It Has to Work For You
So what is the right stuff to carry in the outdoors? What is the minimum? What should you consider before hitting the trail?
A climbing group in the 1930s, The Mountaineers from Seattle authored the “Ten Essentials” describing ten items that should always be carried in the backcountry. “The Ten Essentials” has been modified by different groups over the years. Consider this list the foundation of your kit.
Test you equipment before you go afield. In my Wilderness Survival class I emphasize the phrase “it has to work for you.” Friends enjoy providing input and helpful suggestions. Don’t blindly assume these are sound recommendations. Test that new stove during harsh winter conditions. Determine if dryer lint fire starter will actually ignite in the rain or if it will burn hot for six minutes.
Interestingly, in my Wilderness Survival class I hear,”… this is used by the Special Forces." Well, OK, but is that really true or better yet, is that important for your needs. Because our Special Forces might use a “chem. light” to signal with, a bright strobe will be a better signaling device for you when lost. It gets down to research, experience and honest evaluation.
The bottom line is that whatever you put in your pack, your equipment has to work for you. It needs to be able to work rain or shine, at altitude, simply, and with little effort. Finally, wherever you go this pack must go with you every time; no excuses.
Getting Ready
Invest the time in your own personal training and education. Start a plan to get ready for the next hunting season. Let me frame this for you by suggesting the following strategies.
We can all use a refresher in First Aid. Much has changed with CPR; the techniques of 2000 have been improved. Give serious consideration to a Wilderness First Aid class. This is a time consuming (16 hour), pricy ($150-$200) class that provides you with the serious tools of backcountry emergency care. Why not make it fun and have the entire hunting party take the class. Find classes through the American Red Cross or the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).
Understand the basics of land navigation. Major outdoor retailers and Community Colleges offer classes. Land navigation is not hard but it is a perishable skill. If you are the team navigator, your skill and techniques have to work for everyone.
Wilderness Survival is a topic that has become very popular. Take a class that provides you with the latest on new products, equipment and techniques. Classes that take a commons sense approach to survival with modern component s is my recommended first priority. Primitive skills could follow later and will complement what you have learned.
Dedicate an afternoon to serious evaluation of your hunting day pack. Lay everything out on a table and go through it. Dump the old batteries, refresh the first aid kit, test you gear, remove expired foods and medications and replace what is broken.
Invest your time at the rifle range. Treat your rifle for what it is – a precision piece of equipment. Accuracy comes with time, effort and patience.
Get in shape. Backcountry travel is strenuous. Your exercise regimen should be strenuous too. Now is the time to begin.
Step by step you can become better prepared and ready for your fall hunt. Develop your marksmanship and land navigation skills. Build up your pack with the essentials that will work for you. Have confidence in your equipment. And no matter what you do never leave the day pack and survival gear behind.
