Camping can be one of the most exciting and beautiful outdoor activities. There’s nothing better than spending your free time in the wild, surrounded by nature, greenery and only the chirping of birds. However, it’s still a wilderness and you’ll need some survival tools. This doesn’t mean you’ll fight bears. You’ll need these tools to cut wood, set up your tent, cut some ropes etc.
Mallet
Camping should be a relaxing outdoor activity, but not before the tent is up and you’re all settled for your successful adventure. You’ll need a few small tools to set up the campsite and ensure your safety. This is where a sturdy and strong camping hammer comes into play. These hammers are made for a single purpose, to help you build your tent. Using other types of hammers won’t be as effective.
There are several types of mallets you can choose from. The rubber mallet is the most popular because it can work the pegs into the ground no matter what type of soil you’re dealing with. The rubber coating is great because it absorbs the shock and also lowers the chances of damaging the tent equipment. It’s also lightweight, weather-resistant and has an ergonomic design.
There are also wooden mallets. They’re a classic choice, have a natural look and can be made of oak or beech. They’re very durable and an eco-friendly option. They’re shock-absorbent but you will still feel a bit of impact. Wooden mallets need more care and maintenance so they don’t crack or dry out. Just make sure you avoid using them on rocky soil because they can get damaged.
Nylon mallets are very lightweight and minimalistic. A lot of campers love them because of their weather-resistant properties and durability. They’re more affordable and come in so many colours that you can match them with the rest of the tools or the tent. Use them in soft soils and with narrow stakes so they don’t get damaged.
Last but not least, we have steel mallets. They’re made for campers that stay on hard ground. They’re heavier and will generate more force. Steel mallets are very durable and don’t need a lot of care and maintenance. Most models include a coating for protection against the elements. Choose the type of mallet that suits your needs the most and the soil you’re camping on.
Axe
You might think you don’t need an axe, but this is one of the most commonly used survival tools. There won’t be any chopped wood in the forest you know. You’ll have to do it yourself. Before buying one, decide how and what will you use it. Axes come in different sizes and are made for different purposes so make sure you choose the right one.
The blades can differ as well. Convex blades are made for splitting wood. Concave blades do a great job at working with smaller branches and they can make a deep cut. There are also round-edge blades that are very versatile and flat-edge blades that will give the chop a natural finish.
The camping hammer should be up to the task, and so should the axe. The wildlife hatchet has a handle that’s about 35cm long and a head that weighs 0.5kg. You can use it to carve the pegs for the tent or something even smaller. The heavier the axe, the less tired you’ll be. So, choose as heavy as you can so you’ll do less work.
There’s also the hunter’s axe. This one will serve you well if you’re hunting. It’s made to help you skin an animal. The flay pool won’t damage the meat or the hide but only detach the membrane from the carcass. You can also use it to chop thinner wood and branches, separating ribs from the sternum and chop light bones.
The small forest axe is perhaps the most popular option, with a thin blade and a long handle that allows for powerful chops. You’ll get deep strikes and use them to split small logs to make a fire, build a shelter, make forest bows and even do some carving. The limbing axe is a bit more professional. It has a longer handle than the rest so you can use both hands which will give you extra power and strength.
Multitool
Unlike the camping mallet, multitool is a small, lightweight gadget that combines several uses into a single item. A few tools are folded into one easy-to-carry gadget you can attach to your belt or carry in your pocket. It’s very practical and can be a lifesaver in some situations.
One of the most crucial aspects to keep in mind is the material it’s made of. Stainless steel is a great choice because it’s highly durable and rust-resistant. A lightweight multitool with an ergonomic design will be easy to hold and use. Look for one that you can comfortably hold without any strain. Choose a multitool that has a locking mechanism. This will make it much safer.
The number of tools it has can vary from one manufacturer to another. Pliers are good for gripping and holding. They can help you repair something or even handle hot cookware. The knife will help you slice or do some meal prep. Wire cutters are self-explanatory. A screwdriver will aid in making small tight adjustments and equipment repairs. There can also be a bottle opener, file, scissors and much more.
Machete
Having a machete in your survival tools while camping can make a big difference. You can use it to chop wood, clear a bush, build shelters and much more. Plus, it’s a good self-defence weapon in case the animals around you try to attack. The number one thing that makes every machete different is the blade style. Some of the most common ones are bush style, billhooks, bolo machetes, parang and cane machetes and more.
They all have their pros and cons. Which one you choose will depend on your needs and personal preferences. The blade’s length can vary from 25cm to 70cm. Smaller ones are easily portable but have less reach and larger ones have more reach but can be tricky to transport.
The blade can be made of stainless steel or carbon steel. Both materials are strong, and durable, can withstand a lot of wear and tear and will last for a long time. Make sure the blade has a full tang so you have a good swing when working. Overall, a machete is a very practical tool to have in your survival kit while camping
