When you're knee-deep in camping gear, it's easy to forget some of the most important items like flashlights or band-aids. Before your next trip, create a must-bring bag with all ten of these camping essentials so you're never without that one thing you forgot to bring.
First Aid Kit
Burns, scratches, cuts or bumps--one of these is bound to happen on an active camping trip, making a first-aid kit one of the most important camping essentials you could bring. Don't arrive at your campsite without it, and be sure to take it on your excursions, as well.
Pack of Matches
Unless you're a veteran boy scout, chances are you need some sort of flame to start a fire. Without a fire, you have limited food options and nights become a whole lot colder. Don't risk it, and buy matches in bulk. You can leave them in your camping essentials bag for years at a time.
Rope
Rope has so many uses at a campsite, especially if you can tie a variety of knots. Make a clothes line for wet garments, hang your How-to-Pack-a-Cooler--Infographic-coolers from a branch at night, create a shelter, or tow people out of a tight situation on a hike or swim. Bottom line: don't go camping without one.
Tarps
Whether you're using it to protect the bottom of your tent or as an extra shelter at your campsite, tarps are essential. They're easy to fold, and only take up a small amount of space in your camping bags.
A Jar of Peanut Butter
Peanut butter has a long shelf life, and can be used in more ways than you can count. As a versatile source of fat and protein, this should be with you on every camping trip. In a bind, you can schmear it on bread, remove gum from your hair, or just enjoy it in spoonfuls.
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