Camping is an art. The more you camp, the better prepared you

become. If you keep a checklist, you probably revise it every

time you go camping. Campers eventually learn that redundant

can be a good thing. A backup propane canister, extra tent

stakes, or spare batteries may save you the inconvenience of

an unscheduled trip to town to buy more. You can avoid

foreseeable problems by being prepared with extras of

necessities. Check out my choices for redundant camping

items.

1) toilet paper

I can't think of anything I'd rather be prepared for than a

nature call. Whether it's an emergency stop while traveling

in the backcountry or there's no toilet paper in the

campground bathroom, you'll be glad you brought that spare

roll. For added protection, put your toilet paper in a Ziploc

bag. Be sure to use bio-degradable toilet paper.

2) plastic garbage bags

Campers should keep a clean campsite, and plastic garbage

bags are perfect for collecting and disposing of trash. They

also come in handy for gathering dirty clothes, for covering

your backpack when it rains, and for use as an emergency

poncho. Keep a box handy, you'll use them.

3) lighter/matches

Lighters always seem to run out of fluid at the wrong time.

But if you bring extra lighters or matches, you'll never be

without fire. A Ziploc bag is great for keeping extra matches

or lighters dry too.

4) propane canisters

It's frustrating when you have to stumble around in the dark

because your propane lantern ran out of fuel. What's even

worse is delaying dinner because you ran out of propane for

the camp stove. I always carry a couple extra propane

canisters just in case.

5) lantern mantels

Propane lanterns give off great light. It's all due to the

science that makes the lantern mantel glow. Mantels are

essentially the light bulbs of propane lanterns, and they are

very fragile. Bumping your lantern could cause the mantels to

break, which would render the lantern useless. The mantels

are inexpensive, and they're small. It's a good idea to

always carry a spare or two.

6) tent stakes

Stakes stabilize your tent and keep it in place. They are

pounded into the ground through loops which are usually

attached to the tent at the corners and at the center of each

side. Should you happen to break or bend a stake, the tent

will be loose at that loop, and the tent will probably flap

in the wind. That's why it's important to bring extra tent

stakes. They can also be used for guying a clothes line or

for putting up shade.

7) Bungee cords

Bungee cords come in handy for lots of campground tasks. They

can be used to bundle firewood, as stretchable guy-lines, to

secure lids to coolers, to tighten tarps used for shade, as

clothes lines, etc. They come in a variety of lengths and

strengths. I always pack several of each for camping trips.

8) rope

Rope comes in handy for lots of stuff too. It could just as

easily be used wherever you use a bungee cord. If the metal

hooks on the ends of bungee cords concern you, then a rope

with knots may be a better choice. I always bring several

long strands of rope.

9) batteries

You probably keep a flashlight handy for those late-night

runs to the bathroom. You should probably keep some spare

batteries handy too, just in case. If you have any other

electronics that you take camping, bring spare batteries for

them too.

10) bug spray

Nothing can spoil a camping trip more than bugs, and

sometimes our only defense is bug spray. When bug spray

becomes a necessity, and believe me I've been camping when it

was, be sure to have a backup can. There's nothing worse than

stepping out of the tent in the morning, and the can of bug

spray is empty. Be prepared, bring a spare can.