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| UPPER RIGHT POCKET | |
| The upper right pocket of my backpack is tall and holds a fair amount. I tend to store utility items in it. You might consider it my "junk drawer" pocket because it is a catch-all for miscellaneous stuff, but I wouldn't necessarily consider the items in it to be junk:
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| First Aid Kit
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This is an item that no backpacker should be without. Whether you're on a week-long hike with 65 pounds of gear or a quick day hike with your Camelbak, you should always include first aid supplies.
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| Flashlight
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I've probably owned dozens of flashlights in my life, but this is one I bought recently that I have been particularly pleased with. It is a Smith & Wesson "SW3CRLL Galaxy LED Flasher." It is compact, and doubles as a small lantern when you screw on the whte lens. It can also serve as a flashing beacon, which calls for the red lens. It is a versatile safety item that I keep in the glove box of my truck when I'm not camping with it. I bought it at Academy for about $25.
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| Garbage Bags
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Garbage bags are a versatile camping item. Obviously, they can be used to put garbage in, but they can also be used to cover your backpack (if it won't fit in your tent). You can cut holes in it and use it as a rain poncho. You can even cut two edges of it for a makeshift rain fly. I always keep a few garbage bags in my pack.
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| Rope
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You never know what you might need rope for. It could be to tie down your tent in a strong wind, or to rescue someone who's fallen down a cliff. I consider rope to be an essential piece of camping equipment.
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| Batteries
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Some pieces of camping equipment may rely on batteries for power, such as a flashlight, radio, or GPS unit. In addition to testing the batteries in all of my battery operated devices before I go camping, I always check to make sure that I have extras of each type of battery. I try to avoid devices that use anything larger than AA batteries due to the weight.
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| Bug Spray
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Depending on what time of year it is, bug spray can be an essential item. I've used many different brands, but the ingredient DEET seems to be the primary thing to look for. Gift shops near the Canadian Border Waters sell t-shirts advertising the mosquito as the State Bird of Minnesota.
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| Sun Block
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Sun block is another essential item. When you're outside all day, it is amazing how fast you can get sunburned before you even realize it. Especially on a long campout, you do not want to spend additional days outdoors suffering from a bad sunburn. I usually look for 50 SPF (100 SPF is too thick).
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| Utility Tool
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While a pocket knife is a good thing to have with you, a utility tool can be even better. In addition to a knife blade or two, a good utility tool includes pliers, screw drivers, can and bottle openers, a saw blade, scissors, and other usefool tools. I carry an old school Leatherman tool, while both of my sons have Gerber tools like the one shown here. You can buy these at most sporting goods stores, camping stores, or even places like Target. Prices for a good utility tool range from $25 to $100, depending on brand and features.
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| Playing Cards
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While playing cards are clearly not required for survival, I have often been glad to have them on camping trips. Especially when it is raining too hard to hike, cards can be a great way to spend time in the tent with your camping companions. The deck shown here is made entirely of plastic, so they are waterproof. I've been meaning to get a waterproof deck for years.
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