Multipurpose Camping Gear to Take in the Wild

When you are out hiking or camping you quickly discover what kind of tools are essential for you. In an urban setting, even if you forget to take an item or a tool you can easily go back home to fetch it. And if you are far from home you can find a replacement.

Out in the bush, your options are limited. There are a lot of natural materials and you can create a substitute – but not all of us are survivalists. It’s a common wisdom: you don’t forget the same tool twice. If you fail to take a good piece of outdoor gear on a hiking trip, the next time you will start your preparation with that very piece.

The sheer range of outdoor tools can be overwhelming. Let’s breakdown some of the most popular camping gear available online.

It’s a classic piece of equipment for all sorts of hikers. Multitools are used by tradies, do-it-yourself enthusiasts and extreme athletes. There are many Leatherman models to choose from: Surge, Juice, Charge, Brawzer, Raptor and they all have some specific applications. They are all lightweight and portable, but also heavy duty. The Leatherman Wingman with one hand opening blade and spring action jaws is great for campsite use. And this is on top of the standard selection of tools like: screwdriver, pliers, knife, can opener, ruler and scissors.

These pocket-sized multitools are built to last. The 25-year warranty supports this notion. The option to replace worn out parts takes this concept even further, though it is only available for some of the models. Leatherman Wingman, for example is made from high carbon 420 stainless steel. This is on par with the processes used to make proper full sized tools.

You can use a Leatherman multitool to set up camp, to open a bottle or canned food, to cut rope, cord or wires. They have pocket clip to be easily tucked away, but you can also attach them on a lanyard if you want to have fast access to them. The Wingman has specifically ergonomic design, so you don’t have to fold the pliers to use the scissors. These are the type of well made multi purpose tools which can be very handy during a field trip.

This is what was traditionally known as entrenchment tool (or e-tool) way back when soldiers used to dug holes in the ground. It was part of the field gear and there had to be some pretty solid reason for doing so. At a campsite you can use a classic shovel for organic waste disposal, to dug up a drainage canal around your tent or to cook a meal over a fire.

If you have a typical survival shovel it will sport at least one serrated edge. You can use this end of the shovel as an improvised machete to either clear the ground at your intended campsite or to break your way through thick growth. In an emergency you can use the shovel to paddle on the surface of a river. In shallow waters you can even use it as an improvised anchor for a small pontoon or canoe.

In terms of ergonomics and portability, they make them superb these days. Foldable shovels with their own pouch are easy to find online and they are very useful. If you are not into full blown survival shovel, you can go for small sized digging tool or a trowel.

Although not a tool in the strict sense of the word, a high quality water filter can save your life in the hinterland. It’s a modern tool, but one every hiker should have in their backpack. Every once in a while you will run across a water source in the bush even if you are not looking for one. Unfortunately you can’t be sure if its safe for consumption unless you have done some research before hand. The level of contamination can not be estimated with the naked eye so if you are on a long hike it might be better not to take your chances.

There are many filtration contraptions on the market. Our advice would be to go for water filter which offers two stage filtration able to get you clean water in minutes. Usually such filters remove bacteria, protozoa, chlorine and similar particles in one go. Ergonomic built is good for comfort, but not essential. Make sure you check the materials your water filtration device is made of. Hikers look for BPA free materials, silicone mouthpiece and leak proof lid.

There are number of reasons why hammocks find their way in hiking and camping gear, especially in warm climates. They are easy to set up (within minutes) and offer great comfort for hikers, hunters and happy campers. The level of protection from the elements and creepy crawlies seems to be the two most important issues hikers face. Adding some sort of tarp enclosure or using a purpose made sleeping bag solves these issues.

Setting up a hammock in a forest is fairly easy. If you are camping on the beach or at arid sandy and desert like landscape then you might need an extra pole or two to set it up. On the other hand, hammocks are lightweight, secure and reliable alternative to tents and beds. You either love them or hate them, but is definitely a place for hammocks in your backpack.