What little things are a MUST bring?

**hang em' high** · 02-24-2016, 08:39

When I go car camping it is all out excess fest, I bring everything I could ever want. When weight is an issue, like when backpacking, I try to keep the excess stuff to a minimum, as many of us do. One thing that I always carry is a mini cutting board. It is about 5"x7" and very thin plastic. It weighs hardly anything but it makes food prep so much easier. I no longer have to cut food on a piece of rock or wood. It is also safer for my knife edge. My gf always bring a zippo hand warmer no matter the temp because she runs cold. I think looking back I always carried more than I needed but over the last couple of years I have tried to cut down weight by removing stuff I never use, safety items excluded.

~HEH

**cataraftgirl** · 02-24-2016, 08:58

I can carry more extras in my kayak, but I'm trying hard to edit my gear a little. My must haves are......my Travelchair Joey chair, GSI micro table, good head lamp, Mora knife, Black Diamond mini lantern, and my Nook.

**dkurfiss** · 02-24-2016, 09:04

I motorcycle camp so have the ability to carry more weight than some but beyond my regular gear there are only a couple of items I have to have:

Coffee and set up to make it with...lots of coffee. I always take at least twice as much as I think I will need.
Kindle with a full load of books on it. Rainy days, I will read. Early nights, I will read. I don't read much at home but I do when I am camping.
Hard candy. I don't care how sore or tired I am ... a cup of coffee and a hard candy to suck on will make it all seem a bit better.

**JasonACraft** · 02-24-2016, 09:15

Motion sensors and night vision cameras. I stay up all Night waiting for the bears to get me. An entry level system only sets you back $5-600, but compared to the piece of mind at 3am? Worth it. Granted I can't afford quilts still but maybe someday....

My edit to not get the boot: kindle reader, back lit

2nd edit: a knife and a headlamp. I keep running into guys who don't have either. Both could be had for decent quality for $10-15ea

**Rick68** · 02-24-2016, 09:20

I like to take my Sven Saw, Helinox chair, and a pint of some good whiskey..

**SilvrSurfr** · 02-24-2016, 11:20

Originally Posted by JasonACraft

Motion sensors and night vision cameras. I stay up all Night waiting for the bears to get me. An entry level system only sets you back $5-600, but compared to the piece of mind at 3am? Worth it. Granted I can't afford quilts still but maybe someday....

I get the feeling you're kidding since I see a quilt in your profile. However, what do motion sensors and night vision cameras do for you with regards to bears? You know they're coming to get you, and that creates peace of mind? I'd rather not know!

**LBSurfer** · 02-24-2016, 13:01

Originally Posted by JasonACraft

2nd edit: a knife and a headlamp. I keep running into guys who don't have either. Both could be had for decent quality for $10-15ea

Honest question, but why would you ever go into the woods without a source of light or a cutting tool? That just seems...unsafe...to me.

**strigidae** · 02-24-2016, 13:20

Wet wipes.

**JasonACraft** · 02-24-2016, 13:21

Originally Posted by LBSurfer

Honest question, but why would you ever go into the woods without a source of light or a cutting tool? That just seems...unsafe...to me.

Right!?! Excuses I've heard:
-i never use a knife, why would I bring one
-too heavy
-i already have a flashlight,that's good enough (technically true)
-i don't know how to use a knife
-i don't want to look like a dork
-i don't want to be seen as a military commando with a knife on my hip