What to take along - Personal kits
At last week's AC meeting, the group members each displayed the contents of their personal daypacks, and shared ideas.
Here is their list, and it's a good one!
Type of pack
Comfortable rucksack with several pockets are practical, can require some rummaging to get at items. Having items assembled in small kits makes it easier to stay organized
Multi-pocket vests make it easy to organize & access items; beware of things falling out.
Dry bags are waterproof and versatile but do add weight
Clothing
- Gloves
- Socks (wool, especially Merino wool)
- Rain gear
- Extra layers
- Sunglasses (UV & Polarized is best)
Water
- 1 litre bottle or soft flask
- Electrolyte powder
- Water purifier (life straw, Katadyne, etc)
Food
- High-energy bars
- Nuts, g.o.r.p.
- Smarties and other tasty stuff
- Lightweight stove & fuel & pot
- One-dish meal kits (dehydrated)
- Gum & other personal preferences
- Utensils (compact)
Tools
- Knife
- Knife sharpener
- Hatchet
- Tape (hockey, electrical, duct, medical...)
- Fishing hooks, line, sinkers
- Cordage (paracord is excellent)
- Leatherman-type tool
- Sewing kit
- Hand saw
- Digging tool
Fire starting
- Ignition (matches, flint & steel, matches, etc - have several options)
- Tinder (lint, cotton balls, shaved birchbark, etc)
- Prepared firestarters
- Candles
First Aid
Shelter
- Reflective space blanket
- Tent fly
- Orange garbage bags
Hygiene
- Toilet paper
- Soap (various kinds available: biodegradable, waterless, etc)
Navigation
- Map
- Compass (also has a mirror)
- GPS option
- Flashlight/headlamp
Signalling
- Mirror (also good for first aid)
- Flares (same launcher also works with bear bangers)
- Gun (only if permitted and competent) (Also handy in case of bear, cougar or moose attack)
- Cellphone
- Pencil & paper
Other
- Hand warmers
- Reference books
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We also discussed varying the contents of one's pack according to:
- Season - Availability of water, caloric needs, extra clothing, shelter
- Group size - can minimize some supplies (e.g. one or two cold packs may be sufficient for first aid for the entire group)
- Expected timeframe - take what's needed, plus enough for an unexpected extra day
- Purpose of outing
As a general principle, every ounce counts, and every item should have more than one use if at all possible.
Here's the brainstorm board
