I need some input from my talented and varied audience on gear that is on my radar:
Harry: Shortwave/Ham radio (Brand/model #s) for beginner?
Josh: Single Stage press or Turret for reloading?
History Buffs: I have a friend that talked about an English (?) general during Cromwell's time that marched his forces from sea to sea and won both major battles. I'd like to find a history book about him for his birthday. I can't recall the name...
Books: Under rated history books, or interesting reads. You know, with all that spare time that I have with school, work, and family.
Keep Right On Prepping - K
An Arkansas family's journey to raise three young men and preparing for life's uncertainties.
Showing posts with label Gear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gear. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Fleeced - Gear Opinion
There are two kinds of fleece jackets: full zipper and half zipper.
While the half zipper is cheaper, the full zipper is preferred. The fleece layer is to trap warm air around the body to keep it warm. It is not a wind-proof layer, that is the job of the outer shell. I digress, the full zipper can control the temperature of the body better. My biggest gripe about the half zipper fleece is that it exposes my skin when it's time to remove the fleece jacket.
My ideal fleece jacket is reasonably priced, YKK zippered, hooded, and a dark natural color. I used to be brand loyal [Patagonia], but sometimes the frugality factor isn't there.
Keep Right On Prepping - K
While the half zipper is cheaper, the full zipper is preferred. The fleece layer is to trap warm air around the body to keep it warm. It is not a wind-proof layer, that is the job of the outer shell. I digress, the full zipper can control the temperature of the body better. My biggest gripe about the half zipper fleece is that it exposes my skin when it's time to remove the fleece jacket.
My ideal fleece jacket is reasonably priced, YKK zippered, hooded, and a dark natural color. I used to be brand loyal [Patagonia], but sometimes the frugality factor isn't there.
Keep Right On Prepping - K
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Ultralight Backpacking Cache or SHTF Cache - Part 2 of 2
SHTF ( Shit Hits the Fan ) Cache Version:
While this is hypothetical, I do have quite a bit of experience with backpacking caches. For the first part, here is the link that will open it in a new window.
Personally and ideally, I would place a cache at each ( or near ) stop if I had to walk home. This stop would probably be for the night, since I would be in a hurry to get home. The cache gives me a couple of advantages: I will look like everyone else when headed home, and I'll have less to carry. It will also make me a less likely target for begging, robbery, and/or questioning. Here is the Grey ManTheory.
The location will require planning and some foresight while you're driving home. Occasionally, I make a game out of drive time and point of various locations that might or might not be an excellent location for holing up. These locations can be evaluated throughout the year. Consider security and also take into consideration the Highway Dept. and mowing and maintenance. Weather conditions....snow, covering the site and making it harder to find. The depth of the cache needs to be deeper than the frost line. In my area, it is around 1 to 2 feet.
Some items that I would include and why:
While this is hypothetical, I do have quite a bit of experience with backpacking caches. For the first part, here is the link that will open it in a new window.
Personally and ideally, I would place a cache at each ( or near ) stop if I had to walk home. This stop would probably be for the night, since I would be in a hurry to get home. The cache gives me a couple of advantages: I will look like everyone else when headed home, and I'll have less to carry. It will also make me a less likely target for begging, robbery, and/or questioning. Here is the Grey ManTheory.
The location will require planning and some foresight while you're driving home. Occasionally, I make a game out of drive time and point of various locations that might or might not be an excellent location for holing up. These locations can be evaluated throughout the year. Consider security and also take into consideration the Highway Dept. and mowing and maintenance. Weather conditions....snow, covering the site and making it harder to find. The depth of the cache needs to be deeper than the frost line. In my area, it is around 1 to 2 feet.
Some items that I would include and why:
- 2 water bottles - one to drink immediately, and one to purify water while the other is drinkable OR Water Filtration Bottle.
- fresh socks, underwear - discard old ones
- $1.00 plastic "emergency" poncho - improv rain gear.
- napkins from any fast food restaurant - toilet paper, tissue, and kindling.
- Compass on a lanyard under shirt.
- Bandana with a custom map created with a sharpie. Rolled up as a headband while traveling.
- lighter - obvious reasons.
- water tablets
- aspirin/tylenol
- Military MRE peanut butter/cheese spread & wheat snack bread
- Any food item that can withstand a 5 year burial.
- hard candy - share for info along route / conversation starter.
- hints as to next cache - perhaps?
- laminated photos on family - motivation.
- MRE drink mixes ( 2 )
- small hotel soap - packaged in mylar bag to prevent scent transfer/contamination. I sleep better clean.
- ammunition w/ magazine for CCW weapon. Empty mag with bullets in mylar bag for moisture protection.
- Favorite MRE meal.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Ultralight Backpacking First Aid Kit
My Backpacking Mentor or Guru, Larry Williams, encouraged me to build my own first aid kit when I asked him, "What should I carry?" He did give me some advice based on his personal experiences : a small mirror and tweezers. I built my own first aid kit based on my own experiences. I have yet to use the tweezers, but can see where they could come in handy. A mirror in case you get something in your eye, or forget what you look like. Blisters will happen on the trail if you aren't careful, so moleskin or duct tape is useful. Duct tape will last you the entire trip once applied to the skin, otherwise carry enough moleskin for each day's hike. I have burned myself more times than I have had blisters, but thankfully cool water was nearby to soothe the burn. With any large burn, dehydration is your first twenty four hours concern, then infection. This leads into a antibiotic cream, salve, or spray. Of course, Band-aids are a required item to carry too. I usually carry a variety, fingertip, regular, and at least one good sized one. The amount should be varied for the length of the trip. Keeping the cut clean and infection free is your prime concern. Fingernail clippers have also been quite useful. A piece of paper and a pencil nub to make notes is a good idea (think wishlist). Butterfly closures are the newest item that I carry. Always, always replace what you have used after the trip and check expiration dates of medicine ( aspirin or Tylenol ) before each trip.
Pack what you think you might need, then hope you don't have to use them. Assess what you used, and what would have been nice to have on hand. Each person's first aid kit will be different, but similar.
Due to emails and requests, I have updated this page.
The List:
Pack what you think you might need, then hope you don't have to use them. Assess what you used, and what would have been nice to have on hand. Each person's first aid kit will be different, but similar.
Due to emails and requests, I have updated this page.
The List:
- Hard Case Container: I have used a Ziplock baggie in the past to shave a few ounces, but prefer the harder case to protect the contents. I have broken too many items to justify the weight difference.
- Tweezers
- Small Mirror: It can also double as an emergency signal device.
- Moleskin
- Duct Tape Strips :attach these to the outside of case in a few layers.
- Neosporin Antibacterial Cream
- Knuckle Band-aid
- Large Band-aid
- Butterfly Closures
- Pencil nub and paper for notes
- Fingernail clippers
- Tylenol ( 1 per day of trip ): fever reducer and pain reliever
- Aspirin ( 1 per day of trip ): fever reducer and anti-inflammation drug
- Benadryl if allergic to bees and wasps
- Alcohol swabs: doubles as eye glass cleaner
Labels:
Backpacking,
DIY,
Gear
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Propane Vs. White Gas Fuels
I had the opportunity to test my white gas Coleman 425 stove against a propane canister stove. I noticed that both stoves are pretty much the same, and I was taking notes more about the fuel type rather than the stoves. I purchased the white gas stove because I use the same type of fuel for my MSR Whisperlite Intl.
I'll start with the white gas first because I have more of a history with this fuel type. The fuel tank is pressurized by a pump system...kinda like pumping air into a tire. The pressure pushes the liquid through a small pipe over the stove outlet, this turns the liquid into a gas once the stove is heated or "primed". Once the pipe is heated, the choke, is turned into a down position. The tank does have to be occasionally pumped to regulate the pressure inside the tank to keep the flame output consistent. A gallon of white gas last cost me $7.50.
The propane canister stove is much easier to work. Turn the dial and light the flame. The canister is already pressurized, so you don't have to do any stove maintenance while cooking. That's it. The cost for 2 canisters is around five bucks.
I wasn't able to keep an accurate log on the minutes of use per stove, but the propane canister stove was used more often. Probably because of ease of use and familiarity to the equipment. During the 3.5 day trip, 5 canisters were used for cooking, one of the six crew members drank coffee all day and night and preferred the propane canister setup. I used 1.3 tanks ( which are not filled to the top ) of white gas and from my observations the white gas lasts longer. I would estimate that I might have used no more than a quarter of a gallon, or $1.87 worth of white gas fuel. I asked all five guys,"Where can I refill the canisters?", and no one had a clue. The canisters also have a problem in really cold ( below freezing ) temperatures with reaching the canisters full output potential...Charles Law.
In conclusion, I personally prefer the white gas stove because of the outside air temperature having less impact on the stove's efficiency, and the cost of the fuel. Becoming familiar with the stove operation is the hardest part of owning this type of fuel system. The continued pressure regulating of the tank is the biggest negative for this type of stove. The white gas is more fuel efficient, and works better in cold weather. I'd hate to have to rely on a propane canister to melt snow for water. Not knowing where to refill the canisters was also a big negative for the environmentalist in me.
I'll start with the white gas first because I have more of a history with this fuel type. The fuel tank is pressurized by a pump system...kinda like pumping air into a tire. The pressure pushes the liquid through a small pipe over the stove outlet, this turns the liquid into a gas once the stove is heated or "primed". Once the pipe is heated, the choke, is turned into a down position. The tank does have to be occasionally pumped to regulate the pressure inside the tank to keep the flame output consistent. A gallon of white gas last cost me $7.50.
The propane canister stove is much easier to work. Turn the dial and light the flame. The canister is already pressurized, so you don't have to do any stove maintenance while cooking. That's it. The cost for 2 canisters is around five bucks.
White gas Coleman on the left..... Propane canister on the right |
I wasn't able to keep an accurate log on the minutes of use per stove, but the propane canister stove was used more often. Probably because of ease of use and familiarity to the equipment. During the 3.5 day trip, 5 canisters were used for cooking, one of the six crew members drank coffee all day and night and preferred the propane canister setup. I used 1.3 tanks ( which are not filled to the top ) of white gas and from my observations the white gas lasts longer. I would estimate that I might have used no more than a quarter of a gallon, or $1.87 worth of white gas fuel. I asked all five guys,"Where can I refill the canisters?", and no one had a clue. The canisters also have a problem in really cold ( below freezing ) temperatures with reaching the canisters full output potential...Charles Law.
In conclusion, I personally prefer the white gas stove because of the outside air temperature having less impact on the stove's efficiency, and the cost of the fuel. Becoming familiar with the stove operation is the hardest part of owning this type of fuel system. The continued pressure regulating of the tank is the biggest negative for this type of stove. The white gas is more fuel efficient, and works better in cold weather. I'd hate to have to rely on a propane canister to melt snow for water. Not knowing where to refill the canisters was also a big negative for the environmentalist in me.
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