Steelhead
Esbits to cook on, firebucket to cook in. Space blanket tucked somewhere safe. It's lightweight, keeps you warm and reflective enough to use as a signal strip. Chuck an old cd in there somewhere too. Can be used as a cutting tool broken in half and reflective enough to be used as a signalling mirror if you get stuck in the dwang. For energy food, a jar of peanut butter and honey mixed together with a handful of oats and nuts thrown in. Couple of hundred grammes will keep you going for a couple of days. Plastic screw top containers can be bought at packaging supply shops. Good for keeping matches and documents dry and for storing food. Dried peaches and apricots and sliced biltong also good to keep weight down and can be boiled in water for volume and to warm you up. 406MHz PLB if you can afford one.
The above more for when you're already in the brown stuff than for a normal one or two day camping trip.
Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats. H. L. Mencken
Every decent man is ashamed of his government.
Steelhead
thanks for this thread...we are doing a trip at the end of the month and will be camping next to the river and also need to be "light and tight"....geez i hav'nt been light for the last 25. (figure that out yourselves)
i've got some good tips from here. ok ...we ar'nt going to be hiking in for hours, but we will be taking in everything from toilet paper to the dancing girlsthanks again for the reminders
Behold the fisherman. he riseth early in the morning and disturbeth the whole household. mighty are his preperations. he goes forth full of hope and when the day is ended, he returneth smelling of strong drink and the truth is not with him. originator unknown.
my stuff.... http://www.flytalk.co.za/forum/album.php?u=824[/SIZE]
Steelhead
i just read "esbits" and had a "moment" hav'nt heard that word since the '80's.
will now read the rest of your post...........sorry
Behold the fisherman. he riseth early in the morning and disturbeth the whole household. mighty are his preperations. he goes forth full of hope and when the day is ended, he returneth smelling of strong drink and the truth is not with him. originator unknown.
my stuff.... http://www.flytalk.co.za/forum/album.php?u=824[/SIZE]
Steelhead
Great topic this, I love hiking and camping. Especially combined with fishing.Originally Posted by Herman Jooste
Herman, I think you've got it right. Think light. It's very easy to carry too much and that is no fun. I'm not that keen on bivvy bags, a bit claustraphobic, but the bivvy tents which give you a bit of headroom are great:
With one of these and a lightweight tarpaulin you can stay comfortable no matter what the weather. Of course, if you're taking your kid then a lightweight tent woud probably make things more comfortable.
Also essential is a self-inflating mattress for comfort and warmth. But I would take a stove of sorts, fires take too long when all you want is some hot water for tea.
Steelhead
Packing your backpack
Here's a few useful tips and guidelines when it comes to packing your backpack
1) Never overload yourself. A fit man: 1/3 body weight. A less fit: man 1/4 body weight. A woman: 1/4 body weight (preferably less than 12kg, including water bottles)
2) Line the pack with a strong waterproof bag. If bright orange, it can be used to signal in an emergency.
3) Put in bulky lighter items first, including sleeping bag
4) Ensure your pack is well balanced and positioned as close to your body's centre of gravity as possible, i.e. close to your back
5) Pack spare clothing into waterproof bags
6) Pack heavier items close to your back and higher up in your pack
7) Do not pack sharp objects close to your back
8) Ensure that waterproof and warm garments are easily accessible
9) Pack side pockets before the main body
10) Ensure th following items can be reached instantly: First aid kit, waterproof ponch/jacket, survival bag, whistle, torch, compass/GPS, map, water bottle, cellular phone, camera
11) If the pack isn't full, use the compression straps to hold the load lightly and prevent pack sway, which causes fatigue
Last edited by Chris Shelton; 18-07-08 at 06:01 AM.
"Innocence is a wild trout. But we humans, being complicated, have to pursue innocence in complex ways" - Datus Proper
Steelhead
Fitting your pack
1) Load the pack before fitting it on, in order to achieve a realistic fit.
2) Loosen all straps, put your arms through the shoulder straps and mount the pack on your back.
3) Secure the hip belt around your waist, adjusting it so that it rests on top of your hip bones.
4) Tighten the shoulder straps.
Note: The weight of your pack must be concentrated on your hips. If you feel too much weight on your shouders, or if the hip belt is not resting on top of your hip bones, you can manipulate the length-adjustment of the pack itself until you achieve a correct and comfortable position.
"Innocence is a wild trout. But we humans, being complicated, have to pursue innocence in complex ways" - Datus Proper
Steelhead
Hiking checklist
Here follows a pretty comrehensive list of possible items (some essential and others not so necessary) that you may or may not want to take with on your hike.
Basic
Hiking pack
Pack liner
Overnight camping
Tent, poles, pegs
Sleeping bag
Sleeping bag liner
Foam mat / airmat / airbed
Groundsheet
Hiking pillow (air / down / hollow fibre
Clothing
Hiking socks (thermal socks)
Underwear (thermal underware)
Tracksuit (for day or night time)
Sunhat
Warm hat (fleece beanie or balaclava)
Buff
Warm jersey (polarfleece or polartech)
Windproof jacket (Cape Storm Helium Jacket)
Waterproof rain jacket or poncho (breathable - Goretex / Ventex or similar)
Waterproof rain pants ( available from First Ascent or Cape Storm)
Waterproof boots
Spare laces
Sandals for overnight / spare footwear
Gaiters (long for snow, short for vegetation)
Gloves / mittens
Hand warmers
Short-/long-sleeved shirt (lightweight, moisture management fabric)
Shorts
Bathing costume
Toiletries
Toilet paper
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Biodegradable soap
Biodegradable shampoo
Hikers towel and facecloth
Moisturizing cream
Insect repellent
Sun block
Sunscreen lip salve
Shaving kit
Mirror (also useful for signalling)
Foot and baby powder
Hair brush / comb
Solar shower / portable shower
Contact lens case and solution
First Aid
Plasters, bandages, gauze
Moleskin dressings or blisters
Burn dressing
Sunburn lotion
Scissors and tweezers
Surgical gloves
Safety pins
Rubber bands
Personal medication
Malaria tablets
Painkillers
Antiseptic
Antihistamines
Anti-diarrhoea
Muscle relaxing ointment
Anti-inflammatories
Eye drops
Thermometer
First aid manual
Snake bite kit
Emergency fire starter
Cookware
Hiking stove
Hiking pots
Dish / plate
Knife, fork, spoon set
Hiking gas canisters
Matches (waterproofed or lighter)
Firelighters
Water bottle
Mug / cup
Can opener
Rubbish bags
Biodegradable wash-up powder
Scouring pad
Drying-up cloth
Food and Drink
Water purification tablets
Water
Tea, coffee, sugar, salt
Isotonic powders
Foods
Fresh
Dry
Dehydrated / freeze-dried foods
Spare (emergency, high energy rations)
Meal suggestions (depending on nature and/or duration of hike)
Overnight:
Prepacked dehydrated meals
Rice / couscous / 2-minute noodles
Pre-packed desserts
Day:
Crackers
Pre-packed tuna
Cheese blocks
Snacks
Sweets / chocolates
Energy bars and Super Cs
Fruit / vegetables
Emergency
Space blanket
Survival bag
Strong large waterproof bag (to protect backpack during river-crossings)
GPS / compass
Cellphone
Two-way radio
Whistle
Spare batteries / bulbs
Multi-tool / pocket knife
Duct tape
Spare guy ropes
Cable ties
Miscellaneous
Tissues
Maps
ID documantation and important contact details
Medic alert bracelet
Cash
Passport / visas
Vaccination certificates
Permits
Brochure / trail guide / field guides
Camera / film / memory stick
Binoculars
Spectacles and sunglasses
Hiking poles
Needle and thread
Pen / pencil / paper
Waterproof bags (e.g. Ziplock)
Headlamp or torch
Candles
Rope
Carabiners
Last edited by Chris Shelton; 18-07-08 at 06:49 AM.
"Innocence is a wild trout. But we humans, being complicated, have to pursue innocence in complex ways" - Datus Proper
Steelhead
Liewe Lettie,
What a list?
I would just add a carton of smokes to that.
G
Steelhead
The MSR Rocket Pocket you can find for R299. They really are great. I did the Fish River Canyon recently and it saves a lot of time getting water to boil. 15 seconds and you have a cup of boiling water.
Steelhead
I'll second that. Super Compact and light, and HIGHLY efficient, the MSR Pocket Rocket has quickly become my stove of choice.
"Innocence is a wild trout. But we humans, being complicated, have to pursue innocence in complex ways" - Datus Proper
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