8 Essential Items For Camping Out in the Desert

Deserts are home to extreme temperatures, dangerous critters, and very little water. That makes them a challenging place to explore, but you can camp safely if you have the right supplies. Here are eight essential items you must have if you're planning to camp out in the desert.

1. Water Containers

This may seem obvious, but the number one thing you need is a water container. People often underestimate just how much water is actually needed for desert camping. You need at least half a gallon of water per day for the average adult and more than that for children. Make sure you have the appropriate size of water container for each person coming on the trip.

In addition to bringing water, you should pack water purification tablets. In an emergency, you may need to collect water from the land around you and it's not safe to drink in its natural state. Harmful bacteria can live in the water and make you ill when you consume it. Water purification tablets will remove that bacteria and ensure that the water you're drinking is safe.

2. Food Storage

Another critical item in the desert is food. You need healthy foods to keep your energy up, but it doesn't do you any good if it goes bad or gets snatched by an animal.

Coolers, odor-proof bags, and resealable containers will keep your food fresh while also keeping predators at bay. If you're packing food in a backpack, ensure you can get to it easily and that it won't get crushed.

3. A First Aid Kit

If you sustain an injury in the desert, help may not be able to reach you. Even if it can, it'll take time to arrive and you'll need to do what you can in the meantime. A basic first aid kit can help you treat cuts, abrasions, and other common injuries. Essential items that should be in your kit include alcohol, bandaids, gauze, and compression bandages.

4. A Tarp

Canvas tarps are a wonderfully versatile tool for desert camping. They are most commonly used underneath tents, as a tent, or as a shield from bad weather. You can even use them to create shade, which is a rare commodity in the desert. Tarps come in a variety of sizes and colors, so you can choose what's best for you.

5. A Map and Compass

Don't make the mistake of relying entirely on your phone's GPS for navigation. Smartphones can become overheated in the desert, leading them to shut down. Besides this, there's always the risk of losing or breaking it and you don't want to find yourself without navigation. Familiarizing yourself with a map of the area and a compass before you head out can save you valuable time in the desert.

6. A Guide to the Local Plant Life

Surviving in the desert often comes down to understanding what's around you. Some plants, like cacti, are dangerous when touched but can also provide you with water in an emergency. Bringing along a guide to the local plants can help you determine which greenery is helpful and which is harmful.

7. Lights

Deserts are usually remote, which means when the sun goes down there's next to no light available. Moonlight and starlight are the only natural sources, and they don't offer enough light for safety. You'll need to bring lights to combat the darkness, and it's advisable to bring a variety.

Headlamps are a great option if you plan to move around at night. Not only will you have light, but you can be easily spotted by your fellow campers.

8. A Sturdy Tent

The shelter is next to water and food when it comes to camping in the desert. Temperatures can drop drastically at night and you need somewhere safe and warm to sleep. A tent also keeps dangerous wildlife like scorpions and snakes from making their way into your sleeping bag.

Conclusion

While these eight items are essential, they may not be all you need. It's important to research the area you're planning to camp in ahead of time so you're fully prepared for the trip of a lifetime.