:: Outdoors ::

Basic and advanced tips on outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, swimming, bicycling and gardening. Includes things you can do if you live in a city.

This article is by Dan Carber - Click for all articles by this author.

THREE ESSENTIALS FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS By Dan Carber

It is best to be a minimalist when it comes to camping and hiking. Unless you are going car-camping or someone is carrying everything for you, it is best to bring only what you need for the trip. There is only so much room in a backpack, so you really need to look hard at what goes into it.


It might sound like a good idea to bring a portable TV in case you get bored, but when you’ve been walking for a few hours that gadget is going to feel awfully heavy in your backpack. A heavy backpack doesn’t get lighter the longer you carry the load, no matter how fit you might be.


Other than the clothes on your back – which you will have to decide based on the time of year and where you’re going – there are three things that are absolute necessities for camping or hiking and should be carried with you at all times:


1) A metal canteen


2) Something to cut with


3) And something to make fire with


You need the canteen because you can survive longer without food than you can water, and you will need to have something to keep it in. You need the fire-starter, because a fire will help keep you warm and you will need to boil any water you find before you can drink it. The knife will help you cut wood to build your fire, and it will make life easier all around.


A canteen is important because being out in the woods is hard work, and the more you sweat the more you’ll need to drink. A metal canteen is best because you may find a river or lake, and you can boil the water right in the canteen before you drink it. You need to boil it for a good fifteen minutes to kill any bacteria that might be in the water or else it could make you sick. And you do not want to be sick in the woods.


The knife and the fire-starter require a great deal of care and responsibility, and being careless with either could cause you or others great harm – or even death. These two items require adult supervision, and you should have the permission of a parent or guardian before you buy or bring them. If you are too young, an adult should keep them at all times.


Good knifes for camping or hiking include Swiss Army Knives, a Leatherman or a Gerber Multi-Tool. It is good to find one with a locking blade and a saw-blade. The saw-blade is very useful if you need to cut wood for your fire, or find yourself needing to make a quick shelter.


To make a fire, you don’t need much more than a pack of matches. Waterproof is best, because wet matches are useless matches. One suggestion is to buy a Magnesium Fire Starter. This will save you from going through your matches. This is a specialty item that can be found at most camping stores. If you buy one, make sure you know how to use it before you go out into the woods.


Remember, when it comes to fire and knives, safety should always be your number one concern. Don’t get hurt, and always be careful. Be cautious, and be mature. If you’re allowed to carry a fire-starter or a pocket knife, you’re being given a big responsibility.


What else should you bring? It all depends on the time of year, and where you’re going. You’ll probably need a tent, a sleeping bag, some food, extra clothes and a good book. Just do your research on where you’re going, and think about what’s important to bring along.


And remember, everything you take in needs to be taken out with you when it’s time to leave — and that includes any trash you create, as well. Be prepared, be safe and have fun!