The most important source of replenishing fluids in your body is water. Drinks with high sugar or caffeine content, such as sodas or coffee, can actually be detrimental if your body becomes dehydrated (not enough fluid). Water is the body’s most natural source of hydration.

Take, for example, portable water purifiers. There is no question that these devices are useful. Water is heavy to carry, and for any extended trip, you can’t possibly take enough. With access to a water purifier and any water source, you are guaranteed to stay hydrated.

But, on the other hand, water purifiers are expensive. There is a range of prices, but even the inexpensive products are around $50. The more expensive units run upwards of $250.
Purification tablets are a more cost-effective solution, but they have their own set of downsides. Some add an unpleasant taste to the water. Some take a long time to work. And so on.

But on the outside, where you have to carry everything that you use on your person, having a pocket knife handy can get you untangled from many messy situations. A sharp pocket knife will be near and dear to you the entire time you are out in the woods, and you will never want to leave home without one again.

Road accidents happen when you least expect them. Even if you’re not the one involved in an accident, you may come across someone who is. With your first aid kit in hand, you can be the Good Samaritan they need. Reckless driving causes most accidents on the road, and even if you are responsible behind the wheel, it doesn’t mean that other people are.

We all know the old cliché that men are difficult to buy for, but my dad takes it to another level. For his past five birthdays, he has returned every item he has received, claiming that he doesn’t have any use for them. Some people may see this as a cantankerous act, but I use it as motivation to find a gift that is worthy of his high standards.

This year I am doing my research to ensure that my gift doesn’t end up back on the store shelf. One of my dad’s only pastimes is hunting, so I’ve decided to get him something to assist him in his efforts in the outdoors. After inspecting some of his knives, I noticed that the blades left much to be desired. I recently purchased him a set of Gerber knives, and I’m confident that he will finally be satisfied when he opens a gift.

It’s also important to have a compass and map, or if you want to go modern, a handheld GPS unit. When venturing into the wilderness apparel like warm clothing, rain gear, gloves, and hiking boots can help you to stay dry and warm if you happen to become cold. Hypothermia can be a real danger in the outdoors, even in warmer locations where you wouldn’t think it

This means that the tents have to be spacious enough. If people have trouble sleeping, the last thing they want is to feel crowded. As such, 6 person tents are a great option if there are only four of you. The added room allows for even more pillows, blankets, and other bedding, which might help even the most finicky sleeper get through the night. After all, one of the most common complaints is that it’s simply too cold sleeping outside, and the added bedding can alleviate some of that chill. Also, make sure your trip is aligned with a weekend that promises lots of sunshine and warmth.

But even in areas that don’t require these medical precautions, there is still the potential for coming across contaminated water. So whether you’re traveling in Mexico or South Korea, it is recommended that you boil the water before drinking it. But that is a huge hassle. Not only is it time consuming to boil the water itself, but you’ll also have to wait for the water to cool. Therefore, a much more convenient tactic is to bring one or two high quality portable water filters with you on your trip. It’s the easiest, quickest way to be certain your water is clean and safe.