Aug32011
Survival Mom Camping-Survival Secrets
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image by Sugar Pond
Staying organized while on a camping trip is a challenge, even in optimal conditions. Whether your idea of camping is roughing it in a tent or enjoying the opulence of an RV, it’s tricky knowing where everything is and finding it when you need it.
Reader RightWingMom has a system for getting and staying organized that she’s sharing with you. Her family goes on frequent camping trips and organization is a must. The secret is having separate containers for storing and carrying supplies. Here is her secret packing list that keeps everything in order. Click here for a downloadable list you can print out and keep in your Survival Mom binder!
Bucket # 1 (kitchen)
spatula
serving utensils: fork & spoon
kitchen knife
can opener
mini cutting board
pot holders
1 or 2-quart serving pitcher
camping perculator coffee pot & filters (I’ve started using instant coffee. Much less mess!)
cloth kitchen towels
tablecloth & clips* to secure cloth to picnic table
plates, bowls, cups (paper or plastic…depends on how much cleaning you want to do)
spoons/forks/knives* (Hobo tools are awesome!)
plastic or metal coffee mugs
spice jars* (Camping sections have a nifty 4-in-1.)
Ziploc baggies (all sizes)
5 gallon collapsible water bag*
Bucket # 2 (cleaning supplies)
(I pack many items in Ziploc baggies to contain any liquids or moisture.)
kitchen sponges
steel wool
dish soap
scrub brush
hand soap
clothesline (paracord tied between two trees)
clothespins
shower bag* (heats water when laid in the sun for primitive camping)
Lysol wipes
toilet paper
paper towels
extra trash bags (We also use Walmart bags from purchases on the trip)
** I’ve often used the storage bucket as a dish sink.
Bucket #3 (fire & light)
(Again, when in doubt, put it in a Ziploc bag!)
wand lighter/matches/Strike Force lighter
fire starters (store bought or homemade)
fuel funnel* (You’ll use this if you choose to use fuel stove and lantern.)
extra mantles for lantern (They ALWAYS break!)
small propane canisters or camp fuel (depending on the lantern and stove you purchase)
LED lanterns
flashlights
extra batteries
heavy duty extension cord (if at campsite w/ electric hookup)
Won’t fit in a bucket
Coleman camp oven (2 burner, your choice of liquid fuel or propane canister)
Coleman Lantern in carrying case
axe or hatchet
heater (We use a heater that screws onto the propane canister, just like the lantern.)
Igloo ice chest
folding chairs
folding table
tarp
air mattress
air pump
First aid kit
cast iron: Dutch oven, skillet, griddle
long spatula & fork for campfire
hot dog forks
campfire tri-pod* (Ours is aluminum and the legs come apart for packing.)
sleeping bags
liquid laundry soap
Port-a-toilet w/ extra Bio Blue or Chemisan
shower tent
EcoZoom stove
*These can be located in the camping section of outdoor stores and Target.
Bucket # 1 (kitchen)
spatula
camping toaster*
serving utensils: fork & spoon
kitchen knife
can opener
mini cutting board
pot holders
1 or 2-quart serving pitcher
camping perculator coffee pot & filters (I’ve started using instant coffee. Much less mess!)
cloth kitchen towels
tablecloth & clips* to secure cloth to picnic table
plates, bowls, cups (paper or plastic…depends on how much cleaning you want to do)
spoons/forks/knives* (Hobo tools are awesome!)
plastic or metal coffee mugs
spice jars* (Camping sections have a nifty 4-in-1.)
Ziploc baggies (all sizes)
5 gallon collapsible water bag*
Bucket # 2 (cleaning supplies)
(I pack many items in Ziploc baggies to contain any liquids or moisture.)
kitchen sponges
steel wool
dish soap
scrub brush
hand soap
clothesline (paracord tied between two trees)
clothespins
mini dust pan/hand broom*
shower bag* (heats water when laid in the sun for primitive camping)
Lysol wipes
toilet paper
paper towels
extra trash bags (We also use Walmart bags from purchases on the trip)
** I’ve often used the storage bucket as a dish sink.
Bucket #3 (fire & light)
(Again, when in doubt, put it in a Ziploc bag!)
wand lighter/matches/Strike Force lighter
fire starters (store bought or homemade)
fuel funnel* (You’ll use this if you choose to use fuel stove and lantern.) extra mantles for lantern (They ALWAYS break!)
small propane canisters or camp fuel (depending on the lantern and stove you purchase)
LED lanterns
flashlights
extra batteries
heavy duty extension cord (if at campsite w/ electric hookup)
Won’t fit in a bucket
Coleman camp oven (2 burner, your choice of liquid fuel or propane canister)
Coleman Lantern in carrying case
axe or hatchet
heater (We use a heater that screws onto the propane canister, just like the lantern.)
Igloo ice chest
folding chairs
folding table
tarp
air mattress
air pump
First aid kit
cast iron: Dutch oven, skillet, griddle
long spatula & fork for campfire
hot dog forks
campfire tri-pod* (Ours is aluminum and the legs come apart for packing.)
sleeping bags
Wonder Wash
liquid laundry soap
Port-a-can w/ extra Bio Blue
shower tent
EcoZoom stove
*These can be located in the camping section of outdoor stores and Target.
© 2011, thesurvivalmom. All rights reserved.
(15) Readers Comments
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A Review of the Diva Cup: Not for the faint of heart. (Men, avert your eyes.)
I purchased my Diva Cup over a year ago but haven't been brave enough
A Review of the Diva Cup: Not for the faint of heart. (Men, avert your eyes.)
its about the same as a tampon. either one you should wash your hands
A Review of the Diva Cup: Not for the faint of heart. (Men, avert your eyes.)
I love my DivaCup. Going on 6 years (with a year or so off due to havi
millenniumfly
Yet one more reason to love buckets!
rightwingmom
Where would Survival Moms be without buckets and lists?!?!
Donna G.
What kind of buckets do you use?
Are you talking the rubbermaid big rectangle type or 5 gallon buckets?
Got any pics?
TIA
Donna G.
rightwingmom
Donna,
I've always used Rubbermaid totes. The 25 gal. seem to work well. http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Roughneck-Storag…
Laundry Alternative
Thanks for putting our product Wonder Wash on the survival list
rightwingmom
No problem. Taking it camping again in about 10 days! Great for getting that smore goo out.
PrepperGal
I'm one of those that does a lot of research or shopping around before making a major purchase (well…major to me!). I want to get a rocket stove – I see the EcoZoom listed above. Other friends have shown me the Stovetec.org site. Both look remarkably similar. Anybody ever compare these two side by side?
EcoZoom - Amanda
Hi Prepper Gal – this is Amanda from EcoZoom. That's a great question and you're right, the two stoves are remarkably similar. We both offer high performance and high efficiency rocket stoves that were designed by the Aprovecho Research Center. A side by side test would yield outstanding results for both stoves because they really are great.
We are in contact with the Aprovecho Research Center and StoveTec a bunch and have a lot of ties. The three of us decided that StoveTec would focus only in the US and EcoZoom would work internationally as well as in the US. Cooking is literally killing people all over the globe and EcoZoom's mission is to help make it safe. That's why we offer a buy-one-give-one program called Z+. So, when you buy a stove from us we will send one to a cook in need. Our website, http://www.ecozoomstove.com, has a lot of information about us and our products and feel free to call me at 903-326-9666 if you want to talk some more or have other questions.
I also do a ton of research before making a big purchase and we definitely want you to make a decision you feel good about. Custom service is super important to us. If we can help with anything give us a call or find us on Facebook or Twitter (we're ecozoomstove on both).
rightwingmom
PrepperGal,
We own both…StoveTec and EcoZoom. They are very similar and both work great. Our StoveTec is a slightly older model. That said, I really like the improvements on the EcoZoom. The Versa has hinged doors for fuel and venting. Look for a side-by-side comparison of the Dura and Versa in my next review.
LizLong
You know what fits PERFECTLY in a bucket? A sleeping bag.
This is one case where I would not not not not NOT go with a re-used bucket that had food. It could absorb the smells and draw critters way too easily. Ours are stored in Lowe's 5 gallon buckets with lids in the basement. Mice are soooo not going to eat this sleeping bags (unhappy childhood memories). The buckets are light and easy to carry and keep the bags clean, safe and dry. And, yes, the unhappy childhood memory of mouse-chewed (destroyed) fabric things like sleeping bags is what inspired me to do this. Well, that and the buckets are easier to stack and store than the bags by themselves.
rightwingmom
Good idea Liz. Most tightly rolled sleeping bags could easily fit in a 5 gallon bucket. We lost a very nice 20 degree bag about 10 years ago. Mice chewed it to pieces b/c we stored it in the garage. Live and learn!
Ben Simon
Buckets are a great idea – thanks for sharing!
We just went went car camping for the first time in ages, and I struggled with the best way to get organized. I'm used the world of backpacking, where it all has to fit in a backpack. I was pleased with myself for coming up with the idea of using reusable shopping backs to organize and shlep stuff. Buckets would have probably worked just as well, if not better.
In the spirit of organization, I'll mention one tip I like to do. I keep our packing list as a Google Document and give the folks I'm traveling with access to update it. That way, we can all contribute to the gear list, and all benefit from keeping it up to do date.
rightwingmom
Great link Ben. One thing I left off my bucket list is my Katadyn Hiker Pro water filter. It's actually in my BOB, but you get the idea.
We're also setting up a ceramic filtration system (similar to Berkey). Picked up the filter and spigots from Cheaper Than Dirt. All you need is 2 food grade buckets w/ lids (3 gal. – 5 gal….your choice) and you've got purified water from almost any source.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/CAMP352-1.html
Leon
I carried most of my gear in 4-5 gallon frosting buckets on my six-month Mississippi River River canoe trip. The buckets kept my gear dry in all sorts of nasty weather, and the containers worked very well for everything I needed.
RightWingMom
Where would preppers and survivalists be without our 5 gallon buckets??? Excellent suggestion. I still have my original Rubbermaid containers, but I’m willing to improve with age. I think I’ll be transferring my gear soon! Thanks for the idea Leon.