I collect tips from wide resources and think of others on sleepless nights. Here's a collection of some.
@ use hex-head 1/4 inch screws as ice cleats by screwing them into the soles of the shoes.
@ practice setting up your shelter in nice weather with wet gloves, a stiff heavy coat, and dark glasses. This will prep you for doing it in bad conditions.
@ wrap 1/8 cord around the shoes when in need of a quick traction on ice.
@ drinking straws
Cut to 1 1/2 inch lengths.
Melt ends closed using needle nose pliers and a flame
Fill with: spices, cold meds, asprin, matches, cotton swab & vaseline, veggie oil, etc. Anything one use of would be used.
Try to find clear fat straws.
@ chapstick
Zipper lube, rub on open zipper.
Pin hole water proofing, temporary. Smear over offending spot.
Cover small scratches.
Fire starter, smear on lint, tissue, or other tinder fuel source.
Candle, rub a cotton swab & stick short piece into center.
@ Sawyer water filter
Use a smart water bottle when the bladder breaks.
Gently roll the bladder.
Wet and leave the filter for a few minutes to allow the fibers to moisten. A premoistened filter will work faster then a dry one. Experience taught me that one.
Use an open bottle as a scoop and a hurricane funnel adaptor to fill squeeze container.
Always back flush in silty streams.
Always air back flush when conditions of freezing are present. Freezing this filter will ruin it.
Attach a drinking hose directly to the filter and use a drity water bladder.
@ carry the pack towel on the outside of the pack
@ carry extra safety pins
@ carry one extra tent peg in case of loss or need of extra securing point in windy conditions
@ tie guide lines to tent stakes instead of to the tarp or tent. I've used this for years and helps prevent lost pegs and tangled lines.
@ tie glow or reflector cord to any tripping or clothes lining hazard.
@ chain braid long lines
@ tie the bear bag cord to a rock sack. Stuff line into sack for storage.
@ make soft shackels for the bear bag
@ know the back out plan. Know when is far enough for the conditions present.
@ have a back up plan for when the primary is not possible.
@ make an I.C.E. card with a current face shot. Take a photo of it. Many new cameras have an internal memory images can be stored in with the memorybcard removed. Copy I.C.E. card to every memory card used.
@ take photos of all map sections of travel.
@ take photos of relevant guide book pages
@ carry solid fuel tabs made of wax and cotton balls. They are light, durable, and a fire starter in case of emergency.
@ know and practice two or more ways to start a fire.
@ duct tape
Some say wrap it around the water bottle or hiking stick. I find these methods lead to beat up tape. Duct tape does have a short life span when constantly exposed to the elements.
I prefer to wrap it around a card and carry it in the emergency kit.
@ use bubble wrap envelopes as freezer bag meal insulation.
@ establish mulitple ways of communication with your home base to let them know you're ok.
@ carry an extra tent stake. It can replace a lost one. It can re-enforce the windward side of the shelter.
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| Avoid Cotton - All cotton worn on this trip. Criteria 2010 |
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