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1. Map:
Always carry a detailed map of the area you will be visiting. If alpine
scrambling or otherwise navigating cross-country consider the 7.5 minute
USGS maps--they reveal considerable detail. For traveling on trails, the
15 minute series Green Trails is a good choice, among others. The point
is to carry a map appropriate for the area you will be in and the activity
you will be undertaking--and know how to use it !
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2. Compass:
Carry a compass, at all times, in the backcountry--and know how to use
it ! Some features to look for:
- 0 to 360 degrees, preferably, in 2 degree increments;
- liquid filled, which protects the magnetic needle and its jeweled bearing
and minimizes fluctuation;
- a base plate--3" to 4", in length-- which can be used as
a straight-edge for taking map bearings and determining distances on maps;
- an adjustable declination to account for the difference between Magnetic
North and True North. The compass responds to Magnetic North, whereas,
maps are based upon True North. Therefore, the compass needs to be adjusted
to compensate. An adjustable declination feature lets you turn a small
screw to "permanently" adjust declination to match the geographic
area you will be in, so that you don't need to calculate your bearing each
time.
- a fold-out mirror for sightings. The mirror allows for more accurate
readings because you can position the mirror such that the mirror and the
distant objective are both visible at the same time.
- a clinometer is useful for measuring vertical angles and, thus, measures
slope steepness. This feature is helpful in determining avalanche potentials,
and for determining position on a map.
The following compasses are lightweight and would be the minimum you
would want to carry. They probably would suffice as an emergency gear item
while backpacking entirely on trails.
- Suunto A1000; weighs 1 oz, 0 to 360 degrees in 2 degree increments;
liquid-filled with straight-edge.
- Silva Polaris 7; (same weight and features as Suunto A1000).
For serious backcountry travel where map and compass will be used for
navigation, the following compasses are recommended:
- Suunto MC-1D-Professional; weighs 3 oz, has all the features itemized
above, plus luminous bezel and markings.
- Silva Ranger; (same features as Suunto MC-1D-Pro, only without the
luminous bezel).
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3. Flashlight / Headlamp:
Flashlights and/or Headlamps are important even on day trips. You never
know when you might need to spend the night or make that last mile or so
after sunset. Here's some features to look for:
- lights which are water resistant--they function reliably in all weather.
Look for rubberized bulb housing and battery compartments, or at least
adequate rubber gaskets.
- lights which come with extra bulbs stored inside their housing.
- lights which have rotating head or body as the on/off mechanism. Avoid
lights with on/off switches which can accidently be turned-on as it is
joustled about in your pack.
- lights which come with or will accept bright beam bulbs such as xenon,
krypton, or halogen. Also, always carry several spare bulbs--they are light.
It's a good idea to carry a small lightweight hand-held light in addition
to a headlamp. In the handheld light use a regular bulb which requires
less battery juice than the bright-beam bulbs. Use this light for simple
around the camp chores, to conserve batteries. In the headlamp, use a halogen
(or other bright-beam bulb) and use this light when you are path finding
or otherwise require a bright beam.
Suggestions for a small, lightweight, high-quality handheld light:
- Mini-Maglite AA; (2 AA batteries) weighs 4 oz., twist top on/off, comes
with extra bulb.
- Tekna (don't know name, but I have one); (2 AA batteries) weighs 3
ounces; twist top on/off, comes with extra bulb, looks like Mini-Mag, but
is lighter and has integral battery-life indicator).
- Princeton Tec 20; (2 AA batteries) weighs 5 oz, twist top on/off, waterproof
to 1000 feet, halogen bulb.
Suggestions for a small, lightweight, high-quality headlamp:
- Petzl E03 Micro; (2 AA batteries) weighs 3.5 oz, comes with extra bulb,
optional Petzl halogen bulb available, rotary bezel which turns it on/off
and adjusts the light beam, tilts up and down, water-resistant w/rubberized
battery compartment cover and light bulb housing, adjustable head straps.
- Princton Tec Solo Headlamp: (2 AA batteries) weighs 4.0 oz, waterproof
to 2000 ft., comes with halogen and krypton bulbs and 2 beams (wide &
narrow).
- REI Mini; (2 AA batteries) weighs 4 oz,
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4. Extra Food:
Whenever you go out, even for a day trip, bring extra food in case you
are delayed by emergencies, foul weather, or just get lost. The mountaineers
suggest a one-day supply. At the very least, bring one good meal more than
what you need. The food should require little or no cooking. If your extra
food will require cooking, make sure you also carry extra fuel for your
stove.
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5. Extra Clothing:
In addition to the basic layers you would normally take on an outing,
bring extra clothing which would get you through an unplanned bivouac through
the worst conditions you might come up against.
In addition to the extra clothes, carry an emergency shelter such as
a waterproofed tube tent or mylar Space Bag (or blanket). The Space Bag
only weighs about 2.5 ounces but will completely encase you and keep you
warm and dry.
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6. Sunglasses:
Your eyes can experience damage from the intensity of mountain skies,
ultraviolet rays, and light reflecting off of snow. As elevation increases
so does the intensity of ultraviolet rays. Adequate eye protection is a
must ! Bolle' makes a lightweight pair of glasses with a virtually indestructible
polycarbonate lens. They are optically correct and have emerald green lens
for true color. They are rated 100 % UV protection. Cost is about US $40.00.
For traveling on snow, get a pair of glacier glasses with side shields
which reduce reflective light reaching the eyes. Good, quality glacier
glasses typically cost in the $50 to $150 range. Nikon makes some nice
ones with polycarbonate lens. They are very lightweight, cost is about
$110.
There are many other brands of sunglasses and glacier glasses which
are less expensive and provide adequate protection. Shop around, but be
careful. Try to stay with reputable brand names. Your eyes will know damage,
long before you feel discomfort.
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7. First-Aid Kit:
Carry first-aid supplies for minor injuries. In particular, carry plenty
of adhesive band-aids and sterilized bandages, because they can't be easily
improvised in the woods. What to carry ? A good book to reference is "Mountaineering
First Aid" 3rd edition, by Lentz, Macdonald, and Carline, published
by The Mountaineers.
This booklet was used as a text when I took the Mountaineers' MOFA (Mountaineering
Oriented First Aid) course. I use it now to refresh my memory. It is easy
reading, small ( 5 1/4 x 8 1/2 inches ), brief ( 95 pages ) and inexpensive
( $8.95 ). It identifies what items to carry, as well as what to do in
emergency situations.
Once you are familiar with the supplies you need, you can purchase a
kit or make your own. If you purchase one, you'll most likely need to add
to it ( items like CPR mask, rubber gloves, etc. ) since most commercially
prepared kits are inadequate.
Also, If you spend any time in the backcountry, it would be a good idea
to enroll in a mountaineering first aid course.
(NOTE: Within the "Weight-Saving Tips" page at this site,
are many improvisions which can be used in emergency situations--"in
lieu of packing the kitchen sink").
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8. Pocket Knife:
Your basic tool kit. A good example of a single piece of gear which
has multiple uses. For example, a Wenger "Master" Swiss Army
Knife has a locking blade; "slip-joint" pliars/wire crimper/wire
cutters; springless self-sharpening scissors; wood saw; nail file/cleaner;
corkscrew; awl/reamer; can opener; cap lifter; tweezers; and toothpick--all
at a weight of about 6 ounces. Swiss-Army knives are available with more
and less features.
At a minimum, knives are useful for first aid, food preparation, cutting
moleskin strips, cutting rope and making repairs. However, scrutinize your
needs before you go out and buy a honker like the Victorinox Swiss Champ
which has many tools you probably don't need and weighs 1/2 pound ! If
you don't actually use a feature, then you probably don't need to be carrying
it around.
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9. Waterproof Matches:
Carry matches which have been waterproofed or wind and waterproofed,
or else carry extra strike-anywhere matches--along with something to strike
them on-- in a waterproof container. Keep these matches separate from your
regular match or butane lighter supply. Keep them available for emergency
situations.
There are many commercially prepared waterproof/windproof matches available
on the market, e.g., "Hurricane" and "Cyclone" brands
of wind & waterproof matches and Coghlan's waterproof safety matches.
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10. Firestarter:
Fire starters are useful for quickly starting a fire, especially in
emergency situations. They are also useful for igniting wet wood. There
are several commercial fire starters available: magnesium blocks w/striking
flint; chemically-treated fire sticks, etc.
In addition, numerous home-made fire starters work just fine: plumber's
candles (wax); compressed balls of dryer lint mixed with or covered with
melted parafin; small strips of waxed cardboard (from old produce boxes);
small flammable containers--individual egg-carton cups filled with mixtures
of wood shavings, wax, & lint; etc.
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11. Water / Filter / Bottles:
Carry plenty of fresh water. If you are familiar with the area in which
you are traveling, and can be sure that water sources are available, carry
enough water to get you there.
If you aren't bringing your water from home or a public source, treat
the water you draw from the backcountry, regardless of the source. These
days, everything is suspect.
Use water filter, purifier, chemical tablets, or boiling to treat the
water before consuming.
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For transporting inside your pack, use lightweight water bottles, such
as Nalgene 16 oz and 32 oz lexan polycarbonate or high-density polyethylene
wide-mouth bottles. Some folks use other containers such as old plastic
pop bottles. That's okay too. Be careful they don't crack and/or leak,
though.
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12. Whistle:
For emergencies: when you're lost, someone else is lost, or you're hurt
and need help, etc.
Caution: Metal whistles, with a pea, can be a problem in the mountains.
Your "pea" can freeze up, and what happens when you put your
lips on frozen metal ?
A better choice would be a pealess plastic whistle like the Fox 40.
It is ultra-light and very shrill. Cost about $6.00. REI sells em.
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13. Insect clothing or repellents:
I don't know about you, but summer really "bugs" me. Three
ways to deal with the biting flies, mosquitoes, knats, etc. are to (1)
let them eat you (2) use repellents or (3) wear clothing. Since the first
option doesn't cut it, there are numerous commercial repellants on the
market. Most of them are DEET based. REI Jungle Juice works okay but the
stuff gets everything oily. There are many good creams but they need to
be reapplied more frequently. There are extended duration DEET products
which do not soak into the skin as fast and provide up to 12 hours of protection--such
as 3M Ultrathon (now only available as "Hourguard 12" thru Amway).
I've found, recently, that the bugs seem to be getting immune to the
juice, so I've been wearing an ultra-lightweight bug-netting jacket and
pants. This has been successful, except when I bend over and expose my
lower back where the jacket rides up. If you go this way, make sure the
garments are very baggy. Many bugs have long stingers that easily penetrate
tight fitting netting.
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14. Sunburn preventatives:
Remember, the higher the elevation, the greater the burning-capacity
of the sun. Although each person's pigmentation is different, thus, each
of us has a different capacity for withstanding the sun's onslaught, the
message is the same--the penalty for underestimating your need for protection
is severe, even deadly !
In sunny conditions, wear light-colored clothing and cover exposed skin,
at least, with SPF rated sunscreen appropriate for you, at least 15. Wear
coverings over the neck and ears. OR (Outdoor Research) and other manufacturers
make baseball-style caps with skirts which cover the neck and ears. Carry
an SPF-rated lip-balm, as well, and reapply frequently.
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