It's All About The Gear!

While watching a recent episode of Discovery Channels Dual Survival, our favorite duo of Dave Canterbury and Cody Lundin found themselves lost on the Minnesota prairie in the middle of winter, with ice encrusted snow drifts that varied from knee deep to crotch deep, and wind chills in the minus 20's. As always Dave was wearing his customary cargo pants and boots, and Cody his shorts and wool socks instead of shoes. Now I know that it is as much for entertainment as it is for education, but what really stood out to me was the fact that Dave made repeated statements about the fact that Cody's lack of clothing was not only a hindrance to the group but a potential hazard to Cody's well being.

I don't believe, at least I don't want to believe, that anyone would willing go out into that type of environment without dressing for the weather but everyday we walk around unprepared for what lies ahead in the day. After all do you think the people of Joplin, Missouri expected a tornado to tare a 6 mile path through their city damaging or destroying 30% of the city including the Hospital and leaving 89 dead, at least as of the time this was written? Many of them now left with nothing more than what they were wearing when the tornado hit. Situations like this make you reevaluate what is really important and what is just pomp materialism. Houses can be rebuilt, cars and clothing can be repurchased but a life cut short can not be replaced. Neither can a life cut short by lacking what you need to make it through a situation like that, but how do you prepare for a disaster without getting too crazy or going overboard and ending up with a 10 year supply of food, packed in radiation proof containers, tucked away in a secret corner of your basement? It's easy!

If you are reading this than it would be a fair assumption that you hike, camp, hunt, etc and most likely have what you need or most of it on hand already. The key is just keeping it in a container that can easily be grabbed on the way out the door if a natural disaster were to happen. For example, a used backpack purchased on EBay or at your local military surplus is an ideal container, just add the gear you need. The gear you choose should cover the basic needs you will have then can be supplemented with a few comfort items. I would suggest:

Fire Starter - More than one like a ferro rod, weather proof matches (in a match safe) and a disposable lighter with a dry tinder source.

Light - A flashlight and/or an LED style headlamp and extra batteries for each.

First Aid - A comprehensive first aid kit that will cover all the members in your group or household.

Knife - I have always liked the Swiss Army knife and the Mora Frost knives, both of which can be put to multiple uses and still are budget friendly. Don't forget a way to sharpen it.

Sunscreen and/or Sunglasses & Insect Repellent - Even in the winter months and on cloudy days your skin can be damaged by the sun and if the biting insects are out you could really be miserable.

Clothing - It is a good idea to have at least one change of clothes in your pack to change or supplement the clothes you are wearing. In the cooler months you should add a warm hat and gloves, jacket or coat (appropriate for the weather), rain protection, extra wool socks (even in the summer), and a pair of boots.

Compass - When faced with the reality of a disaster it is easy to become disoriented. Having a good compass could help you regain your bearings and guide you to safety. Make sure you practice with it before you need it.

Water - You should have something to carry water in and some way to purify water if a safe source is not at hand. Some people like to carry a stainless steel container that can be used as a means to carry water and put into a fire to disinfect it by boiling. But you may choose to carry a separate cooking pot, water purification tabs, or a commercial pump style filter and a water container.

Shelter - Whether you choose one of the many styles of tents on the market or a basic 10x10 tarp you need something to shelter you from the elements.

Food - Even department stores are carrying dehydrated backpacking meals that can be stored for long periods of time. You want enough to hold you over for at least 3 days while waiting for help to arrive, some type of drink packet like coffee, tea, or cocoa, and some salt & pepper.

Misc. - I would suggest a decent pair of work gloves, a sewing / repair kit (complete with duct tape, wire, zip ties, and a multi tool), a folding saw or hatchet, pencil and small note pad, a meal kit with utinsils and bowl (at least), and 50ft to 100ft of rope or Paracord.

If you still have room in your pack (and I am guessing that you do) you can add some "comfort" items to help you pass the down times you are bound to have. I have always been in favor of a small pocket sized Bible. If you find yourself in need of your kit, you may also find yourself looking for the strength to face the uncertainty of what lies ahead but if you don't subscribe to a particular religion, cards or a paperback book are always a nice distraction. So is candy, a handful of hard candies in your pack can lift your spirits and give you energy. What you choose is up to you, and the Internet is filled with helpful resources. Hopefully you will never have to face a life threatening disaster, but if you do try to be ready! Good luck.

Are You Fit For The Outdoors?

Summer is almost upon us and many of us are itching to hit the trail for some long awaited backcountry hiking. Trails have been chosen, gear has been purchased, maps have been memorized in anticipation, but that does not mean you are ready to go. Have you taken the time to prepare the most important piece of gear you have….. Your body!

The Wilderness Medical Society reports that hiking is the number 3 reason for outdoor related emergency room visits each year only preceded by Snowboarding (#1) and Sledding (#2). Wilderness injury prevention begins with planning and preparation, maintaining your levels of fitness, knowing your skill level and experience, and not exceeding your limits. So now we know where to start, but the big question is HOW to start?

It’s easier than you might think, like any other part an outdoor adventure you start with “Problem Anticipation”:

By now you have a trip plan written out and you know who you are going to leave it with, you have checked your gear and made any repairs or replacements needed, you restocked your first aid kit, you remembered to put in a vacation request at work (and made sure it was approved), and you have been on every hiking website out there getting psyched up for your trip. That only leaves getting in shape for the trail left on your to do list.

If you do not exercise on a normal basis you should talk to your family doctor to decide on the best program for you to use, but an easy way to get started and remain trail ready all year is to do some basics every day.

• Take a few minutes to stretch and warm up your muscles.
• Make sure you are stretching your torso and back muscles with some gentle twisting to the left and right.
• Stretch the Hamstring and Calves then do 20 or 30 minutes of squats, lunges, running in place, or a combination of all three. The more you do the better off you will be in the wild.
• Go for a walk. Gradual at first then building up the distance you are walking. This is also a great time to see how that new pack is going to ride and gives you a chance to fine tune the fit.
• Before hitting the trail for a multi day trip, go on a few day hikes. It helps get you ready to hike over those hills and streams without having 20 or more pounds on your back trying to pull you down.

Remember the old adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!” if you have taken a small amount of time to get in shape and stay in shape now there is less of a chance that you will need a large amount of time to recover from an injury later. If you are new to hiking take someone along that has more experience. Remember to hydrate as much as possible, if you start feeling thirsty you are already starting to get dehydrated which can lead to several life threatening conditions on the trail. Know your limits; don’t try to push yourself too long or too hard in the heat. Take your time; after all you’re out there to enjoy the wild not run through it!

Get out there and have fun, just be careful when you do it!