[quote]CMdad wrote:
You can’t underestimate the value of a hatchet in a survival situation, at least in the northwoods (I’ve got no desert experience). If I could only have a hatchet or a knife, I’m taking the hatchet every time. [/quote]
I have a hatchet that I will carry and like (estwing sportsman axe) But, if I had to choose between the estwing and my fixed blade to only have with me in a survival situation I would always go with my BK2. You can use it to chop wood like a hatchet, make a spear with it, or use as a pry bar.
Another cool, easy survival tool is the hobo fishing kit. You take a pvc pipe, cut to about 6-12"s, put a cap on one end and seal the other end flush. Then wrap fishing line around the outside, and you can remove the top to place fishing tackle inside the pipe. Now, you have fishing covered in a small, compact, floating device.
[quote]CMdad wrote:
You can’t underestimate the value of a hatchet in a survival situation, at least in the northwoods (I’ve got no desert experience). If I could only have a hatchet or a knife, I’m taking the hatchet every time. [/quote]
How about a machete? The thinner blades you can pick up at Harbor Freight for $6 are better and lighter. I’m the desk jockey now but spent more than a few years surveying. I’ve even seen sparks fly when you smack them on a rock, though not intentional.
lint from a dryer is a great tinder. just ask your insurance company. if just camping out cut a “firestarter” log into @3/4 slices and put in small brown paper bags. just light the bag when you’re ready to start a fire for those fish you just caught.
proper fitting shoes and extra socks and always remember to have moleskin as it can be a lifesaver. seriously, if you can’t walk you sure can’t get away from those Zombie deer mice.
always have a space blanket or 2.
loaded swiss army knife or a magnifying glass and tweezers for splinters and ticks.
extra glasses or contacts.
if you require special meds ALWAYS take more than you need just in case.
get a good water purifier. don’t go cheap on this! also extra filters
AN ABSOULTE MUST HAVE AND READ IS MEDICINE FOR MOUNTAINEERING!!! make a place for it in your pack next to your 1st aid gear! if you’re just out on a dayhike or heading into the wilderness for weeks this book covers pretty much every situation that you may run into. stings and bites to altitude sickness to broken bones to allergies to a recommended drug dosage list and more. mine is one of the older editions and I’ve heard the new ones cover things such as avalanche rescue and injuries. it’s @ $30 but it is worth the investment. http://www.mountaineersbooks.org/Medicine-for-Mountaineering-P506.aspx
I bought a used military surplus large frame alice pack.
Thing is as rugged as anything else you will find. But it has some minor draw backs, mainly being that it is uncomfortable. But I got it for around $60 and it is more than big enough for any sort of camping or hiking trip. I think on my last trip my entire pack weight was close to 80lbs.
I also got 2 military surplus half shelters. I think they are stamped either from the 70’s or 80’s. It is a canvas shelter so it is pretty heavy to travel and hike with. But it is very large. I think I got the entire thing, stakes, rope ect for $30. Good 4 season shelter. But it is not ideal for rain.
I prefer a wedge shelter using a tarp. That was the most efficient shelter I have done as it does not weigh much. All you need is a ground tarp to use as a water barrier and another tarp = in size to be your shelter. They are easy to setup also.
If anyone is interested in camping stoves look into the pocket rocket camp stove and the jetboil systems. Both are very efficient cooking cooking systems.
[quote]poophead wrote:
FightinIrish, what model Osprey pack is it?
I live on the border of the Catskills (just outside of Woodstock) and do mostly day hikes but will be doing some overnighters this year. Need a good pack. Thanks.
Sorry for the hijack.
[/quote]
Hey man - I’ve got the Kestrel 58, which is an incredible pack that they have since discontinued. Or, they discontinued that size, at least… I think the 38 and 48 are still available, but they would be too little, even though I’m really good about packing (the guys I learned from are not ultralighters, but they’re close to it.)
But then I do a lot of winter camping, and that requires more space, so if you’re going to do an overnight trip in the summer, the 48 might be enough. Especially if you’re leaving the tent behind.
I did try on a couple of their other packs when I was looking around, namely the Atmos and Aether lines. One had VERY big sizes - smallest was like 65L and went up to 85 - and the other was more reasonable. Both were incredible comfortable as I recollect…that air suspension shit is flawless to me.
Many people speak highly of Gregory, but I never liked them because the lower back portion really pushes into your back and it’s very intrusive… kind of like shoes, how some have no arch in them and others have huge ones. My buddy loves his though, so go figure.
If there’s an REI around where you are, go there and try on a bunch of them. They have sandbag things that they’ll throw in them to simulate weight too, so you get a sense of how they feel with 20 or 30 lbs. in them.[/quote]
Thanks man. Exactly what I needed to know.
I’ll start doing my research on them.
