Post by: rangermedic on September 08, 2007, 12:21:57 PM
Post by: SkunkApe on September 08, 2007, 12:30:42 PM
Post by: Matthew Carberry on September 08, 2007, 12:47:11 PM
But up here 3 hours in is actual wilderness.
Post by: grislyatoms on September 08, 2007, 12:54:15 PM
Oops, my mistake, it was actually Grampster.And what's the key shaped object, is that a flint or one of those magnesium firestarters?
Post by: Perd Hapley on September 08, 2007, 12:54:57 PM
Post by: Bogie on September 08, 2007, 12:59:12 PM
And a trash bag, in case you see anything that you really, really want to remove, due to idiotic people.
Post by: SkunkApe on September 08, 2007, 01:00:15 PM
And what's the key shaped object, is that a flint or one of those magnesium firestarters?
It's a spare key for my truck. I wear in around my neck. I put the plastic cap from a ballpoint pen over the metal part so it doesn't scratch me.
I hate the thought of losing me keys out in the middle of nowhere, so I carry a spare.
Post by: SkunkApe on September 08, 2007, 01:00:47 PM
A stapler and corkscrew? For comic relief?
Winner.
Post by: Matthew Carberry on September 08, 2007, 01:06:18 PM
A stapler and corkscrew? For comic relief?
Winner.
...but then, they switched from the Swingline to the Boston stapler, but I kept my Swingline stapler because it didn't bind up as much, and I kept the staples for the Swingline stapler and it's not okay because if they take my stapler then I'll set the building on fire...
Post by: grislyatoms on September 08, 2007, 01:08:42 PM
And what's the key shaped object, is that a flint or one of those magnesium firestarters?
It's a spare key for my truck. I wear in around my neck. I put the plastic cap from a ballpoint pen over the metal part so it doesn't scratch me.
I hate the thought of losing me keys out in the middle of nowhere, so I carry a spare.
Good idea.
Post by: Ben on September 08, 2007, 01:47:09 PM
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And a trash bag, in case you see anything that you really, really want to remove, due to idiotic people.
Actually a couple of heavy duty big trash bags are worth 1000 times the tiny little space they take up in a kit. Water holder, solar still, rain poncho, shelter component, climb in it if your boat sinks, just to name a few.
Post by: Balog on September 08, 2007, 02:43:40 PM
Welcome aboard rangermedic.
Post by: Desertdog on September 08, 2007, 03:27:36 PM
There has been a number of day hikes in the news that have be unexpectedly extended for a number of days, or were fatal. This doesn't mean don't do them, but do use some common sense.
If you are going out in a short sleeve shirt and shorts, put warm clothing in your backpack, or vis-versa.
My son and some friends went to the mountains to get me some wood for my fireplace. They got stuck miles from nowhere and had to spend the night with no food, no water, no blankets, no phone, just them and their stuck truck and worried parents back home. They made it out the next day.
Post by: Paddy on September 08, 2007, 08:33:33 PM
Post by: Perd Hapley on September 08, 2007, 08:36:18 PM
Post by: Paddy on September 08, 2007, 09:04:06 PM
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If law permits, take a real knife rather than a folding knife.
OK, take the carbon fiber KA BAR if it makes you feel macho. Whatever
Post by: SkunkApe on September 08, 2007, 09:44:26 PM
Take your freakin' camera, a folding knife and a bottle of water. If you can't make it on that, stay home.
What a crab.
Post by: Art Eatman on September 09, 2007, 02:49:45 AM
Art
Post by: Jamisjockey on September 09, 2007, 02:58:07 AM
Rain poncho, which can double as a shelter
Extra socks, 1 pair
A little more food than I expect to eat, maybe an extra MRE main meal
Multi tool
Water purification tablets
Waterproof matches, and a bit of dry kindling
First aid kit. Extra roll of first aid tape. Half-a roll of duct tape.
GPS, Map, compass.
Probably a few other things I can't think of.
Of course the last real day hike I took was above 8,000', and the nearest civilization was probably 50 miles. We were about 10 miles from the main road at any given time.
Usually when I go flyfishing, I'm out for the day, but never very far from anything. In that case, the only survival gear I carry is a pack of waterproof matches, a multitool, and a flask full of tequila.
Post by: Perd Hapley on September 09, 2007, 03:14:33 AM
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If law permits, take a real knife rather than a folding knife.
OK, take the carbon fiber KA BAR if it makes you feel macho. Whatever
Hee hee. No, just might as well carry a stronger, simpler, more useful knife. Besides, most of us have these things just sitting around waiting to be used. Let them get some fresh air from time to time.
Post by: mtnbkr on September 09, 2007, 04:11:27 AM
Camelback with water and snack
Camera
cellphone or amateur radio HT depending on cell coverage expectations
small flashlight if mid afternoon or later
An extra layer if it's cool.
If legal, I take a handgun. If I'm up in the mountains, I take the 44, if local and I need to maintain a lower profile, the 38 snubby suffices.
Anecdote regarding "day hikes": When I first moved to Manassas, I went to the battlefield to get in a mid afternoon hike. I only expected to be out for a couple hours. Well, I got turned around on the far end of the park and ended up taking the largest possible loop. I didn't get back to my car until well after dark. Needless to say, I was happy I packed extra water (more than a bottle) and my flashlight. The gate was closed when I got back to the parking lot, so I had to remove a section of the split rail fence to get out. Yes, I put everything back in place before I left...
Chris
Post by: 280plus on September 09, 2007, 05:02:53 AM
I got just about everything jamis listed. Anybody say whistle or binocs? If you go off trail you can bring some of that plastic fluorescent tape to tie on trees every so often. Mini survival manual, snake bite kit. Or have those gone out of favor, I heard no more making x's and sucking poison a while back. Of course if you have your .38 or whatever you could always just shoot the poison out, saw it in a movie.
Post by: Paddy on September 09, 2007, 10:13:22 AM
The Picnic Off to the park! This classic reusable basket is already packed full of delectable treats and a camera for your memories. Everything needed for a lazy day in the shade of a tree. Just add sunshine and good friends.
Picnic Basket with Green Gingham Liner, including forks, knives, plates, acrylic wine glasses, containers, cheese knife, cheese board and napkins.
Forest Glen Chardonnay
French Brie Cheese
Havarti with Dill
La Tempesta Chocolate Macadamia Biscotti
Tony Packo's Pickles and Peppers
Santa Barbara Garlic Stuffed Olives
Carr's Assorted Biscuits
Maille Mustard
5 Lindt Chocolates
Lindt Chocolate Bar
Disposable Camera
Hey! Whar's the napkin rings?
Post by: Jamisjockey on September 09, 2007, 11:00:42 AM
You guys covered a lot but how about some food? And a bottle of wine to go with the corkscrew fer cryin' out loud!
I got just about everything jamis listed. Anybody say whistle or binocs? If you go off trail you can bring some of that plastic fluorescent tape to tie on trees every so often. Mini survival manual, snake bite kit. Or have those gone out of favor, I heard no more making x's and sucking poison a while back. Of course if you have your .38 or whatever you could always just shoot the poison out, saw it in a movie.
I got just about everything jamis listed. Anybody say whistle or binocs? If you go off trail you can bring some of that plastic fluorescent tape to tie on trees every so often. Mini survival manual, snake bite kit. Or have those gone out of favor, I heard no more making x's and sucking poison a while back. Of course if you have your .38 or whatever you could always just shoot the poison out, saw it in a movie.
I guess I take it for granted that I keep my matches in a whistle that doubles as a waterproof match case, with a striking flint inside it.
Snakebite kits are snakeoil.
Post by: 280plus on September 09, 2007, 11:29:57 AM
I've never seen a whistle that doubles as a match case before! Sounds cool.
When I go out it's usually alone and I like to know that if something happens I can last in the woods for a few days without too much discomfort. Long as the buzzards don't get me...
Post by: rangermedic on September 09, 2007, 11:33:56 AM
Post by: Jamisjockey on September 09, 2007, 12:03:08 PM
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I've never seen a whistle that doubles as a match case before! Sounds cool.
I think I actually got it at walmart. Works pretty well, I used to use it on mountain bike rides. When I'd be bombing a blind downhill corner I could use it to warn people someone was coming down the path.
Post by: MillCreek on September 09, 2007, 01:45:19 PM
Post by: jeepmor on September 10, 2007, 12:27:55 AM
Mt Hood type day hikes up into alpine region
Compass
Water and/or gatorade
10mm pistol if 4 legged critters region, .45 for two legged regions.
70oz water in platypus bag (lo rent camelback)
Lighter (at least 1/2 fulle) and small bit of firestarter. (matches, bah, wet matches cannot be made to work again, a wet lighter can be dried out. PNW frequently is very wet in Coast or Cascade ranges)
Munchies - clif bars, trail mix, and a sandwich or two.
first aid kit (always in whatever backpack I take)
Map
Camera
Plastic grocery bag to pick up some slob's garbage.
Knit hat, as good as extra coat.
Good goretex coat if it's not summer.
Small knife.
Post by: Unisaw on September 10, 2007, 08:53:09 AM
Matches in waterproof container
2 small votive candles
Basic first aid supplies
Extra water
Extra snacks
Space blanket
Soft shell jacket
Hat
Bug spray
2 trekking poles
Benchmade mini-griptilian knife
Topo map
Compass
Extra pair of socks
Camera
I often carry a concealed SP-101 on the trail but did not in this case. I knew the large number of people on the trail would greatly reduce the possibility of attack by an animal or someone else. I also knew the trail well enough to know that the possibility of wandering into a backwoods meth lab was nonexistent.
Post by: charby on September 10, 2007, 08:58:11 AM
pack
Nalgene full of water
couple cliff bars
short piece of rope, 6'
basic first aid kite
bug spray
poncho- if rain in forcast
sunscrean
pocket knife
S&W J Frame if able to carry
compass and map of need
extra clothes if weather is cold
Post by: French G. on September 10, 2007, 11:35:23 AM
but all my crap was in the camelbak and jacket. I see no reason to assume all will go well on a day hike, I am reminded of all the famous last words in history; like the Rangers in Somalia who didn't need nightvision or water because it was a quick day mission. Better to have and not need than need and not have.
Post by: AZRedhawk44 on September 10, 2007, 01:04:39 PM
a couple of purifier tabs
first aid / snake bit kit
light snack food, about 500 calories
light jacket
2 trash bags
small-ish fixed blade knife
44 wheelgun if the trail has something toothy in the area
45 auto if the trail isn't frequented by lions or bears
flashlight
bic lighter
I don't want to go overboard with stuff, because I want to actually enjoy the hike. I used to bring more stuff, and I found that I felt too much like a turtle. this strikes a functional balance between safety and recreation.
Post by: Paddy on September 10, 2007, 03:25:27 PM
Post by: K Frame on September 10, 2007, 04:24:04 PM
Damn fine for protection, clearing the trail ahead, warming up rations, signaling...
I think it might be the most versatile multitool around.
Post by: SkunkApe on September 10, 2007, 05:51:27 PM
You guys aren't interested in the hike, you're gadgeteers. The hike is just an excuse to play with your toys.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7fXBhmL9e0
Post by: wmenorr67 on September 10, 2007, 06:00:29 PM
Post by: Paddy on September 10, 2007, 06:27:27 PM
Post by: charby on September 10, 2007, 06:32:59 PM
Do you guys carry all this stuff in a truck? on a bedliner?
my day hike crap is less than 10lbs when even I take extra clothes.. pretty much same gear I take deer hunting with me.
My wife told me I have a disorder called "post tramatic Eagle Scout disorder."
Post by: roo_ster on September 10, 2007, 06:33:58 PM
Milsurp large ALICE pack & assoc gear
44lbs of dumbells
Taurus 651 .357mag snubby
Bianchi speed strip w/ cart
Bandana
Water
Wallet, keys, pen
Folding knife
Cell phone
Issue jungle boots
Surefire 6P (if dark on "day" hike)
If my kids are along:
2-way jog stroller
Pogie bait (for kids)
Choc milk in sippy cups
LOTS more water...4 liter bottles
Sheet
Child, male, 3YO, 30lbs
Child, female, 18MO, 20lbs
Diapering doo-dads
Sometimes my wife will come along with us. That calls for more water & pogie bait.
Post by: Jamisjockey on September 11, 2007, 02:49:47 AM
Do you guys carry all this stuff in a truck? on a bedliner?
I've never heard from someone who's been lost or injured in the woods "gosh, I brought too much *expletive deleted*it with me"......
Post by: 280plus on September 11, 2007, 03:53:31 AM
Post by: Jamisjockey on September 11, 2007, 04:16:03 AM
Riley, do you not truely day hike? By day hike, I mean leaving at first light and coming back at dusk? I mean a full day in the wilderness, maybe miles from the nearest road. My last full day hike involved over 9 miles of hiking, fishing 4 lakes all above 8,000'.
Post by: mtnbkr on September 11, 2007, 04:19:45 AM
Chris
Post by: Jamisjockey on September 11, 2007, 04:20:46 AM
Probably not. It's nearly impossible to carry that much beer on your person.
Chris
Chris
Everyone knows that you bring liquor instead of beer, it takes up less room.
Post by: mtnbkr on September 11, 2007, 04:39:16 AM
Chris
Post by: Ex-MA Hole on September 11, 2007, 04:43:47 AM
Post by: Ex-MA Hole on September 11, 2007, 04:45:58 AM
Post by: Jamisjockey on September 11, 2007, 04:53:53 AM
I wouldn't know, I can go a day without a drink.
Chris
Chris
If I click on the "report to moderator" from your posts, does it go to you, or someone with real authority?
Quote
Oh, and in all seriousness, when I used to do the day hike thing, I also used to take a film canister and fill it with used dryer sheets- awesome firestarters... yes, there are other options, but on a poor college student's budget, you couldn't beat the price....
Cotton balls and petroleum jelly.
Post by: mtnbkr on September 11, 2007, 04:57:14 AM
Chris
Post by: 280plus on September 11, 2007, 04:59:21 AM
Post by: Jamisjockey on September 11, 2007, 05:03:52 AM
It goes to me, the other moderators, and admins.
Chris
Chris
So I can complain that you're being mean to me?
Post by: Ex-MA Hole on September 11, 2007, 05:06:11 AM
Post by: charby on September 11, 2007, 05:09:34 AM
Take a strip of newspaper, dip it in melted paraffin. roll it up, tie it with string, dip it in paraffin again. Best firestarter there is.
I discovered fatwood a few years ago, no more homemade firestarters for me, the stuff even lights when soaked in water for days.
Post by: Ex-MA Hole on September 11, 2007, 05:11:11 AM
Post by: Paddy on September 11, 2007, 05:37:05 AM
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When going on a day hike of more than four hours but less than eight, on a known trail. it is Late summer you are expected back with the 8 hours. what do you carry? on your person and in your pack if, you use one?
My last day hike was at Big Basin Redwoods State Park. It took +-5 hours. Here I am at the top of the trail, at a place called 'Buzzards Roost. On a clear day, you can see all of Monterey Bay. With me I had a folding knife, a camera, a cellphone,a bottle of water, and a Taurus 85 in my right front pocket. I ate a big breakfast with plenty of protein and lots of carbs. If the hike would have taken much longer, I'd have a small knapsack (backpack, daypack) with some food and more water, and a warm jacket.
Post by: Jamisjockey on September 11, 2007, 05:53:56 AM
I'd add to your list just a couple small items even for a 5 hour hike. Some method of signaling rescuers, a poncho or emergency sleeping bag, flashlight, firestarter, and a couple powerbars. I guess after living in Arizona, and Utah, I've even myself been out longer than expected, lost, and turned around more than once. And living in Utah, rescues were breaking news almost weekly during the summer. Many times they occured on well used hiking paths where someone made just one mistake taking them off the path and into danger.......
Certainly enough gear to fit into your Pious.....
easily carried in a small pack or fanny pack. Me, I prefer and preach camelbak's for thier hands-free drinking, large storage, and versatility. 2 of mine carry 100 oz bladders. My other small one has no storage and only 70oz capacity, I use it for short mountain bike rides or long road bike rides. Camelbak rocket, cycling
Camelbak Mule, Long cycling trips, very short hikes
Camelbak Transalp, day hikes
Post by: Paddy on September 11, 2007, 06:08:15 AM
Hey, it's a free country. Take as much 'stuff' with you as you want, whatever you need to give you the 'comfort' level you want. It just seems to me the focus is on 'stuff' rather than nature, which is why you're on the hike in the first place.
Post by: K Frame on September 11, 2007, 06:09:44 AM
Take a strip of newspaper, dip it in melted paraffin. roll it up, tie it with string, dip it in paraffin again. Best firestarter there is.
HELLO! Flamethrower? You can light an entire forest lickety split with one!
Silly parrafin soaked newspaper boy...
Post by: 280plus on September 11, 2007, 06:15:45 AM
Actually yea, fatwood isn't bad either, same idea I guess, only wood.
Post by: K Frame on September 11, 2007, 06:28:35 AM
Post by: charby on September 11, 2007, 06:50:51 AM
Or a flamethrower might work...
Actually yea, fatwood isn't bad either, same idea I guess, only wood.
Actually yea, fatwood isn't bad either, same idea I guess, only wood.
fatwood is good, no petroleum products in the final product, maybe used during harvest, but we could hire undocumented workers with axes to go out and harvest pine stumps for fatwood.
I finally found a use for illegal aliens, muscle power to relieve us of our demand on petroleum. How many illegal aliens would it take to pack all my crap in for a extended hike? Or better yet how many to pull a 24 row corn planter.
Post by: mgdavis on September 11, 2007, 10:07:06 AM
I'm taking: Leki trekking poles, camera, MSR Waterworks purifier, empty Nalgene bottle, Full Platypus bladder, clean socks, small first aid/survival kit, a couple knives (big and little, 1ea), MRE, Black Diamond LED headlamp, SF Aviator, 550 cord, Garmin eTrex Vista CX GPS, topo map, Red Ledge rain jacket, fleece vest, chemlight, set of thermals, Motrin, trash bag, Zippo, firestarters, SAM Splint, sunglasses, toilet paper, binoculars, carabiner, spare batteries for everything, my hat, and some trailmix/power bars.
It sounds like quite a bit, but all up I think it's under 10 lbs. It gets cold and dark fast up there, and I really don't feel like spending the night accidentally and being unprepared at the same time.
Post by: Jamisjockey on September 11, 2007, 10:56:29 AM
Have you ever tried the gels? They make great in-between fuel supplements. I use them for cycling, and some even come with caffiene.....
http://www.powerbar.com/products/Powergel/flavors.aspx?id=4208F9D2-CB31-4B98-A491-79AE2DADF9B4
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It sounds like quite a bit, but all up I think it's under 10 lbs. It gets cold and dark fast up there, and I really don't feel like spending the night accidentally and being unprepared at the same time.
That's my school of thought. Even a casual hike can end in a broken ankle and being left overnight awaiting rescue. I always carry at least a few items, even when I'm flyfishing along a river that follows a road.
Post by: mgdavis on September 11, 2007, 11:18:09 AM
That's the first aid kit I carry. Took me a bit to dig it out of the intarwebs.
I've tried Power Gel in the past, I didn't really care for it. The flavor was pretty nasty. In the future I might try a couple other varieties, but I was pretty turned off by my initial experience. Now I generally get a few of the Power Bar Harvest bars when I go out. They taste okay, and they don't try to yank out fillings like the original Power Bar does.
Post by: 280plus on September 11, 2007, 11:20:18 AM
Post by: Jamisjockey on September 11, 2007, 11:21:38 AM
The Powerbar harvest are good stuff.
I'm not a fan of the powerbeans, and I love green jelly beans. However, my experience with them was during a 50 mile bike ride, I was somewhere around 160bpm heart rate when I ate them, and it was about 90* out. Maybe on a hike they wouldn't be so bad.
Post by: mgdavis on September 11, 2007, 12:06:12 PM
Post by: French G. on September 11, 2007, 12:15:51 PM
I forgot about my favorite "It's only a day hike" bunch; the light and fast wizards who Darwined themselves on Mt. Hood! I know some people that actually felt sorry for them. Not me.
If I have space for luxury food I actually like to take a little canned food. Three little rocks and an Esbit tab and I have hot lunch. I know that for anything less than 3 days food is a luxury, but I like to eat. Camel-baks keep bacon cool next to the water, cushion eggs pretty good too. Being lost in the woods is no excuse to not have a proper breakfast. With coffee!
Post by: Paddy on September 11, 2007, 01:53:52 PM
It ain't true. You don't need all that crap. Humans were successfully thriving tens of thousands of years before all that stuff was ever invented. Now, I'm not saying we shouldn't be cautious and plan for contingencies. Exactly the opposite. Your primary tool/weapon is your brain. I'd bet most of these people who get lost/frozen/dead wind up that way because of a shortage of brains, not store bought equipment.
For example, mgdavis' 7 mile hike climbing 4000 ft is very different than my 5 hour hike. A lot can happen with a 4k increase in elevation, and weather can be a significant (and deadly) factor. Think, and plan accordingly rather than mindlessly hauling a bunch of crap around and depending on it to save your bacon.
So if you want to load up with that stuff, go ahead. But don't pretend someone who doesn't exercise your level of rampant consumerism is somehow dumber than you. They may actually depend primarily on their mind and plan for realistic contingencies.
Post by: Jamisjockey on September 11, 2007, 02:22:57 PM
If not wanting to die because I slip and fall on a hike makes me a consurmarisit....well I'd better go spend some money on more *expletive deleted*it!
Post by: Paddy on September 11, 2007, 02:35:10 PM
Post by: SkunkApe on September 11, 2007, 03:56:02 PM
I would have a grumpy frown, too, if I didn't have any cool stuff to play with.
Post by: Perd Hapley on September 11, 2007, 03:57:32 PM
Post by: Matthew Carberry on September 11, 2007, 05:04:01 PM
My earliest ancestors wore the same shoes (or lack thereof) for all outdoor endeavors.Of course they also carried water, fire and shelter making tools, a blanket (kilt) and any number of other stone/bronze/iron age "consumer toys" and upgraded them when better ones became available.
The very idea of a "day hike" for pleasure is a modern invention. Our "primitive ancestors" din't travel without a purpose and they carried suitable equipment for that purpose.
Post by: Perd Hapley on September 11, 2007, 05:06:19 PM
Post by: jeepmor on September 11, 2007, 05:08:39 PM
As for our latest fast and light Mt. Hood Darwin award recipients, they chose to hike between the two biggest storms of the year. Those two storms were only about 24 hours apart, maybe a little less. I know, the snow at the ski resort was epic. And even half way down the mountain, you couldn't see 10 feet in front of you. Chases all the fair weather riders off before noon, good times.
My daypack list mirrors mgdavis pretty closely and I would recommend that much gear nearly year round in the PNW if you plan to go above timberline or near it. Maybe not so much fleece if you know the 3 day weather forecast, but otherwise, that's a light pack in all but the summer months.
Alpine region on Yocum ridge, trail about 1000 vertical or more below where this pic was taken. That's Illumination rock on the right side and Sandy Glacier in the valley behind me. Also, about a 2-300 foot cliff two steps to the right. This was not a day hike, but the region is accessible as one if you get an early start.
Post by: SkunkApe on September 11, 2007, 05:24:14 PM
Post by: mgdavis on September 11, 2007, 05:38:57 PM
I'm headed there. I'll make sure to put up some pictures when I'm able. That double peak towards the left is the Brothers.
I'll even critique my gear selection, what I shouldn't have brought and what I wish I hadn't left behind.