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whats in your geocaching bag ?


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i was looking for a geocoin in our geo back pack and couldn't belive the mound of stuff that i pulled out !

 

sunblock, bug spray, bandaids, chapstick, an ace-wrap and kleenex

zip-ties, duct tape, and ziplock bags

4 space blankets, 4 hats, 4 pairs of gloves and 4 disposable rain poncho's

3 bottles of water and a box of chewy granola bars.

a camera, my gps, spare cell phone and a pack of 16 AA's

a big bag of trade items, a geocoin and a travel bug.

a tube of 15 glowsticks and $20 and a bunch of quarters (for emergencys)

5 pencils, pencil shapener, sharpie, and couple of pens

several pine cones, acorns and hickory nuts (i think the little bunnys were collecting)

 

seems like stuff keeps getting added but never taken out :)

 

whats in your backpack ?

 

edited to add : i just found 2 pairs of sunglasses in a side pocket too

Edited by rebel bunny's
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Bug spray, bite stick (for bugbites, not snakes)

Lg & sm ziplock bags, couple each

digi camera, sd disk, batteries, usb convertor for sd disk

swag (reduced amount down as I usually only do a couple caches a week)

since the bag is shared it has a couple Tbs & coins in it

teams sig wood nicks

4 or 5 pens & a nasa space pen, couple sharpies of different tip styles

spare notebooks & my letterboxing notebook

tissues & napkins

paper printouts in small binder

state map

 

now adding in old prism with cachemate for paperless but still keeping binder

usb cradle

usb disks for moving pq's from tower to laptop gsak

 

in a separate bag, least it gets to stay in the vehicle usually.. my laptop. I never travel without it, even to the store for groceries it goes along.. just in case. Yes, I am such a geek

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i was looking for a geocoin in our geo back pack and couldn't belive the mound of stuff that i pulled out !

 

sunblock, bug spray, bandaids, chapstick, an ace-wrap and kleenex

zip-ties, duct tape, and ziplock bags

4 space blankets, 4 hats, 4 pairs of gloves and 4 disposable rain poncho's

3 bottles of water and a box of chewy granola bars.

a camera, my gps, spare cell phone and a pack of 16 AA's

a big bag of trade items, a geocoin and a travel bug.

a tube of 15 glowsticks and $20 and a bunch of quarters (for emergencys)

5 pencils, pencil shapener, sharpie, and couple of pens

several pine cones, acorns and hickory nuts (i think the little bunnys were collecting)

 

seems like stuff keeps getting added but never taken out :laughing:

 

whats in your backpack ?

 

edited to add : i just found 2 pairs of sunglasses in a side pocket too

 

:ph34r: I had to laugh when I read your post. I know darn well that my pack is getting heavier so just out of morbid curiosity and your post...I decided to dump the thing out to take a look.

 

Let's see.....

 

[rummaging around main compartment]

 

ziplock bags-4 large and 4 small.

2 kitchen garbage bags

an extra log book for cache maintenence

an extra micro log sheet

a shirt

pair of socks

a fully stocked first aid kit. (I'm not known as being graceful on or off the trail)

my letterboxing journal

my signature rubber stamp for letterboxing

orange safety vest

where did this photo album come from??

5 toe warmers and 1 body warmer

4 mosquito badges (they don't work trust me)

2 rain ponchos

5 pages of old coordinates for caches that I've already done and two that I haven't..so the whole lot stays.

1 bag of stale combos ...the deer dont' eat them. They look at you like you're nuts.

2 bottles of very warm water. YUM!

1 unsharpened pencil

 

Top section

 

1 skateboard TB

1 whistle

3 geocaching patches

1 small bottle of hand sanitizer

1 cemetary ediquette card

3 mini markers

1 mini highlighter

1 "princess lisa" wooden nickle

1 Polynesian Franc?

How did those nail clippers get in there?

4 extra batteries

1 digital camera

1 GPS'r

(oh..that's where I left that receipt)

4 sticks of gum

and a partridge in a pear tree.

 

Map pocket holds no map...but I finally found my work gloves.

 

The very bottom compartment contains SWAG items.

Looks like I need to get to the clearance aisle...I'm down to...

 

3 pencils

2 mini sharpies

1 mini highlighter

1 mini pen

where did that cookie cutter come from?

and who put the fly strip in here?

the air freshener was supposed to go in my car...but I like the smell of old McDonalds burgers and spilled beer. :laughing:

 

:P:ph34r: I can't believe all the stuff that was in there. It's really not a lot but when you itemize it, it appears that I'm carrying 50 lbs. I guess I could finish eating the Combos and lose about 4 ounces. :P

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Great Topic! I loved reading what others have in their bags. My son and I were just talking about how heavy our pack was getting and what the heck are we accumulating! Anyway, here goes:

 

1 complete first aid kit

1 cold weather blanket for two

WWII Lensatic compass (yep, it still works great!)

2 buck knives

1 leatherman wave

2 bottles of water

2 Clif bars

1 can of coke (what the...!)

1 bag of ritz bitz minis

small journal and pencil

digital camera

gps carry case

4 spare batteries

1 lucky rabbit foot

1 orange bandana for Luckydog

An assortment of marbles and superballs

A handfull of pesos

2 pens

2 garbage bags

1 Roger Clyne beenie

1 pair of warm leather gloves( came in handy last weekend!)

1 TB

2 pages of various riddles and equations for those pesky, complicated caches

half dozen dog bisquits

binoculars that take digital pics

1 spare set of keys for my Bronco (those came in handy recently too!)

1 wind proof lighter

Plus, alot of unmentionable swag we got out of caches

I definitley need to get to the store to get some more worthwhile trade items!

 

That's it. MOstly stuff to get us by on those long hikes in the woods.

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Gee, you guys carry a lot! Besides my Meridian Gold GPS and cache listings, I only carry a flashlight, a pair of spare batteries and a pen in a case for my Meridian Gold. The belt loop has a small compass attached. Cache listings go in my pockets as do trading items.

 

I occasonally carry my Nikon D70 with a 19-35 Tamron lens or my 28-70 f2.8 Tokina. My eXplorist tends to sit at home, as I use it more as a loaner for friends. If I will be doing long distance caching, I will have my backpack with lunch, two granola bars and a first aid kit. The camera will always go along on these trips.

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Deet

StingEze

SPF 30 lip balm

2 packs of BUJI

 

misc pens pencil stub

packet of replacement "O" rings for matchsafes

packet of replacement "O" rings for bison tubes

assortment of small ziplocks

assortment of replacement micro logs

2 standard small notebooks (replacement logs for trading caches)

hank of black braided nylon coord

small folding scissors

one bison tube with log

 

AA batteries

camera

PDA

compass

swag - a bag o bags - small camo patterned nylon bags

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Wow!! And I thought I carried around a lot of crap! :laughing:

 

1 garbage bag

2 ziploc bags

2 small notebooks

swag (Big ziplock full of stuff)

2 folding knives

10 feet of nylon rope (why???)

work gloves

binoculars

digital camera

small first aid kit

20 oz bottle of water

pair of socks

small umbrella

rain poncho (to go with the umbrella)

compass

multi tool

bug spray

advil

more change than the cushions in the couch

2 energy bars (slightly squashed)

 

I think thats it! (for now) :laughing:

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I tend to cache alone, so I generally only need one of everything. Also, I don't use a backpack... I just use a day-pack type of thing slung over my shoulder (it's actually supposed to be a camera bag :laughing:). Contained in/on it:

 

GPS and Digital Camera are clipped to the outside sides of it (camera is inside a case)

About 5 or 6 spare ziplock bags for maintenance on caches I find.

Bag o' signature chainmail balls (regular and micro)

Generic swag/any TB I happen to have picked up

1 of those cheap $2/pair gloves, both to poke around spiderwebby areas, and to sponge up wet caches.

2 spare micro-pencils.

2 spare micro-logbooks

1 Spare regular-size logbook

1 Pencil sharpener

1 2xAA-battery Maglight

Chapstick

1 Mini gerber multitool (pliers/scissors/knife/etc)

1 Emergency silver blanket thing

1 Emergency medical kit (contains gauze, bandaids, needle, thread, the usual)

About 6 feet of duct tape (hey, it's come in handy before)

- note: Will likely change to 6 feet camo duct tape- can then be used for cache repairs better

Pressurized pen (one of the space-pen type things... holds up to extreme temperatures, writes while wet/upside-down/etc)

Pencil (hey, who knows if it runs out of ink)

Emergency whistle

Compass (in case GPS dies)

2 spare AA batteries (works in both GPS and digital camera :laughing:)

Palm Pilot (yay for paperless caching)

 

edit: Forgot several items

Edited by Kabuthunk
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For long hikes in the boonies my pack has the following:

 

GPSr

big Ziploc bag of swag

extra ziploc bags

extra log book

first aid kit

emergency blanket

snake bite kit

Advil

Benadryl

emergency whistle

Leatherman

folding knife

windproof lighter

wire saw

compass

mini mag light

head lamp

leather work gloves

PDA

pens

log book to make notes in

small bottle of hand sanitizer

travel pack of Wet ones

campers toilet tissue

insect repellent

Sting Eze

digital camera

extra AA and AAA batteries

rain poncho

bottled water

telescoping trekking pole

 

I keep meaning to pick up a telescoping mirror to add to the bag too but just haven't gotten around to it.

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Tiny Front Pocket:

Microfiber lens cleaning cloth for camera lens

tiny package of Kleenex.

 

Main Front Pocket:

 

(In Zipped net part)

SPARE CAR KEY incase I lock my keys in again

3” CERAMIC POCKET KNIFE in case I have to saw my hand or foot off

METAL LIFEGUARD WHISTLE so I don’t have to saw my hand or foot off with the 3” knife

COMPASS for the awful ones that require I use this dizzying device

CASH if I am low on trade items or am likely to be somewhere that offers tasty beverages for hot dirty hikers.

SHARPIE KEYCHAIN can be unclipped and taken without backpack for micros

 

(In small pocket)

3 SLIM JIMS enough to keep me and the dog alive for 3 weeks

Energy strips

Energy bar if I will be out all day.

 

(In large pocket)

8 or more fully charged AA’s in a special case so they don’t rub against each other and start a backpack fire.

 

Main Compartment:

(Behind the separator – my personal stuff)

2 SPACE BLANKETS – one to lay on and one to cover up with

PLASTIC PONCHO I will never use this. I just take a towel in the car to sit on afterwards.

FIRST AID KIT I will never use this either. The times I have been bloodied, I was too dirty to perform or accept first aid. The only first aid I need is a hot shower and you can’t get that in a bag.

CRANK FLASHLIGHT – good enough for looking in crannies and holes and little city park and grabs after dark.

COMPRESSED TOWELS – these are the best thing ever. Don’t forget to bring a towel.

CITO CONTAINER – If a nice area has been messed up by someone.

DOG’s LEASH

FOLDING DOG BOWL – stupid item. If dog is thirsty, it drinks water off the ground or eats snow. Dog has never drunk any water offered in this device. Save yourself the eight bucks it costs. Dogs like ice cubes from the cooler. Also the act of jamming their head into the cooler seems to make them happy.

 

(In front of the separator)

Plastic grocery bag of trades

Digital Camera

NEW! Dell AXIM Pocket PC I actually just discovered this otherwise fairly useless device in conjunction with the free GPXsonar software will display all the geocaching listings as they appear on the website! So I can access the hints and logs in the field. I have two of these stupid things and I really don’t care if I lose one or even both to the sport.

Whatever clothing likely or necessary that is not being worn at the exact moment may include, shoes, socks, (I take my socks and shoes off now if there is water.) headbands, scarves, mittens, gloves, hats, blaze things, dog’s coat, etc… I have a special large rip cord nylon pair of pants I will bring to an area if I have been unable to complete it wearing normal pants due to vicious thorns. (I have actually been to a few spots I had to retreat from and come back in head to toe rip cord.) The rip cord pants are hot and uncomfortable and make a loud switshy sound when you walk in them so I will carry them to the bad area and pull them on over my regular clothes. They are good in summer used this way over shorts but in an area that bad, my arms get all scratched up too. My hands are scratched up right now as a matter of fact. Is there anyway to avoid this? I must have 50 micro wounds on my hands.

 

The GPS I wear around my neck on a cloth lanyard and I also wear a SECOND car key around my neck on a metal ball chain.

 

In the car I have: hiking poles, cooler sometimes with beverages. In the winter, I will bury a beverage in the snow near the car and mark it before setting out! Leave purse in car. In bad condition will take dry, damp or both types of towels for me or for dog. Sometimes a large black garbage bag for the car mat if it’s very muddy out or spare shoes or slipper to wear on the way home and a bag for the dirty ones if it’s very wet or muddy.

 

Park and grab micros, I leave everything in the car just taking the GPS, and spare key around my neck and a sharpie. If it’s too hot for the backpack, I just take change and cash for trades and leave the bag entirely

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Ok, so now I'm not feeling so bad!

 

Main pouch:

  • Compact Letterbox Supply Carrier (this is a prototype)
    Prototype1.jpg
    • [-]4 journals
      [-]10 markers
      [-]3 stamp pads
      [-]paper for temp log books
      [-]pens/pencils
      [-]5 metallic sharpie
      [-]tape
      [-]scissors
      [-]foam sheets
      [-]small clipboard
      [-]family trail stamp
      [-]4 personal stamps

Baby wipe box of trade items

Binder with printed clues, sectioned for Geocache, Hybrid, Letterbox

2 large zip locks

5 medium zip locks

5 small ziplocks

2 bottles of water

2 pairs of gloves

No travel bugs - all were distributed today!

Middle Pocket

  • Snacks (trail mix)
    Capri Sun - 5 of 'em (sealed in another baggie)
    "Hanitizer"
    Trash bags

Front Pocket

  • Sunscreen
    Bug Repellent Wipes
    Hiker's First Aid Kit

Outside clips

  • Keys
    water bottle holder
    straps for hiking sticks

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This is whats in my bag (all compartments)

 

a couple of micro cache containers

my calling card

1 tissue(all thats left)

2 log books(note book size)

1 letherman

1 surefire torch

2 caribiener led lights(small flash light)

1 tire pressure gauge

1 cell phone charm

1 pen knife

1 hand made ground speak picture painted on a piece of cloth

sawag items

1 pair binoculars

asorted zip lock bags

1 hat

the pouch for my digital camera

deodarant

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Since I am new and just loaded up my pack this topic was fun to read, I decided to share what all I have in my pack brand new....mind you that kids go with us sometimes and this only one of two dispatchers packs. I know that in the other one there is a TB we plan on placing soon lol other than that I don't know what she has in hers.

 

Since it was sitting beside the computer I grabbed it to take inventory, wrapped around the handle is a pair of ear muffs and my camera in it's case(case has two extra batteries and card in it)...

 

in side pocket the GPS in a case (is actually a saftey glasses case but hey it works).

 

Inside the main pocket

 

1 larger (shows a 22 sheet count) of travel size bounty to go

1 smaller (18 sheet count) of bounty to go mini roll

1 travel pack of wet ones (antibacterial)

1 small first aid kit (87 cents at walmart)

2 small utility hand towels (purple in color)

2 hooded ponchos

1 headlamp flash light (was orginally bought for me for Ghosthunting)

1 small flash light with batteries in it

1 miner type green flashlight

1 travel pack of tissues

1 ring binder with our want to finds and founds in it (we don't have a PDA yet)

 

inside the smaller pocket

ziplock bag of swag items (we keep a tote n go in the truck that is full of swag items to replace what we pack to the cache site)

 

1 4 oz of hand sanitizer

1 felt tip ink pen

1 extra thing of chapstick

some gum

some packs of tea to go

small bottle of tylenol

 

In the outer most pocket is

1 pack of tissues

and extra batteries (didn't count them)

 

Since it is winter time here there are a few items th at will be added for summer later I know and a few other things I want to add such as...

sunblock (already have it just haven't put it in yet)

insect block (see above)

sharpies

 

I think that is it. :laughing:

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Old state park maps, rain poncho, swiss army knife, bladder (water container thingy), chapstick, bug repellent, xtra pencils, spare tube, patch kit, fishing line/weight/hook, band aids, chain tool, wrenches, screw drivers, nuts, bolts, washers, hex wrenches, tire tools, spoke wrench, zip-ties, velcro strap, batteries, power bar (kinda melty by now), matches.

 

Things I should have (but don't): signal mirror, flashlight, water purification tablets, first aid kit and more power bars (umm chewy).

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after bringing it in to look, mine contains the following (in the order that they came out):

 

1) A GREAT compass--used it for following and painting land lines with no complaints

2) Gah-oh-ah-lee at the trade trinkets

3) a "cheapie" multi-tool

4) Gah-oh-ah-lee at the Silica gel packs

5) a walmart $2 poncho

6) A AAA-powered LED flashlight that I bought 3 years ago and promptly forgot about. (It still works)

7) 2, count 'em 2 granola bars. (There used to be 3 but I forgot about how long they had been there--still okay)

8) A pair of mechanic's gloves

9) About 12 band-aids

10) A small bottle of hand sanitizer

11) A bottle of water, dated 2-2007

12) 3 packs of "Off" insect repellent towelettes

13) 2 AAA batteries

14) A small pair of needle nosed wire cutter (where did they come from?)

15) About 15 or so peppermint candies, 2 of which had been sampled by:

16) Some several mouse-leavings--didn't know they liked old cars, but.....

 

207.gif

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I just got home from a day ... few hours... of caching. I'm a noob so a little slow at it. Anyway, Since Geocaching is new to me and not something I planned on become involved in (It kinda just happened) I'm not equipped yet.

 

So, what I had with me today...

 

Cheap and nasty GPSr that I removed from my HAM radio set-up (Yellow eTrex)

Yeasu hand held radio (HAM). Never without it.

Pen, pencil, reading glasses in shirt pocket

Print out of cache details in same pocket

2 or 3 trade items in pants pocket

keys and wallet in other pants pocket.

 

That's it.

 

I plan on getting a pack of some kind and stock it with all kinds of "stuff"

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I have not been caching for a few weeks due to weather and family issues. I saw this post and thought I would look in my cachepack and see what all I had.

Batteries in a crush proof cig pack idea my dad told me about from in his cachepack

GPS

2 Water Bottles

2 Pens

2 Notebooks

A gallon freezer bag full of extra bags to repair caches with if they need it when I am out

A gallon freezer bag full of homemade sig items

2 gallon freezer bags full of swag items

3 TB's

First Aid kit

A gallon freezer bag full of stuff to make micro caches with

Flashlight

4 keychain clip things

2 extra CPR Masks on keychains not counting the one on my keys to leave in caches or just in case

A pair of gloves

3 packs of hand warmers

A hiking stick hanging on the side

4 packs of cheese crackers

My Palm Vx for paperless caching

Battery charger for my Palm Vx

4 small caches ready to go in case I find a place that I want to put a cache and there is not one there already

A freezer bag full of swag and sig items I traded for(need to empty)

Small travel size TP pack

10 packs of hand sanitizer

 

Note to self......sunblock, insect block, insect bite kit, snake bite kit, compass

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A bag? You're supposed to carry a BAG? Who knew!!! We always just stuff our pockets!

 

a pen

a Wal-mart bag for trash

trading trinkets

and the dog's water bottle (filled, of course!!)

SOMEtimes a digital camera

 

Usually, we find ourselves picking up what we call a poking-stick. We found there's a distinct sound made by poking stick into a pile of leaves and hitting a Tupperware box. Nuthin sez THUMP quite like that.

 

But, a bag? Heck, dear wife carries a pocketbook loaded with all that and more, every day, so she's sure not gonna be bothered with a backpack on the treks. THAT will always be responsibility of dear husband. :cry:

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I just recently switched bags when I got an "Army of One" bag. Decided to use it for caching only so I could quit switching out my day pack when hiking.

 

Contents:

First Aid kit

Multi tool

50 ft of 550 cord

2 flashlights

Two extendable mechanics mirrors

Emergency TP

Spare batteries

Bag of swag items

Bag of various cache containers (nanos,Bison tubes,film canisters,altoid tins and small lock-n-locks)

Bag w/ cache repair items (tape,magnets,string, log sheets, zip lock bags, velcro)

Several pens

Garmin etrex

Garmin legend

Garmin Rhino 130

 

I always carry of few swag items that I have picked up at caches that I have kept for myself w/ no intentions of trading but carry them w/ me for "luck" ha ha

 

2 American flag pins

Tiny rubber gecko

Tiny quartz toucan

Bicentennial Quarter

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Dang, how big of a pack do ya'll (texan for Yous guys) take out?

Me,

Bug wipes,

H20

2 flash lights

1 small camera

Plastic bags different sizes

Tape

Cell

First aid kit

Rain gear

PB and crackers

9mm and extras

Rope

pens

Batteries

TP

a real knife

and thats about it. All in a small backpack

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i tend to pack light (i'm in the military)., so i don't tend to carry junk not needed. if its a hike i carry a hiking staff, gps, pencil, pencil sharpner, pocket knife, water & snack, cell phone. if its a park and grab just the pencil, gps, and print out.

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Well this was an interesting read! :lol:

 

We're new at this and we do it as a family weekend hobby, hubby, 7 yo, 13 mo and the mutt. Because of this we don't go seriously in the bush.

 

We have in our "cache stash bag" the following"

 

trash bag

digital camera

band-aids

pain killers

swag

pencils

sharpener

paper towels

extra batteries

small mag-light

skeeter wipes

list of locations we're going to search after

moleskin patches for blisters

nasal decongestant spray.

 

in the car:

gps

folding water bowl for da mutt

sling to carry the baby in (she may be cute, but she's 12kg/25lbs!)

trail mix (usually home made)

work gloves

jackets for us

1.5 l water.

 

In the diaper bag:

diapers

wipes

sweater for baby (we're in Sweden, even summer nights can be cool)

extra sippy cup and bottle.

 

I think adding a first aid kit of sorts, mechanic's extending mirror, and extra logging material is going to be added, possibly a pocketknife... hmmm...I think I need to make a trip to IKEA for some of those little freebie pencils is in order!!

 

As for cell phones... this is Sweden, here they are almost a part of your body! Hubby, 7 yo and I all carry one, along with a cigg plug charger for two of them :unsure:

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I think I need to get a bigger bag.

 

But right now I have:

 

Notes

Pocket Knife

Knife

Swag

TB's

GPSr

Pens

Pencils

Batteries

 

I should have

Plastic Bags

Bug Spray

Sun Screen

First Aid Kit

 

And that about all that fits, thats why I need a new bag. I did have clippers to battle blackberry bushes but I took them out.

Edited by lacazg
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In bag now:

GPSr

Palm

sunscreen

bug spray

various swag (usa flag pin and small toy cash register right now)

Trackables (2007 red jeep is all for now)

work gloves

tweezers (for micros and ticks)

Pen

GPSr manual (you never know)

 

Newest addition:

cache crunch (trail mix wife made me for fathers day: raisins, m&m's, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and peanuts .

 

Working on:

a modded flashlight.

 

Need to add:

Tick repellent

Various cache maintenance stuff

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For short hikes and city caches I carry these in my pockets/hands:

 

Cache page

GPS

Water bottle

Pen

2 extra AA batteries

TBs/one or 2 trade items

 

For longer hikes I take a backpack with:

 

Cache page

GPS

Water Bottle

2 pens

4 extra batteries

TBs/trade items

Compass

Food

First Aid Kit

Camera

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It's amazing how much stuff you can carry with you :)

 

When I cache with my bike, I carry my GPS in my bike shirt's back pocket. No swag or anything, gotta ride light. I've got two 500ml bottles of water on my bike, and some bike repair stuff and cell phone in a little bag under the seat.

 

And if I'm walking, then I carry my GPSr, a bottle of water, a pocket knife, some swag and TBs/geocoins.

 

I keep notes in my head, and anyway I go find no more than 3-4 caches at a time...

Edited by lewis82
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n my backpack I have

 

25 bottle of hand sanitizer(my signature item)

1 pair pliers

a screw driver set

15 micro containers

10 log books

20 or so pencils and pens

1 pair of binoculars

1 notepad

first aid kit

bug spray

poison ivy cream

a few "what is geocaching" papers

a word lock

a pack of baby wipes

1 pda for paperless caching

and a gps(sometimes)

and probably a couple other things

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i tend to pack light (i'm in the military)., so i don't tend to carry junk not needed. if its a hike i carry a hiking staff, gps, pencil, pencil sharpner, pocket knife, water & snack, cell phone. if its a park and grab just the pencil, gps, and print out.

 

I don't carry much more, except when it is an all day outing in higher terrain areas.

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In my GeoCaching Belt (Bat belt to me wife) I carry:

 

plastic bag with swag

two ready to go geocach containers (tho I have yet to place any)

extra plastic bags

extra logbooks

camo tape (for repairs)

water (doesn't last long on those really hot days)

GPSr (magellen 2000, yes it is old but it works and it was cheap)

small map tube for maps as needed

field journal with pen

extra batteries

gloves

FRS radio (poorman's cellphone)

LED flashlight (for those dark holes)

compass

digital camera

mp3 player (it can store and display text files as well as good music)

small vampire repellant (tho sometimes this doesn't work)

sunscreen (for those really bright days)

poncho (for the not so sunny days)

binocs

sunglasses (for those really bright days)

extendable magnetic pickup tool (good for dealing with those webs)

 

in me pockets I have:

 

multitool (NEVER go with out it)

largish swiss army knife

wallet (might even have money in it)

strips of leather and string (them kitties love this stuff)

 

Might be some other stuff as well. Sometimes I ma never sure what I got in my pockets.

 

John Z. Doe

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2 bottles of water (for the wife and my 3 yr old)

2 Diapers (for my 10 month old)

1 pack of baby wipes (see above)

 

My green swag bag packed with dinosaurs.

Printouts

GPS

Spare Batteries?

Space Pen

Hitchhikers (trade out TB's and GC's often)

 

Need to seriously invest in one of those baby back-packs so I can add 10 month old to the list...(he's getting heavy and hard to carry up some of the hills of Okinawa)

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Wow I thought I travelled heavy but my list ain't half as long as most: (in roughly descending order of importance)

 

Common sense stuff:

OS Explorer (1:25,000) map of area & compass & knowledge of how to use them :ph34r:

Sustenance and hydration (varies each trip; water, juice, chocolate, plus usual packed lunch stuff)

Mobile phone

Clothes (depending on forecast but always including something long-sleeved for nettle rummaging)

Basically a complete cycle repair kit (pump, puncture kit, spare tube, spanners, allen keys)

Money

 

Caching stuff:

Printout

Any 'bugs or 'coins in my possession at the time

Camera (always post photos in my find logs)

 

Stuff that ain't in there that really should be:

First aid kit

GPSr

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I'm new, but using a camelback hydration fanny pack, holds 28 oz ice water.

 

Also in fanny pack;

 

100% deet

small single cell surefire light

knife

compass

waterproof note pad

small digi camera

couple of AA's

some stuff to trade

glucose tablets for when energy levels get too low

 

On belt, GPSr on belt clip when not being handheld, and smart phone for emergency and pocket queries.

 

On neck is a pen on a keyring and lanyard. That way it's there for quick drive-by's.

 

I'll add hand wipes and cheapo garden gloves after reading this thread.

 

I appreciate the info!!!!

Edited by e-trexing
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I feel so inadequate.... I only fill my fanny pack with swag, signature stamps, a few batteries and assorted zip bags and logsheets. PDA is attached to belt, GPS is in hand.

When hiking a bit of water and a hat comes in handy along with a walking stick and trading sneakers for hiking boots.

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What should I know about backcountry Emergency Kits?

The tragic death of snowmobiler Roger Rouse from the effects of hypothermia after two nights and two days in unconsolidated powder snow and windy cold snowy weather has prompted the public to seek protection for themselves by preventative measures. Roger Rouse and his son Brian Rouse, 29, lost the marked snowmobile trail and decided to seek safety in a run down hill toward a residential area six miles down Bridge Creek and east of Tumalo Falls. They abandoned their snow machines which became bogged down in the loose dry snow and branching streams and they continued on foot.

 

We visited REI a few days after the missing snowmobilers were found and talked to an Associate who said many people had come into the store to buy a "small emergency kit" for their snowmachines. They mentioned the tragic circumstances of the Rouse family.

 

Here is why buying an "emergency kit" is dangerous.

 

 

Firstly, what product is sold in "outdoor" stores as an "emergency kit"?

 

This is a deluxe kit from a recognized manufacturer:

Adventure Medical "Comprehensive" First Aid Kit $189.95

See specs below:

Organized for fast and efficient response, this kit is loaded with high-grade medical supplies for larger groups.

Contains materials for groups of up to 14 members spending as much as 28 days in the wilderness

Treat anything from major trauma to blisters, plus equipment for dealing with infectious materials

Modular Easy Care™ system organizes supplies and instruction by injury type, speeding up and simplifying the response

Essential equipment: Laerdal® CPR face shield, scalpel, EMT shears, splinter forceps, duct tape digital thermometer and 4 empty pill vials

Wounds: 20cc irrigation syringe, surgical scrub brush, povidone iodine, (10) wound closure strips, (3) antimicrobial towlettes, (4) antibiotic cream

(16) gauze pads, (4) non-adherent sterile dressings, (2) trauma pads, (2) stockinette tubular bandage

(2) conforming 3" gauze bandage, (10) strip and (10) knuckle bandages, (10 yds.) adhesive tape, (2) tincture benzoin, (2) eye pads

(6) After Cuts and Scrapes® towelettets, (4) cotton tip applicators, (6) nitrile gloves and a bio-hazard waste bag

For sprains and fractures: moldable SAM® splint, elastic bandage, 2 triangular bandages and (3) safety pins

For blisters: (2) Spenco 2nd® Skin, (2) moleskin, molefoam and adhesive knit bandage

For stings, bites and burns: (3) AfterBites® sting-relief pads and (3) cortisone itch cream and Aloe Vera Gel

Medications: (10) Extra-Strength Tylenol®, (6) antihistamine, (6) diamode, glucose paste

(2) rehydration salts, (10) cold medicine, (10) Motrin®, (4) aspirin, (12) Tums® and a dental repair mix

For handling infectious materials: 3 pair nitrile examination gloves, antimicrobial hand wipes, disposal bag

Includes comprehensive wilderness medicine guide accident report forms, pencil and waterproof matches

Weather resistant pouch features a detachable waterproof day kit to take along when you venture away from base camp.

Made in USA. Weight 3 lbs. 6 oz., Dimensions 10 x 7.5 x 5.5 inches, Material Nylon/vinyl

 

Too big and heavy? Try this one:

Adventure Medical "Personal Essentials" First-Aid Kit $39.95

Product Info: Adventure Medical Personal Essentials First-Aid Kit

See specs below:

Never venture into the wilderness without taking the 10-essentials--kit includes key survival essentials, as well first-aid supplies.

Kit contains a signal whistle, compass, emergency blanket , waterproof matches and emergency tinder

Also includes a medical emergency guide "A Guide to Wilderness Medicine"; splinter forceps and 3 safety pins

For wounds: 2 Butterfly closure strips, 2 antibacterial ointment, 3 antiseptic toilettes, 2 flexible bandages,1 sting relief pad

A non-adherent sterile dressing, 2 gauze pads, 2 strip knuckle bandages and 10 yds. adhesive tape

For burns and blisters: Moleskin®

Medications: 2 Extra Strength Tylenol®, 2 Motrin® and 2 antihistamine

For handling infectious materials: a pair of nitrile examination gloves

All contents are packed together in handy zippered pouch with a handle and topographic map window

Made in USA. Weight 12 ounces, Dimensions 7 x 5 x 3 inches, Material Nylon

 

These commercial kits are actually Emergency "Medical" Kits

(The "Personal Essentials" First-Aid Kit above advises folks to always have these "Essentials" when they go into the backcountry. This is a rather unfortunate reference to The Ten Essentials.)

 

People should not try to buy an "Emergency Kit" and think that they are prepared for backcountry travel.

 

 

Can you assemble your own "Basic Survival Kit"?

 

A CNN reporter put on a four minute special for the public one morning on what to assemble for an "Emergency Kit" in the event one becomes stranded and lost in a winter storm. He did make the point that you should stay in one place and mark the location and not try to find your way (until you become completely hidden away from road or trail and exhausted, wet and hypothermic --Webmeister).

 

CNN suggests one be prepared by assembling a "Kit": matches, a space blanket, a high protein energy bar and an emergence (bicycle) blinker and put the items in your glove compartment. (The reporter was in jeans, low top shoes and a light leather jacket shooting on location from consolidated snow near his truck. He had just demonstrated a "snow cave" shelter scratched from the roadside snow, covered with pine boughs (that in turn were to be covered with snow).

 

No mention was made of the dangers of water absorbing cotton and the need for extra clothing providing extra insulation and providing wind and water protection and for extra high carbohydrate energy bars and drinking water or Gatorade.

 

We suggest that this is totally dumb report by CNN and a missed opportunity to inform the public. Read on!

 

 

The Deschutes County Sheriff's "BASIC SURVIVAL KIT"

 

"Taking a Few Precautions . . Could Save Your Life"

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Unit has widely distributed their brochure titled "Taking a Few Precautions . .Could Save Your Life" This brochure has been financed by a contribution from Les Schwab Tire Stores.

 

BASIC SURVIVAL KIT:

Map and Compass

9'x12' Bright Plastic Tarp

Plastic Whistle

Lashing Cord

Garbage Bag (Yellow)

6 Sugar Cubes

Waterproof Matches

Knife

Candle Stubs

Metal Container with Lid

6 Bouillon Cubes

6 Water Purification Tabs

3 Tea Bags

This SAR Brochure

 

BASIC FIRST AID KIT:

6- Band aids

1- 2" Ace Bandage

2- Triangular Bandages

2- 2" Compress Bandages 2- 4" Compress Bandages 1- 2" Roll Gauze Bandage 5-10 yds. Waterproof Tape

12- Aspirin, Tylenol

Sunburn Preventive

1- sm. Antiseptic Agent

1- tube Burn Ointment

Insect Repellent

Personal Medications

Safety Pins

 

BE PREPARED

Once you are lost or in trouble, it is too late to assemble a Survival Kit. Do it now and always carry it with you. Temperatures and weather conditions can change very rapidly. A basic survival kit may make a life and death difference until help arrives.

 

BE EDUCATED

How To Use A Basic Survival Kit

A survival kit is only as good as your knowledge of how to use it. Listed below are a few "non-traditional" uses for items in your kit. Remember, your own ingenuity and

creativity are your best resources.

 

1. Plastic Tarp, Garbage Bag and Cord

• Use as a raincoat or windbreak

• Use as a ground cloth or shelter

 

2. Matches, Candle Stub and Knife

• Cut slivers of pitch wood or dry wood.

• Build a teepee over the candle stub with the wood slivers.

• Light the candle with match - works on wet wood and in the rain! (Better to have 10 matches and one candle than 100 matches and no candle!)

 

3. Metal Container with Lid

• As a container for small survival items

• As a drinking cup

• As a cooking pot (container) or pan (lid)

 

4. Tea Bags

• A hot drink tastes great when you're cold and tired!

 

5. Sugar Cubes

• A little quick energy -- and goes great in your tea!

 

6. Bouillon Cubes

• Add to water heated over fire in container to provide energy, salt, flavor and much contentment!

 

YOUR LIFE IS IN YOUR HANDS! IS IT IN GOOD HANDS?

 

BE COMMUNICATIVE

If something were to happen to you would you be missed? Would anyone know where to look for you? Too many people have died needlessly because no one knew they

needed help or where to find them.

 

Always tell a neighbor, friend, or relative your:

LOCATION: Where you are going and how you plan to get there.

DURATION: How long you will be there and when you will return.

Then Stick To It!

 

Cell Phones:

They don't always work in the backcountry. Don't rely on them as your sole means of communication. Be sure the battery is fully charged before setting out on your trip. High locations often provide better reception.

 

BE FINDABLE

It is no disgrace to get lost, especially if you are wise about being lost. Even experienced hikers can become disoriented or injured. If that

happens, do all you can to help searchers find you and keep yourself safe. Remember:

 

• DON'T PANIC! Searchers will be looking for you and will find you.

• STAY IN ONE PLACE! You will be safer and easier to find.

• DO NOT TRAVEL AT NIGHT! Gather a large pile of firewood (conditions permitting) and make camp before dark.

• CAMP NEAR WATER (if possible) It's more important than food.

• USE YOUR WHISTLE! Give three blasts in a row at regular intervals.

• ANSWER A NOISE WITH A NOISE! This will scare animals and attract help.

• TAKE YOUR TIME and THINK!

 

BE SMART

Do you know the area? Study a current map before you go then take the same map with you. Is the trip appropriate for your physical condition? Overextending yourself is

asking for trouble. What is the weather forecast? It is better to postpone or cancel a trip than to put yourself in danger. Do you have the proper equipment? This includes

your survival/first aid kit. Do you have a partner? It is much safer to travel with a friend than alone. Be sure to stay together. If you must separate, make contact frequently.

 

Trail Conditions for Deschutes Nat'l Forest: www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/recreation/trails/

Oregon Weather & Road Conditions (any season): www.tripcheck.com/Winter/NOAAindex.htm

 

HYPOTHERMIA

Hypothermia is a very common danger in Central Oregon, any time of year.

• Description - Loss of body heat that can sneak up on you quickly

• Symptoms - Chilling, shivering, stumbling, fumbling, dulled mental function

• Prevention - Stay dry, insulated, out of the wind, hydrated, nourished

 

BE GPS-COMPETENT

If you carry a GPS into the backcountry know how to use it correctly before you start. To minimize error, master these primary GPS skills:

• Set up your GPS with the proper datum/ coordinate system for your map.

• Mark a waypoint (your present location).

• Create waypoints manually by entering coordinates and name/identifier.

• Determine bearing and distance to any given marked waypoint (Go To).

• Set up your GPS to record your track and retrace it (Track Back).

• Carry extra batteries.

 

The Deschutes County Sheriff's "BASIC SURVIVAL KIT" is "dangerous"

 

We have tried for over two years to get the Deschutes County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Unit to withdraw these sponsored Brochures and replace them with a Brochure that is more helpful to the public. A year ago, at the written request of then SAR Coordinator Sgt. Dan Swearingen, I provided the following suggestions:

 

Rather than suggesting that the lost person have a cup of tea with six sugar cubes (15 calories per cube) or bullion cubes (5 calories per cube) brewed over a fire (in a storm?), the Brochure should admonish folks to carry several high carbohydrate energy bars (250 calories each) and a supply of water (quarts not pints) to help avoid the slide into exhaustion, bonking and hypothermia.

 

No admonition is made by SAR of the need to carry extra hats, gloves and extra non-cotton clothing for insulation and (Gore-Tex) outer clothing for protection from wind and wet.

 

No admonition is made of the need to have an insulating pad for protection against hypothermia from the direct conduction of cold should one inevitably have to sit or lie for hours on snow or wet ground.

 

No admonition is made to carry a flashlight!

 

No suggestion is made that it is possible with small daypack snow shovels to dig a safe snow cave, but only if designed properly with the entrance below the sitting area.

 

The SAR emphasis continues to be on a compact "Emergency Kit" and not on the traditional Ten Essential Systems and how to use them. (A Deschutes County SAR representative, speaking to a group recently, publicly scoffed at The Mountaineers "The Ten Essential Systems" and provide his own list based on his own personal experience.)

 

We also note the suggestion that one "tell a friend or neighbor or relative" about your adventure. Experience tells us that you must tell a Responsible Person that you are depending upon him (or her) to call 911 for SAR at a specific time if you have not returned.

 

We offer the above suggestions here with some concern, lest we personally offend employees of the County Sheriff's Department and certain of the volunteers who selflessly support the Deschutes County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Unit.

--Webmeister Speik

 

 

Do not buy or assemble an "Emergency Kit" - carry the personal "Ten Essential Systems" in a day pack!"

 

The Mountaineers was organized as a Club in Seattle in 1906 to meet the needs of men and women in the Pacific Northwest who hiked and climbed in the North Cascades. Their standard text for these activities is Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, now in its 7th edition. The Mountaineers became active in introducing people to the Wilderness and they began offering their annual Climbing Courses in the 1930s. It was soon determined that each participant in their activities must have certain essential equipment. This equipment became known as The Ten Essentials. It is now known as THE TEN ESSENTIAL SYSTEMS.

 

As a teaching aid in Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills the traditional Ten Essentials were listed as follows:

1. Maps of the area; 2. Declination adjusted compass; 3. Flashlight, extra batteries/bulb; 4. Extra food and water; 5. Extra clothing; 6. Sunglasses and sun screen; 7. First aid kit; 8. Pocket knife; 9. Waterproof matches; 10. Fire starter. Across the nation, over the years, hikers, backpackers, climbing club and outdoor program participants, by the countless thousands have memorized this list. The traditional Ten Essentials have been listed and discussed in countless books and magazine articles.

 

What it all comes down to is that all members of an outing’s group must be individually prepared for the inevitable unexpected situations. The pooling of this individual equipment such as a foot square insulating "shorty pad" or extra sweaters may help save the life of a member of the group.

 

 

Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 7th edition, © 2003 by The Mountaineers

TEN ESSENTIAL SYSTEMS

 

1. Navigation

Added to the essential map of the area and the compass must be the ability to use them. This requires training, study, and practice. Navigating with a map alone is also a necessary skill. Attach a whistle to your compass lanyard. Serious navigators will add an optional GPS receiver.

 

2. Sun Protection

Sun glasses and a sunscreen are an obvious addition to a pack. Sun protection should come from SPF 35 sun screen lotion, dark glasses approved for altitude and reflective snow fields, and long sleeves and hat rated for strong sun. Have a sun skirt on the hat or wear a bandana under the hat and over your neck and ears.

 

3. Insulation (extra clothing)

This brings us to extra clothing - the most essential of the list. In Central Oregon, the weather can change in a very short time, leaving people shivering in shorts and vulnerable to rain, sweat and wind induced hypothermia. Hiking fast may keep your body heat up, until you "bonk" or "run out of gas" (glycogen), or have to hike slow with others, go slow to find your way or have to stop and tend an injured companion.

 

Cotton clothing, soaked in sweat, rain or melted snow, has caused the death of too many people. Layers of polypropylene, pile and Gortex are the equivalent to the wool underwear, pants, shirts, sweaters and coated closely woven jackets of the 70s and before. Polypro, pile, softshells and Gortex had not been invented when Everest was first summited. However, they all used layers to 1. wick body moisture, 2. to insulate and 3. to cut off wind and rain. Remember, layers must be “pealed” to avoid sweat soaked clothes! All of this essential seasonal personal clothing and equipment must be accommodated in a sturdy day/summit pack large enough to hold it. Garments or equipment tied to the outside are likely to catch on something or get wet/lost.

 

A larger day/summit pack is needed for the light but bulky pile or wool insulation layers in the winter.

 

4. Illumination

A small flashlight can assist in finding a lost or injured person. Also, many hiking groups have returned to the trailhead after dark. Headlamps now weigh in at 3 oz.!

 

5. First-Aid Supplies

A first aid kit sized to the trip is a must. First aid supplies can fit in a Ziploc baggie and should deal with cuts and scrapes with small and large Band-Aids, Neosporin and mole skin. In June and July, add mosquito repellent for the woods.

 

6. Fire

Waterproof matches and a fire starter can be combined in an adjustable propane pocket lighter. Remember, when you most need a fire, it will be windy, wet and cold. Do not depend on being able to start a fire. Learn how to stay warm without a fire. Don't try to be a survivalist.

 

7. Repair Kit and Tools

A small knife should be light and sharp - a tool kit knife is heavy and of little use. I carry the smallest Swiss Army knife and six feet of duct tape.

 

8. Nutrition (extra food)

Extra food should be in the form of easily digested quick acting fat-free fig newtons, jelly filled breakfast bars or ClifBars which have a bit of protean to aid utilization. Glycogen (sugar or starch) is the one essential fuel that must be replaced during a hard hike or climb or an unexpected cold wet night under a tree - most people have ample stores of the other essential fuel: fat. A small package of ten ClifBars contains 2,300 calories, with only 300 calories of (unneeded) fat and a small amount of protein.

 

9. Hydration (extra water)

Add extra water or the equipment to obtain it (stove for snow or a filter for summer), to your list. In the summer you may need to drink a gallon or more. In the winter you may be able to get by with three quarts if you are careful not to sweat. Use electrolyte replacement powder such as Gookinaid or Gatorade. Remember that only two quarts of water weigh almost four pounds plus 12 oz. for the two Nalgene bottles! Use Nalgene or Platypus plastic bags that weigh one ounce per quart. I am not a fan of bladders, but they are popular at this time. (The body purges liters of fluid from the blood in the early stages of hypothermia; if this occurs it is necessary to aggressively hydrate with electrolytes.)

 

10. Emergency Shelter

Emergency shelter can range from a 9oz. Emergency Bivy Sack sold by Adventure Medical Kits for about $30. to a four season Gore-Tex $200. bivy bag, an ensolite pad and 20 degree sleeping bag. You can not shelter on snow without an insulating pad such as the Cascade Designs RidgeRest three-quarter length, 9 ounce ensolite foam pad, strapped to the side of your day or summit pack.

 

Bring your cell phone turned off in your pack but available in an emergency! Consider the possible agonizing alternative. Do not overlook the very inexpensive handie talkie citizens band radios. Let your Responsible Person know your chosen band (#9?) and schedule (every hour, on the hour, for 5 minutes?).

--On Belay! Bob Speik

Copyright© 1995-2007 by Robert Speik. All rights reserved.

 

 

What essentials do you carry in your lightweight winter day pack?

What I carry in my winter day pack depends on the length, elevation gain and technical class of the hike or climb, the time of year, the forecast weather, who my companions are and a lot of other things, I guess. It is always packed in the winter; I pull things out and leave them in the car, depending on conditions. I add more or different things in the fall or winter to the essentials I carry in my summer daypack.

 

Lets start with a winter climb of the south east ridge of Broken Top with access by snowmachine, snowshoes and crampons. We plan to be gone for about eight hours; we are starting at 7AM. It is mid winter and the forecast weather calls for a 20 degree day with possible wind and low visibility. I am with three friends, two of whom own snowmachines!

 

In the winter, I wear a long sleeved Patagonia Capalene silk weight under shirt, a Patagonia R-1 regulator fleece shirt, Patagonia poly boxers and Koch XC 3SPFpants and vest. I wear my OR Rocky Mountain (Gore-Tex) long-gaiters. I add TNF Gore "Windstopper" gloves and light "Windstopper" hat under my Petzl helmet and a poly scarf and light generic balaclava and goggles for the long snowmachine ride to the Wilderness boundary. I wear La Sportiva Makalu boots matched to my crampons and snowshoes. (I leave my TNF Gore-Tex in my pack since it is not snowing and my 3SPF pants and vest are wind-proof up to about 30 mph.)

 

I use a Black Diamond Sphynx 35L day pack in the winter to carry extra fleece, shovel, (pickets), crampons, ice axe and poles. It weighs about 2 pounds 7 ounces and holds about 2,140 cubic inches. "Built from burly 420-denier nylon and Ballistics fabric, the Sphynx is tough yet weighs less than three pounds. A single removable aluminum stay, molded-foam back panel and a cushy waistbelt offer maximum support and comfort. Key features, including ice axe, crampon and rope straps, as well as Ice Clipper slots on the waistbelt, make this pack well suited for all-season climbing." (I use my Salomon Raid Race 300 day pack in the summer.)

 

First in my pack is a very light (9 oz) pair of Go-Lite Shadow Gore-Tex pants followed by a Patagonia DAS parka, with a synthetic fill, (1 pound, 13 ounces for wet weather,) or a simple generic down jacket (about 1 pound) for essential insulation if I have to stop for an emergency or belay a companion's problem. The pack is water proof in snow conditions; no rain is forecast for this particular day. With a possibility of rain, I chose a synthetic belay jacket.

 

My group First Aid Kit, (about one pound,) is happily left behind as two of my experienced companions are medical doctors! The small loose bag of Small Essentials (11 ounces) and a cell phone (6 ounces) go in next. These essentials, always carried in a loose net bag, are composed of a Petzl headlamp and two extra batteries, a butane lighter, compass and whistle, Quad map with UTM coordinates, Garmin eTrex GPS, toilet paper, a Clif Shot, a few 2x2 Band-Aids and moleskin, a few over the counter meds, personal Rx for Vicodin, mini knife, one days supply of sun screen, my smallest wallet, etc.

 

Lunch in the form of a bagel, non fat string cheese and a V8, (two Clif Bars, some hard candies and a couple of Clif Shots in reserve) go in a red A16 stuff sack go in next. (No Gorp, as I am wearing all the fat I will need.)

 

Next layer stuffed into the top-loading Sphynx pack is my waterproof-breathable Patagonia Supercell Jacket (called a "hard shell", but very packable and light), 13 ounces. (See above for the Gore-Tex pants.)

 

And last but not least, I slip two liters of water in Platypus bags into the top pocket of the Sphynx pack: Four pounds of water! But the two Platypus bags only weigh two ounces when empty! (I can carry the water inside my jacket in pockets built into this technical clothing designed by Patagonia to avoid having it freeze.)

 

My winter daypack weight before technical gear is about 6 pounds plus four pounds of disappearing water!

 

The winter butt pad is a Cascade Designs RidgeRest three-quarter length, 9 ounce ensolite foam pad and it straps on the outside of the Sphynx pack along with my GAB crampons and BD light or stronger ice axe. My Life-Link snow shovel also comes along. The shovel scoop goes inside the pack away from my back and the handle goes on the side, under the straps. There is still room at the sides of the Sphinx for my collapsed Leki LE three part hiking poles after I switch to my Black Diamond mountaineering ice axe. (I can either perch my snow shoes on the top of the Sphynx pack, strap them on the sides or stash them when we get to the hard snow of the south east ridge of Broken Top.)

 

Yes, I used everything in the pack, except the first aid stuff!

--On Belay! Bob Speik

Copyright© 2000-2007 by Robert Speik. All rights reserved.

 

 

A suggested minimum standard media advisory for all backcountry travelers

 

"We would like to take this opportunity to ask our visitors to the backcountry of Central Oregon to plan for the unexpected. Each person should dress for the forecast weather and take minimum extra clothing protection from a drop in temperature and possible rain or snow storm or an unexpected cold wet night out, insulation from the wet ground or snow, high carbohydrate snacks, two quarts of water, a map and compass and optional inexpensive GPS and the skills to use them, and a charged cell phone and inexpensive walkie-talkie radios. Carry the traditional personal "Ten Essentials" in a day pack sized for the season and the forecast weather.

 

Visitors are reminded to tell a Responsible Person where they are going, where they plan to park, when they will be back and to make sure that person understands that they are relied upon to call 911 at a certain time if the backcountry traveler has not returned."

 

--Baron Max and Mrs. Max

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I usually take the following with me:

 

Cell phone (for safety);

GPS (or two) and spare batteries;

Compass (in case GPS units or batteries fail);

Digital camera;

Flashlight;

Heavy work gloves (for thorns, snakes and so on);

Small notebook and pen;

Swag items;

Custom (homemade) snakebite kit;

Pair of FRS radios (for talking with companions or other cachers);

Poncho;

Sun hat;

Wading boots (left in car if not needed but brought along if in heavy snake country);

Water and trail food in vehicle (in pack if long hike is anticipated)

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-GPS

-Lots of Batteries

-Two compasses

-Gloves

-Tweezers

-Flashlight

-Sunscreen

-Knife (you never know out in the woods)

-First aid kit

-Cellphone

-Extra ziplocks

-Trade items

-Sunscreen

-Chapstick

-Camera (sometimes)

-Water

-Snacks

-Money

-Bus Schedules

-Handi-wipes

-Sanitizer

-Calculator

-Wind Breaker

 

regards,

cjspontiac

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