best known hiking tidbits

[Kim]

what are some of the coolest things u've learned about hiking that u're glad u learned and would like to share.

for me:
1. I wish i had a bandana on the florida canyon trail to wipe the sweat off.
2. Army surplus store in mesa on main-$2.50 for 100 wet-naps. they're perfect for keeping your hands clean after going to the bathroom, before eating or cooking... on trail-no messy liquid bottle splilling in the pack, light, and cheap, and easy to carry out!
3. hiking poles are knee savers and really worth the money-cheapies will do.
4. good shoes!!
5. get a bigger pack than u think u'll need-just in case-and it makes it easier to pack.
6. always bring more warmth than u think u'll need.
7. buy synthetic clothes on clearance at reg clothing stores, but spend the extra money on Marmot Precip breathable windbreaker/rainjacket that will last forever and u can use all seasons.
8. this website and hikearizona.com. i've done a bunch of hiking before i knew about these websites, but they've really been helpful!

i'm sure i'll come up with more ideas as u all do... I mostly wanted to tell u about the wet-naps. they're just great and convenient!

[Daryl]

Great tips!

9. cut up old bike innertubes and use them as rubber bands to hold stuff together in your pack. When you need to make a fire they make a great fire starter.
10. jack links makes packaged ground beef, even taco flavor. Just open the bag, heat and eat.
11. lighter shoes/boots make a huge difference.
12. LED lights are smaller, lighter, and last longer.
13. The mountain house oven works really well and is much easier then a stove and mess kit.
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[matt gilbert]

14. Blow the water from your drinking straw back into the bladder to keep the water from getting all hot (also the insulation tubes that they sell for snowboarders work pretty well in the sun too)
15. Thermarests are almost as good as a regular mattres
16. Emergency blankets are for the birds. And the emergence sleegping bags arent' much better
17. Several mini bic lighters are worth their weight in gold
18. Laradas sell liner sacks for like 3 bucks that make great stuff sacks and preclude the need for a rain-cover (like we have a need out here anyway...)
19. A mile on the ground is always longer than a mile on a map
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Cogito ergo ambulo cum sacculo
-Matt Gilbert

[fairweather8588]

20. A GPS will fail to get a signal exactly when you really need it
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But let the mind beware, that though the flesh be bugged, the circumstances of existence are pretty glorious


Kerouac

[MikeInFHAZ]

20 1/2. Pete said once "if you stepped in dog poop you wouldnt use toilet paper to wipe it off" Wet naps rule, thanks Pete. They can also be used to remove fish smells off of your hands.
21. Dryer sheets stored in your bag makes them smell real good, and dryer sheets are also a good insect repellent.
22. For ultral lite hiking, use your toothbrush as a pot scrubber. Hey, every gram counts!
23. Steel wool is also a great fire starter and pot scrubber.
24. Unrolling (concentrically) your mattress inside your pack keeps things from poking your back, and pack. Also a good place to store it, anyway.
25. Pepsi can stoves, 2 oz. with fuel
26. hot water in a Nalgene for cold feet.
27. wire coat hanger and aluminium foil "grill"
28. hammocks are the best thing since the wheel.
29. 1/2 gallon milk carton stores 5-6 sandwiches safely. Using a smaller milk carton, break eggs inside and later they pour out 1 at a time.
30. GSI type lexan coffee press!!
31. new recipe for trout: egg + pringles = yummy.
32. using a knife to punch several small slits in an aluminium pie pan will make a dang good piece of toast.
33. using Nair hair remover to remove tiny cactus needles
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http://www.arizonahikers.com/board/albums/albwb18/BRIDGE.sized.jpg
bridge hammock, quilts and tarp (all DIY)

what i do

[Shihiyea]

14. Matt, would this constitute....BACK WASH? Actually I use that one and like it.
26. Nalgene bottle, I do use as a hot water bottle for cold nights. MSR Bags, especially the four liter, is even better for heating up your bag and doubles as the most comfortable pillow.
33. Nair hair remover to remove tiny cactus needles....I didn't know this, but appreciate the tip.
35. After a 10-15 mile backpack, those thermarest chairs are the BEST! No more rocks for my tush.
36. Hat and gloves are great to keep you warm, helps remove hot pots from your stove and doubles as insulation to a hot meal.
37. Using Freezer bags to repackage dehydrated food (thanks Todd for this tip), saves on space and an instant trash bag. Using your warm hat to insulate the bag and doesn't burn your fingers. Note to self: Best to turn hat inside out, so if you are a messy eater, you get the food on the outside of the hat and you aren't wearing spaghetti when the weather turns cold.
38. When in doubt. Stop, rest, eat, and relax.
39. Remember, ALWAYS have fun.

[Trishness]

35. Thermarest chairs are the BEST (THANKS for that tip Mary) I found a store that carries the material and am working on constructing a prototype that won't cost $25-$30
40. I just invested in a small thermarest pillow too. Smooshes down to nothing in your pack and is more comfy than clothes stuffed into fleece.
41. Baby wipes!!! Carry them in a small ziplock for a quick sponge bath on the trail.
42. Make your own dehydrated food. It's tastier and MUCH cheaper.


_________________
~~~Trish~~~

"Eastward the dawn rose, ridge behind ridge into the morning, and vanished out of eyesight into guess; it was no more than a glimmer blending with the hem of the sky, but it spoke to them, out of the memory and old tales, of the high and distant mountains." � J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of The Rings.

[Sande J]

I always collect little condiments from convenience stores and fast food restaurants like tiny salt and pepper packs, hot sauce, honey, creamers for coffee, and clean wipes (diamond shamrock has 'em) just to name a few...and best of all, they're free...
My new fav is the disposable tooth brush, you just put it on your finger and brush, havent used one yet, but will be trying it next trip out.
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And this our life, exempt from public haunt,
Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, Sermons in stone, good in everything..
-William Shakespeare-

[Davis2001R6]

43. you can always dump out extra water later.
44. Always have something good ie. food/beer waiting for you in your car at the trailhead. It gives you something to look foward too on that dreaded hike back.

16. Emergency Blankets: Never try to use one as a sleeping bag in January at Hellsgate.

[Guest]

And never, ever believe a passerby that tells you that it is 'only a quarter mile' to your destination.

[Trishness]

[Davis2001R6]

[paintninaz]

[Kim]

i also eat the tuna, but i bring bread and raw veggies to eat it with. the cracker thing is a good less messy idea!

i don't believe passerbys, either. especially if they're coming down and i'm going up!

[fairweather8588]

45. (just found this out) NEVER LEAVE GATORADE IN YOUR WATER BLADDER UNLESS YOU WANT THE INSIDE COVERED IN MOLD!
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But let the mind beware, that though the flesh be bugged, the circumstances of existence are pretty glorious


Kerouac