My Essential Outdoor Items

When it comes to hiking, and camping I want to be as comfortable as possible, without carrying too much weight and unnecessary items. I learned the hard way on my first overnight hiking trip to Jones Gap state park how difficult it can be to hike 3+ miles with the wrong gear, and too much stuff! That is why I have decided to show you the items I currently use that maximize make my primitive camping adventures!

• Start with a good shelter

I had no idea what I was doing when I set up my first tent, granted I wasn't alone and had my boyfriend to help; I am now the primary one to set up and take down our tent between sites. I bought my three person tent at Wal-Mart for under 30 dollars, and it is super easy to set up and is very spacious, comfortable, and light weight! This tent is simple, but also has comfort features as well; good ventilation with the removal rain cover, inside pockets to put devices or other items important to you. You don't have to fumble through your pack every time you need your camera, medications, media devices, flashlights, etc. it can all fit in the mesh pockets. The front also unzips with a screen so on the warmer nights you can see outside, and feel the nice air without letting bugs crawl into your bed. 

Ozark Trail is becoming one of my go-to brands for affordable and high quality outdoor gear. 

I sleep better in this tent than I do at home!!

                                                           

• Your backpack is everything

When going on a long hike and you won't have access to your car for awhile, having a sturdy and comfortable backpack is so important to having a stress free adventure. The worst feeling is being miles away from anything except your campsite and having to stop every ten minutes to sit your pack down because its uncomfortable, too heavy, killing your shoulders, and making you wonder why you decided to trek into the wilderness at all. I am here to make sure that never happens to you! 

Currently I am using another Ozark Trail product, the 45 liter (100 pound capacity) Montpelier tactical backpack. With a removal aluminum frame you can easily go from a day pack to a weekend pack. The shoulder straps are padded with air-mesh makes long hikes easy on your back. Plenty of pocket and inside space. A hidden rain cover that is easy to access in case of bad weather, and lots of outside buckles to strap your sleeping bag, or mat onto. 

• How to cook in the bush

One thing that is certain when camping is that you will be hungry throughout your hike, and when you finally get settled into camp with a nice fire, there is a bag full of goodies ready to be eaten. You need something to cook and eat with, something light weight and easy to pack and access when your ready to chow down. For a cheaper option, I use a basic aluminum mess kit. It has held up for about two weeks worth of camping, it is still usable, but the bottom of the cooking pan is charred and gets black char all over your hands and the other clean pans. The tin cup used for making coffee and boiling water has held up great and will continue to use that. For long term options I would recommend spending more than eight dollars on a cooking set, and invest in one that will last at least through the summer. A great deal to have gotten so much out of it, The pan used for eating out of it is still in great shape, but it will get in the way when separated from the whole kit. I also have to sets of Ozark Trail 3-piece flatware utensils. For less than a dollar every piece is still intact and will hopefully last a long time. I cannot stress how great Ozark Trail products are when you are like me, and want to stay on budget and not skip on quality either.