When I'm on the go for any duration of time the first things that I think of is....
I need high lasting energy so food choice plays a large roll in what I bring with myself. Beside personally hydrating myself throughout the day, using water to cook and clean we need accessibility to our resource when we need it. It's the small details or things we overlook that I've come to terms about jotting things down became more than that. Where am I staying- at a friends place, a hostel, or the wood's? What kind of shelter will I need while I'm on the move? How am I getting there? What are my best choices? Here it is...............
- How am I getting there?
- Where am I staying?
- Is there Food and Water available?
- What are the conditions?
I need high lasting energy so food choice plays a large roll in what I bring with myself. Beside personally hydrating myself throughout the day, using water to cook and clean we need accessibility to our resource when we need it. It's the small details or things we overlook that I've come to terms about jotting things down became more than that. Where am I staying- at a friends place, a hostel, or the wood's? What kind of shelter will I need while I'm on the move? How am I getting there? What are my best choices? Here it is...............
Food and Water
- Water -
Yes, we can go about 30 days without food (not that you'd want to), but water is a must. Having a bladder bag in your pack is a must. You might be thinking, "Doesn't this idiot know that everyone already knows this?" Okay, fair enough, but if you really want to be prepared you don't want to pick up just any bladder bag. Most bladders you buy in hydro packs are 2 litters, but personally, I don't carry anything less than a 3 litter bag.
Why? You asked it....There's the obvious point that a bigger bag will allow you to pack more water, but there are other benefits even when you don't fill the bag to the top, which you won't want to when you're on the move. When you fill a smaller bag up it's full which causes stress on the seams of the bag. With a bigger bag you can have the same amount of water without filling it to the top, avoiding this. The other perk is if you have to camp somewhere with a significant distance between you and the water source you can fill the bag completely, meaning you don't have keep walking back and forth to get water to cook, clean, hydrate, etc.
Another important point about bladder bags- any water that goes into your bag should be filtered! Unfiltered water could leave bacteria in your bag that could lead to unpleasant consequences (ass blasting, anal leakage, and dehydrated misery...don't believe me? click here) There are safe ways to obtain drinkable water without one but that's a whole different discussion.
Now onto food...knowing what foods to pack is crucial to making sure you have a balanced sustainable diet. I get this question all the time, "What do you eat out there?"
- Foraging Guides -
Have a reputable guide to plants specific to the region you plan to explore that covers edible and medicinal plants. It should include drawings, color photos, and plant preparation. Eating plants can be dangerous so know what you're eating before you consume it. Your body can have an adverse reaction to anything it's not used to, so if you're trying something you've never tried before make sure to try a small portion and wait to see how your body reacts. Place a small piece in your mouth and watch out for any numbness or tingling. This is a sign that you shouldn't eat something. If you're going to ingest a small portion of something for the firs time wait 8 hours before giving yourself the green light to eat more.
Make sure you obtain a Fishing License if you plan on fishing. Fines can be steep.
If you're camping don't forget to obtain a fire permit -there free and good for one year.
-Packed Food-
Yes, we can go about 30 days without food (not that you'd want to), but water is a must. Having a bladder bag in your pack is a must. You might be thinking, "Doesn't this idiot know that everyone already knows this?" Okay, fair enough, but if you really want to be prepared you don't want to pick up just any bladder bag. Most bladders you buy in hydro packs are 2 litters, but personally, I don't carry anything less than a 3 litter bag.
Why? You asked it....There's the obvious point that a bigger bag will allow you to pack more water, but there are other benefits even when you don't fill the bag to the top, which you won't want to when you're on the move. When you fill a smaller bag up it's full which causes stress on the seams of the bag. With a bigger bag you can have the same amount of water without filling it to the top, avoiding this. The other perk is if you have to camp somewhere with a significant distance between you and the water source you can fill the bag completely, meaning you don't have keep walking back and forth to get water to cook, clean, hydrate, etc.
Another important point about bladder bags- any water that goes into your bag should be filtered! Unfiltered water could leave bacteria in your bag that could lead to unpleasant consequences (ass blasting, anal leakage, and dehydrated misery...don't believe me? click here) There are safe ways to obtain drinkable water without one but that's a whole different discussion.
Now onto food...knowing what foods to pack is crucial to making sure you have a balanced sustainable diet. I get this question all the time, "What do you eat out there?"
- Foraging Guides -
Have a reputable guide to plants specific to the region you plan to explore that covers edible and medicinal plants. It should include drawings, color photos, and plant preparation. Eating plants can be dangerous so know what you're eating before you consume it. Your body can have an adverse reaction to anything it's not used to, so if you're trying something you've never tried before make sure to try a small portion and wait to see how your body reacts. Place a small piece in your mouth and watch out for any numbness or tingling. This is a sign that you shouldn't eat something. If you're going to ingest a small portion of something for the firs time wait 8 hours before giving yourself the green light to eat more.
Make sure you obtain a Fishing License if you plan on fishing. Fines can be steep.
If you're camping don't forget to obtain a fire permit -there free and good for one year.
-Packed Food-
- Quinoa- instead of packing rice try what I consider the hands down, no brainier- Quinoa. It packs a punch of protein that is the highest in the veggie kingdom. The nice thing is that it's a great base, fills you up, and goes a long way.
- Lentils- High in fiber. Watch out because this dish will keep you regular. It goes a long way and is good to mix with the quinoa. Take note that lentils usually require more water than quinoa so if your back country packing, remember bringing the extra water to camp. Also, some tri-bean blends and other beans require pre-soaking for a while so it's a good to read the label as some require less prep time!
- Pasta, Rice, or Potatoes- These are a cheap way to fill your stomach. However, this doesn't mean that you can't spice it up- become Chef Boy R-D and add some fresh colors, peppers, onions, tomato, garlic, squash, mushrooms, spices, flavor, etc. to make a delicious meal.
- Almonds- No prep and quick on the go. Almonds contain the most nutrients in comparison to all other nuts. Good for the heart, brain, and many other beneficial factors. I'll mix it with some dried berries & dark chocolate for good energy.
- Oats- Good source of fiber & filling. Mix in any of the dried fruits or freeze dried to make it tastier & heartier (banana chips, raisins, freeze dried raspberries, honey, etc.).
- Dried Fruit & Berries- Bananas, pineapple, mango, raisins, currents, cherries, cranberries (freeze dried strawberries, blueberries, raspberries). Try to get these sulfate free. I try to find these at local farm stands and farmer markets. Trader Joe's has a great selection as well.
- Beef Jerky- another good on-the-go food. Preserved for the end of the world the high salts in this meat. Salt is not just delicious it's important to help your body stay hydrated by replenishing electrolytes
- Sun dried Tomatoes- or other veggies. Sun dried veggies are great because they reconstitute back to their original state and you don't have to carry a whole can or jar of sauce adding unnecessary weight to your packs load.
- Flavor- adding in some cubes of chicken/beef/vegetable bouillon, curry/tandoori/butter chicken, Indian paste, salt and pepper, lemon, garlic or whatever your taste buds crave. I find having a nice selection of spices goes a long way. Just because we're sitting in the middle of the woods doesn't mean we consistently have to eat the same dish over and over. Changing things up keeps us sharper and more grounded.
-Drinks-
- Green and Red Super-Food Mix- this stuff is great! Both are a powdered mix that are dietary supplements loaded with everything that your body wants,
- Electrolytes tablets- are important because they are what your cells (especially nerve, heart, muscle) use to maintain voltage across their cell membranes and carry electrical impulses (nerve impulses, muscle contractions) to other cells. Your kidneys work to keep the electrolyte concentrations in your blood constant despite changes in your body. For example, when you exercise heavily, you lose electrolytes in your sweat, particularly sodium and potassium. These electrolytes must be replaced to keep the electrolyte concentrations of your body fluids constant. (Let's thank Discovery Health for this info)
- Tea / instant coffee (Via from Starbucks) - this stuff can be added to ice water no steeping required. Mix Coco mix and marshmallows into your coffee to get a poor man's mocha. (When you're stopping into a cafe don't forget to load up on freebies: sugar packs, coffee mate, honey, lemon packs, etc. This is the Free Landers guide after all.)
- Buy Local - Whenever possible buy local! Support local farms. It's by far the best quality you'll get with possible barter/ work exchange if you're really down on your flow.
- Costco- 4lbs of quinoa $10! A killer bulk nut and trail mix section too.
- Trader Joe's- dried & freeze dried Fruit & Berries. A good alternative to most other grocery stores because of their use of natural ingredients. Check out their canned fish- Smoked Trout too. High in omega's and goes wonderful in the quinoa.
- Dollar stores- Spices, canned goods, etc. (not always the freshest so check the remaining shelf life, but again, this is the Free Landers guide)
- Check out- my image library of the food and drink basics.
Shelter
-Community-
I'd like to break this down into what shelter or living quarters, or location we choose. There are many places to crash out. Choosing a place is relatively easy. A valuable thing I learned was a sense of Community. People are interested in our stories, while your on the go talk with locals. People tend to open door and give a warm welcome to people with stories (and no set place to go), which you become a true friend in the end. The best part is they tell there friends or family, cousins, in-laws, aunts, uncle, divorced spouse, and you end up with a ton of future options of places to stay. Besides just being social, looking on Craigslist or sites like Couch Surfing could land you a place to rest for the night.
-Car/Truck Camping-
Other time it seems dismal. If your in a car/truck WalMart's parking lot is friendly to people on the go if your in an urban area. I know this isn't a highlight spot but the cops will leave you alone and you can avoid the harassment. I go to tons of our National Parks. Here you can car camp at a rate around $25+/- per night. This adds up fairly quickly. Sleeping in the Back-country is either free or up to $15 per permit equaling however long you plan on staying in the back-country for + $5 for a bear canister rental if needed ( @ 2 weeks container rental I believe). Not bad but we got better. Usually just outside the parks its State land or run by the Bureau of Land Management-this is typically free as long as your cars completely off the road. Just make sure to check posted signs and restrictions.
-Hostels-
Cheaper than a hotel, look up any available hostels- the Lazy Lizard in Moab, UT. was a great place to stay at $10 p/n with use of kitchen & Shower. $30 get you a cabin! Personally I love going to hostels after a long stay in the back-country. A better environment, like minded travelers, good for socializing, being able to have access to power for our electronic devices, and cooking in a kitchen beats a tent after being in the woods for weeks on end. I stayed at 2 other hostels here in the states. Hostel Cat in Las Vegas (great spot) and Hometown in Durango Colorado, which in now closed.
-The Shift of Shelter-
There are many choices between Shelters if your looking for a sleeping quarters for camping. The Lightest is to just make your own shelter out of the natural elements provided around yourself This might leave you a bit wet if harsh weather pushes though. Most people aren't so hip on this. Here's my recommendation. Craigslist -- For Sale -- Key words camping, hiking, tents. This will pull up any gear local to you and bartering is an option. The People who have this gear , like minded and usually are willing to let it go cheaper when they know its going to a good cause, You. Second Where are you going or what Time or year is it? This is important enough since if you get a Chinsey tent in High Winds or heavy Snow you might screw yourself. Location of where you post your Living Quarters can help...like under tree's to take the brunt or by a rock face blocking the snow or wind. Don't set yourself somewhere a slide will get you. Be Mindful of your Surroundings! Next are you going as a Solo Adventurer, or a Group? I like my own space. In groups with #'s: 2-4 person tents 1, 2, 3 shelters divided up to distribute the load for a larger groups works best, some camping area restricts the number of people that are allowed to be in an area at a given time. Check with rangers to be in compliance. 1-2-3-4 people- the other option's are getting everyone into there own Shelter. Bivy, Hammock, One man, or two man tent's. Ranging from a few Ounces to about 8+ pounds. The Search- we're all running through options **(Freestanding or Not)** 3 to 4 season and availability.
-Hygiene and Showers-
Hygiene comes into play here as well. Don' t scar people away with your B/O! Shower's are important. Not showering leads to weird things. People spontaneously fainting around you is a good sign its time to bath. Marina's, Boating Lakes, Camp grounds, Trucker Stops, YMCA, Gyms or hit the River. These places are usually only a few bucks and feeling clean ='s feeling human again. Besides, Jock itch, athletes foot, ring worm, & other rash's are all good examples of why you want to soap up! Remember your feet are your friends. Keep them dry, air them out, get a nice pair of boot and wool socks. Don't be cheap here. If your bathing around rivers or streams it's better not to get the soap in the water source, as it changes the Ph levels. Leave no trace or Impact, that is our responsibility.
(Understanding that it doesn't fall under the topic of hygiene, maybe more towards food. The act of stretching and personal well-being falls in here. I say "ACT" because thinking about it isn't actually "Doing it!" Being mobile and being able to comfortably gain ground are two differences. Stretching than a short work out is all you need. It'll help you avoid avoidable situation's)
-Clothes-
Traveling with a minimal amount of clothes can sometime pose as a problem. To Go out and buy clothes even in Wal-mart can be pricey. Traveling can cause us to over pack and question what to and what not to bring with ourselves. Well simple solution's are Goodwill, or other thrift stores. These locations are awesome for a quick change of clothes or upgrading sometimes to Wool, Silk, & Cashmere tops which are warm as well. Other good stops are Flea Markets, Swap meets, and Yard sales. Bartering with people and getting those hidden treasures can sometimes pay off. www.Craigslist.org
If your Boxers, socks, undershirts got the funk- turned yellow and seen better day's, retire it. Stores like Marshal's or Ross have killer deals on some name brands for cheap. Rei has the used gear sale's on the first Saturday of the month where you can score some gear as well.
I'd like to break this down into what shelter or living quarters, or location we choose. There are many places to crash out. Choosing a place is relatively easy. A valuable thing I learned was a sense of Community. People are interested in our stories, while your on the go talk with locals. People tend to open door and give a warm welcome to people with stories (and no set place to go), which you become a true friend in the end. The best part is they tell there friends or family, cousins, in-laws, aunts, uncle, divorced spouse, and you end up with a ton of future options of places to stay. Besides just being social, looking on Craigslist or sites like Couch Surfing could land you a place to rest for the night.
-Car/Truck Camping-
Other time it seems dismal. If your in a car/truck WalMart's parking lot is friendly to people on the go if your in an urban area. I know this isn't a highlight spot but the cops will leave you alone and you can avoid the harassment. I go to tons of our National Parks. Here you can car camp at a rate around $25+/- per night. This adds up fairly quickly. Sleeping in the Back-country is either free or up to $15 per permit equaling however long you plan on staying in the back-country for + $5 for a bear canister rental if needed ( @ 2 weeks container rental I believe). Not bad but we got better. Usually just outside the parks its State land or run by the Bureau of Land Management-this is typically free as long as your cars completely off the road. Just make sure to check posted signs and restrictions.
-Hostels-
Cheaper than a hotel, look up any available hostels- the Lazy Lizard in Moab, UT. was a great place to stay at $10 p/n with use of kitchen & Shower. $30 get you a cabin! Personally I love going to hostels after a long stay in the back-country. A better environment, like minded travelers, good for socializing, being able to have access to power for our electronic devices, and cooking in a kitchen beats a tent after being in the woods for weeks on end. I stayed at 2 other hostels here in the states. Hostel Cat in Las Vegas (great spot) and Hometown in Durango Colorado, which in now closed.
-The Shift of Shelter-
There are many choices between Shelters if your looking for a sleeping quarters for camping. The Lightest is to just make your own shelter out of the natural elements provided around yourself This might leave you a bit wet if harsh weather pushes though. Most people aren't so hip on this. Here's my recommendation. Craigslist -- For Sale -- Key words camping, hiking, tents. This will pull up any gear local to you and bartering is an option. The People who have this gear , like minded and usually are willing to let it go cheaper when they know its going to a good cause, You. Second Where are you going or what Time or year is it? This is important enough since if you get a Chinsey tent in High Winds or heavy Snow you might screw yourself. Location of where you post your Living Quarters can help...like under tree's to take the brunt or by a rock face blocking the snow or wind. Don't set yourself somewhere a slide will get you. Be Mindful of your Surroundings! Next are you going as a Solo Adventurer, or a Group? I like my own space. In groups with #'s: 2-4 person tents 1, 2, 3 shelters divided up to distribute the load for a larger groups works best, some camping area restricts the number of people that are allowed to be in an area at a given time. Check with rangers to be in compliance. 1-2-3-4 people- the other option's are getting everyone into there own Shelter. Bivy, Hammock, One man, or two man tent's. Ranging from a few Ounces to about 8+ pounds. The Search- we're all running through options **(Freestanding or Not)** 3 to 4 season and availability.
- Tarp- The most basic form of shelter. Use it as a Poncho while walking or a cover for your gear. Make an A-frame shelter in a minute or a larger shade shelter in the heat.
- Bivy- A water proof sack for your Sleeping bag to keep you Dry. Not ideal for people who are Claustrophobic. They usually only weigh in-between a pound or two for a minimalistic trekker.
- Hammock- Hang in the Tree's suspended from the ground away from potential threats. Hammock are best used with the help of a tarp cover to shield potential weather threats, also keeping your gear under your hammock keeps it dry as well. Looking On-line i found Down Quilt Covers. Rated for 0 deg. Bottom and top quilts provide warmth in winter camping. A big plus about a hammock Quilt is the fact that your down IS NOT COMPRESSED! Keeping loft is essential to keeping Warm. The use of a Sleeping mat can still be used as well to prevent heat loss from wind.
- One Man- Light weight, typically specked as 3 season shelters but upgrade the poles and they can withstand potential year round conditions. There easy on the back to carry and ultra-light hikers use these shelters with a little more wiggle room compared to a bivy for you and your gear. On the Go trekkers typically use this option or the options talked about just above.
- Two Man- Depending if it is 3 to 4 season. The weight gained to the durability factor is what your looking at here in my opinion. Stronger poles, waterproof, & plenty of room for one who plans a longer stay in an area and can justify the weight ratio of other shelters. For 2 people the load distributed makes for a great shelter and keeps the bulk to a minimal.
- Sleeping Mats- Weighing in from ounces to about 2 pounds depending on the mat chosen. Mats help in 2 ways Isolation (R ratings) & Loft. In Mountaineering its recommended that you use 2 one for each as it will be Cold! If you go into R.e.i., they have a list of the mats with there values, you can also see, feel, & try them there so you know what your buying.
- Sleeping Bag- We have option's here, a wide range of factors. The First two questions how cold and Down or synthetic? Going from light weight 40deg. to minus -40degree's. Down weights in much less, it can compact, and very warm, but it is pricy. If your Down bag gets wet it takes along time to dry and can leave you in a bad predicament. Synthetic bags aren't as warm but if they do get wet its not as big of a deal. Cheaper in cost it might be a better rout to go if your on a budget. For either bag you can, keep it clean, increase the warmth up to 10 degrees by adding a Silk Bag Liner and it extends the Longevity of your bag in using a liner.
-Hygiene and Showers-
Hygiene comes into play here as well. Don' t scar people away with your B/O! Shower's are important. Not showering leads to weird things. People spontaneously fainting around you is a good sign its time to bath. Marina's, Boating Lakes, Camp grounds, Trucker Stops, YMCA, Gyms or hit the River. These places are usually only a few bucks and feeling clean ='s feeling human again. Besides, Jock itch, athletes foot, ring worm, & other rash's are all good examples of why you want to soap up! Remember your feet are your friends. Keep them dry, air them out, get a nice pair of boot and wool socks. Don't be cheap here. If your bathing around rivers or streams it's better not to get the soap in the water source, as it changes the Ph levels. Leave no trace or Impact, that is our responsibility.
- Dr. Bronners- and other All natural soaps are defiantly ideal.
- Toothpaste / Brush- Keep your dental bills down by brushing
- Anti-Fungal ointment- This stuff can be Your very best friend if you need it. Get rid of potential problems as soon as you notice somethings going on. Don't wait.
- Wool sox- & other garments Perks Anti Microbial, Oder control, Warm when wet.
- Wet Wipe's- for a clean swipe at the end to getting some funk from your arm-pits to your crotch they come in handy.
- Chafing
- Keep your Balls Clean
- unscented deodorant- Sometime if you sweat excessively you get this red bumps. The deodorant can prevent this from happening and keep you fresh either way.
- Hand Sanitizer- Prevents you from getting sick and others. After handling something odd, not fresh, oops why'd i touch that get it off. This will cut thru it.
- Nail clippers- keeps the grunge, funk, and Fungal at bay.
- miscellaneous- Floss, Chap Stick, Mole skin, New Skin
(Understanding that it doesn't fall under the topic of hygiene, maybe more towards food. The act of stretching and personal well-being falls in here. I say "ACT" because thinking about it isn't actually "Doing it!" Being mobile and being able to comfortably gain ground are two differences. Stretching than a short work out is all you need. It'll help you avoid avoidable situation's)
-Clothes-
Traveling with a minimal amount of clothes can sometime pose as a problem. To Go out and buy clothes even in Wal-mart can be pricey. Traveling can cause us to over pack and question what to and what not to bring with ourselves. Well simple solution's are Goodwill, or other thrift stores. These locations are awesome for a quick change of clothes or upgrading sometimes to Wool, Silk, & Cashmere tops which are warm as well. Other good stops are Flea Markets, Swap meets, and Yard sales. Bartering with people and getting those hidden treasures can sometimes pay off. www.Craigslist.org
If your Boxers, socks, undershirts got the funk- turned yellow and seen better day's, retire it. Stores like Marshal's or Ross have killer deals on some name brands for cheap. Rei has the used gear sale's on the first Saturday of the month where you can score some gear as well.
Transportation
- The cheapest means of transportation is Walking. Maybe not the most ideal but if you have a will there's a way.
- Bicycle- can help cover ground at a better rate and doesn't require gas making this the most ideal travel method to live on the Cheap and in-turn getting to see and experience the land at your pace.
- Hitch-hiking is another method, free and getting to know locals or whomever stops to give you a ride. Please be wary of this, use you gut instinct here. If someone seems skeezy don't get the ride!
- Ride Share- on Craigslist is an option that's less sketchy, and could only cost maybe a portion of the fuel cost or whatever you negotiate.
- Bus- A cheap mean of getting by. Going to many key locations bus's take some of the leg work out of the equation.
- Train- See the country that's been forgotten. See the back routs, hills, mountain, and terrain of America as you can plan to go back and explore as your eyes cross some beautiful scenery. It take a bit longer but at least your not stuck in traffic and on a longer ride you can converse with fellow travelers. The non-public transport of Freight-Cart hopping is free. Get an idea of the rails to get an idea where your heading unless you don't care where your getting a ride to. This can be Dangerous so use your brain on this one.
- Air- Flying is the quickest way possible from location to Location ( most of the time). Price- reflecting on travel time + expense, it might be Cheaper to spend the extra cash up front than to take 2 weeks of living cost to get somewhere. Meaning a $200 flight opposed to taking a week or two to get where your going the Week or two's going to cost you. I like Southwest- cheap air fair calender breaks down affordable flights at the push of a button. Other perks include- 2 bags plus carry on (for all that gear your bringing with you) and for people like myself changing flights is a breeze only paying the difference of flight cost( Or you get the difference back!) Who else does that?!?!?! If your bags over weight there is a fee of $50 for that bag Or bring a third bag for the same cost so your not cramming all your stuff. Lastly they do allow pets, just check since the animal carrier has to be a specific size & a additional cost will be charged!