Make your Backpack into a Survival Kit
Choose backpacking supplies to bring along on your camping trip that contain a good number of outdoor survival gear. Remember that any backpacking and camping trip might turn into a fight for outdoor survival if you encounter wildlife, lose your way, experience inclement weather or sustain an injury that under ordinary circumstances could be quickly tended to, but in the outdoors without help may indeed become a life-threatening problem.
Bring Food and Keep it Dry
Do not rely on fishing for your meals. Although you might have had great luck at a fishing hole in the past, there is a good chance that it has become over-fished or the fish are simply not biting. Make sure you have food to sustain you, and keep this food dry. Protein bars are a great option and when carried in a plastic zip lock bag will remain dry and good to eat for the duration of your trip.
Remember Your Flashlight and Spare Batteries
Rely on your flashlight as a primary light source, and bring ample spare batteries to always have sufficient illumination. Even if you pack a propane-operated camping lantern or plan on having a fire pit, a flashlight is an essential item on any camping or backpacking trip.
Carry Water and Water-purification Tablets
Bring along water for your backpacking excursion; the same holds true for your camping trip. Keep in mind that if you consume more water than you had anticipated, or if your water spills or becomes otherwise contaminated, you still need to find adequate water for drinking. Purchase a water-purification kit that allows you to use stream water and turn it into potable water in a pinch. Even if you do not use it right away, it is a great bit of gear to have handy.
Keep the Environment Looking Untouched
Plan to carry out whatever trash you bring in or generate during your stay. When you leave your campsite, the area should look untouched, and the only trace of your presence should be footprints. Bring along trash bags to contain whatever wrappers, trash and food you discard; plan on sorting the trash so that you can recycle it later.
Dress in Layers
Dress warmly if you start out early in the day, but be prepared to shed some layers as you go along. During hiking trips, or simply setting up and maintaining a campsite, you move around quite a bit, and overheating is a real possibility if you do not dress in layers you can take off as indicated.
