Camping is a one-of-a-kind experience. Camping trips can give you lots of fun and enjoyment in the Australian outback and wilderness as well as in organised recreational parks, famous beaches, and hidden coves dotting the country. These are perfect venues to create lasting memories with friends and loved ones. You will treasure and remember such memories for a long time, if you find them pleasant and trouble-free.
With vast arid deserts and thousands of kilometres of coastlines, Australia's weather can be unpredictable. Even in summer, a sunny and scorching day can end with a heavy downpour. Emergency situations and accidents especially in rugged terrain can happen anytime that may endanger lives. Thus, it is good to always be prepared with the right equipment and camping gear when exploring the great outdoors.
Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or a novice camper, you can face any emergency if you bring along the right stuff on your camping trip. There are stores that carry survival kits and emergency packs. Sometimes these include items that are of low quality, unappealing, and unpalatable. For practical reasons, you can pack your own survival kit. To help you decide which gear should be part of it, check out the following:
Food and hydration
Having adequate source of good nourishment and proper hydration during camping must be foremost in your survival kit. Without enough food and water, your chances of survival are diminished especially if you are in a remote location. Bring enough food and water that could last not only throughout your trip but can be extended by rationing if you have to stay at camp longer than you expected. With food and water, you would just have to wait it out until the weather clears, or rescuers have a way to reach you.
1. Water purifier
An adult body has about 60% water content. Hence, water is so much a part of human survival. Inadequate water intake will make you suffer dehydration, the worst consequence of which can be fatal. Without food, a person can survive or last for as long as three weeks or 21 days. Without water, it is only a matter of days. Even if you are a fit person caught in a stressful situation, your body may react differently. Bring bottled water (at least a gallon each day for every member of your group) if you are planning only a few days in the camp. Should you run out of water, as a precaution you should be ready to treat or purify the available water on site. You can bring purifying tablets, filters, or whatever necessary for water treatment.
2. Jetstove and other handy cooking implements
Food is a must during camping. It enables you to get enough energy as you would likely engage in physical activities walking, trekking, swimming. Cooking over a campfire is fun but sometimes it takes a lot of your precious time. Either you burn the meat or there's not enough heat to cook in an open fire. In this case, a camp stove is very useful. Lightweight and compact, it does not take too much space and you can bring it along without hassle. You can cook, boil, or stew anything on it in no time at all. In addition, you do not need to consume large portions of food. Just choose those with high caloric content for extra energy. Include in your pack no-cook food like cookies, chocolate bars, trail mix, and jerkies that could provide sustenance whilst you are cooped up in your shelter.
Communication and signalling devices
3. Mobile/Smart phone
Millions of people around the world own at least one mobile phone and would bring one anywhere they go. Most likely, you belong to this majority and would bring yours to a camping trip. Your mobile phone or smart phone can be your link to safety and survival during an emergency even in the midst of nowhere. You can make calls and send messages and seek help through your device. Your smartphone may be equipped with GPS and other navigational systems. You may or may not need internet connection to run these apps as there are google apps that can be pre-loaded on your phone. These can help point you to the right direction or for other people to find your exact location.
4. Maps/Atlas and compass
If internet technology is not accessible in your location, a good old paper map or atlas and a working compass can help you find your way in case you get lost in the wilderness. Make sure to bring a printout of a map or a screen shot of the site you want to explore. A good compass can also help you navigate towards the right direction.
5. Whistle
Without any smart devices to alert others to your situation, a whistle can be a great help. Get a heavy duty one like those used by sports referees which can be heard even over a thunderous roar of an excited crowd. With what little breath you have, blow your whistle intermittently until search parties and rescuers find you. Buy a bright coloured one for added visibility so you can easily locate it if you accidentally drop it.
6. Signal mirror
A signal mirror is as effective in catching attention in the absence of electronic devices. Sweep it up and down or left and right and it will create flashes of light and would be noticeable to aircrafts, vehicles, or people that may happen to be within the range of its glare.
7. Flare
There are flares that can ignite for a minute or longer and there are those that last for only a few precious seconds enough to signal your location to a navigating plane or chopper trying to locate you if you are trapped in the wilds or in a secluded beach.
Illumination and lighting
8. LED flashlight
Depending on how many days you plan to stay in camp, you can bring any lighting device. A heavy-duty LED flashlight plus extra pack of batteries will suffice for an overnight stay. Should you need to walk around camp after dark, it will be enough to light up your path. It will provide illumination and can help you see your way around your camp or shelter.
9. Rechargeable headlamp
A headlamp is very useful in camp not only during normal conditions. You can illuminate your path as you walk, as it can be focused on where you are directing your sight. A convenient lighting system, it leaves both your hands free to work like when tinkering under your car, cooking, or doing any other chore at camp, including reading. Unlike a flashlight or torch that should be handheld, a headlamp can give you light if you are walking in the midst of a downpour, and at the same time allows you to hold an umbrella over your head or carry some other stuff. Some headlamps can also work as a distress strobe to signal that you are in a tight situation.
10. Solar lantern and electric or battery-operated torch
If you are caught in bad weather and you have to sit it out at camp, a solar lantern or torch can help you survive a storm. A lighted camp can do much to lift your spirit even in a dismal situation.
11. Flexible power on site
Whilst you can survive with the barest essentials, it would be more convenient if you take advantage of technology and make use of equipment that can make camp life easier. A portable generator is one of the most useful equipment that you can bring along outdoors. You do not have to suffer in darkness whilst waiting for the rain to subside, if you are caught in a storm. A compact inverter generator can power up a few bulbs as well as your gadgets and mini appliances.
If you want a more lightweight and portable equipment, opt for a flexible 160 watt solar panel. With proper charging, it can work the same way as a generator and provide you with sufficient energy to run your small gadgets and devices. 
Appropriate clothing and gear
12. Jacket or rain gear
A thick jacket is good to keep you warm if there's a strong wind that prevents you from leaving the camp. On the other hand, if it rains, a rain gear can keep you warmer as it will not absorb wetness and prevent you from getting soaked. Keeping warm is an important factor for survival. You do not want to suffer hypothermia and experience shock that would worsen your condition.
13. Comfy sandals and running shoes
If you cannot bring both, just choose the footwear that is appropriate for your destination. For trekking, sandals with sturdy straps would do well and make you feel comfortable if the weather is hot. On the other hand, sneakers and running shoes would be more convenient to wear if you are hiking on uneven ground, climbing, or going down slopes.
Keeping warm and sheltered
Staying out in the open as rain lashes out unmercifully or whilst you are in the midst of a thunderstorm can be risky. You must seek shelter immediately. A warm body can help you steady your nerves and calm your mind so that you can think objectively on how you can get through a tough situation in unfamiliar surroundings.
14. Tent and makeshift shelter
A sturdy tent can keep you safe from the harsh elements such as rain, wind, and blizzard. However, if the camp becomes flooded, you will have to seek shelter elsewhere. A durable tarp will do. Find a more elevated area and tie your tarp between trees or drape it in a boulder or any rock outcropping where you can stay temporarily.
15. Warm blanket
Whilst a sleeping bag is more comfortable and can keep you warm, it is a bit bulkier. Pack light and bring an emergency blanket instead which is more compact and would not add much to your load.
16. Fire starter
Stranded near the shore you can keep warm by making a campfire. Be sure you have packed storm-proof matches or a fire starter rod and stick that can work even when wet or in cold weather.
First-aid kit
17. Medicine kit
Bring medicines that can be useful depending on the camp site. If you are going mountain climbing, bring medications for altitude sickness such as paracetamol and anti- nausea pills, oils, and essences. Allergic reactions and breakouts as well as bug bites may be fatal if not treated properly; hence, anti-allergy medicine and bug-repellent lotion must also be in your kit. Bandages, gauzes, ointments, and creams to treat minor wounds and burns should also be part of your medicine kit.
Other tools and miscellaneous items
18. Sewing kit
Using a fishing line, you can sew a torn tarp or tent. Ordinary thread can sew ripped shirts, jeans, and even torn flesh to close a gaping wound and stop the bleeding.
19. Knife and other tools
You can slash your way out of a grassy or bushy area with the help of a sturdy knife. You can cut ropes or cut a piece of wood to make a splint to support a broken bone. Other tools that can prove useful are a screwdriver, a can opener, duct tape, scissors, and an assortment of other small items that can fit in your kit and which can be handy during an emergency.
Buy durable and high-quality camping stuff
In an emergency situation, you have to keep alert. Stay calm and assess your situation carefully. An item in your pack may be the key to your survival. Are you ready to organise your own camping survival kit? Well, be sure to get your gear from a reliable store like Outbax. At Outbax, a variety of top-of-the-line outdoor supplies and camping gear await you. Check out our site and be delighted with our promotional offers!
