You have to consider a lot when you are packing your camping equipment. Weight and capability are two things you have to balance. The more capabilities you need, the heavier your backpack is going to get. There is just no going around that fact. But there are things you need more than others – and this is where things can get a little tricky.
You would never want to leave your survival gear when venturing out into the wilderness. In a place where help can take days to arrive, should disaster strike, you would want to at least survive until you can be taken to a medical facility. And with things that are minor like cuts and abrasions – and believe me, you will get a lot of those outdoors – you have to have the first aid supplies to deal with them.
Must-have emergency medical supplies include: bandages, gauze, tape, over the counter medications for fever, diarrhea, body pain, etc., some ointments for burns and insect bites, and antiseptic wash/wipes. You will also need some cutting implements like a pair of scissors and a razor. You might be thinking that you already have a sharp survival knife, so why a razor? You would want to have something sterile if ever you need to cut yourself open for some reason. Infection is a real serious matter outdoors.
Another overlooked aspect of survival gear is food. Yes, killing and cooking your own food is more macho, but you can always bring some MRE with you. One will last you a whole day and they are cheap to get from military surplus. When the fish aren’t biting or your traps are just snaring air, you’ll be glad you brought some with you.
Survival gear needs to be synonymous with camping. There are countless dangers out there and having the right survival products with you will make your outing more enjoyable.