Comments on: The 10 Essentials for Outdoor Adventures

By: Jaymz

Jaymz — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 22:19:36 +0000

Never, and I repeat, (I) never go out into the wilderness without a trusty sidearm that is high enough in caliber to kill anything that may try to kill you. Learn how to use it and hit what you aim at. A few well placed shots and you are eating pure protein.

By: Carter

Carter — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:04:06 +0000

haha yes, toilet paper is pretty important! I love those classic camping and survival books and your “9 ways to start a fire without matches is a great reference.
http://memphistravler.blogspot.com/

By: Grits

Grits — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 04:07:31 +0000

Know how to use your knife so you don’t create a bloody emergency. I recommend a simple Swiss Army knife rather than anything Rambo-esque … at least until you have significant skills in backcountry travel.

And I agree that knowledge/skills is of prime importance.

By: Ned

Ned — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:08:07 +0000

Item #1 is always Toilet Paper! Other than, this is a great, comprehensive list.

By: Shadowe

Shadowe — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 23:17:42 +0000

Other important information is missing as well: Ever hear the phrase “Cotton Kills”? I’ve told people to wear layers before… and they end up wearing several T-shirts that will quickly turn useless, heavy, soggy, and clingy the moment they start sweating or get wet.

That’s a lot more common than someone being somehow able to read google maps or their GPS just fine but magically losing the ability to tell what they’re looking at the moment it’s on paper instead of an LCD.

By: Minimalist

Minimalist — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 17:14:37 +0000

If someone were to lug all that equipment around it would be a tremendous strain on your body. If getting outdoors is made unnecessarily uncomfortable it will not be enjoyable: you will not go out as a result. To repeat what some others have said earlier if you don’t know how to use the equipment you bring it does you no good. Rethink what you actually need. Take time to educate yourself, you will find that you can safely get by with a lot less. A good start would be to read “Lighten up!” by Don Ladigin it’s a short book packed with great information. Some of the suggestions maybe a little extreme even for me like cutting the handle off your toothbrush; however, it will give you a lot of ideas how to simplify your kit. The base weight (without food and water) of my pack is under 10 lbs. and contains everything I need to be safe and enjoy being outside. And, a pack this light can be achieved without a lot of money invested.

By: Steve

Steve — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 16:27:12 +0000

Here’s a simpler method for using an analog wristwatch as a compass (when you can locate the sun):
-round the 24-hour time to the nearest hour (adjust for standard time);
-divide that number by two;
-situate your watch so that number (time/2–you may need to remove your watch) is pointed toward the sun;
-the North/South line runs through 12 and 6 (in the Northern Hemisphere).
For example let’s say it’s 1800 hrs (6 pm) EDT. I’ll adjust for standard time (1700 hrs), chop 17 in half (8 1/2), take my watch off and–keeping the face facing upward–point the part of the dial between 8 and 9 at the sun. Then, 12 on the dial will face North, and 6 will face South.

By: Big Fully

Big Fully — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 18:27:50 +0000

Anyone a Mantracker fan? You wouldn’t believe how many people on there cannot read a map and compass.

By: Native Son

Native Son — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 23:14:25 +0000

REI has the full list with recommendations on their web site.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:53:53 +0000

The Backpacker’s Field Manual is a must have for campers, backpackers or any outdoorsman. A guide with all the basic survival tips, techniques and more. We take one with us on all our backpacking trips. Even if we don’t use it, it’s worth having.