If you’re a lover of the great outdoors, you probably know how important it is that you have the right gear with you at all times. If you’re fresh to it, however, it can be confusing to know where to start. Whether you’re new to hiking, camping or any other outdoor pursuits, or you just need to refresh your existing kit, here’s a quick reminder of the essentials you should carry at all times.
First Aid Kit
Cheap and easy to put together but a potential lifesaver, a well-equipped first aid kit should be top of your list. You should take a basic kit with you wherever you go and should ensure you’re carrying it at all times. You can buy comprehensive kits at any outdoor pursuits store, or put together your own if you know what you need. UK Hill Walking’s website includes a list of the essentials you should include in your first aid kit.
Sturdy Backpack
It’s easy to forget about the importance of the backpack that has to transport and protect all the rest of your kit, but the importance of the right backpack cannot be under-estimated. You want a lightweight option that has plenty of capacity for all your essentials. Separate storage compartments are essential so you can neatly organise different items and can access them quickly when you need them. External hoops and attachments can considerably increase the amount you can carry, so look for these features when you’re choosing a backpack.
For more casual hikes or trips, a good all-rounder such as the Vanquest Bag from http://www.angloforro.co.uk/product/vanquest-envoy-3-0-messenger-bag/ is roomy enough to carry all your supplies.
A Survival Knife
Small and light but extremely versatile and useful in a range of situations, a survival knife can come to the rescue in literally hundreds of scenarios. The type of knife you’ll need will depend on what you’re doing and where you’re going, but you should be looking for durability first and foremost. While Swiss army knives look appealing with all their attachments and different possibilities, knives with fixed blades are often sturdier. Choose a knife that can cut through a range of materials. The right knife should be able to cut anything you need, pry open tins and help you start a fire if needed.
