So what does every pack need, whether the trip is 3 days or 13? I was in NZ for the past 5 months (for school) and got in a month of backpack hunting. One important thing I didn't have in my pack was extra bootlaces. Learned that the hard way.
Few other essentials.
Compass flashlight Signal mirror/blaze orange emergency firestarter Medical Kit
What else?
----------------------------------------- "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. -Henry David Thoreau, Walden
Posts: 891 | Location: Tanzania | Registered: 07 December 2007
-Parachute cord-works for boot laces, lashing etc. -Dental floss-sewing, lashing, flossing teeth! -Heavy duty nylon thread instead of the floss works well too -a nylon tarp, not "siltarp" because although it/s light, it's flammable
Being a member of SAR just a suggestion, for every piece of equipment that requires batteries,GPS,flashlight,headlamp,etc extra batteries is a must. We usually carry 2-3 times the required amount, just makes you a little safer.
Or if you do carry electronics, remember to use it! I left the bike at a certain location, thinking I'd GPS my way back to it through some thick stuff (route finding). When I was halfway back I realized I forgot to GPS where I left it. Luckily it was in a pretty strategic spot, and using another waypoint I found my way back, and exited within two hundred yards from the bike.
Also remember to store your kindling in a dry location. Just yesterday, I had to bail out a camping family that couldn't get their soaked firewood going after a night of rain. The waterproof matches quickly ran out. Firestarters work a lot better than the puny shortlived flame from a single match.
A long handled spoon (at least 7" OAL). If it's going to be plastic, make sure it's heavy duty.
A long handled spoon makes it a lot easier to thoroughly mix boiling water into your freeze dried meals and eat out of the pouch without "wearing" your food.
quote:
Originally posted by JohnnyCojack: Bottle of Stones Green Ginger wine and whiskey
I've never had that before. I'll have to give it a try.
I sometimes carry a small flask of Austrian Stroh Rum '80'.
Remember! It's 80% pure alcohol (that's 160 proof) but goes down surprisingly smooth. It can really sneak up on you and kick you in the ass if you're not careful.
It makes a nice hot toddy before hitting the sack.
A Leatherman ,Gerber Multi tool or similar piece of equipment ..Along with the 2 different knives you have on board .... A high quality folding saw is Real handy also
.If it can,t be grown , its gotta be mined ....
Posts: 3445 | Location: Copper River Valley , Prudhoe Bay , and other interesting locales | Registered: 19 November 2006
Originally posted by JohnnyCojack: Bottle of Stones Green Ginger wine and whiskey
Johnny, I've done some more research into the "Whisky Mac". Do you pre-mix and carry in a flask? What kind of whiskey do you prefer to use in the "Mac"?!!!
Originally posted by JohnnyCojack: Bottle of Stones Green Ginger wine and whiskey
Right on brother. Reminds me of good times.
----------------------------------------- "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. -Henry David Thoreau, Walden
Posts: 891 | Location: Tanzania | Registered: 07 December 2007
A Flask of Peaty Single Malt Scotch, and a S&W 4" 44 Mag, with extra ammo, including some Seer shotshells, just in case you see some grouse, or other edible small game.
Where hunting them is legal, of course.
DOUBLE RIFLE SHOOTERS SOCIETY
Posts: 16134 | Location: Texas | Registered: 06 April 2002
I agree with xgrunt on scentfree babywipes. After a day of hard hunting they make a guy feel more human and can really lift the spirits, not to mention keeping scent somewhat under control.
For fire starter, I cut strips of an old bicycle inner tube into strips about 1/2" wide and about 3-4" long. I carry 'em in a zip lock bag with my water proof matches and a roll of flourescent flagging. To make a fire, put 3-4 strips on top of your tinder then put more tinder/small sticks on top and light the strips. These things will burn wet or dry and will get damp/wet wood burning. Try it at home first. I never go into the bush with out this little packet of strips in my packboard. Bear in Fairbanks
Unless you're the lead dog, the scenery never changes.
I never thought that I'd live to see a President worse than Jimmy Carter. Well, I have.
Gun control means using two hands.
Posts: 1544 | Location: Fairbanks, Ak., USA | Registered: 16 March 2002
Space blanket (the tuff heavy duty ones). I never go without one. Use it to cover up when it's raining, use it to sit on, use it to cover up when napping. I typically use it for a ground cover when sitting up the tent or to cover up pack or gear.I always carry cloths pins to clip it closed around me, with candles for heat if truely in survival situation. Some times I carry two, there just so useful.
Posts: 439 | Location: Alaska | Registered: 11 February 2008
can be used for a lot of things from trash containers, to waterproof sleeping bag/clothers wrapper, to emergency pancho
Yup! Trash bags! Always good to have along.
Be sure to get the extra thick 3MIL 42 gallon "contractor" type bags.
Here's the spoon I settled on. The REI Ti Ware long handled spoon. Perfect for freeze dried/boil bag stirrer and eating utensil. Reaches the bottom of bags and pots without getting you fingers in the food. (Remember the 4-F's! of dysentery)
The Allen key that fits my action screws & the one that fits the scope clamps, no weight to tape down somewhere, & an old bullrush seed head for fire starter.
Posts: 683 | Location: Chester UK, Home city of the Green collars. | Registered: 14 February 2006
Originally posted by Steve Latham: The Allen key that fits my action screws & the one that fits the scope clamps, no weight to tape down somewhere, & an old bullrush seed head for fire starter.
Steve, what size Allen key do you need for the action and ring screws? I think I've got a better solution.
One important thing I didn't have in my pack was extra bootlaces. Learned that the hard way.
