I’m wondering if my camping gear list is complete. I don’t do as much bushcraft as I do regular camping, but I do use the principles of the Five Cs of Survivability to help me remember what I need to bring along for my camping trips. I’d like to go through my short list here to see if anyone has anything to add. I’m always forgetting one thing or another, so any input would be appreciated. Also, if you’d like to share what you bring along with you on your own bushcraft or camping outings, I’d love to see that list as well.
I’ll use the Five Cs as a guide here.
Cutting Tools: My Schrade survival knife with a high-carbon steel blade. My Estwing hatchet. Usually some sort of smaller cutting blade, such as a pocket knife or a box cutter or something like that.
Coverage: I usually use my ALPS four man tent or my Coleman 8 person tent. I bring two tarps, one to go above the tent and one to go below it. I have two cold weather sleeping bags, four wool blankets and two twin air mattresses for sleeping. And pillows (sometimes). Sometimes I’ll bring along some moving blankets to go underneath the sleeping bags, if it’s super cold out.
Combustion: I’ll generally bring a lighter and waterproof matches as backup if my ferro rod doesn’t work out. I like to use the ferro rod for practice, but when I’m not in the mood, I’ll bring out my fatwood or newspaper and a lighter, just to get things going. This scenario is usually due to it being later in the day when I show up at the camp site.
Container: I have an aluminum drinking container that I use that’s not insulated as well as one that’s insulated. I’ve been known to bring along a gallon jug of water as well.
Cordage: I have more paracord that I know what to do with. I also bring along a 3/8 inch thick rope for other uses, such as a clothesline. I don’t use that one a lot though because it’s very bulky. I’m now looking into some bank line that I hear is the next greatest thing.
So how does that sound? Am I on the right path? Is there something glaring that I’m missing? I feel like I’m missing something, but I just can’t pin it down. Thanks!
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