Camping in the wild can be an excellent way to get away from the city and hone your connection with nature. But camping in the wild isn’t for everybody. We’ve all become extremely dependant on wifi, iPods, our laptops, and cable television over the years. The biggest things that a new camper has to overcome are the simple conveniences that we have in our homes. Here is a list of the best things to take with you when camping in the wild.

The Portable Shower

The portable shower is basically a bag with a spout on the end of it. After you fill the bag with water, you can hang it from a tree limb and take a shower. This is great for when you are truly roughing it in the wild. The best thing about the portable shower is how well it fits in your backpack.

Wind Up Phone Charger

Since we do live in the digital age, you might be able to live without your computer for a little while, but you’re phone is another story. The wind up phone charger is exactly what it sounds like. You basically plug your phone in and turn the handle. When you turn the handle it charges your phone.

The Leatherman

The Leatherman is a tool much like MacGyver’s Swiss Army Knife. It has pliers, screwdrivers, a small saw, a corkscrew and other useful tools on it. You can use it for cutting rope, removing stripped screws from your gear or for opening a beer. The Leatherman is essential for any camping trip.

Portable Pans

There’s nothing in the world like fresh fish. Having a portable frying pan is great for any outdoor adventure because it allows you to cook a hearty meal without taking up too much space in your pack. A lot of portable pans will come in kits that have pots and pans together.

Rain Gear

Although this may seem like a no-brainer, having rain gear will keep you dry during unexpected weather. You don’t have to go out and buy a brand new North Face coat either. Stores like Wal-Mart and K-Mart sell portable raincoats and rain pants that will take up as much room as a wallet in your backpack.

Tarp

Along with the rain gear you should have a tarp. Anything around an 8x8 will work just fine. The idea behind the trap is to protect either your tent (if it’s not rain proof) or your equipment when weather strikes. This can also be used for stowing your food in a tree if you’re in bear country.

Waterproof Matches

No matter who skilled you are at building a fire, having a multitude of waterproof matches can be invaluable to any camping trip.

First Aid Kit

You can never completely rule out bee stings, poison ivy, cuts and scrapes. Be sure that your first aid kit has plenty of gauze, peroxide, bandages and a sling. Being in the wild has a way of bringing on the unexpected.

Liquid Soap

Never bring a bar of soap on a camping trip. You have a high probability of dropping it on the ground or putting it in your bag before it’s dry. When you bring liquid soap you can have a non-messy alternative to keeping yourself clean.

Wool Socks

Even if you’re camping in the heat of the summer, wool socks will keep your feet from getting blisters.

Weather Radio

Keeping up with how the weather is going to change on your trip is essential to being prepared. Having a weather radio will not only give you peace of mind, but you can usually tune into a couple of radio stations no matter where you are. Although most of us love the sound of the forest, sometimes having a great set of tunes can brighten our spirits.

Sleeping Bag

A sleeping bag is a lot easier to tote around than a couple of blankets. Nowadays sleeping bags are even coming with inflatable head rests built into them. Having a good sleeping bag is key to getting the rest you’re going to need for the day ahead.

Camping in the wild is fun and exciting, but not being prepared for everything Mother Nature could throw at you is not very smart. Get organized so you’re not caught ill-equipped when tribulation strikes.