Camping can be an exhilarating experience, even with the associated hassle of putting up all your camping equipment on the first day! The enjoyment mainly comes due to the fact you’re getting back to basics and the challenges this brings about. At one point, we were all fighting nature for survival but we have now grown used to the comfort and safety we all enjoy. By nature, we are now domesticated, so it is easy to be na?ve when going camping. Here is a list of health-associated camping accessories that you should bring to protect you and your fellow campers:

1. Water Filter
It’s a given that you should bring enough food and water to last you all for longer than you will be on your trip for. Hunger and dehydration are fatal when you are far from civilisation and disaster can happen at any time. You could find yourself without fresh water due to an accident; at this point you don’t want to risk dehydration. You could head to a nearby town to buy some more or you could bring a good water filter with you. If you are near a water source, it is vital to use a filter to remove harmful substances. Note that this is a last resort idea; if you are close to a town you should go buy some water but if this is not an option then a water filter is vital. Even if you are at a campsite, you can’t always trust their water supply, so a water filter is a great idea.
2. Sun Cream
Always be aware of the dangers of the sun. It doesn’t take a long stretch of time of unprotected exposure for you to burn. Even in overcast conditions, UV rays can make it through to hit your skin. High levels of exposure to UV rays can cause melanomas and develop cancer so it is extremely important that you protect yourself. Going camping, there is a good chance that you will be spending a lot of time in the sun, so make sure that it is applied plentifully, often and 15-30 minutes before you go out in the sun. The sun is strongest between 10am and 2pm, so try to avoid prolonged exposure during this time. If you are going hiking, remember that increased elevation comes with increased intensity of sun rays.
3. First Aid Kit
This should be enough to cover the little bumps and scrapes you or your children may suffer but should also be prepared for bigger emergencies. The basics should include: bandages, tape, antiseptic wipes/cream, scissors, plasters, cotton buds and anything else you require. Don’t think of it as “hopefully we won’t have to use this”; be prepared by thinking of it as “I wouldn’t want to be hurt without this”.
4. Insect Repellent
This isn’t just about getting rid of the annoying insects; some insect bites can cause allergic reactions which can be really dangerous if you are in the wild and underprepared. A good insect repellent will make sure this does not happen and will also save you from the irritation of scratching these pesky bites.
5. Hand Sanitiser
Nature isn’t clean and there can’t be any guarantee that the soap you use will get rid of all the dirt and bacteria that is out there. Hand sanitiser is much more effective at killing the bacteria so you are spreading it around less. This is particularly important before meals so you don’t spread the bacteria to the food you are handling or sharing with others. Aside from eating, it is also important to sanitise your hands regularly so it makes scratching your face or holding hands a lot more hygienic.