The ten essentials are your non-negotiable life-saving items to include in your pack when you go on any outdoor adventure:
- Knife - A knife is an extremely useful tool in the field. You can use it to make a shelter, prepare food, tighten a screw, carve wood into gadgets, cut 550 cord, ...
- First-aid kit - Backpacking requires self-sufficiency. When you are are in the backcountry you typically can't call for help. Your life may depend on your first aid kit. Mine is a homemade kit stuffed into a lightweight zippered water resistant sack.
- Extra clothing - This is a tough one since it easy to overpack clothing and what to pack depends on your location and conditions. For backpacking in the California Sierras in July, I always minimally bring two pair of wool socks, a fleece, one pair of synthetic pants with zipper-off legs, a wicking t-shirt, and wool knit hat. For a day hike, I will pack a fleece.
- Rain gear - I pack a waterproof rain jacket minimally. If I know I am going to be trekking in rain then I will pack rain pants. Staying dry means staying warm and avoiding hypothermia.
- Water storage - I carry a US military surplus water canteen on my belt. I like being able to easily access water while I hike without stopping. I also pack a full Platypus water bag as backup. Two containers provides me with peace of mind between refills. It is also handy to use one to treat water while drinking from the other.
- Flashlight - I pack a lightweight headlamp with adjustable brightness that runs on two AA batteries along with a couple of extra batteries. I use the minimal brightness necessary for the task at hand to conserve battery so they last longer.
- Trail food - When backpacking, I pack enough food to last for the entire trip plus an extra day's worth. An extra day's worth of food is for backup in case of delays. Pack high protein food (not junk food).
- Matches and fire starter - I pack a waterproof container with high quality waterproof stick matches. I also carry my favorite windproof Zippo lighter. Fire can mean survival.
- Sun protection - I typically wear a broad brimmed hat to protect my face, ears, and neck against the California sunshine. I also carry a small stick of solid sunscreen. I wear a collared long-sleeve ventilated shirt that protects my arms, shoulders, and neck. Long pants protect my legs. No fun suffering through a sunburn and important to save our skin since we will be needing later in life.
- Map and compass - There is no substitute for a good topographic map, compass, and the ability to use both well. They are lightweight lifesavers. GPS devices are a wonder of technology and relatively fragile.
- Amateur Radio - A 2m / 440 Mhz handy-talkie with a fully charged battery is a potential life-saving communicating device in an emergency. I program my HT with the repeaters local to the area I will be backpacking in before I go. I also monitor NOAA weather radio transmissions on my HT for potential hazards.
Good DX and 73, NJ2X
Related Articles:
- How to setup backpacking tarp shelters (A-Frame, Lean-To, and C-Fly)
- A Ham's Complete Backpacking Checklist for Northern California
- Amateur Radio Backpacking Checklist
- Backpacking Amateur Radio Power: Requirements
- Backpacking Amateur Radio Power: Alternatives
- Project: Hacking the Nomad 7 Solar Panel for Amateur Radio Use
- Project: Fabricating a Anderson PowerPole to 3.4mm dc connector for the Kenwood TH-F6A
- Project: Regulating the 12v Output of the Nomad 7 Solar Panel
- Field Test: Nomad 7 Solar Panel Performance
© Michael W. Maher and NJ2X.COM, 2020. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Michael W. Maher and NJ2X.COM with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
No comments:
Post a Comment