Preventative Measures:
- Check Wear- make sure item's haven't dry-rotted, cracked, ripped since last use.
- Check Gear-Make sure Tent has: stakes, poles, no Holes, waterproofing is still effective, etc- for set up, extra fuel for stove, matches, harness & the rope,fresh batteries & extra/ or solar w components or we just Pair our Equipment up.
- Expiration- Check dates on food and medication and replace if needed.
- Condition's- Calling ranger stations, checking local new's/ weather, N.O.A.A., and other services before a trek. Possible Closures or non-availability (lottery/first come first serve/reservation's/holidays). Finding out Fire Conditions & restriction's before you go on your adventure. Map reading for longer routes, planning for elevation gain and loss, time to distance, altitude, water, and other services or lack of.
- Instruction's- Refresher Courses, Books, Guides, Charts, Literature, Blogs, Forum posts- All good sources of information at your finger tips when some time's we come off being Superhuman and forget something we need to know. Having certain information in a zip lock or waterproofed shielded sleeve can help keeping the information around.
Pack's:
Get a pack that Fits Properly and that's Comfortable. A fitted pack is measured from the top of you hip bone to your shoulders getting your Torso's Length. Adjust your packs straps if there adjustable to your measurement. Having Room on the Belt is important as we typically loose weight and need room to cinch up a bit on longer treks. Making sure you have enough room for your gear load and the bear proof container that might be required for back country camping otherwise we might have to leave other gear behind adapting to the situation. We have a few choices on what pack might fit what your looking for.
Get a pack that Fits Properly and that's Comfortable. A fitted pack is measured from the top of you hip bone to your shoulders getting your Torso's Length. Adjust your packs straps if there adjustable to your measurement. Having Room on the Belt is important as we typically loose weight and need room to cinch up a bit on longer treks. Making sure you have enough room for your gear load and the bear proof container that might be required for back country camping otherwise we might have to leave other gear behind adapting to the situation. We have a few choices on what pack might fit what your looking for.
The weight carried in a pack is usually dictated by your actual weight. This is calculated by 30%~50% of your weight. I weigh in at 150lbs. So my pack should not weight in more than 75Lbs.
When you load your pack- Your sleeping bag, towel, clothes and lighter items should be placed towards the bottom and the heavier items loaded at the top of the pack. This helps you properly haul the load. The Larger packs have Load Lifter Straps, to help reduce load by centering the pack and keeping it tight to yourself.
When you load your pack- Your sleeping bag, towel, clothes and lighter items should be placed towards the bottom and the heavier items loaded at the top of the pack. This helps you properly haul the load. The Larger packs have Load Lifter Straps, to help reduce load by centering the pack and keeping it tight to yourself.
Weekend Warrior
Go out for 2-3 day Using a 35-50 liter pack. Throw you hydro pack, hammock, food and compact stove for a quick stay while staying ultra light.
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The Idealist
A good Mid-Range Pack will be a 55-75 liter pack. You can pack a bit more weight while staying comfortable.The Duration of your trip can be extended onwards up to a week+ with this pack- Packed proper.
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Long Hauler
80-115 liter Packs.
These bags are ment to handle a large and heavy load. Typically the Pack alone weighs in from 5-8 pounds of durability! Packed right I've stayed out for week's. I find as a solo- adventurer i need room for gear. Having everything one could possibly need with no exception's. (I had to order my last pack on-line since no store carried 90+ sizes) |
Shelter's
We have many options when it come's to shielding ourselves from the elements. The market is full of innovated ways. I'll be covering a vast selection of methods, concept,style, and reasoning.
What is it we're going to be doing? How many of us are going? Is distance to weight an issue? Bulk? Whats Condition's going to be like?
We have many options when it come's to shielding ourselves from the elements. The market is full of innovated ways. I'll be covering a vast selection of methods, concept,style, and reasoning.
What is it we're going to be doing? How many of us are going? Is distance to weight an issue? Bulk? Whats Condition's going to be like?
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The most basic coverage we can get. Weights not an issue weighing from about 1lb- to 3lbs. High winds or severe weather- this might not protect you as well as you'd want it too. Although the versatility is pretty good. Set a Guide line, anchor the corners and make it a quick A-frame for unexpected weather, wait 15minutes and continue on. Hot days use it to shield yourself from the sun. Off the back of your car with your Trekking poles making an awning. add some light weight screen and keep the mosquito's off yourself at night or around marshy condition's.
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A Waterproof Sack for your Sleeping Bag. Pretty Basic- unless you get the one that has a pole support over your head there's hardly any set up required. A tarp in conjunction with a bivy sack adds for a bit more sheltering coverage and versatility in options. Weights not an issue ranging from just 15oz to 2lbs neither is the storage space for your gear might be. Bivy camping might not be best suited for people who are claustrophobic.
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A great choice of choices for an "On the Go Hiker." Light Weight 1lb 15oz- 3lb 3oz. Sizes allow you to choose from: Single, Double, and Larger sizes are available. Multi-Season bottom entry, Bug netting, rain fly, and Under-Quilts are available. The length or span of a hammock is approx. 10'ft-15'ft between two fixed objects and presto- You have a place to stay, so set up is a breeze.
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A bit more on the opposite side than I'm use to using. These tents are suspended between tree's or hung off of one.
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- Car Camping Tents- Lots of space, quit a bit heavier and perfect for the person who just want to get out and post up By Your Vehicle or a Short trip with friends within a few miles of your vehicle "splitting up the load." The Baller set-ups are Multi roomed , Built in Screen Porch area, Awning's, Storage pockets.
- Backpacking- A simpler shelter- suitable for 2/3 season's. Typically it's nice to have your own tent or sleeping quarters on trips so finding a light weight solo/ one man tent is the way to go. If it's yourself and your date- step it up to a two person shelter giving yourself some Wiggle room. Weight vary with durability, season's, & quality.
- Mountaineering (4 Season)- Typically built for Two or More depending on your group size. They come in more Rounded shape with extra poles to withstand & shed the elements. It's Weight will be between 5lbs-11lbs approximately for a 2-3 person.It's Size or "Compactability"- It'll take up some space unless the load is Split or you have a large pack ( 90-110lt). Designed for Exposure, Heavy Winds and Harsher Weather,Waterproof, All Season Conditions.
Natural Shelters- Building your own, Grotto's, Under Tree's, Snow cave's, to the back side of boulders-dry or drier conditions- shielding you from the winds and elements. Our Surroundings usually supply us with the items we need to get a semi-comfortable nights rest. Using branches and constructing a quick make shift hut, whatever it might be.
Sleeping Mat's
From Car Camping to the back country there are all types of sleeping pads to air mattresses available. Finding the right set up for yourself I recommend that you go to your local outfitter and try out the different pad's available. The first 2 thing's I think of is Loft and R-value. I want to get a good nights rest, we all do. An insulated mat will shield your body from the cold ground surface by blocking conductive body heat loss. When I call it a night and lay down in my Down Sleeping Bag the upper portion has Loft, while the section I'm laying on is compressed. The Compresses section needs a buffer to maximize warmth from the cold ground. Otherwise our Awesome Sleeping bag just lost some of it's Awesomeness-or warming capabilities. During Winter months we combine both a Foam and air mattress to maximize both values. Between the different types the weigh and bulk factor play a roll into choice. Are we going for Ubber light long distance hikes to something a little more resilient or durable to our surroundings or as we just going to collect pine needles or tall grass and make a natural bedding.
From Car Camping to the back country there are all types of sleeping pads to air mattresses available. Finding the right set up for yourself I recommend that you go to your local outfitter and try out the different pad's available. The first 2 thing's I think of is Loft and R-value. I want to get a good nights rest, we all do. An insulated mat will shield your body from the cold ground surface by blocking conductive body heat loss. When I call it a night and lay down in my Down Sleeping Bag the upper portion has Loft, while the section I'm laying on is compressed. The Compresses section needs a buffer to maximize warmth from the cold ground. Otherwise our Awesome Sleeping bag just lost some of it's Awesomeness-or warming capabilities. During Winter months we combine both a Foam and air mattress to maximize both values. Between the different types the weigh and bulk factor play a roll into choice. Are we going for Ubber light long distance hikes to something a little more resilient or durable to our surroundings or as we just going to collect pine needles or tall grass and make a natural bedding.
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Great for Loft or a Cushioned nights rest. Some mats like Therm a-rest have reflective material inside the air mat to provide an integrated insulation fill to increase warmth, which can be used 4 seasons. The others are better suited for Spring, Summer and early Fall. Very comfortable with the right fit and lightweight. These mats are Susceptible to being punctured. They do require lung's as you manually blow them up. The non-insulation mats have barely any insulation value and aren't good for cold weather apps unless used with a foam mat.
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A combination of Air and Foam. Opening a Valve, the foam expands filling the mat with air. No light headed inflation required, provides great insulation, and its Comfortable. These Mats tend to weigh on the heavier side and are susceptible to being popped. Field repair kits are available.
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Dense Foam with closed air cell
Providing the Best Insulation, Cheap, won't pop, Light weight, and won't hold water. The Down side it's sticks off your pack catching branches sometimes/bulky, it doesn't help much with comfort- like sleeping on an air mat provides. |
Specs:
- Length- should span the width of your shoulders & hips. The average mats are 66" / 72" / 78' inches long
- Width-The standard with is 20" but range from 18" up to 30"
- R-Value-is measured by it's Capacity to resist(R) heat flow. The higher the pads R rating ='s the warmer buffer between you and the ground. Mats are charted out from 1 - 9.5.
Sleeping Bag's
Choosing our Sleeping bag when there's so many options hanging on a rack. What's the Difference besides cost and one looking cooler than the other one? Figure it like this:
Choosing our Sleeping bag when there's so many options hanging on a rack. What's the Difference besides cost and one looking cooler than the other one? Figure it like this:
- Are we Car camping or Backpacking?
- We rate Sleeping bags by EN ratings- what do You need?
- We have the choice between Synthetic and Down Insulation?
You can get Bag's cheaper off of Craigslist or Thrift stores rather than new at R.E.I.. I started out with 0 degree synthetic- no liner. Since those day's are long over and behind myself I've upgraded to my sleeping bag to the 4lb 8oz. CWM Marmot -40 down bag and added a silk liner. This Bag's shell is made of a Gore Dryloft material and kept me warm in the Western Slopes of Colorado in the Winter of 2014
Sleeping bags come in either Rectangle or Mummy style:
The rectangular or Camping Bags have a little more room to move in,as well as you can Marry two together if the Zippers match. The extra room does allows that heat to escape. With the extra room take yes...Space and they Weigh more so there not efficient for Backpacking trips, but car camping's great.
Mummy Bags Tend to hold the heat in a bit better. The Down side for some is the feeling of Confinement. When it's below freezing I'll take it. You can compress this style down to a manageable size- i prefer to use a Waterproof Dry Compression sack by Sea to Summit, so even if my pack takes a plunge my bag will remain dry and Usable.
The rectangular or Camping Bags have a little more room to move in,as well as you can Marry two together if the Zippers match. The extra room does allows that heat to escape. With the extra room take yes...Space and they Weigh more so there not efficient for Backpacking trips, but car camping's great.
Mummy Bags Tend to hold the heat in a bit better. The Down side for some is the feeling of Confinement. When it's below freezing I'll take it. You can compress this style down to a manageable size- i prefer to use a Waterproof Dry Compression sack by Sea to Summit, so even if my pack takes a plunge my bag will remain dry and Usable.
Synthetic Fill
If your just looking at starting out and don't want to spend a bunch of money this is a better choice. The material dries faster than Down and requires less of a special treatment. The down falls it won't compress down as small and it weighs in on the heavier side compared to a Down bag.
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Down Fill
Down product are from either Geese or Ducks. Down products do typically cost more. The Term "More is Less" comes to mind here. It's Lighter, Warmer, Super Compressible, to Super Lofty, Breathable, & if you care for it-it'll last you a Long Time.
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What's Fill?
I keep talking about Loft or how "Puffy" the bag is. Fill Power determines the Down's bag ability to get its fluff on- while trapping the heat. If we broke it down to how many cubic inches 1oz of down fill can fill . The better the feather takes less to fill the space and achieve a certain temperature rating. Check it like this- I have two bags both the first and second are-rated 0 degrees- The rated- Zero Degree 700 Fill this bag is going to be lighter than my Zero degree 600 Fill Bag.
EN Ratings
The EN or European Norm is a standard where temperatures were tested and internationally accepted being the most objective & dependable standard available. Thank you for your Due Diligence Europe!
Lower-Limit Rating
The Lowest Temperature at which a man, on average, will remain warm.
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Comfort Rating
The Lowest temperature at which the bag will keep the average woman warm.
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Woman generally sleep colder than a guy, so a bag's Comfort rating will always be higher than a guys, by a difference of 10+degree's. When you look at the specs you'll see the Coldest it's good for and probably where you'll want it to be without pushing it's limits. An example EN lower-limit rating of +19*F & Comfort Rating of 32*F. If you tend to bundle up at night you'll go with the comfort rating<---- My personal bag is a Marmot CWM -40degree Down Mummy Bag it weights 4lb 8oz of wonderfulness. This past winter i camped in the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. Temps would drop to -25 below freezing some mornings. I was warm with my sleeping bag and had an additional 15degrees to "play" with.getting onto the next topic............
Liners & Care
These wonderful extra's help keep our sleeping bag Clean and add life to our sleeping bag. A clean bag will remain Lofty. The Dirt and Body Oil's will tend to flatten the bag out. Products are available specific for Down products. Adding a Down-Proof Waterproofing additive after will require an extra wash cycle. Make sure you use a industrial size washing machine. Check it for anything the bag might get snagged on. Check the Soap drop area and get rid of any built up crap. Wash with Down Wash than run a second cycle with Down Waterproofing. Support bag into a basket and bring to a large Dryer. Check dryer for anything the Bag might get snagged on. Set on Low heat setting. The external shell can melt if its set to high. When Loading the Down Sleeping Bag............DO NOT JUST TOSS IT IN!!! Feed the bag in so it goes around the dryer opposed to folding the bag in half and stuffing it in there. The bag will get twist, won't dry properly, down will clump, and could potentially rip the internal baffle's. Not Good.
I periodically checked the bag and pulled the clumped feather apart, as well as added the tennis balls to help Re-loft the bag. After hours of drying, i left the bag in for an extra half hour. The bag appeared to be dry, it was not completely dry and i payed for that-that night. Keep it in for at least an hour and a half past the time we think it's finished. Plan One day or find a Cleaner who provides the service. It's probably worth the $18.00. Lastly on care measures after your done with your Down bag Don't leave it compressed. This can damage the feathers and it might not regain its full Loft.
I periodically checked the bag and pulled the clumped feather apart, as well as added the tennis balls to help Re-loft the bag. After hours of drying, i left the bag in for an extra half hour. The bag appeared to be dry, it was not completely dry and i payed for that-that night. Keep it in for at least an hour and a half past the time we think it's finished. Plan One day or find a Cleaner who provides the service. It's probably worth the $18.00. Lastly on care measures after your done with your Down bag Don't leave it compressed. This can damage the feathers and it might not regain its full Loft.
Stoves & Accessories
Stove are available in 3 choices mainly. You can purchase Liquid Fuel Stoves (white Fuel/ Auto Gas/ Kerosene) , Canister Fuel Stoves (propane/ Isobutane), or Wood Burning Stove.
Depending on available Space, the length of a trip, How many people, & your Primary use of the stove help with your choice of what your going to purchase.
There are a bunch of Super compact stoves available on the market for the ultra light packer. Others that are a bit larger but the pay off is better control over the flame from simmering to maximum BTU performance.
If it's you and your Buddy you can probably get away with using one stove. Each person can carry a fuel cell to split weight an load. Granted having only one stove extends the Down time of all cooking aspects ...boiling water for coffee, to each meal or part of meals. Building a fire and utilizing natural resources can speed the process but will probably leave some residual elements on your Cook-ware as a down fall.
Accessories:
Cook kit - Pot, Pan ,handle, lids
Spork/ Knife / Flex bowl/Cup
Stainless steel Cup w strainer (for grain)
Cleaning kit- Dr. Bonner's w. scrubby.
Stove repair kit
Thermos
Stove are available in 3 choices mainly. You can purchase Liquid Fuel Stoves (white Fuel/ Auto Gas/ Kerosene) , Canister Fuel Stoves (propane/ Isobutane), or Wood Burning Stove.
Depending on available Space, the length of a trip, How many people, & your Primary use of the stove help with your choice of what your going to purchase.
There are a bunch of Super compact stoves available on the market for the ultra light packer. Others that are a bit larger but the pay off is better control over the flame from simmering to maximum BTU performance.
If it's you and your Buddy you can probably get away with using one stove. Each person can carry a fuel cell to split weight an load. Granted having only one stove extends the Down time of all cooking aspects ...boiling water for coffee, to each meal or part of meals. Building a fire and utilizing natural resources can speed the process but will probably leave some residual elements on your Cook-ware as a down fall.
Accessories:
Cook kit - Pot, Pan ,handle, lids
Spork/ Knife / Flex bowl/Cup
Stainless steel Cup w strainer (for grain)
Cleaning kit- Dr. Bonner's w. scrubby.
Stove repair kit
Thermos
Fuel Comparison
White Gas
Burns the Cleanest of all Fuels, Best fuel for Cold Weather, available in the U.S.
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Kerosene
High Heat output, Fuel is sold Worldwide. And comes with an odor.
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Unleaded Gas
You can buy it anywhere and it's Cheap. Not as clean as the White Fuel and could lead to Clogged gear
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Propane/ Isobutane
Burns clean, no Priming required, Instant Heat output, you cant spill you fuel.
Cons: Heat output goes down with temp. Does not work below freezing temps or high in altitude. Cost is high |
Alternative Fuel
Wood, alcohol, Fuel Tablets:
There not self adjusting- you get what you get. |
Boil time typically range from about 3 minute to about 6 minute per litter of water. Check the Specs of the stove your interested and compare to see if there's a better fit to your needs. Remember not to Cook inside your tent or in enclosed spaces. The Oder's left behind could attract animals such as bears right into your tent(or anything with a scent.) The other issue is you could burn you tent down or die from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning!
Hydration/ Filtration Systems
Water weighs 8lbs for every 1 gallon. Carrying just enough without going over board comes with time and an understanding of our own personal condition and consumption. The first thing we need is a Hydro bag. Usually they come in those running packs with a 2 liter bladder bag. these are great for short day trip or for jogging around. When we're stepping up our game and challenging ourselves we need to do so with our Hydro-bag as well. Harder days take more fluids or location with less water we''ll need to be able to hold more for longer. Keeping a Hydro bag decontaminated is important as well since it's usually our only continuous water storage source.
Water weighs 8lbs for every 1 gallon. Carrying just enough without going over board comes with time and an understanding of our own personal condition and consumption. The first thing we need is a Hydro bag. Usually they come in those running packs with a 2 liter bladder bag. these are great for short day trip or for jogging around. When we're stepping up our game and challenging ourselves we need to do so with our Hydro-bag as well. Harder days take more fluids or location with less water we''ll need to be able to hold more for longer. Keeping a Hydro bag decontaminated is important as well since it's usually our only continuous water storage source.
Hydration Bag
Filtration Systems
- Pump filters - I got my pump filter, love it. It has an intake tube with a adjustable floatation piece so the 1st filter stops residual elements from getting to the main Ceramic one. doesn't get any crap from the bottom. You hold the casing & pump. The Set up I'm using the pump and Hydro bag marry together so the water flows directly into my hydro bag without removing it from my pack to save time.
- Gravity- Are a Great way to filter water. A Fill bag hangs from a tree, the waters than sucked down a tube into the filter and out into the clean water bag with no pumping required.
- Ceramic-These filters last a long time. This filter is Brushed clean just be gentle as its fragile.
- Carbon- can remove many chemicals, herbicides and pesticides. It'll remove or lessen the taste of Chlorine and Iodine. Carbon doesn't Kill harmful Microorganisms!
- Glass Fiber- Pretty much just as effective as Ceramic, biggest difference is you replace opposed to cleaning the filter. Noted in product info "Pleated models large surface area extends their clog-free lifespan, reduces pump force & improves flow rate."
- Hollow fiber- "Hundreds of Clustered U shaped tubes produce a rapid flow rate Cleanable Don't let it Freeze" says product info
- Silica depth matrix- "A proprietary blend of microscopic fibers within a binder resin. This type of Filter has a replacement indicator."
Purifiers
- Iodine Treatment- You can get Tablets i have some liquid in my medical kit. It'll clean a gaping wound or make my water drinkable. It kills most of the right stuff including viruses, bacteria, & giardia. It's not effective against Cryptosporidia and in cases the waters murky or on the colder side its not as effective.Better suited for an emergency method than a normal way of Cleaning water.
- Chlorine-dioxide Tablets- Purification Tablets that kill pathogens by bleaching em' Less harmful than using bottled bleach and it's a controlled amount better suited for emergency situations rather than a normal method
- Ultraviolet light- These things "Irradiate Water, Neutralizing all pathogens, even viruses. It's not a filter so for nasty water you have to strain it.
Footwear & Accessories
The First two main important factors are that the Footwear Fits & it's Comfortable! I personally look for boots which come up past the ankle & are water-proof or Gore Tex . I want to protect myself from a Twisted Ankle or from rocks and other debris while keeping my feet dry. Changing seasons, climate, & terrain we might be looking for alternatives to our boots. Running Shoes, The Toe shoes, Water shoes, Climbing shoes, hiking boots, to Mountaineering boots. A good bottom or soul, not so thin that stepping on a rock might bruise your foot that has an aggressive tread on it. The soft rubber sticks to the rock but we replace the shoe more often. Each style has its Pro's and Con's just make sure your it'll cover all bases of your needs.
The First two main important factors are that the Footwear Fits & it's Comfortable! I personally look for boots which come up past the ankle & are water-proof or Gore Tex . I want to protect myself from a Twisted Ankle or from rocks and other debris while keeping my feet dry. Changing seasons, climate, & terrain we might be looking for alternatives to our boots. Running Shoes, The Toe shoes, Water shoes, Climbing shoes, hiking boots, to Mountaineering boots. A good bottom or soul, not so thin that stepping on a rock might bruise your foot that has an aggressive tread on it. The soft rubber sticks to the rock but we replace the shoe more often. Each style has its Pro's and Con's just make sure your it'll cover all bases of your needs.
Medical Kit
I put together my own Medical Kit as most of what I find on the shelf to be a bit basic for my idea of a proper kit. It's a good idea to check items for restocking or expiration dates as I need to replace some of the pills in my kit. Make sure the liquid containers haven't spilled or dried up over time. Making a personalized kit we have a better understanding of what we're carrying as well as our capabilities with these item's :
I put together my own Medical Kit as most of what I find on the shelf to be a bit basic for my idea of a proper kit. It's a good idea to check items for restocking or expiration dates as I need to replace some of the pills in my kit. Make sure the liquid containers haven't spilled or dried up over time. Making a personalized kit we have a better understanding of what we're carrying as well as our capabilities with these item's :
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Animal Deterrents
The first and best way to keep animals at bay or out of your camp sight is simply by keeping it clean. Cooking down wind and keeping scented items out of your tent (& car for that matter-in bear country) avoids us from having squirrel's and other critters chewing holes & destroying our gear. When we're on the move making noise helps us from spooking possible bears in the area. I personally use a Harmonica in thicker brushed area's that I could potentially come across a bear. It takes no effort and it gives me something to do around a camp fire at night as well. The Bell isn't my personal choice. Bear Spray is a very effective means of getting a problematic bear or any animal for that matter to stop in its tracks and high tale it the other way. Guns aren't as effective on stopping power, if you miss your mark, you might just piss it off and end up getting mauled. I treat all animals with respect and only take action (never yet) if its absolutely necessary. Storing scented products: food, deodorant, soap, toothpaste, etc. in a bear proof container will keep those items safe- but not smell proof! Depending where your posting up an electrical fence might be a solution to a good nights rest. There easy to set up, light in weight, and the batteries last for some time. I've used my-Yes- Flashlight on bear at night with the strobe light feature blinding it and chasing it away with a downed tree/ log. Otherwise when in doubt- Banging on Pots and pans, spark that emergency road flare, air horn, and rocks all work if it comes down to it.
The first and best way to keep animals at bay or out of your camp sight is simply by keeping it clean. Cooking down wind and keeping scented items out of your tent (& car for that matter-in bear country) avoids us from having squirrel's and other critters chewing holes & destroying our gear. When we're on the move making noise helps us from spooking possible bears in the area. I personally use a Harmonica in thicker brushed area's that I could potentially come across a bear. It takes no effort and it gives me something to do around a camp fire at night as well. The Bell isn't my personal choice. Bear Spray is a very effective means of getting a problematic bear or any animal for that matter to stop in its tracks and high tale it the other way. Guns aren't as effective on stopping power, if you miss your mark, you might just piss it off and end up getting mauled. I treat all animals with respect and only take action (never yet) if its absolutely necessary. Storing scented products: food, deodorant, soap, toothpaste, etc. in a bear proof container will keep those items safe- but not smell proof! Depending where your posting up an electrical fence might be a solution to a good nights rest. There easy to set up, light in weight, and the batteries last for some time. I've used my-Yes- Flashlight on bear at night with the strobe light feature blinding it and chasing it away with a downed tree/ log. Otherwise when in doubt- Banging on Pots and pans, spark that emergency road flare, air horn, and rocks all work if it comes down to it.
Rope
Climbing Rope is the type of rope I'd like to start talking about. If by request people have other question's maybe we'll go into Splicing , other types, making, or concepts of other uses. (Connect to the Rigging and Knots page when there up and running.)sorry for the page being under construction
Climbing rope is for Climbing We're not lifting my roofing tools onto a Shingled roof, or towing my new found friend on the side of the road. I'm keeping it clean and clear of dirt and chemicals, its not being left to cook in the sun- than jumping off a 1,430 ledge at Cascade Falls in Yosemite. No. Know when your ropes beat, or seen better days and retire it. If you see any damage on the outside sleeve, Glazed over from some epic repelling after how longs it been? retire it!
The info below was taken from R.E.I. Rope and Accessories product info:
Climbing Rope is the type of rope I'd like to start talking about. If by request people have other question's maybe we'll go into Splicing , other types, making, or concepts of other uses. (Connect to the Rigging and Knots page when there up and running.)sorry for the page being under construction
Climbing rope is for Climbing We're not lifting my roofing tools onto a Shingled roof, or towing my new found friend on the side of the road. I'm keeping it clean and clear of dirt and chemicals, its not being left to cook in the sun- than jumping off a 1,430 ledge at Cascade Falls in Yosemite. No. Know when your ropes beat, or seen better days and retire it. If you see any damage on the outside sleeve, Glazed over from some epic repelling after how longs it been? retire it!
The info below was taken from R.E.I. Rope and Accessories product info:
Dynamic Ropes-
A dynamic rope is the preferred choice for all climbing applications. They are the only ropes that meet the UIAA and CE standards for lead climbing ropes. Such ropes must be "Dynamic" enough to absorb the energy of a fall, yet strong enough to offer only a little stretch under a climbers weight.
Know your Dynamic Ropes-
Always check a ropes rating. Single ropes have a circled "1" on both ends, half ropes a circled "+." Twin ropes have a circled infinity symbol (+). Half and Twin ropes are designed and tested only for use as a matching pair. Don't mix sizes or brands- handling, strength, elongation, and other attributes are different.
Static/ Rescue Ropes-
Static ropes could be called "semi-static" because they offer a minimal level of stretch. They aren't made to absorb energy from a fall- instead, a climber's body would take most of the force. Thus static ropes are not safe for lead climbing. They are used for caving, hauling, rappelling and rescue work.
Dry /Non-Dry Ropes-
If a rope absorbs water it gets heavier and is less able to withstand forces generated in a fall. When it's cold enough absorbed water to freeze, a rope gets stiff and unmanageable. Ice crystals can also weaken a rope. Dry treatment reduces absorption and extends a ropes longevity. Use non-dry ropes only on fair -weather climbs and snow free routes.
Dry-ropes can have a dry core, a dry sheath or both. Ropes with both offer the greatest moisture protection.
Single-
8.9mm - 11mm diameter rope a larger diameter rope typically has a higher abrasion resistance.
it's Lighter than 2 half ropes together
Half (double) Dynamic Ropes-
typically 8mm-9mm diameter.
Used in pairs clipped in alternately to avoid rope drag on routes with complicated lines.
Longer rappels are possible.
Dry-treated half ropes are good for glacier travel falls on snow or into an open crevasse exert less impact force than falls during vertical rock climbing.
Two ropes mean a smaller chance of both ropes being severed by rockfall or edges
Twin Dynamic Ropes-
Typically about 8 mm diameter.
Absorb more energy & can withstand falls better than a single rope.
Longer rappels are possible, but it's recommended that when used as a pair they are of the same brand to match stretch.
Both ropes must clip into all protection -belay and rappel devices and other tools must be sized to work with skinnier ropes.
Testing-
Dynamic ropes standards are specific by the UIAA, the international Mountaineering and Climbing association. Impact force is tested by placing an 176lb (80kg) weight on a 2.8 section of rope, then dropping it 4.8 meters.
Single ropes must hold 5 falls, impact force on the first fall can't exceed 12kN(2,698lbs). Half ropes are tested with122lbs (55kg) weight and a maximum impact force of 84kN (1,798lbs.). Maximum dynamic elongation on the first fall can not exceed 40%. Maximum static elongation with a suspended 80kg( 176lbs) load is 10% for single, 12% for half ropes. Other UIAA tests also measure sheath slippage, rope weight and rope diameter.
Length
Diameter
impact force
A dynamic rope is the preferred choice for all climbing applications. They are the only ropes that meet the UIAA and CE standards for lead climbing ropes. Such ropes must be "Dynamic" enough to absorb the energy of a fall, yet strong enough to offer only a little stretch under a climbers weight.
Know your Dynamic Ropes-
Always check a ropes rating. Single ropes have a circled "1" on both ends, half ropes a circled "+." Twin ropes have a circled infinity symbol (+). Half and Twin ropes are designed and tested only for use as a matching pair. Don't mix sizes or brands- handling, strength, elongation, and other attributes are different.
Static/ Rescue Ropes-
Static ropes could be called "semi-static" because they offer a minimal level of stretch. They aren't made to absorb energy from a fall- instead, a climber's body would take most of the force. Thus static ropes are not safe for lead climbing. They are used for caving, hauling, rappelling and rescue work.
Dry /Non-Dry Ropes-
If a rope absorbs water it gets heavier and is less able to withstand forces generated in a fall. When it's cold enough absorbed water to freeze, a rope gets stiff and unmanageable. Ice crystals can also weaken a rope. Dry treatment reduces absorption and extends a ropes longevity. Use non-dry ropes only on fair -weather climbs and snow free routes.
Dry-ropes can have a dry core, a dry sheath or both. Ropes with both offer the greatest moisture protection.
Single-
8.9mm - 11mm diameter rope a larger diameter rope typically has a higher abrasion resistance.
it's Lighter than 2 half ropes together
Half (double) Dynamic Ropes-
typically 8mm-9mm diameter.
Used in pairs clipped in alternately to avoid rope drag on routes with complicated lines.
Longer rappels are possible.
Dry-treated half ropes are good for glacier travel falls on snow or into an open crevasse exert less impact force than falls during vertical rock climbing.
Two ropes mean a smaller chance of both ropes being severed by rockfall or edges
Twin Dynamic Ropes-
Typically about 8 mm diameter.
Absorb more energy & can withstand falls better than a single rope.
Longer rappels are possible, but it's recommended that when used as a pair they are of the same brand to match stretch.
Both ropes must clip into all protection -belay and rappel devices and other tools must be sized to work with skinnier ropes.
Testing-
Dynamic ropes standards are specific by the UIAA, the international Mountaineering and Climbing association. Impact force is tested by placing an 176lb (80kg) weight on a 2.8 section of rope, then dropping it 4.8 meters.
Single ropes must hold 5 falls, impact force on the first fall can't exceed 12kN(2,698lbs). Half ropes are tested with122lbs (55kg) weight and a maximum impact force of 84kN (1,798lbs.). Maximum dynamic elongation on the first fall can not exceed 40%. Maximum static elongation with a suspended 80kg( 176lbs) load is 10% for single, 12% for half ropes. Other UIAA tests also measure sheath slippage, rope weight and rope diameter.
Length
Diameter
impact force
Safety Gear
PLB
Transceiver
avi-lung or spare air
Shovel
Probe
Floatation device (water/snow)
whistle
mirror
flare
Harness miss gear
emergency blanket
PLB
Transceiver
avi-lung or spare air
Shovel
Probe
Floatation device (water/snow)
whistle
mirror
flare
Harness miss gear
emergency blanket
Navigation
Map & compass
G.p.s.
Sun / Stars
Natural features/ landmarks
Time to Distance
Map & compass
G.p.s.
Sun / Stars
Natural features/ landmarks
Time to Distance