To Skimp or Not To Skimp Part 2

First I would like to apologize for not being very consistant over this holiday season. I have been super busy traveling with and visiting family.

Last time I did "To Skimp or Not To Skimp" I mentioned several things that I think you can and cannot skimp on. Today I would like to go over some more items based on my most recent trip.

Camping Cup: Not to Skimp


I just got back from a MBO (mock bug out) in the snow. As part of our challenge, we took no water. However, there was plenty of snow, so we were constantly melting it in the fire. The camp cup I brought was the Coleman 12 Ounce Enamelware Coffee Mug. It is definitely not acceptable. As a cup, it works great, but definitely not versatile enough for what it should be. By the end of the trip the blue coating was chipping off into my food/water.

A Camp Cup should be stainless steal. You should be able to cook on it as well. It should also have a folding handle that allows you to pick up the cup even when it's hot. This Olicamp Space Saver Cup is an excelent, inespensive example of what you should have. Spend an extra $6 and get the cup that may save your life.

Knife: Not to Skimp

A knife is an essential piece of equipment. If your knife fails you may find yourself in a lot of trouble. Don't buy the cheap knife because there is a big difference in quality. A good basic survival knife is the Gerber Prodigy Survival Knife. This has all the essential parts. It's strong and reliable. The cheap knife is no comparison.

Sleeping Bag: Not to Skimp

A sleeping bag is your bed. It's where you spend a large portion of your outdoor life. When the weather turns, your life could be on the line. There is a giant difference between a $30 bag and a $300 bag. A little extra money on a bag like the Marmot Trestles 20 Sleeping Bag will lighten your load, improve your comfort and keep you warm. It's worth it.

Food: Skimp

You don't have to spend $8 per meal to get a light, easy to prepare and tasty meal. If you have room in your bag, try Top Roman or similar products. One of my favorites is Bear Creek Country Kitchens Cheddar Potato Soup. It's easy to prepare and very tasty. I usually, supe up the soup a little (pun intended).

Sleeping Pad: Skimp

As I experience on my last trip into snowy mountains, insulation from the ground in essential. However, you don't have to spend $300 on a good pad. I got a ALPS Mountaineering Lightweight Series Self-Inflating Air Pad (Steel Blue, Regular) at a second hand store for $5. It works great. It's soft, insulated, and when camping I sleep better now than I have in a long time.

I have been told more than once, that I am so tight with money I squeak when I walk. When it comes to skimping, I know just as well as anyone. But sometimes you just need to step up and spend the money. Sometimes it will save you a lot of frustration and in the long run, money. Be Smart and Thrive.

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