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.