How to Choose the Right General Camp Supplies

#1: Sunscreen

Believe it or not, sunburn is the single most common backpacking injury. It's a potential problem on just about any trip, no matter where it is or how long it lasts. To choose the right sunscreen, consider how vulnerable you are:

Skin color- Dark skin and deep tans tolerate the sun's rays more readily than fair skin. But no skin color is completely impervious to burn.
Weather conditions- Overcast skies can decrease the amount of harmful exposure. But sunlight does penetrate the clouds, so you still need to be careful.
Altitude- The higher up you are, the harsher the sun's rays (on skin and eyes). Reflection off of snow (or water) can add significantly to sunburn danger.
Length of exposure- The longer you're outside, the higher your risk of burn.

Next, consider the following variables before you choose a sunscreen:

SPF values- Every sunscreen comes with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating between 2 and 50. The higher the rating, the more substantial the protection. Experience is the best guide for picking the right SPF value. People with sensitive skin usually require at least an 8 or higher, especially in high-risk situations (prolonged exposure, high altitudes). Experts often recommend that you use SPF 15 or higher no matter what your skin type or where you're going.
UVA and UVB protection- Make sure the sunscreen you use protects you from both UVA light (burning rays) and UVB light (skin cancer rays). Not all sunscreens do!
Waterproof options- Waterproof sunscreen costs a little more, but it offers longer-lasting protection, since it doesn't sweat off or wash off as quickly.

#2: Insect Repellent

Nothing ruins a backpacking trip quicker than a cloud of swarming, biting insects. To protect yourself, consider the following options:

DEET- DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is the most effective chemical repellent that's safe for human use. It comes in oil, gel, cream, spray or alcohol bases. DEET-based repellents may contain anywhere from 5% to 100% DEET. Any amount of DEET will be effective, but repellents with lower DEET concentrations must be reapplied more often to remain effective. Because small children have a low ratio of mass to skin surface area, the American Pediatric Association recommends using DEET concentrations of 10% or less on kids. In moderate-to-high concentrations, DEET can damage some plastics or irritate eyes. To protect yourself, consider using DEET on your clothing rather than your skin.
Natural repellents- These have been developed for those who prefer not to use chemical-based treatments. Natural repellents tend to be somewhat less effective than DEET-based products. Citronella is one of the most effective natural repellents.
Clothing protection- REI also offers a number of clothing products that can help keep you safe from bugs. Products like bug screens, head nets and mesh jackets can be real skin-savers in bug-infested wilderness areas.

#3: Multi-Purpose Soap

The cleaning agents you use in the wilderness must do more than simply keep you, your clothes and your dishes clean. They must also treat the environment kindly. REI carries a number of convenient, low-impact, multi-purpose soaps that can be used for bathing, washing clothes and cleaning dishes.

Rules

Biodegradable soap is a must.Biodegradable soaps and detergents contain no toxic chemicals, and they break down into benign compounds when exposed to water.
Controlled use is important.Even biodegradable soap will eventually pollute lakes and streams if it is not used sparingly. Be sure to limit your use.
Location Counts!All washing and bathing, even with biodegradable soap, should be done at least 200 feet from all streams, lakes and other water sources to limit detergent and viral contamination of the water supply.

#4: Personal Items

The personal items you carry with you will vary from trip to trip. A few are necessary on every journey to keep you safe and comfortable. Others are "extras" that you choose to bring along to enhance a particular wilderness experience.

Toiletries
Pre-packaged toiletry kits are extremely popular among beginning backpackers. They contain a wide variety of basic supplies (along with room for extras) in convenient, compact carrying cases. REI carries a number of pre-packaged toiletry kits, as well as compact refills to keep your kit well-stocked year after year.

If you choose to build your own toiletry kit, be sure to include these basics:

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Soap(multi-purpose, biodegradable)
Small towel
Small mirror(an emergency signal mirror or compass mirror will suffice)
Toilet Paper(in a water-tight bag)
Personal medicines and prescriptions

You may also wish to add extras like shaving gear, contact lens supplies, feminine hygiene products, sanitary wipes and Q-Tips if you have room in your pack.

Incidentals
There's no limit to the extra items you can carry with you if you have room in your pack. Here is a list of common incidentals:

Cameras- for recording your journey
Binoculars- for studying wildlife, making out distant landmarks
Journals- for capturing thoughts and impressions during the trip
Books- for rainy days, rest time or quiet nights
Field Guides- for investigating birds, animal tracks, stars and more
A Walking Staff or Trekking Poles- for taking pressure off your knees
Games/Toys- for rainy days or lazy afternoons