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How To Buy General Camping Accessories

Sometimes it is the little things that make or break a trip. Here's a basic list to get you started on the right track.

Maps, compass and field guides, Personal items, Lights, First aid kits, Knives and tools, Sleeping pads, Emergency blankets,

Maps, compass and field guides

Maps will tell you where you are and how far you have yet to travel. They can also help you find campsites, water, and emergency exit routes.

Used with a map, a compass will help guide you through unfamiliar terrain. Be sure to learn how to use it before you go into the outdoors!

Field guides will help you identify flora and fauna, and will discuss the geological history of the terrain you are passing through

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Personal items checklist

Here are some key items to bring along on any trip lasting more than a day:

Sunscreen, lip balm and sunglasses

A particular necessity if you're out in the open or in high altitudes

An SPF (sun protection factor) of 25 or higher is recommended year-round

Medications

Including prescriptions, pain killers and antihistamines

Bring along a plastic storage container to keep them dry

Insect repellent

Particularly if you plan to be in the woods or near water

Multi-purpose lotions will protect you day and night

Toilet paper

For those who eschew leaves

Personal hygiene items

Toothbrush and paste

Mirror

Biodegradable soap

Comb or brush

Contact lens supplies

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Lights

What you choose depends on what you'll be doing and where you'll be camping.

Lanterns

Lanterns, because of their size and fuel requirements, are best in base camps or more permanent campsites

They are also suitable for car camping

Headlamps

Headlamps are great for those who don't want to be encumbered with a flashlight

They are especially useful in the backcountry, and are good for those who must hike or climb in the dark

Flashlights

Flashlights come in a wide range of sizes and styles

Don't forget to bring extra bulbs

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First aid kits

You can buy prepackaged kits or create your own. It is an essential on any trip. Items should include (but are not limited to):

Triangular bandages

Pressure bandages

A roll of gauze

Adhesive tape

Band-Aids

Moleskin

Scissors

Tweezers

Antiseptic

Insect Bite/Bee Sting Medication

Pencil and paper

First aid booklet

Needle and thread

Pain relievers and other medications you may require

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Knives and tools

These will serve a variety of purposes, such as cutting a cloth into bandages, repairing eyeglasses and gear, and opening cans.

Straight knives

Take up more room, but are often sturdier than folding knives

Better for jobs where a lot of cutting or slicing is required

Folding knives

Basic and utilitarian

Usually consist of one blade that folds into the handle

Utility knives

Offer more choices than straight or folding knives

Usually come with a variety of blade sizes and edges

Multi-use tools

Combine knife blades with a host of other implements such as pliers, screw drivers, corkscrews, bottle openers, allen keys, even socket wrenches

Many are sport-specific (such as those made for biking, snowboarding and golf)

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Sleeping pads

A sleeping pad will add comfort, help decrease heat loss between you and the ground, and protect your sleeping bag from extra wear. The two main types are inflatable and foam.

Foam pads

Foam pads come in varying thicknesses and lengths, which affects compressibility

Unlike inflatable pads, foam won't puncture and will last longer

Most foam pads aren't as comfortable as inflatable pads

Inflatable

Inflatable pads are usually self-inflating

They are generally more comfortable than foam

Will not last as long and stand the risk of puncture

When deflated inflatable pads are more compact and pack easier than foam

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Emergency blankets

Useful if you get wet, lost, cold or the weather takes a turn for the worst.

Made of thin, reflective material that will help you retain body heat

Emergency blankets are light, weighing as little as 3 ounces

They are designed to retain 80% of a person's radiated body heat

Most are made of polyethylene film and aluminum laminates

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