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What's in your pack that's not typical?
Quote from flipflop on September 18, 2022, 11:32 pmI have been watching backpacking videos on YouTube and have seen a lot of things that I wouldn't expect. Everything from filed down toothbrushes to backwood bidet to ultralight folding chairs. What you all pack that is not typical?
I have been watching backpacking videos on YouTube and have seen a lot of things that I wouldn't expect. Everything from filed down toothbrushes to backwood bidet to ultralight folding chairs. What you all pack that is not typical?
Quote from Hikes in Rain on September 19, 2022, 12:55 amUsed to be a book, but now it's more like my Kindle. I read, all the time. I'd read the back of a toothpaste tube if nothing else was available. Can't get to sleep unless I do. I like the Kindle because it's about the size and weight of a book, and I can carry hundreds of books with me. (As of this writing, I have 3051 Kindle books, way to much to fit on my limited storage. But it does hold way more than I could read on any trip.) Used to be able to download more via a 3G cell connection, but recently the 3G lines were all shut down, which is playing havoc with remote monitoring equipment.
Not all that atypical, but I do carry my contacts, some saline and my glasses. I have to wear one-time-only contacts, so a need a pair a day, plus a few more just in case. Also need to make sure I wash my hands very well before messing with them, so I have a home made sink made out of the bottom of a gallon milk jug. By happenstance, my cooking kit fits right into it, so it doesn't take up any space, and is almost weightless. And I can brag about taking along the kitchen sink! 🙂
Used to be a book, but now it's more like my Kindle. I read, all the time. I'd read the back of a toothpaste tube if nothing else was available. Can't get to sleep unless I do. I like the Kindle because it's about the size and weight of a book, and I can carry hundreds of books with me. (As of this writing, I have 3051 Kindle books, way to much to fit on my limited storage. But it does hold way more than I could read on any trip.) Used to be able to download more via a 3G cell connection, but recently the 3G lines were all shut down, which is playing havoc with remote monitoring equipment.
Not all that atypical, but I do carry my contacts, some saline and my glasses. I have to wear one-time-only contacts, so a need a pair a day, plus a few more just in case. Also need to make sure I wash my hands very well before messing with them, so I have a home made sink made out of the bottom of a gallon milk jug. By happenstance, my cooking kit fits right into it, so it doesn't take up any space, and is almost weightless. And I can brag about taking along the kitchen sink! 🙂
Quote from nathanu on September 19, 2022, 10:32 pmWhat a cool question @flipflop@flipflop! Not sure mines as cool as the kitchen sink but I'll give it a shot.
- Dryer lint and flint and steel. I really like having a fire and I kindof stink at making one without cheating. So, the dryer lint is my starter and flint and steel works even wet.
- Temp sensor. I have a Govee temp and humidity sensor on my pack so, if I forget and leave my filter out, I can see if it could have frozen.
- Ham Radio. This gives me something to play with on breaks and an additional line of communications if my phone and Garmin die. It can also be a cool conversation starter.
What a cool question @flipflop@flipflop! Not sure mines as cool as the kitchen sink but I'll give it a shot.
- Dryer lint and flint and steel. I really like having a fire and I kindof stink at making one without cheating. So, the dryer lint is my starter and flint and steel works even wet.
- Temp sensor. I have a Govee temp and humidity sensor on my pack so, if I forget and leave my filter out, I can see if it could have frozen.
- Ham Radio. This gives me something to play with on breaks and an additional line of communications if my phone and Garmin die. It can also be a cool conversation starter.
Quote from Rob6 on September 19, 2022, 10:52 pmHey @nathanu! I also carry an inexpensive digital thermometer clipped to the outside of my pack. I actually got that idea from you! I have found though that it does pick up some of my residual heat. It always registers colder temps when I doff my pack.
Not sure that anything else I carry is really unusual or atypical. I mostly do day hikes and often have less experienced or less able folks join in. I have kinda been designated the "outfitter" of our core group, so I always carry extras for those who may need some help: Group size first aid kit including an emergency blanket; length of climbing rope; climbing carabiners; BeFree water filter (even on short day hikes); compact folding saw for any needed trail maintenance I find; Compact binoculars; the 10 essentials. And similarly to @nathanu, I also carry a ferro rod.
Hey @nathanu! I also carry an inexpensive digital thermometer clipped to the outside of my pack. I actually got that idea from you! I have found though that it does pick up some of my residual heat. It always registers colder temps when I doff my pack.
Not sure that anything else I carry is really unusual or atypical. I mostly do day hikes and often have less experienced or less able folks join in. I have kinda been designated the "outfitter" of our core group, so I always carry extras for those who may need some help: Group size first aid kit including an emergency blanket; length of climbing rope; climbing carabiners; BeFree water filter (even on short day hikes); compact folding saw for any needed trail maintenance I find; Compact binoculars; the 10 essentials. And similarly to @nathanu, I also carry a ferro rod.
by nathanu