10 Essentials...revised

Wiz · Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 61

Don't listen to 'em, ck1!
I always carry plenty of fod and wter. At least three, sometimes more.
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"...A man who knew that he had to do what he knew he had to do, and knew it!"

Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

Hey Wiz,

When are you going to get your old, scruffy derrier out on the trails with us?

mike · What box? Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 3134

Hikngrl · Posted: 12/4/2003, 8:04 am Post subject:

WAY OVER!
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~~~Diane~~~

I want to shine!

plummer150 · Posted: 12/4/2003, 8:46 am Post subject: re:

Wiz · Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 61

matt gilbert · Joined: 28 Jul 2003 Posts: 698 Location: Mesa

mind? hell, I'd beel BETTER if the "well armed scruffy old guy" was with us...

Nighthiker · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1714

For me the essential items are not one item that are placed on a list of what is suggested that a person have. I utilise a systems approach, first aid kit, navigation aids, etc.

BoyNhisDog · Posted: 12/28/2003, 7:35 am Post subject:

I can't believe so many don't have sunglasses. Laughing

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Seize from every moment its unique novelty and do not prepare your joys
- Andre Gide

matt gilbert · Joined: 28 Jul 2003 Posts: 698 Location: Mesa

I've never worn sunglasses, I hates 'em, so I wear a wide brim hat instead.

Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

Can't really slam on that fact I guess. I emit more salt than you could ever dream of on a margarita glass I guess. What a D.H.

Cool

pfredricks · Joined: 10 Apr 2003 Posts: 347 Location: Peoria, AZ

I have some weirdo hiking philosophies-Every single item I carry has been analyzed many times over for weight, necessity, redundancy and durability. I think that these items have been pretty well tried out. Also, I reason the lighter you are , the less likely you are to hurt or injure yourself by being off balance or overloaded, etc. If you move more quickly and naturally, you will not fatigue as easily and need as much food and water.
Some people just carry less to accomplish that. How about these ideas?
If this thread is talking about dayhikes instead of backcountry, here are some alternatives-
1.(micro bic lighter) I think firestarters are silly- why pack around a metal bar?
Instead, use a tiny bic lighter- they NEVER fail and are about a million times easier to light and use and are way faster to light --Go ahead, wash and dry one in the washer and dryer. It will still work

2.(nalgene bottle) I like to divide my water up into different containers instead of all in one container. I drink the least reliable first.
example, drink the camelback, then the nalgene. Camelbacks are more likely to lose bite valve or puncture. If one fails, i still have some left and something to carry some more in.
3.bandana
4.waterproof LED headlamp-can get wet and will last days-still working!
5. GPS (GPS and headlamp should use same size batteries for backup-or swap if needed)
6. knife-fixed blade
7. simple first aid kit- most things in first aid kit can be improvised(eg bandages-see bandana) Essentials are tweezers, tape, benedryl, aspirin (for heart) and ibuprofen and my inhaler
8.hat (and bandana for cover)
9. extra clothes and hat can cover instead of sunscreen-put sunscreen on at trailhead-lightweight breathable long sleeve shirt can be comfortable during the days and very warm at night.
10. High grade plastic whistle, (without the ball inside)
11. Eyeprotection should be carried in the snow or desert-blocks UV which can do in the eyes
12. Space BAG not blanket
13. Salty snacks if sweating-thwarts little known hyponatremia problem
SEE TOM'S BANDANA FOR EVIDENCE!!!!

BoyNhisDog · Posted: 12/28/2003, 3:29 pm Post subject:

Matt, you must have neutral density filters in your eyeballs. Mr. Green

I would go blind out there without the darkest prescription possible.

pfredricks, I like everything in your post but this.

pfredricks · Joined: 10 Apr 2003 Posts: 347 Location: Peoria, AZ

Glenn-
I'm 100% behind you on the fire being important-that's why I suggest the bic OVER the firestarter. Okay okay, there's no such thing as never. But you do have to admit that the chances of the spring loaded lever being depressed and completely unloading the lighter is extremely rare. I would much rather take my chances on a Bic than a firestarter-Have you ever tried to start a fire with those things? It is a bit tough.

I have heard of your method, but I dont know what the heck it is. Can you tell me what that ferrocium rod is? Iron something.

Sometimes I carry two of those tiny Bic lighters
sometimes "strike anywhere" matches (not waterproof-they are hard to light) in a waterproof container
and my stove has a Piezo ignition.
Good tidings
-Pete