So you want to go hiking, but you're just not sure what to bring. Which brand should I pick? Am I being stingy when I should be shelling out for the good stuff? Below are 10 must haves that every camper needs, whether it is their first or four hundreth journey down a trail.
Disclaimer: This is actually awful advice, don't buy any of this except maybe the cheese
1. A good pair of boots
Any adventure is going to need some comfortable, durable boots to pull you through. These motorcycle boots offer a good solution. After all, nothing is worse than getting a blister a mile in to your trip and having to put up with it the whole hike, which is why it is important you spare no expense finding something that fits your feet and your lifestyle.
Pretty sick huh? If the weather may be inclement on your journey or if you plan to be gone more than a few hours, it's good to be prepared. You never know when a freak hurricane or snow storm may hit, so it is important to pick something good for all conditions.
Now, some people do prefer sneakers to boots, but why not both?
If there is one thing I have learned on all my journeys, it is that looking fresh will always be important. Where will you be when someone pulls out the camera? Again, spare no expense when it comes to your footwear. You never want to be in a situation you cannot handle.
2. A durable set of clothes
Let's break this down into simple terms everyone can understand: cotton, cotton, cotton. Stay away from any synthetic or wool blended shirts when going camping. 100% cotton or bust. Maybe a sick Harley Davidson shirt or cutoff. Why? Don't ask questions. Just trust that there is really good reasoning behind this.
For pants, first make sure it matches the rest of what you chosen. There is almost nothing worse than realizing halfway up the mountain your pants clash against that jacket. Personally, I try and stick to motorcycle pants. Durable, expensive, and totally sick. Everyone will think you are so cool sporting those.
3. A proper jacket
There is nothing worse than being caught out in a Minnesota blizzard without your parka.
Now for more moderate times, you don't want to overheat. It is important you stick with something stylish yet breathable, like this totally sick motorcycle jacket.
So freaking sick dude. Who wouldn't wear this camping?
4. A comfortable sleeping accommodation
One of the newest products on the market is a temporary enclosure known as a tent. Paired up with a full body sock, these can apparently keep you warm in just about any conditions. Because they are so new to the market though, it is highly recommended you stick with the higher price, more name brand options when considering both tents and body socks.
For the traditionalists among us, nothing sounds more nostalgic than a classic hot tub hammock.
Just like in the good old days, when Mother Nature rears her ugly head, you can flick her off and hide in a hot tub like the pioneers used to. It really makes me proud to see these traditions alive and well.
Remember though, the two most important thing to consider when it comes to planning where your sleeping are comfort, first and foremost, then warmth. Choose which will fit your ideal lifestyle in the wilderness.
5. A well crafted axe
Wherever you travel, you will surely want a campfire at some point. A simple hatchet can help do the trick, aiding you in chopping down a tree and getting firewood.
For those who take fire-making a little more seriously, a proper axe is the only solution.
When a stubborn tree just won't budge, there's nothing better then a pole-arm with a purpose. An axe like this can substantially help in reducing time to get to usable firewood. Besides, when faced with a bear, which would you rather have?
6. A sharp knife
Speaking of safety, a good knife is something to really splurge on. Approximately 1 out of every 3 camping trips will find you in a Liam Neeson movie style situation, and when faced with a pack of angry wolves, I'll take the knife please.
7. A dependable lighter
Going back to the firewood, what good is it to have a bunch of flammable material with no flame?
This classic camping lighter will start a roaring fire to sit around and play Wonderwall to better than anything else on the market. Oh and did I mention it is on sale, too?
8. A comfortable set of cookware
Fire can do more for you while camping then provide a nice background as you serenade other campers with your rendition of Wonderwall in your motorcycle pants. Fire can be also used to cook. Yes, for those of you who enjoy warm food, some pots and pans are great for taking camping.
One decision I find myself having to make time after time is exactly which one to bring! If you find yourself facing this choice, remember you can always bring them all and simply discard the ones you don't like on the trail as your hiking. When the morning comes, a ranger can pick it up when they come to pick up after you and the rest of your trash.
9. Some snacks for the trip
Sure, you already thought about what you'll be eating for meals, but have you thought about what to snack on throughout the day?
I have found that chocolate is time and time again the best replenishment to stock up on for a long journey. It really pairs well with your hiking milk, the only drink needed on a long trip, and can help stave off the hunger between meals.
If the chocolate just can't cut it though, go ahead and pick up some classic Cabot cheese.
Nothing says camping like Cabot!
10. A backpack to fit it all in
What good is all this gear if you have nowhere to put it? That is where a 100+ liter backpack comes in handy.
For any trip longer than 3 hours, it is best to try and stay with a pack over 80 liters. If you're going to be potentially going a full day out in the wilderness, really anything under 100 liters most likely won't cut it.
Remember not to worry about weight too much. These backpacks are designed to take the load in the most efficient ways possible; if you feel it is heavy, simply unbuckle your waist and chest strap and let the weight pull on your shoulders and upper back. This is the best way you can distribute a load across the body.
At the end of the day, the best things to bring with you are your wits and your totally sick motorcycle gear. Treat mother nature with the middle finger you normally show her, and if you come across a bison, be sure to put in your trunk for good measures.
