The Bare Necessities – In the Redwoods!

Enjoying the redwoods of our Santa Cruz Mountains Old-Growth project.
Enjoying the redwoods of our Santa Cruz Mountains Old-Growth project.

One of the great things about spending time in the redwoods is leaving all the “stuff” behind. Somehow, when I’m out enjoying a relaxing day in the forest, it’s pretty easy to live without all those things I typically consider necessities—phone, computer, microwave, car… but, there are a few things I always make sure to have with me. Maybe I’ve seen one too many episodes of Man vs. Wild, but it got me thinking about what few items I would really need to survive in the redwoods— and have some fun doing it, of course!

If I were dropped off in the middle of a redwood forest, Bear Grylls style, for a few days, I think the most important thing to have with me would be a waterproof jacket. The redwoods are a rainforest, after all! Next would be my trusty water bottle, and a guide to edible plants so that I could find some tasty greens, berries, and mushrooms for my meals. I’d also want to have a notebook and a camera to document my adventure.

A backpack would be nice too, though! And a first aid kit, and waterproof matches… it’s hard to pick just five necessities! I’m glad we have access to many redwood parks and reserves where we can visit the redwoods and feel far away from civilization, but still return home or to a friendly campfire for dinner.

If you were dropped off in the middle of the redwoods, what five items would you want to have on you? Let me know what you always bring with you when you spend a day in the redwoods!

Need more facts about the redwood forest? Check out our interactive facts on our map to see what animals and plants make up the redwood forest.

About the author

Jennifer joined Save the Redwoods League in 2007 as the Director of Outreach and is now the League's Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. A Bay Area native, Jennifer brings several years of journalism, marketing communications and media relations experience in the public and private sectors to her work. Jennifer is charged with leading the organization's marketing communications and outreach efforts to connect people to the peace and beauty of the redwood forests.


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