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Post by Paws on Aug 18, 2004 11:24:48 GMT 12.75
This is a checklist of individual equipment for backpacking winter wilderness we worked up last year. There are also some good tipstowardthe endon general survivalatitude.
This is an equipment list we recommended for each individual. Some items are duplicated when there are additional team members and may be eliminated using common sense.
* Backpack and gear bag(s) to contain all items. * 3 Day's Rations (Dehydrated, high energy, lightweight soups, rice, canned meats, Ramen Noodles etc recommended (9,000 calorie minimum) * Two Bic disposable lighters * **4 x 8 foot tarp * **folding or pack shovel (Not Coleman) * **Individual First Aid Kit * **Pack Saw(s) with blades for wood and bone, a hacksaw works well for bone and a small bow saw is great for cutting wood. Hatchet(s) for wood cutting and butchering * **Small cook pot w/lid or Sierra Cup *Trail/Backpack Stove (wood burning preferred), Sterno Stove with fuel, Alcohol stove w/fuel, etc. *Rain Poncho (Disposable OK) *Sleeping Bag or Wool blanket bedroll *Multi tool (Leatherman, Swiss Army, etc) *Hunting Knives (Multi purpose field, Skinning bring 3) *Rope or Heavy Twine (50 foot minimum) *Personal Weapon and Ammunition **Dry Clothes (Spare shirt, trousers, and socks plus an extra sweater and windbreaker or jacket) *A 9 volt battery and very fine (0000) steel wool (for stating fires) * **Dry Waterproof Strike Anywhere Matches in a Waterproof Container *Flashlight/Lantern *Multi frequency Radio (two way) *Compass (GPS Is nice addition but the compass is a must have) *Area Map Field Glasses *Pencil and Notebook *Freeze proof Canteen or thermos (minimum 1 quart capacity) *Duct Tape * **Fishing net(emergency use only for catching small game/fish) *Small bottle of 97% Rubbing Alcohol Snow Shoes Camera and Film or Disks and batteries Paperback book *Toilet Paper Zip Lock Bags *Plastic Garbage Bags (at least 2 black) *Personal Medications *Hunting license and tag Foam or air mattress ground pad (for under sleeping bag or cot use) Camp Shelter (Tent with an under tent ground cloth and rain fly) **AM/FM radio/CD Player(w/earphone if to be taken on hunt) *Whistle *Signal Mirror *3 Emergency 6 hour Candles Skis Sharpening stone and steel Gun cleaning kit and oil Fishing pole, reel, tackle, and bait Personal folding chair Sleeping cot Personal Dining service and utensils Personal Toiletries/Grooming equipment Camp Table(s) Propane/Butane cooking/heating stoves and fuel Cooking Gear (Pots Pans Utensils) **Chow (for camp contributions and recipes) Sewing kit *Eyeglass repair kit *Denture repair kit **Predator resistant containers **Shovel, Axe, Chain Saw w/fuel/oil *10% minimum Capison Pepper Spray for protection from bear * Glucerna bars for diabetics * Extra pairs of contact lenses * Sun or Snow glasses * Chemical activated hand warmers **Space heaters for in tent use * Emergency or space blankets * Bore Snake * Zip Ties * Chemical light sticks Pack Frame For packing out kill * Spare batteries for lights, GPS, cameras, and radios Notes:
* Item is highly recommended to be taken on day hikes/hunt to serve as survival gear during an emergency situation. ** Purpose or use is expanded
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Post by Paws on Aug 18, 2004 11:26:06 GMT 12.75
part 2-
Survival Elements: Water (W) Shelter (S) Heat (H) Food (F) Medical (M) Remain for Rescue (R) Comfort (C)
Remember: W-S-H-F-M-R-C or (W)hen (S)tuff (H)appens (F)ind (M)y (R)anger (C)amp Probably the most difficult part of the adventure is taking along the things that you will "REALLY" need. I envy the man who ventures forth with a tin cup and a pen knife to conquer the wild. ("NOT!!") My hunting friends often tease me over the enormous size of my packs and variety of gear. My philosophy is this: I'm carrying it so shut up! I have high blood pressure so if I find there is something that I need and it isn't there I get angry and "pop!" So shut up! If you ridicule me then discover that you left something behind; "You are never going to hear the end of it!" Besides, I like to make sure that I have enough for everyone and that often includes mess kits, my camp mates aren't packing.. With some practice and note taking you will soon figure out what is required. These are the basic guidelines to help you choose the right gear for your particular needs. These, with a little common sense, will soon make you an expert. When venturing into the great out doors there are certain essentials that you must provide. These are Water, Shelter, Heat, Food, Medical, Rescue, and Comfort items. Remember this list by this phrase: "When Stuff Happens Find My Ranger Camp" or (WSHFMRC) which are the first letters of each word. That does not mean that you must carry everything with you. If provisions are available along the way be sure to take advantage of them. Consider the climate you are entering. You probably will not need a fleece-lined parka in Georgia in the middle of July! (Although if you check "my" pack you will probably find one!) Likewise, Bermuda shorts are not helpful in a Wyoming winter deer hunt. Here are some suggestions for each category:
Water - (The most important item!!) If plenty of fresh water is available on your planned route all you will need are collection, filtration, and purification methods. There is no need to carry heavy water with you. A water bottle or canteen, a filtration system, and a purification method is all that is needed. All water should be either boiled, or treated chemically, before use. Collect water with a small plastic pail or the backpack cooking pot. If water is not available, pack and carry all that you intend to use for cooking, drinking, and sanitation. Plan carefully and add an extra day's supply to be safe. Don't forget about snow and ice. If camping in the winter melt and purify these using fuel sources found in camp. Remember that you will need to consume about 64 ounces, two quarts, of water per person per day. Use a little common sense and adjust this figure for climate and weather. Don't forget to consider the water used in food preparation and if you plan to bathe, shave, wash dishes, or do laundry, you will need to plan for more.
Shelter - A complete shelter should include a lightweight tent, rain fly, ground cloth or tarp, a ground pad, and sleeping bag appropriate for the climate and terrain. Shelter may be as elaborate or as simple as you wish. Consider the climate, weather, potential weather, weight, and the basic intent of a shelter; (ergo, to keep you warm, dry, and out of harm's way.)
Heat - You will need a means of boiling water, cooking food, and providing warmth for your shelter and camp site. A lightweight stove, which burns wood, sterno, alcohol, fuel sticks, etc is an absolute must. A wood burner is preferred. Several long burning candles should be included. Bring the appropriate fuel for your stove in sufficient quantity for the venture plus an extra day.(That's why I prefer a wood burner, the fuel can usually be found on the ground!) If all the wood on the ground is too wetto burn; look up above your head where you may find dry, dead branches to use. Make sure that your cooking gear is compatible with your cook stove before venturing out. Pack 3 disposable lighters, a box of strike anywhere matches in a waterproof container, a magnesium bar, flint and steel, and a 9 volt battery along with 0000 (very fine) steel wool. All of these items are used to ignite fires. This combination of materials will allow you to start a fire in the worst conditions.
Food - You will need between 1,500 and 4,000 calories per day per person. Plan your menus to accommodate this requirement, personal tastes, length of the trip, etc. Here again plan enough for the trip plus a day or two extra.
Carry a fishing seine for strictly emergency use only. Use it to catch fish and snare small animals (under emergency conditions). It is an excellent hammock and camo cover. It is an elevated suspension system. Varieties are available that will support up to 500 pounds..
Medical - Don't forget your prescription drugs added to a good basic first aid kit. Be prepared for minor cuts, burns, insect bites, stings, etc. Insect repellants, sun block, and a jar of Vaseline should be included. Those who wear glasses, dentures, hearing aides, or contact lenses should include repair kits or spares. Training and preparation to properly apply first aid techniques is a must whether for yourself or another in your party. Get trained as soon as possible. It may save your life and possibly mine too.
Rescue - A multi channel walk around two way radio is necessary with extra batteries. A global positioning system (GPS) is a good idea. A compass and area map is essential. A sharp, loud whistle, a metal mirror, several chemical light sticks of different colors, and a small flare gun with flares are great to have on hand. Essentially anything that will allow you to tell someone that you need help should be included here. The most important thing is your "Itinerary". Leave a copy with a trusted friend or family member so that if you should not check in or arrive on time an alert is activated.
Comfort - Comfort items are of two varieties: (1) Essential and (2) Nice to have. The essential list is fairly standard and includes: A multi tool such as a Leatherman or Swiss Army knife, a personal canteen, a mess and eating utensil kit, a cooking kit, a toilet kit with soap, wipes, toilet paper, tooth brush and paste, a change of clothes and shoes, rain gear or a water proof poncho, a towel, a folding shovel, a folding saw, 50 feet of heavy twine or rope, a flash light or lantern, a kitchen sanitation kit, a small sponge, water purification tablets, extra cash for emergencies, a sharp multi-purpose lock back knife, a couple large plastic trash bags, and of course the back pack, ruck sack, stuff sack, or whatever it is you plan to carry all of your provisions in. As a rule of thumb a pack for a one day outing "day pack" should provide a minimum of 500 cubic inches, two days 750 to 1000 cubic inches, three days 1500 to 2500 cubic inches. Comfortable lightweight packs, which provide more than 5,000 cubic inch storage plus exterior additions, are available. I keep a daypack, three-day pack, and an additional fanny pack provisioned and ready to "bug out"! A small roll of duct tape, and several zip ties are often handy. A walking stick about 6 foot long by about one and a half inches thick is a good idea when climbing or descending slopes. Pick one up along the way. Those are the essential items and each and every one is "Highly recommended" as they are capable of helping you survive some very difficult situations with a little planning and ingenuity. The Nice to have things might include: a favorite pillow, personal CD player with CDs, sporting gear for fishing or hunting, a solar shower kit, insect or leaf collecting kits, a camera, notebook and pencil a personal recording device, hiking, camping, plant and animal identification, first aid, or survival cards, pamphlets, or guides. The Boy Scout Hand Book is nice to have!
With these considerations, make yourself up a checklist and write down everything that you want to take on your outing. Fill this checklist and practice packing your backpack, fanny pack, rucksack, etc. Experiment and practice until you are comfortable with quickly packing and unpacking your gear. Do a practice camp out in the back yard limiting yourself to using "only" those items on your checklist then revise your checklist! This will let you determine whether your backpack etc is going to be the right size for you. Too big is extra weight; but, allows for expansion. To add storage space, try adding a fanny pack rather than buying a larger backpack.
and remember.... When Stuff Happens Find My Ranger Camp (Water, Shelter, Heat, Food, Medical, Rescue, and Comfort)
One final word; the lightest and most important item you will take with you is your knowledge and experience! They are absolutely indespensible; but, to be fully used you must give yourself every possible opportunity to remain calm and confident during crisis situations and to think through all of your alternatives and opportunities. Bring them both back safely with you and improved upon!!
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Post by Paws on Aug 18, 2004 21:50:04 GMT 12.75
Russ, now that they have seen my approach, want to tell them what you usually carry along?
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Post by CountryGal on Aug 19, 2004 4:51:24 GMT 12.75
Paws that was wonderfull and now I am ready to go camping. I do have a question. You had in the list a paper back book. Why? I mean if you need paper to start a fire or something like that tollet paper will work or take some cotton balls with a little alcohol on them.
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Post by DaGriz on Aug 19, 2004 6:33:14 GMT 12.75
here's my essential; list:
Knife twine,string or rope strike any where matches or flint & steel 1 gallon zip lock bag
extra's woould be fishing line and a couple of hooks
If being extravagent, rifle and handfull of cartridges
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Post by Paws on Aug 19, 2004 11:50:45 GMT 12.75
That's about doable there Griz! CG, the book is to help prevent boredom in the event you are camp bound for whatever reason. Most who don't make it lose confidence in their ability shortly after they lose their cool and start to panic. The book helps to prevent this. Afgter you are dry, warm, have water and maybe a little something to eat, a cozy fire with welcome light a book can just put the cap on it and make you feel right at home. What else do you think you might be able to use a book for?
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Post by CountryGal on Aug 20, 2004 6:31:33 GMT 12.75
Well I see by your list that you had toilet paper and plenty of fire making stuff (matches, bic lighters, etc.) so the only thing left was maybe origami?
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Post by elkchsr on Aug 20, 2004 7:36:52 GMT 12.75
I like to take off for five plus day's at a time in the Rocky Mountains with only a day bag, and I am getting a lot of that stuff left at home as time goes by... I will carry a role of TP, it just makes me feel fresh and pretty compared to using sticks and cones. A lighter, but I am working on figuring out a bow drill, my hunting knife, but I am also getting to where I don't need no stinking knife... A bar of stink rid soap, tooth brush, tooth paste. GPS/Compass... (You have to be able to find those all important wallows again, or your camp in the dark.) A stainless steel cup as my cook ware and a water bladder so that I can walk farther into areas there aint no water. String. That's about it. Oh, I will take some plastic baggies so that I can collect food stuffs as I walk... Enough Pemmican to last two to three day's I think I am getting to much stuff on my list, or just a lot of words that amount to not much stuff...
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Post by Paws on Jan 6, 2005 4:17:33 GMT 12.75
That looks pretty reasonable. Remember what "Ice Man" had on him?
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Post by elkchsr on Jan 14, 2005 4:13:42 GMT 12.75
I am acually down to about 20 pounds for my extended trips, most of it hunting tools that I like to carry for ease and comfort.
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Post by Paws on May 1, 2008 1:31:17 GMT 12.75
With the current economy, diverse disasters, threat of terrorism, etc I thought it might be time to revive this thread and ask what measures everyone is taking to help assure their survival. Personally I'm ading security, a new water source, animal husbandry, and putting in a decent garden for storage needs. I'm adding rice, beans, peas, and a bunch of canned meat and dried foods to the pantry. I'm renewing the pantry and expanding it to a full year's supply. Packing away firearms in strategic locations and plan to add a new 9mm SA pistol to the inventory so that I may carry it and my carbine with one ammunition. Should strategic or tactical outings become necessary. I'll be adding a CCW to the wallet here in the near future as well. I need to reinventory my gear and make sure everything is serviceable. By the way Lehman's has kerosene, alcohol, and carbide lamps along with supplies of fuel. So what are you guys doing? Any good ideas?
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Post by OLKoot on May 1, 2008 5:32:00 GMT 12.75
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Post by Paws on May 1, 2008 7:55:41 GMT 12.75
I'll predict that before this year is done you will see hotel rates averaging near two hundred bucks a night. When gas goes up, travel drops of and rooms are empty causing the prices to go up to compensate for the shortage of guests. For me I'm checking out my bug out bags though. I got a closet set aside for panic gear and survival items that stays in the house. I got a somewhat smaller sedt up in each automobile and a five day set up ready to grab and toss in the car or strap on my back.
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Post by OLKoot on May 2, 2008 3:49:29 GMT 12.75
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Post by Paws on May 2, 2008 3:54:43 GMT 12.75
No actually it is time to stop being the damned gluttons that we "Good Americans" are! Time to quit wasting oil and taking full advantage of coal and nuclear for electrical, geothermal and solar for industrial heating and implementing centralized high temperature hot water home heating distribution plants for citiesf and suburbs. One thing we Amercians know how to do is to piss away assets like there is no tomorrow and if we keep it up; there won't be.
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Post by Toby Benoit on May 2, 2008 7:04:03 GMT 12.75
I, my Dad, and each of my brothers have large day pack filled with enough gear, minus food stuffs, to see us through a four or five day stint out of doors. Mine has: Pocket knife pack of waterproof matches two film canisters of cotton balls dipped in vaseline compass thirty feet of parachute chord small knife sharpener coaches whistle half-roll of toilette paper small first aid kit two small ponchos (TP, MD kit, and ponchos together in a large ziplock bag) Benadryl stick for bug bites .5liter bottle of water Animal scents Bic lighter 3" X 2" mirror in a plastic sheath 1 roll of black electrical tape Also, I have several firearms with a good supply of ammo for them, but for feeding the family, you can't beat a good .22! I have a very old, but in mint condition .22 single shot bolt action rifle that's amazingly accurate and both Dad and I buy an extra 500 round brick of .22 ammo at Walmart fairly often. Nobody around here gotta worry about going hungry! We also laid in a sizeable garden again this year, lots of fruit trees, and I'm fixing to plant some more pecans in dad's back pasture along the fenceline. With as many bellies to fill as we have around here, laying up food stuffs and hunting, farming, and canning are all part of our regular routine anyway, but we're doubling the stocks of dry beans, rice, and canned goods anyway. Also have several hundred pounds of fresh pork on the hoof in a pen, a dozen goats (two of which are milking), ten head of cattle, a pen full of chickens laying a dozen eggs a day, and a donkey if we get really hungry! Ya know, the river's only a couple of miles away and the Gulf ain't but a half hour away too. As long as there's fish, there ain't no way to starve around here!
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Post by Mars on May 4, 2008 7:34:58 GMT 12.75
I keep it simple; 30+ firearms 5,000 rounds of ammo enough supplies to reload another 5,000 Anything else can be taken from those that stocked or grew them but forgot to get a firearm.
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Post by Paws on Aug 26, 2010 1:38:33 GMT 12.75
Let's wake this thread back up. Mars my firearm inventory is now at 17 weapons and a little over 6K rounds. Toby I have three 22cal rifles, including an AR-7, plus two 22 cal pistols, one wheel and a semi with 4 mags. All lof these weapons are great for back packs, tackle boxes or bug out bags. What other plans/provions have you guys considered in view of recent events?
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Post by Mars on Aug 26, 2010 12:54:32 GMT 12.75
I need to stock up on basic medical supplies. Seems if I buy the stuff then it gets used and I'm out in short order but if I don't have it we don't need it. I think my family is safer when they think a band-aid isn't available. I don't have handguns but have around 30 long guns plus archery equipment and assorted edged weapons. I let myself get low on ammo. I had way to much and alot of it was getting old so I shot alot of it at the range.
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Post by Paws on Aug 26, 2010 13:31:37 GMT 12.75
I need to have a mad minute for a couple of hours too!
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