Packing super lightweight is trendy, but I won’t skimp on safety. I pack additional gear that will keep me safe, prevent injuries, and allow me to summon assistance if required.
With every solo camping adventure, road trip, river expedition, and hike, here is my core list of gear that I bring for safety.
Jump to:
Communication
- A way to get help or summon a rescue – the latest iPhone releases (since the iPhone 14) have satellite messaging built into them. This is a game-changer! Now I can update Jeff with my travel plans, or he can let me know when he get to his hunting camp, all without being near a cell signal or wifi. But still, I like having another route for communication. I prefer the Garmin inReach. It has a longer battery life, most models are water resistant, and it offers weather conditions and forecasts via its satellite connection.
First Aid and Warmth
- First aid kit – I keep a larger one in my truck, and I have a smaller one I bring in my backpack for hiking or boating. Beyond the important bandages and tensor wrap, I like to make sure I have a good pair of tweezers, some Benedryl (in case of a sting or unexpected allergic reaction!), a couple Immodium pills (you never know!), and some Tylenol or Advil (and my Blexten allergy prescription so I can take either of those – silly allergies!)
- Hand warmers – Even in summer, having some packets of hand warmers stuffed in your vehicle, or in your backpack, can make a huge difference between an adventure to remember and cold misery! I prefer the Hot Hand brand hand warmers the best. They stay warm for 8-10 hours! That means you can open a packet midday, when you’re camping in the cold miserable rain, and there will still be enough heat in them to squeeze them in your hands when you bundle up in your sleeping bag that evening.
Wild Animal Safety
- Bear spray – and know how to use it!
Campsite Safety
- Work gloves – leather is nice. Something you can wear to take hot things off your stove or fire, or when you’re changing a tire.
- Fire starting device – you can bushcraft with your flint or ferro rod, but I like a long bbq lighter so I can keep my fingers away from the flame. I always carry a box of matches somewhere dry though, as a backup!
- Head lamp flashlight – just incredibly handy for everything, unless you’re in the Yukon in the summer because it’s not going to get dark!
Vehicle Safety
When I’m travelling in a vehicle, whether it is a camping trip or a road trip adventure, there is the key safety gear I make sure I’ve packed:
- Portable 12V air compressor – to top up a leaky tire!
- Noco jump box – This awesome little battery can be used to boost your vehicle if your battery is dead! You can also use the battery to charge your phone or inReach device too! Just be sure to remember to charge it up before before you leave home. Yes, even you, you can boost your dead car battery all by yourself! It’s got a flashlight built into it too.
- breaker bar and the right socket for lug nut tightening – I swear I always have one or two loose when I check!
- spare tire
- phone mount to stay hands free, but also able to follow a map. I like this one.
- candle – in a pinch, a candle in a safe container can produce heat to help warm your vehicle