As individuals who have encountered several emergency situations, we recognize the significance of being prepared for emergencies and ensuring we have a properly equipped emergency bag at our residence to cope with such circumstances as best as possible.
Camping gear is ideal to keep well-arranged at home in case of an emergency since it is created to be adaptable, portable, and assist you in managing without the modern amenities available at home, such as heating, fresh water, and mains electricity.
1. Means of treating and storing fresh water
When considering an emergency situation, it is crucial to prioritize having a method to access clean water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene.
When camping, it is crucial to have access to clean water. Thus, it is necessary to have water treatment and filtration equipment, along with a container for water storage. These camping essentials might already be available for your next camping trip.
It is important to filter water for treatment; however, it is also important to purify water because filtration can eliminate bacteria and other contaminants but not viruses.
2. A first aid kit
Growing up, my parents were always well-prepared and brought an inclusive first aid kit on all our trips and vacations. Observing the advantages of being ready for a small medical emergency, I also make it a point to carry a first aid kit with me whenever I go on a journey.
To me, it is equally important to have a decent first aid kit both at home, in the car, and during my adventures like camping.
To ensure that you always have what you need when you require a bandage, it is crucial to keep your first aid kits regularly replenished. Otherwise, you may use a bandage without replacing it and find yourself without one when you actually need it.
To ensure that you possess the necessary emergency first aid essentials, it is advisable to acquire a ready-made first aid kit as a beneficial starting point.
3. A three (or more) day supply of food
According to the official US government advice, which can be found on Ready.gov, it is recommended to ensure that you have enough non-perishable food for at least three days.
If you purchase meals specifically created for camping and backpacking, acquiring a supply of pre-portioned and packed non-perishable food becomes a simple task.
4. A means of eating said food: a mess kit (per person)
An excellent method to guarantee having a portable dining set is by using a mess kit.
5. Lighting – Solar lanterns and headlamps
In any emergency situation at home, the power supply is frequently one of the first things to be lost.
During periods of high fire risk, power companies in certain areas of California have commenced implementing extensive blackouts lasting for days.
Although it is reassuring to be aware that precautions are being implemented to minimize the occurrence of catastrophic fires, it becomes more challenging to carry out our daily activities when there is no access to lighting, electricity for cooking, or the ability to charge various devices.
6. Vivint Car Guard
If you find yourself captivated by the beauty of mountain ranges and landscapes while hiking or camping, you may end up getting lost and not being able to find your way back to your car or base camp. However, with Vivint Car Guard, not only is your vehicle safeguarded against break-ins, disturbances, or maintenance problems, but it also enables you to monitor its location from your phone without requiring Wi-Fi. The service is priced at $5 per month and can be synchronized with Vivint home systems to enhance security.
7. Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass Sleeping Bag
The packing list for that backpacking or camping trip you have planned should include a hardy and warm sleeping bag for cool nights in your tent. The Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass sleeping bag is comprised of a cozy 80 percent down and 20 percent feather mixture with 650-fill power. If being wrapped in a cocoon sounds like your idea of a comfortable sleep, you’ll be happy to know the brand’s Performance Mummy fit is designed to stay close to your body with a soft lining material on the interior.
8. Duluth Daily Carry Multi Tool
There are 14 ways that you can use this multi-function tool on an outdoor adventure. It has many stainless steel attachments, including spring-loaded needle-nose pliers, traditional pliers, hardened steel wire cutters, a wire stripper, a saw, an awl, a can opener, a bottle opener, and a wood-metal file. Depending on your itinerary, you can also use the Phillips screwdriver, large and small flat-head screwdrivers, as well as the knife and fish hook remover for fishing, camping, or outdoor grilling tasks or for getting out of tricky situations on the trails.
9. A portable power station
A rechargeable battery with built-in sockets is called a portable power station and can be used to power and charge electronic devices, even those that require 100v (mains) power.
Ecoflow, Jackery, and Goal Zero are well-known brands that produce a variety of top-notch power stations with lithium-battery technology. These power stations are specifically designed for camping and other outdoor activities, as well as for emergency situations. Additionally, they are equipped with 12v, USB, and 110v outlets.
These portable power stations have the capability to be charged either from the 12v outlet in your vehicle or the wall at your home. Additionally, they can also be charged using solar panels, which are available for separate purchase.
10. Hiking boots
The value of a good pair of hiking boots should never be underestimated.
A good pair of hiking boots is not only essential for hiking and backpacking, but it is also beneficial for spending time outdoors in the elements as they will keep your feet warm, dry, and protected.
It is advisable to have your hiking boots and a suitable pair of socks readily available while you are asleep in case you have to leave your house quickly.
If they are a bit stinky, it might be a good idea to keep them in a container or bag.
11. Windproof lighter and fire-starting kit
Similar to the multi-tool and paracord, it is essential for a proper camping gear set to include a windproof lighter, which can be easily utilized in emergency situations or for expeditiously starting a fire.
To ensure preparedness, it is advisable to keep a fire steel and tinder as a backup. These compact items carry significant potential to greatly improve your comfort and situation, and therefore should be included in any emergency gear pack.