Are you looking forward to spending some time in nature? Primitive camping is a great way to enjoy nature without having to worry about modern conveniences. In this article, we’ll share 11 things you should bring along for a successful trip.
Primitive camping is a type of backpacking where you sleep outdoors in tents or other shelters. This means no electricity, running water, or toilets. Instead, you rely on your supplies and skills to survive.
Primitive camping is a great option for those who want to get away from civilization and experience nature.
However, just because primitive camping encourages self-sufficiency out there, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be prepared before going out. If you plan to go camping, you’ll need to have at least some of the right gear ahead of time.
Here are 11 items you absolutely need to pack before heading out into the wilderness.
Tent Or Shelter
You can’t camp if you don’t have somewhere to stay. Even if you plan on being totally self-sufficient when you camp, that’s not going to do much good if you don’t have a good shelter over your head when the weather turns bad.
If you’re planning on using a tent as your shelter, make sure it has enough space inside for everything you will need during your trip. You might also want to consider getting a tarpaulin instead of a tent since they tend to be lighter and easier to set up than traditional tents.
hey won’t do much to protect you from irritants or smaller animals on the forest floor that bite, however, which is something to keep in mind.
The best kind of tent to use depends largely on what you intend to do while you’re camping. A tarpaulin works well for most situations, but if you plan on doing any fishing or hunting, then a full-sized tent might be better.
Just remember to keep your tent situation simple though. This is primitive camping, after all, not glamping!
Backpack
A backpack is an essential piece of equipment for every camper, whether you’re going hiking or camping, or if you are camping in style, or going primitive.
It’s easy to carry around, so you won’t have to worry about lugging heavy gear with you everywhere you go. Plus, it allows you to easily transport food and other supplies.
When choosing a backpack for camping, choose one that fits and keeps everything organized. The last thing you want is to spend half of your trip rummaging through your stuff trying to find whatever you need.
Comfort and ease of carrying should be another major factor to keep in mind. Whilst that may sound like cheating when it comes to primitive camping, having something that is comfortable and doesn’t put too much strain on you is crucial, especially seeing as this bag will carry pretty much all your equipment.
A bag that chafes and sits awkwardly will become frustrating and even painful quickly.
Sleeping Bag
This may seem obvious, but a sleeping bag is a must-have item for anyone looking to enjoy their first night under the stars. Sleeping bags come in many different varieties, including ones designed specifically for cold climates or warm temperatures.
Having a sleeping bag also means that using a tarpaulin might be more viable, as a sleeping bag will help protect you from more of nature’s elements than a simple blanket might.
Regardless of what type you decide to buy, you’ll want to pick one that is appropriate for the temperature you expect to encounter while camping.
For example, if you’re headed to a place with warmer nights, such as a beach or a desert, then you’ll probably want to look into buying a sleeping bag made from fewer layers to allow excess heat to escape, whilst also giving you at least a little protection from the elements.
On the other hand, if you’re planning on spending more time in cooler environments, such as forests or mountains, then you’ll probably need a bag that is suitable for those types of places, with more layers of insulating fabric to help you retain heat where it otherwise might be incredibly difficult.
If you’re unsure which sleeping bag would work best for you, then you could always try out some different models before making a final decision.
Clothes
As obvious as it sounds, having the right clothes whilst you are primitive camping can be the difference between life and death. If you don’t have the right clothing, then you risk getting sick, freezing, overheating, or worse. So make sure that you pack plenty of the right layers and wear them appropriately.
Warm clothes are obviously important, but they aren’t enough by themselves. You also need to consider how you’ll stay protected from the wind and rain.
If you’re heading somewhere in colder weather, then you’ll want to pack extra sweaters and jackets. On the other hand, if there are likely to be strong winds, then you’ll want a jacket that offers some protection against them.
However, because you’ll have to carry all the clothes you bring with you, you’re also going to need to limit how many of each item that you have, to make room for the rest of your gear. Think carefully about what exactly you’ll need before packing it and realizing that you don’t have enough room in your pack for even a single fire starter.
And on that note…
Fire Starter
Fire starters are essential items for any campers worth their salt. They provide warmth, light, and safety, so it’s no surprise that they feature heavily in most primitive campsites.
However, not all fire starters are created equal. Some are better suited for specific purposes, such as cooking, while others work better for lighting fires for keeping warm.
In the spirit of self-sufficiency, you may find the need to bring your own fire starters a little counter-intuitive, rather than building your own fire from scratch.
Whilst that is an option, this is only recommended if you are knowledgeable and experienced in several different fire lighting techniques, and you know that the materials you need for those methods can be found where you are camping.
If you do not have either of these, it will be safer for you to stick with carrying at least a few fire starters.
The ideal fire starter needs to be able to handle both tasks without breaking down. Fire starters that are designed for cooking tend to be lighter and smaller, meaning that they won’t last very long at all.
In addition, these devices often rely on flammable liquid fuels that require additional effort to use because they need to be poured onto a hot surface.
Water
When it comes to water, you should never underestimate its importance. It’s vital to keep yourself hydrated when you are camping, especially if you plan on doing any strenuous activities. This means drinking lots of water throughout the day and making sure that you take regular breaks from time to time.
You’ll also need to ensure that you pack enough water to get through your entire journey. Even if you’re planning on stopping at a lake or stream, you’ll still need to fill up your bottles before you leave.
And if you’re planning on hiking into the wilderness, you’ll need to think about how much water you can store in your backpack.
If you’re planning on spending more than one night away from civilization, then you’ll also need to think about how you’ll purify your water. There are various ways to do this, such as using iodine tablets, filters, or boiling.
But whatever method you decide upon, remember to treat your water thoroughly, and avoid consuming anything that has been sitting around for too long.
If you’re planning on bringing along a stove, then you’ll also have to consider how much fuel you’re going to need. You’ll want to make sure that you have enough to cook food for yourself, but you’ll also need to factor in extra supplies for cooking meals for other people.
Cooking Stove
Whilst a stove is almost always vital when it comes to camping, primitive camping means that the more high-tech options are going to be out of the question. So instead, you’re going to have to go back to basics.
A good stove is going to be made from metal, and will typically include a pot and a lid. The best stoves will also come with a chimney, which allows air to circulate inside the pot.
A chimney is particularly important because it prevents the buildup of smoke, which could potentially cause problems.
A stove like this will allow you to prepare food safely, without having to worry about burning yourself.
Food
If foraging your food isn’t going to be easy or possible, then you’re going to need to bring some of your food. Remember, you will not have access to shops or supermarkets, so you’ll need to find alternative sources for your provisions.
One of the best things you can bring for camping is dehydrated or dried foods, as these will provide you with the energy that you need to survive.
These products are perfect for hikers who are looking to cut weight, as they are relatively lightweight, and don’t require any preparation.
However, if you’re looking to bring fresh foods, then you may find them difficult to carry. If you’re planning on carrying these items, then you’ll need to think carefully about what you’re taking.
For example, you might want to stick to fruits and vegetables rather than meat, as they are likely to spoil quickly.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t eat meat, though; you just need to make sure that you choose something that requires little preparation. This way, you can save space in your bag, and reduce the amount of time that you spend preparing your food.
First Aid Supplies
When you’re camping, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to find medical assistance if you become injured. And even if you do manage to stumble across someone who can help you, you won’t necessarily know what kind of injuries you’ve sustained.
For this reason, you should take along first aid supplies. It would be ideal to take along an emergency kit, but you may also want to consider packing a few basic items. In particular, you’ll need to look after wounds, cuts, bites, and scrapes.
Conclusion
Camping is one of the most rewarding experiences you can enjoy. Not only will you get to experience nature at its very best, but you’ll also get to meet new friends and explore new places.
So, whether you’re planning on heading off into the woods for a couple of days, or you’re looking to plan a longer trip, make sure that you pack everything that you need for a safe and enjoyable stay.
