Heading out for a three-night camp soon, and I’m trying to figure out what actually counts as “essential.” I get the basics like a tent, stove, and sleeping bag, but when it comes to smaller tools, I’m lost. Everyone seems to have a different list. What would you never leave behind?
For me, it comes down to practicality. A good headlamp, some kind of water filtration, and a dependable blade are always in my bag. The reason is simple: light, water, and the ability to cut or fix things cover most unexpected scenarios. I’ve found that looking through MyGoodKnife for outdoor knives gives a clear idea of which ones are tough enough for woodwork yet precise enough for cooking. It’s one of those pieces of gear that earns its keep every single trip. The rest is personal preference, but those few basics make life outdoors a lot smoother.
It’s funny how the “essentials” shrink over time. At first, I used to haul everything. Now it’s just the basics and a few reliable tools, and I actually enjoy the trips way more.