply of food and clean socks in case something unexpected pops up. Use these lists as a springboard to customize your pack and you’ll have your best trip yet.