The Camping Outfitter

When you think of a “Rugged Outdoorsman” what kind of person do you picture? Perhaps the image of somebody sipping coffee in the early morning overlooking a valley far from any civilization, relishing the quiet and solitude. Most would agree that would be the ideal situation in any camping experience, but without the right equipment such an idyllic scene would be quite the opposite.

With any camping trip, where you are going can determine what you need to bring with you. Do your research ahead of time, try and find out what average temperatures are, weather patterns, local wildlife, and local laws. Once you have the information, you will be able to determine what is the minimum you need to bring.

So, if you truly are a “Rugged Outdoorsman” what do you want to look for in camping gear? Let break things down a bit to some of the essentials, and what to look for in those pieces of equipment. We will look at Shelter, Sleeping gear, Cooking equipment, and accessories.

Currently there is a huge array of durable camping tents, from giant family sized ones, to “Barely There” backpacking tents for an individual trekking far from civilization. But let focus on the basics of any tent; You want to look at the material it is made of, is it synthetic or natural? How much ventilation is there? Is it water proofed? Square footage? A-frame or Dome? What are the structural poles composed of? Typically you want something lightweight, can be broken down and assembled quickly and easily, provide adequate ventilation, and shrug off any surprise storms. Tailor your purchase to be able to handle a wide variety of climates and you will be set for life!

Next is sleeping gear, your choices here will no doubt play a large part in your comfort while camping far from the amenities of home. Sleeping bags vary greatly, and you will find they are rated by temperatures they are capable of insulating against. Here’s things to consider once you know the climate you will be camping in. Insulating material, zip out linings, what is the recommended seasonal use, and venting. Unless you are camping in extreme climates it should not be difficult to find a sleeping bag that can meet your needs in a variety of situations.

Cooking gear is another important piece of any outdoorsman’s equipment list. You can purchase complete mess kits online that have “everything except the kitchen sink”, or you can purchase individual pieces to meet your needs. What is needed primarily is a stove or heat source, fuel, cooking container, utensil(s), and food and water storage/packaging. Focus on ruggedly constructed camp stoves that are easy to assemble, can handle high winds, and are easy to maintain. Fuel used can affect how much is needed and associated costs.  Storage can double as cooking containers if appropriate materials are used. Any food storage should be of rugged construction, maintain a tight seal, and have a separate nylon bag so you can store food up high away from the main campsite.

Finally, Accessories! Some can be considered necessary, others a convenience. An absolute must is a water filtration or treatment kit. There are a great many products out there to consider, and allow you to meet your needs to replenish your water supply. A Knife is another essential piece of equipment, Fixed or folding blade knife is a personal preference but what is important is that the blade is made of  a high carbon steel, holds an edge through extended use, and the handle allows for a secure comfortable grip to deter any possible accidents. Depending on local laws, a hatchet can be useful as well to clear the campsite and to provide firewood if a campfire is allowed. A headlamp or flashlight can be useful, an LED one would be recommended as they use less batteries, and bulb will go for thousands of hours.