Six "essentials" for a first camping trip

[Farmer X]

Some time ago, I ran across this article. The author discusses six "essentials" for one's first camping trip. If you'd prefer not to read the article, here's the list:

• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• Camp stove
• Headlamp
• Camp chair

Food was mentioned as an aside, and application of common sense is awlso a must. For example, bug repellent might be desirable, and the stove might not do much good if you don't bring pots, pans, a tea kettle, and etc.

The article was of interest to me because I want to get some camping in. If I don't do that before about November, it'll have to wait till next year.
I have yet to determine which tent will be best. Ditto with the sleeping bag (though I read one book that suggested alternatives; title and author to follow) and sleeping pad. Probably any cheap adult-sized camp chair would be adequate, unless I decide to use a tailgate for that purpose. I have a few lights that would work. Since I'd be truck or Jeep camping, I believe the pros of a propane stove outweigh the con of fuel bulk.

However, I'd be very interested to hear suggestions (both for additional gear and things that would work for me) and counterpoints.

[Vidar]

I think there are different styles of camping, and "essentials" will vary accordingly. These days I do two styles - hiking or borrow a camper van. I did some camping in tents I was younger, but these days it just make sense to go all in for either hiking or camper van style.

• For summer hiking camp we had none of the listed items last time. To be fair we did miss the sleeping pads, and it doesn't get dark here in summer so headlamps would just be wasted weight. Your mileage will likely vary on that. For stays of several days I think we would have added a tent and sleeping bags too, but any cooking is on a bonfire basis. That might not be an option in areas exposed to forest fires and the like, but I do think it is more charming than a gas burner.
• A camper van is great for camping - no surprise there. Most stuff you have at home, just in a tiny package. You are limited to areas near roads, but it is nice to use as base for various daytrips and many new places in a short time. I guess that is somewhat true for truck or jeep camping as well. One might actually camp inside cities with camper vans, which is more complicated with tents.

With car and thus capacity for plenty of weight and space you have lots of choices and you don't have to go with the minimalistic, weight optimizing, expensive hiking based gear but can go all out glamping! If so might add suggestions like shower bag, foldable table, field bed, and portable toilet.

Edit: And power banks for the phone..

[Sos24]

It really depends on what type of camping and where for what you need, although I would say those are probably a few of the essentials.

Because you are going car camping, one big recommendation is don’t skimp on comfort items.  The chair, sleeping pad, maybe even table, lantern, good food can make the experience nicer.

The headlamp even if it doesn’t get dark until late is still a great thing to have especially for the late night bathroom run. 

That brings to another topic, if not going to a campsite with bathroom facilities and car camping, a camp toilet can be nice.  Even if just a 5 gallon bucket with pool noodle with trash bag lined and kitty litter with a tarp wrapped around it.  It is a comfort item that can make a big difference.

As far as tents, if weight is not a concern, recommend going at least 1-person higher than needed and look at inside height.  Many backpacking/camping tents only have a peak height of 40-45in to save on pole size/weight.  The extra space is nice if you might be spending any amount of time in a tent.  As far as brands REI makes some nice ones that are usually cheaper than many big name brands.

If using an inflatable pad, bring a pump.  A small pump saves some time and effort plastic can get better inflated. 

There are many small power stations that can be purchased nowadays.  This might be nice to have if going for a few days to recharge phone, camera, lights, etc.

Depending on how remote, make sure to keep a clean campsite as far as food (and associated items) and ensure you are locking it away when not in use.  Animals will smell and seek out which can turn a pleasant experience unpleasant.

[Farmer X]

The book I mentioned in the original post is Basic Illustrated Camping, by Cliff Jacobson. It is awlso worth noting that Tasky and I have discussed this subject at some length in e-mail conversation.

These days I do two styles - hiking or borrow a camper van.

I would definitely be doing something more akin to borrowing a camper van, at least initially. I'd need to get myself in better shape before I walk five miles with 40 or so pounds of gear on my back.

Because you are going car camping, one big recommendation is don’t skimp on comfort items.

One requirement I'd have is that all my gear has to fit in the back of an old Jeep (say a CJ-3B). That may have me forgoing a few of the comfort items, but that's not too big a deal.

In the height of summer, it gets dark at around 2100 (9:00 PM) in my neck of the woods. So a light of some sort is desirable, especially the farther you get from the cities.

I'll see about adding a portable toilet and a small folding table to the kit. As for the power bank thing...we'll see how I do going without Internet for a day.

Thank you both for the suggestions!

[Vidar]

Because you are going car camping, one big recommendation is don’t skimp on comfort items.  The chair, sleeping pad, maybe even table, lantern, good food can make the experience nicer.

Totally agree there - go for it! Actually consider bringing your home mattress, pillows and comforter. That is what we do in the campervan. Beats sleeping bags anyway.

The headlamp even if it doesn’t get dark until late is still a great thing to have especially for the late night bathroom run. 

If it gets dark then agreed. As for us the sun doesn't set again until late July, and even then it will still be light enough for quite some time around the clock.

Depending on how remote, make sure to keep a clean campsite as far as food (and associated items) and ensure you are locking it away when not in use.  Animals will smell and seek out which can turn a pleasant experience unpleasant.

On certain parking lots along the roads around here you will be approached by animals if you stop early in the morning. I assume they have learned that tourists and campers appreciate their presence and give them food. So I guess whether animals are unpleasant or not depends a bit on what animal and how they behave. Most will likely target your food when you sleep regardless. Personally I find squirrels and stouts quite entertaining - they do have different personalities though, and some are downright territorial.

[Vidar]

I'd need to get myself in better shape before I walk five miles with 40 or so pounds of gear on my back.

That is the thing with less stuff. With some food, drinks and two sets of fishing gear, extra clothes, and a variation of a bivvy bag to sleep in we probably carried less than 20-25 pounds between us. Granted, we do add water on the way for drinks - and assumed to be able to catch some food too.

But yes, keep to your comfort zone - and with a car that can be very comfortable

As for the power bank thing...we'll see how I do going without Internet for a day.

I consider the phone more as a safety and navigation item in hiking circumstances. 

[Farmer X]

Consider bringing your home mattress, pillows and comforter. That is what we do in the campervan.

That makes sense for a camper van, or even a pickup. But it'll be a no-go if I wind up with a Jeep.

I consider the phone more as a safety and navigation item in hiking circumstances. 

I would agree with that, provided you can lock onto a signal. I'd probably prefer a satellite phone if I'm venturing very far from the grid. And what about a dedicated GPS unit? Are those worth the bother anymore?

As an aside, what's your proximity to the Arctic Circle? That may help explain your long daylight hours (and presumed absence of sunlight in the winter).

[Vidar]

That makes sense for a camper van, or even a pickup. But it'll be a no-go if I wind up with a Jeep.I would agree with that, provided you can lock onto a signal. I'd probably prefer a satellite phone if I'm venturing very far from the grid. And what about a dedicated GPS unit? Are those worth the bother anymore?

As an aside, what's your proximity to the Arctic Circle? That may help explain your long daylight hours (and presumed absence of sunlight in the winter).

Ah, my Jeep space thinking is propably way off.

We have actually thought about a satellite phone sometimes, but the cover gaps are fairly small where we typically go. The phone companies have put some money and effort in to cover even remote areas. My father has a GPS unit. After the arrival of smart phones I've never seen him use it  - likely still depends on coverage though?

The arctic circle is at about 66 degrees or so. We're at over 70 degrees north. (That is basically the very northern tip of Alaska for comparison).  Yes, it is equal time but opposite effect in winter - no sun for about two and a half months. Summers can be great though.

[Farmer X]

Ah, my Jeep space thinking is propably way off.

It may be. I haven't seen a flat-fender in person for quite some time (yet I recently saw an M151, oddly enough), so I don't know exactly how much space I'd have to work with. Creative packaging and maybe a compromise with the sleeping pad will be necessary.

I'll have to do some digging and see if I can determine whether dedicated GPS units are still relevant. And I'm not sure how well I'd handle constant sunlight or darkness.

[Vidar]

I'll have to do some digging and see if I can determine whether dedicated GPS units are still relevant. And I'm not sure how well I'd handle constant sunlight or darkness.

If you don't have a specific location in mind there is always the philosophy of just going where ever your bad navigation takes you. I found some nice places that way. Somewhat ironically much of the same can sometimes be said for following suggestions from old car GPS. (Beware of old worn roads with signs saying "scenic route"... ) 

The long periods of light and dark tend to have certain effects and especially on newcomers. In summer the body clock can get messed up, and it can be hard to sleep. In winter low mood, lethargy or depression is more common, and the lack of sunshine comes with various physical impacts. Lack of vitamin D is one such effect - along with everything that lack of it can cause. I've found that going down somewhere south and sunny for 2-3 weeks during the dark months really helps.

[Farmer X]

Lack of vitamin D is one such effect...

I have Vitamin D deficiency (It's common in Michigan), and I take medication for it.

Going wherever your navigation skills (or lack thereof) take you is an idea that has a lot of potential. Yet all the same, I'd prefer to improve my navigation skills before I get too lost.

[Vidar]

I have Vitamin D deficiency (It's common in Michigan), and I take medication for it.

Vitamins sounds kind of innocent these days, but that is a deficiency with potentially serious implications. All cause mortality is some 25% higher for people with Vitamin D deficiency if I remember correctly. Good you discovered it and got medication.

Going wherever your navigation skills (or lack thereof) take you is an idea that has a lot of potential. Yet all the same, I'd prefer to improve my navigation skills before I get too lost.

Yes, an open mind about the destination but still full control of your whereabouts might be a better approach. I have ended up having to go high, or even spiral if that isn't possible, a few times over the years. Then again the walkabout was the goal so I didn't really care all that much about where I was. (In hindsight it would have been nice to be able to tell where I was in case something happened and I had to call in help). Your approach sounds wiser! 

[nate j]

Well, obviously books can and have been written on the subject.  But here’s my $0.02 on car camping:


You need a plan for sleeping.  This does not necessarily have to include a tent.  (I have a couple of pretty nice Eureka tents, but they weren’t cheap.  You get what you pay for when it comes to tents.  Also keep in mind that tent manufacturers exaggerate the capacity of tents.  For example, what is sold as a four-person tent might fit two normal size people comfortably.)  I’ve also slept in my hammock or camp cot under the stars, when the weather was favorable.  Hammock obviously requires suitable trees, and a tarp rigged properly above it if rain seems possible.  I’ve also slept with a simple tarp shelter and inflatable mattress.  I’ve slept in my vehicle too, though we can argue about whether that actually counts as camping or not.  For anything involving a tent or tarp, remember some paracord, stakes, and something to pound the stakes in with.

With regard to sleeping bags, my experience is that inexpensive ones are fine for car camping.  Where sleeping bags tend to get expensive is when they are very lightweight for backpacking.  If you’ll be camping in cooler weather, understand that the temperature ratings are gross generalizations.  I have a bag that is rated -40 and it’s good down to maybe 30 or so by itself.  I have winter bags and summer bags, but alternatively you may want to consider a sleep system approach, i.e. get a moderately warm bag (say 20 or 0 degree rated), and a fleece sleeping bag liner.  In the summer, you can sleep with just the liner.  In the fall or spring, just the bag.  In the winter, with the liner inside the bag.  Finally, depending on your physical size, be sure to get a bag that is large enough for you.

I’ve yet to find a sleeping pad I really like.  I much prefer either a camp cot or hammock.  If you do get a sleeping pad, get one with a high R value so you can use it year-round if you wish.  Check the dimensions to make sure it is large enough for your needs, as many of them are quite narrow and or short.  Like sleeping bags, an inexpensive one is fine for car camping since weight doesn’t really matter much.  My oldest son has been using the same cheap Walmart sleeping pad for years in all four seasons.


You need a plan to feed yourself.  This may involve a camp stove, but doesn’t have to.  This can really be as simple or as complicated as you care to make it.

The most basic level is no cooking required.  If you’re fine with some pop tarts or granola bars for breakfast; PB sandwiches, chips, and fresh fruit for lunch; a summer sausage with some hard cheese and crackers for dinner; and some cookies for dessert, you don’t need to cook anything.

The next level involves boiling water only.  Dehydrated meals (e.g. Mountain House) are good but expensive.  Nose around in the aisle at the grocery store where ramen, cup-o-noodles, and similar items are to find those that have directions to add hot or boiling water to their containers.  These tend to be just noodles and some flavoring, but you can toss in some beef jerky, tuna, canned chicken, etc. to make it more palatable and add nutritional value.  Instant oatmeal is a good option.  And of course hot beverages, including coffee, tea, and hot chocolate become options as well.  You’ll also need some utensils, cups, bowls, etc. (disposable or reusable).

I prefer a tea kettle for boiling water in camp.  They tend to be pretty efficient.  Unlike most pots, tea kettles generally have a pretty good spout for pouring the water.  And, a tea kettle doesn’t have to be watched like a pot.  I can put the water on to boil and go putter around camp, and the whistle will alert me when it’s ready.

The third level is pretty much full on cooking, keeping in mind the number of burners you have available (most camp stoves have two burners, but you’ll obviously know what your stove has), making sure your pots and pans will fit on your stove, and bringing along the necessary pots, pans, and cooking utensils.  Many people find it easier to put together a dedicated camp cook kit vs. raiding their home kitchen for items every time they want to go camping.  With the limited number of burners, you’re looking for hearty dishes that can be cooked in one or two pots/pans/skillets.

With regard to stoves, I’ve had good luck with Coleman classic two-burner camp stoves from the time I was a kid through the present.  I prefer the dual liquid fuel versions as they are cheaper to run, don’t suffer performance problems at low ambient temperatures the way some gas fueled stoves do, and they can even run on regular unleaded gasoline in a pinch.  Sadly, it appears they aren’t made anymore.  But you might be able to find one used, or the propane versions are OK.   If you get a propane version, you might consider getting an adapter so you can run it off of a standard 20-lb. cylinder.  Those little green cylinders can get expensive in a hurry.  Even if your stove has built-in ignition, make sure to have some lighters or matches handy just in case.

Another food consideration is whether or not to bring a cooler.  Obviously, bringing one provides additional food and beverage options, but is additional weight, bulk, and hassle.  You definitely want a cooler with a drain plug; it is inconvenient at best to have to empty the cooler to get the water out of it.  In my experience, most inexpensive coolers will do fine for 2-3 days, provided o person can avoid two major mistakes:
1.  Not leaving enough room for the ice.  90% food and 10% ice is not good.  I like to target no more than about 50% of the cooler volume full of food and drinks, and fill the rest with ice.  This may mean you need a larger cooler than originally anticipated.
2. Relying on the same ice you want to last for 2-3 days to cool items from room temperature down to refrigerator temperature.  There are two ways to avoid this.  One, keep everything in the refrigerator or freezer long enough for it to get cold, and then pack your cooler right before you leave.  Two, pack your cooler a day in advance, then right before you leave drain the water out and refill with ice.
If going beyond 2-3 days, you will need to have a plan to refill your cheap cooler with ice, or invest in a more expensive cooler from the start.

You need to understand the water situation where you will be camping.  Is there access to potable water?  Even if so, it may make sense to have one or several large jugs for transporting it to your campsite, in addition to a personal canteen/water bottle.  Is there access to relatively clean but not potable water, e.g. a mountain stream?  If you’ll be purifying your own water, make sure to have the means and knowledge to do so.  Is there no water, meaning you will have to bring in all the water you will need?  In addition to drinking, be sure to factor in water needed for cooking, doing dishes, etc.  And if you plan to wash dishes, don’t forget the dish soap and sponge/scrub pad.

Headlamp - Absolutely.  Personally, I’m happiest with a headlamp, flashlight, battery lantern, and fuel lantern, but that’s more than really necessary. Depending on location, weather, moon phase, time of night, etc., it might be so dark that you can’t see your hand in front of your face without a light.  Make sure to either have some sort of nightlight (my favorite camping flashlights have a moonlight mode that runs at about 1 lumen for hundreds of hours, so I can use them for this purpose), or that when you lay down to sleep you have at least one light within reach that you can locate by feel.

Camp chair - Another yes from me; way more comfortable than sitting on a log or tailgate.  If you’re a larger fellow, like myself, you’ll definitely want to look for a big & tall camp chair.  Many of the standard camp chairs are only rated for like 200 or 225 pounds, and I’ve bent or broken some just by sitting in them.  Even if you’re below those weight limits, a big & tall camp chair will be roomier and more comfortable, and most likely last longer due to sturdier construction.  My personal favorite that I’ve tried so far is the Coleman Max Ultimate Comfort Sling Chair, though sadly it appears to be discontinued.

As others have mentioned, you need to understand the bathroom situation where you will be camping.  Contrary to what some people seem to think, not showering for a couple of days or a week won’t be fatal, but you’ll have to use the restroom.  Is there access to modern plumbed bathrooms?  Latrines/outhouses?  Even in the above cases, I would bring my own TP, hand sanitizer, and sanitizing wipes, not trust that these things will be provided.  If there are no facilities, are you bringing your own portable toilet?  Are you required to pack out your waste?  If you’ll be digging cat holes, do you have a spade or something to dig with?

Definitely take bug spray, and don’t be afraid to apply it liberally and often.  I prefer 40% DEET.  They may or may not be a major problem depending on location, but biting insects can really suck the fun out of warm weather camping if you aren’t prepared to deal with them.

For many, having a campfire is a quintessential part of camping out, but it is necessary to have an understanding of the fire protocol where you will be going, and to plan ahead.  Are campfires allowed?  If so, are permanent fire rings provided, or will you need to bring a portable fire pit?  Is bringing your own firewood allowed?  Is firewood available/for sale at or near the camp?  Is picking up and burning deadfall allowed?  It generally saves time and effort to bring your own tinder, and of course you’ll need a way to light your fire.  I like to have an axe along, and I prefer Estwing for durability.  There may be better cutting axes out there, but Estwing’s solid steel handles aren’t susceptible to breaking like wood or even synthetic handles can.  The axe head itself is stronger as well because the head and handle are all forged as a single piece of steel, and there is no hole in the head to accommodate a handle.  I prefer a single bit axe that is flat on the back, so I can also use it as a hammer to pound in tent stakes etc.

[Gareth]

An awesome guide Nate. 

My (far smaller) 2p worth is this; if you are car camping and have no intention of lugging gear over any distance then you don't need to go nuts on the high end gear.  Most of the big price tags are for getting high performance for minimal weight. 

I've always gone simple on the food front.  If it takes more than boiling water or heating a pot then it's not for me.  It'll all taste better for simply being cooked outdoors. 

Be prepared to feel cold at night (this might only apply to Scotland and other Boreal areas).  A thick sleeping bag will obviously be helpful but easily prepared hot food and drinks are really helpful.  Wear dry clothes.

[nate j]

An awesome guide Nate. 

Gareth

[Farmer X]

Your approach sounds wiser!

And Nate awlso deserves a for his comprehensive and excellent write-up!

I much prefer either a camp cot or hammock.

A cot might be out of the question for me, due to its bulk. The sleeping pad will probably be one of those areas where I anticipate having to compromise. While I don't have a lot of girth, I'm on the tall side.

You need a plan to feed yourself.

Of the three options presented, I'll start with no cooking at all or just boiling water. No cooking would be contingent upon ability to make an adequate amount of cold-brew coffee before my excursion. Bringing along a gallon or three of water just in case couldn't hurt anything.

Oddly, though warm soda doesn't bug me too bad, I can't stand hot coffee.

I would bring my own TP...

Definitely! I learned to keep a roll in reserve during WESTPAC 2006. And as we saw about four years ago, that's a bulk purchase that makes sense.

Are campfires allowed?

As bad as the air quality has recently gotten in this area, I plan on them being prohibited.

There is perhaps one other thing worth noting. A manager at the first job I had in Michigan noted that, despite the March morning being chilly, I had removed my sweatshirt. His comment was, "oh, you run hot." And right now, I'm comfortable sleeping with just sheets on the bed. It's too dang warm for a blanket!

[Sos24]

 

. And what about a dedicated GPS unit? Are those worth the bother anymore?

Modern GPS enabled smart phones use GPS satellites, so they are much just as accurate as a dedicated GPS.  But if you choose to go that route, ensure a very durable case and a hiking specific map app.

Instead of a satellite phone, I would consider a personal beacon/communication device.  Zoleo, Garmin, Spormand ACR are a few brands.  The level of communication allowed varies by device, but all allow GPS location and simple texts to be sent to a person as a check-in.  They also have an SOS feature that will send your location to a rescue service. 

[nate j]

And Nate awlso deserves a for his comprehensive and excellent write-up!

There is perhaps one other thing worth noting. A manager at the first job I had in Michigan noted that, despite the March morning being chilly, I had removed my sweatshirt. His comment was, "oh, you run hot." And right now, I'm comfortable sleeping with just sheets on the bed. It's too dang warm for a blanket!

The keys are having options and the ability to layer and adjust to suit your needs as you go along.

If I’m hiking or doing physical work, I’m frequently down to just a T-shirt, even in the winter.  But if I’m sitting still or sleeping, I can get cold quickly.

In the summer, I often start the night laying on top of my sleeping bag, but I’ll get cold enough sometime in the night to climb into it, and maybe even to zip it up.

You want to look at the temperature variation as well.  For example, where I live in PA, it is common to get summertime highs well into the 80s or even 90s, while overnight lows during the same period might easily drop into the low 60s or even 50s.

[Gareth]

The keys are having options and the ability to layer and adjust to suit your needs as you go along.

If I’m hiking or doing physical work, I’m frequently down to just a T-shirt, even in the winter.  But if I’m sitting still or sleeping, I can get cold quickly.

In the summer, I often start the night laying on top of my sleeping bag, but I’ll get cold enough sometime in the night to climb into it, and maybe even to zip it up.

You want to look at the temperature variation as well.  For example, where I live in PA, it is common to get summertime highs well into the 80s or even 90s, while overnight lows during the same period might easily drop into the low 60s or even 50s.

 

I regularly hiked mid-winter in just a t-shirt (trousers too).  But stopping, overnight, with just canvas between you and the world and it can get chilly really easily. 

The thing I always kept in mind was that no amount of insulation generates heat, it can only preserve the heat you are generating.  The moment you are in a air temperature that's lower than your body temperature you will be getting colder, even if very slowly.  You're system will burn calories to  balance things out but if you're hungry it'll be miserable.

[G-Dizzle]

I think this goes without saying since we are on MTO, but don’t go camping without a knife/MT 😂.

I took nice naps in our ENO hammock the last couple times we went “glamping” in our camper that made me think with a rain fly and an underquilt I could camp in that thing no problem.

[Farmer X]

Instead of a satellite phone, I would consider a personal beacon/communication device.

Good idea!

You want to look at the temperature variation as well.

Good point. My area is expected to have an overnight low of 58 tonight, then no higher than 67 for until the end of the month.

The thing I always kept in mind was that no amount of insulation generates heat, it can only preserve the heat you are generating.

Yes, it can be deceptive. But a thick blanket feels good in the wintertime.

I think this goes without saying since we are on MTO, but don’t go camping without a knife/MT 😂.

I wouldn't even think of going camping without my Izula II, an Opinel, and a Leatherman or an SAK equipped with a wood saw!

[nate j]

I think this goes without saying since we are on MTO, but don’t go camping without a knife/MT 😂.

I wouldn't even think of going camping without my Izula II, an Opinel, and a Leatherman or an SAK equipped with a wood saw!

Yea, I figured you had that pretty much covered, so didn’t hit the topic in my original post in this thread.

I am surprised by the number of people who show up for a camping trip without a knife, though.



But, since the topic has come up, YMMV but FWIW, here’s a summary of my experiences and thoughts on bladed tools and MTs for camping:


Must have:

Pocket Knife - From food packages to paracord to whittling, it’s an indispensable tool.  This is not the time for a Vic Classic or Case Peanut, however.  You want something more substantial, with a comfortable handle that you can get all four fingers on, and that can manage some light to medium food prep if needed.  With due respect to the late General Yeager and others who have gone lighter, I’d consider a 91 mm Vic (or other quality knife of similar size) the minimum I would want.


Should have: 

Can Opener - My SAK can opener has saved the day on more than one camping trip.  Somebody forgets the dedicated can opener, the cheap dedicated can opener breaks, or you end up with some canned food that wasn’t accounted for in  the original plan.

Scissors - They are better than a knife blade for personal grooming, cutting moleskin if needed, etc.

Camp Axe or Hatchet - Mine have probably spent more time pounding in tent stakes than anything else, but they are just as good as a dedicated hammer for that (provided they are reasonably strong and are either flat or have a hammerhead on the back), and obviously more versatile.  I also prefer the ones that have an exposed back with the sheath on, so I can leave the sheath on for safety while using it as a hammer.


Nice to have:

OHO & OHC - This is really just a matter of speed and convenience.  It happens at home too, but seems to happen more often at camp, that I already have something in my hands when I realize it will need cut.

Toothpick - Hopefully, you remembered to pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss.  But sometimes a toothpick is the quickest solution for that annoying piece of stuck food.


Might come in handy:

Marlin Spike - Depending on how your fingernails are, those knots securing your tent or tarp that have been repeatedly soaked by rain over the last week or so might not be so easy to untie, but cutting them feels like a waste.  And that goes double, if, like me, you’re often camping with young Scouts whose enthusiasm for tying knots sometimes exceeds their skill.

Medium to Large Fixed Blade - The extra blade length (over a folding knife) and ease of cleanup may be welcome when preparing food, depending on what foods you bring.

SAK/MT Saw - Frankly, I’ve very rarely if ever used mine when out camping.  Most wood that is dead, dry enough for firewood, and small enough to be efficiently cut with a really small saw like this, can be more easily and quickly broken (or just tossed on the fire to burn in half).  Cutting standing timber or living branches is generally not permitted, unless you’re fortunate enough to be camping on your own land.  I kind of like to have one, but definitely more for emergencies than regular use.  (For example, what if I had to improvise crutches, a litter, or a shelter?  I’d do what was necessary in an emergency and deal with any consequences later.)

Chainsaw (if permitted) or Large Bow Saw - If you’re planning on having fires and allowed to use deadfall for firewood, a larger (and ideally powered) saw can be just the thing for cutting those downed trees and large branches into more manageable pieces.  This could be done with an axe or hatchet, but most people will find it more efficient and safer to do with a saw.

[Farmer X]

This is not the time for a Vic Classic or Case Peanut...I’d consider a 91 mm Vic (or other quality knife of similar size) the minimum I would want.

I've given some thought to buying another SwissChamp, seeing what gets used during camping trips, and paring it down from there. Maybe I'd step it up to a 111mm with the appropriate loadout. I do have a hatchet, which I'm sure would be used mostly for hammering tent stakes. As much as I dislike electric outdoor power equipment, I have to admit that a battery-powered chainsaw could be pretty handy if gasoline-powered chain saws are disfavored because they can generate a spark.

[Gareth]

A Vic Huntsman or Wenger Evo17 were my go-to for minimal weight hiking but I'd also likely have a Bahco Laplander folding saw in my pack as well.  The bigger 111mm Outrider is a nice compromise for a little extra knife and saw length.

[nate j]

If you’re looking for a single tool, Huntsman or Farmer X would be my pick.

I have an Outrider as well, but find it too bulky and heavy, so don’t carry it.

In practice, I have my key chain Rambler and wallet Alox Bantam, plus a backup Farmer X in my hiking pack.  So that covers a lot of the bases, and I can add a modern folder, trad, and or other SAK as my primary blade(s).

[Farmer X]

I wouldn't take the minimalist/ultralight approach to knives and multis yet. The Farmer X contains most of my preferred SAK tools (I'd like a Deluxe Farmer X!) and none I have little to no use for, but I may find use for those in the latter group on a camping trip. Luckily I'm approaching the camping gear purchase and setup with an open mind...or at least I'd like to think so.