Everyday Carry Essentials For Outdoorsmen

Price Range:$19-$100 at Cabela's

Why You Need It:This fiberglass-reinforced pocketknife has a smart ergonomic grip and a textured design. Every survivalist needs this. It has a pocket clip for easy access and a stainless steel blade to stop wear and rust.

Price Range: $5 - $100 at Walmart

Why You Need It:Being cold and wet without a way to dry off is miserable. Stay dry no matter what. Pack wet weather gear always.

A poncho is cheap and easy to carry. But if you hike through brush, you should buy a hooded jacket and pants instead.

Your boots must handle water without making your feet suffocate. Carry at least one spare pair of socks; keep them in a waterproof bag. Even without wet gear, protect your feet from getting soaked and staying wet.

Price Range: $25 - $100 at Amazon

Why It's Useful & Important:Outdoorsmen should not leave home without multitools. They come in many types and prices.

Research and get the best multitool for you. These work great for fishing trips and are useful if you need dozens of tools.

Multitools often include a small serrated saw, several knives of different sizes, and tools to tie and untie knots. These tools fold into a small device. Store them in a belt sheath or toss them in a pocket.

Price Range: $5 - $20 at Cabela's

Why You Need It:Starting a fire keeps you warm and cooks food. Campfires also scare away predators, though bears often ignore them when looking for food.

Pack weatherproof matches to start a fire. If you have a flint & steel firestarter, you are ready for any situation. Practice using the firestarter before you go; lighting a fire needs skill.

Practice good campfire safety. Place the fire in a small dip. Surround it with rocks or other non-flammable material. Never light a fire if local rules forbid it due to drought or wildfire risks.

Price Range: $5 - $25 at Amazon

Why You Need It:Take water with you when you are in the woods or wherever you go. Adults need between 2.7 and 3.7 litersof water daily. A multi-day trip demands much water, which adds weight.

If you cannot carry several days of water, you must find a way to get drinking water from your local area. Drinking water from streams, rivers, or lakes risks bacteria and pollution.

A solution is a LifeStraw., which filters water directly through itself into your mouth or canteen. Iodine is another good choice. You can drip iodine or use iodine tablets in collected water to kill harmful bacteria.

Price Range: $10 to $100 at Cabela's.

You need it.Being alone in the woods without a light source is frightening. Most fairy tales come from people's fear of the dark woods. This is the 21st century; you can carry a torch in your pockets!

Get a flashlight that withstands the elements and gives enough light for dark visibility. Carry a spare battery set so you do not run out of power.

A lantern works well as a light source. Place it on a table or hang it from your tent. It lights up a large area, lasts a long time, and runs on battery or gas.

Price Range: You need it.

You need it.A first aid kit is vital when traveling and you need to handle various problems. Items in a first aid kit can stop infections, treat minor burns and cuts, and the kit stays light and portable.

If you do not have one in your car, buy one! These items are better to have than to need and not have.

Items in a first aid kit expire. Check everything inside before your trip. You can buy refill packs for most kits, or buy a new one if needed; they are not very expensive.

Price Range: $5 to $50+ at Walmart.

You need it.A hatchet is very useful for clearing brush and cutting firewood. Hatchets are small and light; an axe is heavy and often too big to pack or carry.

Carry a small hacksaw to cut wood. These are not required, but you can find small, portable hacksaws that take up little space in your pack.

An E-Tool, or entrenching tool, is a foldable shovel. It is one of the most important items you can carry. It has a serrated edge, useful for cutting wood (if you lack a hatchet), and it can dig holes. This helps when making a fire or getting a second shelter in the woods.

Price Range: $5 to $500+ at Walmart.

You need it.If you go to an area you do not know or need to reach a place a car cannot get to, you need a map or a GPS unit.

Carry a map that never loses power. Learn to fold it right. This lets you find your way any time. A paper map needs a compass and knowing how to use it. Learn these things before you go.

Choose technology. Buy a GPS unit. It is light, handheld, and tracks via satellite. Download local maps. Bring a backup power source, like a solar-powered USB battery.

Price Range: $35 to $500+ on Amazon

You need this item.Sometimes sleeping under stars is safe. Most times, you need a tent. Sleep in a place away from the wild. A tent blocks wind, rain, and insects.

Tents come in many sizes. Get one that fits you. For four people, ensure the tent holds that many. Tents have ratings for seasons and climates. Ensure yours handles your sleeping conditions; otherwise, you risk getting too hot or too cold.

Tents fold and roll into a small bag. Strap them to your pack. Most set up and take down easily.

Price Range: $25 to $300+ at Walmart

You need this item.Sleeping under stars with just a blanket is okay. A proper sleeping bag and mat offer better comfort and safety. Buy a good set for any outdoorsman.

Sleeping bags offer many types. Get the right one for your location. If you go somewhere very cold, choose a thermal sleeping bag rated for those temperatures.

A thing bag works well in warm areas. Get a sleeping mat too. These items aren't needed, but they make sleeping more comfortable when the ground has sticks and rocks.

Price Range:$8.99 at Walmart

You need this item.Keep an emergency escape tool next to your driver's manual. This tool has a seatbelt cutter, window breaker, and an escape hammer. You might not need it hiking, but keep it in your car's glove box for emergencies.