THE EXTRAS
A head torch is an essential; make sure you have put fresh batteries in before you leave and maybe take spares if you’re away for a while. There are also inflatable, waterproof, solar lights you can pick up, which are a great addition to any camp, strap them to your board during the day to charge up.
Toiletries are something to consider. You will b living pretty basic so no need to pack make up and a hairbrush. But a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a bottle of Dr Bronners should be the basis of your toiletries. Make sure you pack any medications you may need, contact lens solution and sunscreen if necessary. You can buy lightweight camping towels or in the past I’ve just cut a towel in half – half the size half the weight. Girls don’t forgot to pack a token tampon, even if your not expecting aunt flow to show up. Pack toilet paper in a plastic bag to avoid it getting wet, or pack baby wipes as a substitute. Bring spare plastic Ziplocs for everyone in the group so you can pack out your trash, including toilet paper. A foldable shovel can be used to dig your toilet in the ground.
Dr Bronners is great for everything from washing your hair, arm pits, doing laundry and washing dishes. If you can’t find Dr Bronners where you live, look out for an all-natural alternative. A small hiking stove should be all you need to cook with, maybe multiple depending on the group size. Gas, a couple of stacking pots with lid, lighter, bowl, cup, sharp knife and spork are what make up my multi day kitchen. I pack a dish scrubber for cleaning and air-dry the pots and pans. The multi day kitchen is all about getting creative, yes there are lots of packable alternatives for your kitchen needs, but realistically you can cut your veggies on the pot lid and even use your bowl as a cup if you want to save that extra space. Sometimes I pack a Jetboil, it’s a quick and easy way to boil water and can be super handy to whip out if you want a quick tea to warm up over you sandwich at lunch.