Unchained Preppers
General Category => Security & Survival => Topic started by: Kentactic on March 29, 2012, 01:10:09 AM
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Hey it was brought up in another thread about Bug-Out-Bags and i dont claim to know anything special but perhaps this could be worthy of posting. this is just my version of a BOB and im still buttoning up the final details so heres what ive got going so far:
List of Items for Bug-Out-Bag
Quality backpack atleast 2000 cubic inches of storage space and Has a camelback water pouch in it. also look for one with a chest or waist strap with good shoulder and back padding.
10 or more yards of Toilet paper
2 hand wipes
1 Compass/Map
1 Chapstick
1 Waterproof notepad
1 Pencil
1 Thick 100% wool blanket
1 Thin 100% wool blanket
1 Green Tarp
1 Roll of #12 tarred nylon twine 106lb
3 disposable toothbrushes
1-2 spare pair of socks
1 spare pair of underwear
1 multi-tool
2 good flash lights with spare batteries
2 glow stix
2 Bic lighter
1 ferral rod
1 handfull of laundry lint
1 Fresnel lense
1 Altoids can
6 fishing hooks
20 yards of 6lb fishing line
1 suntan lotion/bugspray combo .5 oz
1 water purification tablets
1 Water filter
Appropriate ammo for guns on hand
Dry duck Rain gear
1 Small container of gun oil
1 Small container of gun solvent
1 Remington gun oil rag
Other basic requirements for firearms care
1 hat
1 metal Cup
1 metal canteen
1 Space blanket
3 days worth of Meals Ready to eat "MRE's" with a heating eliment in them
1 Small knife For small cutting and wood work jobs
1 Large knife atleast 9 inches with some weight to it for big wood processing etc
OR 1 All steel hatchet instead of the big knife
1 Metal spork
1 Small Bastard Mill hand file
1 Blow-Out Kit also holding bandaids etc for simple medical needs
2 Snares
Then also Think about what clothing youll need to add and remove with the different seasons. Jacket, Gloves, Beanie, Thermol, etc.
With everything listed and 3 liter camelback full your lookin at 28-38lbs depending on exact quantities and individual weights with a minimal amount of ammo... so yeah it gets heavy quick.
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Not a bad load out ken. Just a question. do you think a couple of small game snares would be a good addition, or would you make them from items you already have packed?
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you're forgetting medical
here's my loadout as of right now.
5.11 Rush24 bag
IFAK
-Israeli bandage
-tourniqet
-1 roll waterproof medical tape
-bottle of miscellaneous ibuprofen, naproxin sodium, antibiotics
-small tube of Neosporin (lol)
-EMT sheers
-2 25g QuickClots
-5 4" gauze pads
-dozens of regular bandaids
-4 packets of EmergenC
CamelBack (don't know what model but it's just one of the basic ones)
Katadyn sport bottle and filter
iodine tabs
USGI stainless steel mess kit w/ stainless fork/spoon/knife set
5 MountainHouse meals
2 Zippos
12oz Zippo fluid
2 Bic lighters
small Pelican case with 240 waterproof matches
2 magnesium bricks w/ ferrocerium rods
small handful of 0000 steel wool
small handful of dryer lint
1 pair of impact resistant sunglasses
1 set camo (top and bottom)
1 set of street clothes
balaklava
2 pairs socks
1 pair heavy wool socks
2 pairs underwear
2 handkerchiefs
1 pair Mechanix gloves
1 pair USGI wool gloves
(during winter I have another small canvas bag that I attach to the outside of the BOB to carry spare clothing like a heavy jacket, knit caps. thermal underwear etc.)
hatchet
USMC Ka-bar
Buck 110
Leatherman Surge
Victorinox multi-tool
1 small sharpening stone
2 Cobra 2-way radios
field cleaning kit
-rods
-small bottle of CLP
-small packet of patches
-1 oil rag
-1 .223 bore brush
-1 AR15 chamber brush
-1 nylon brush
200 ft. 550 cord
1 carpenter's pencil
1 regular pencil
1 pair of disposable earplugs
1 headlamp
1 mini-Maglite
1 SureFire G2X
1 wind-up flashlight
10 lithium AA batteries
2 CR123A batteries (for the SureFire)
1 disposable Bic razor
1 rat trap
1 map compass
1 handheld compass
65 ft. toilet paper
small Bushnell binoculars
fishing kit
-100 yd. 10lb line
-20 clamp-on lead weights (various sizes)
-a few dozen small hooks
-5 small bobbers
200ml. Jack Daniel's
these things aren't technically inside the bag but go along with everything listed above. everything else hangs from the bottom of my actual BOB:
small one person nylon tent (it has it's own bag, and I keep the whole thing inside another canvas bag. the canvas bag could be used for other things once out it the field. the canvas bag is also easier to attach to the BOB and isn't bright blue, lol)
US Army heavy wool blanket
extra clothing bag
1 pair jungle style boots hanging by the laces
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I'm going to go ahead and sticky this topic. I even though BOB's are an old topic that most of us have discussed ad nauseum, this thread will be a great reference for any future members that are new to prepping.
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Not a bad load out ken. Just a question. do you think a couple of small game snares would be a good addition, or would you make them from items you already have packed?
excellent idea. i have it on my "to buy" list it just didnt make it on to this list for what ever reason i shall edit that now thanks.
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you're forgetting medical
Right sorry this list originated as a list of things for my bro to buy and i seemed to have forgotten to add a few things that are in my kit. good catch thanks man.
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That definitely gave me some ideas!
I only just started really working on my BOB.
Here's what I've gotten together so far:
First Aid
An assortment of allergy/cough medication
An assortment of Tylenol/Ibuprofen
An assortment of band-aids :)
1 - roll bandage wrap
A good amount of gauze
2 - sterile gauze pads
A small tube neosporin
Baby powder
Sunscreen
Toothbrush kit (small brush, small toothpaste)
Tampons (personal and barter... in a SHTF situation, they will fairly valuable)
I'd like to make a more thorough wound care/trauma kit for the whole home but for just my personal 72 hour pack I've kept it pretty simple.
Mess Kit
Fold up pot w/ lid
Bowl & Fork/Knife/Spoon
Everything in my mess kit fits inside the pot and lid is clasped on with the pot handle.
I also have three Backpacker's Pantry meals as well.
Spare Clothing:
Long sleeve shirt
Long underwear
2 - Men's boxer-briefs
2 - thick socks
I am NOT wearing my cute girly underwear in a bug out situation. Men's boxer briefs can be layered for warmth during the colder months or worn alone in the summer. That can not be said of ladies undies. Sorry RS... :P
Repair Kit:
Thread
Needle
Fold up scissors
Safety pins
Buttons
I'll be adding a good amount of duct tape to this small pouch
FIRE/light:
Magnesium Starter
Waterproof matches (4 boxes)
Bic Lighter
Small mag light
Fishing Kit:
Half a dozen hooks
Fishing like
Weights
Bobbers
Multitool
Bedroll
Wool Blanket
Tarp
Rope
Misc.
Map/Compass
Whistle
50 feet poly-chord
Fold-up camp saw
Work gloves
Space Blanket
Spare Batteries
Water bottle
Camelbak bag and hose
Small notebook and pencil
And the obvious, ammo
I need water purification tablets, a sleeping bag cover, and I've been drooling over this Ka-Bar.
I'm open to suggestions if there's anything you think I'm missing anything.
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My list is way outdated to me now. But TBOK id say throw in another bic lighter or two and ditch the magnesium for flint, and charclothe or laundry lint. In my experience magnesium kinda sucks. Laundry lint catches very easily with flint, its free and it burns pretty well to get fires going. Downside being its not waterproof. It can get wet and be dried but its worthless while its wet. Next id get some "cover" in the bag. Personally im carrying a large heavy duty poncho with eyelets in the corners so i can use it as a lean-to etc.
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You've got a good concept, but allow me to refine a bit for you. I'll explain; a 72 hour pack is designed to be used for just that amount of time. It should be small, lightweight, and literally just the essentials. While it seems like a great idea to try and cover all of your bases, you should really be focusing on streamlining instead of complete preparation. Save the super packing list for a ruck/10 day pack.
When I was out on field ops while in the Army, we carried a 3 day assault pack and a 10 day ruck with us. Reason being, you burn through your super expendable items from your 72 hour pack first, and by the time you need more, you should be at a resupply point, right? I know that I will have to change my loadout a bit because I'm not running missions of any specific nature, but the concept remains the same.
This is very bare bones and designed to allow you to cover ground quickly in a SHTF scenario.
IFAK:
2 tourniquets
4 packs of Combat Gauze
Israeli dressing
1 large roll of gauze
2 cravats
2 rolls of tape
1 14-gauge needle
Trauma shears
4 packets of honey (antimicrobial wound sealer)
Main bag:
3 pairs wool socks
3 changes of under shirt
3 changes of underwear (optional)
Body/foot powder
bug spray
2 lighters
2 boxes of matches
10 chemlights
20' of paracord
Flashlight/headlamp
Batteries
Compass
Multitool
Knife
Cash
Camelbak
Poncho
USGI poncho liner
Mylar blanket
Whistle
Notepad
Pen/pencil
10 candy/granola/protein bars
Extra glasses/sunglasses/goggles
Hearing protection
2 extra liters of water
Ammo
All wrapped in a trashbag then put in your assault pack.
In total, excluding ammo, everything should weigh no more than 20-25 pounds. The candy is calorie dense and will give you that needed boost of energy and a slight morale boost. No need to carry a mess kit and freeze dried rations around. You're not trying to set up camp, you're escaping and evading. You should have resupply points set up ahead of time.
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All good points NativeSon!
I never heard of using honey though on open wounds. Interesting.
In my AO I would shine the extra water and carry (Well I already do) a "Life Straw." (http://www.vestergaard.com/our-products/lifestraw) Living in S.Cal carrying water is probably more important.
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https://www.google.com/search?q=honey+for+wound+treatment&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&channel=sb (https://www.google.com/search?q=honey+for+wound+treatment&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&channel=sb)
http://www.breachbangclear.com/honey-the-survival-food-of-ancient-times/ (http://www.breachbangclear.com/honey-the-survival-food-of-ancient-times/)
I forgot how to format into a shortened text link, but those explain it quite well.
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In my AO I would shine the extra water and carry (Well I already do) a "Life Straw." ([url]http://www.vestergaard.com/our-products/lifestraw[/url]) Living in S.Cal carrying water is probably more important.
You know Jmac so do I, but now that I've used it several times in succession it keeps becoming harder to use as time goes on. And will likely end up going with something that includes a hand pump.
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Although it may be uncommon honey as a wound dressing isn't unheard of. I have a small plastic jar in my BOB because it has a ridiculously wide range of uses but I haven't actually put any into my 72 or "get home" bag as I call it. I also agree with the candy bars. Although I wouldn't live off of them the box full of sports bars in my 72h (which I rotate monthly) should keep me and the mrs going until we get to our cache.
All round I like the sound of your pack.
I would like to expand on your "all wrapped in a trash bag" idea. I have gone over the top with this one. In part because I have edibles, toxic compounds and components that may become less stable if they come in to contact with one another. Anyway I have most of my stocks in my bag sealed individually and then sealed together in larger bags based on their primary uses. It's also much easier to find what you're looking for if you have everything categorised in this way other than just clumped together in one big bag. Still on the look out for a good but cheap vacuum sealer to make it all a little bit tighter and cleaner.
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Thx for the honey link NativeSon. :thumbsUp:
Burt, I am not 100% sure of this comment however i read somewhere that once used, the life straw has a expiration date of X days. I think a small hand-pump is better any way if you pump directly into a 2 qt canteen.
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Doesn't the Lifestraw have a replaceable/cleanable prefilter??
I've never owned a Lifestraw... but I've always thought their claim of 200+ gallon life expectancy to seem exaggerated.
I do own other brands of straws that have carbon filtration... the Lifestraw does not.
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My favorite straw was an umbrella straw you use to get in a Mia-tie in a Tiki Bar at Marina del Rey CA.
This wasn't just a normal paper umbrella straw - No sir! You used the umbrella straw to draw your cool Tiki Bar drink to your trembling lips to quench your unbearable thirst. :cheers:
Oh and the Poo Poo platter was great too! :thumbsUp:
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Isn't the lifestraw activated charcoal?
You can make your own charcoal filter with a bandana.
Anyways, the trash bag idea is for waterproofing, but separating contents is a good idea. I've use that method before in a 10 day ruck. I'll get around to posting what I'd pack for a ruck. I would love input for that.
Also, who has ideas for a 3 day winter pack?
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Isn't the lifestraw activated charcoal?
No, it's a bundle of splined micro tubes that do not allow micro particulates to pass through
Also, who has ideas for a 3 day winter pack?
all I can advice on is a Wisconsin winter and it's harsh.
Burt, I am not 100% sure of this comment however i read somewhere that once used, the life straw has a expiration date of X days. I think a small hand-pump is better any way if you pump directly into a 2 qt canteen.
I'd love a link to that article/source.....
Ideally I'd like a filter that attaches to my 2L Platy bag for grey water so I don't have to stand over the water source.
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all I can advice on is a Wisconsin winter and it's harsh.
Let me see that. I can edit accordingly.
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Here you go.
http://sawyer.com/products/type/water-filtration/ (http://sawyer.com/products/type/water-filtration/)
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all I can advice on is a Wisconsin winter and it's harsh.
Let me see that. I can edit accordingly.
Last winter camp I did just happened to be the coldest winter in a decade.
Most of these things are learned through mistakes.
By the time me and my partner reached camp location night was falling and we were freezing. Try striking a ferro rod when you're shivering...
Also standard bic lighters were useless.
- zippo / match / exelarant.
Even without rain the heat from your body will continuously melt the snow that it rubs up against and you'll get wet.
- Use absolutely NO cotton, it takes for ever to dry and you'll be instantly cold.
- A good set of high rise gaitors are a god's sent.
Snow that's been laying for a while becomes course and abrasive so don't use footwear that relies on polish for it's water proof/resilient properties. This will be rubbed off. Also soaked wet leather boots freeze over night making the morning extra fun.
- So no USGI boots, use a modern boot where the leather is able to be impregnated with silicone spray.
The ability not to wear a set of super boots for a few minutes and still be able to move around is amazing.
- The lightest weight foam flip flops/moccasins you can imagine.
Imagine -40 you're next to a fire and you're still freezing in your super sleeping bag. You've taken off your outer layer to dry, now you've got to piss.
-A wide mouth Gatorade bottle. (sorry ladies)
The majority of the heat from the fire will go up in a cone shape if you can get the awning of your shelter in proximity of that and line it with a reflective sheet you'll be able to radiate a good portion of that back to you.
- A Mylar blanket with (home made) attachment points
You can decrease your distance from the fire (desirable) by covering your synthetic bivy bag with a wool / canvas sheet. to protect the fagile shell from fire sparks.
- A thin wool / canvas blanket.
Flat terrain was HARD to find and everything was covered in snow. for moving snow and leveling terrain.
- shovel with rotating head. E-tool type. I think i'm getting this one to replace my oldie (http://www.foxknivesusa.com/en/product/2447/folding_spade_fx-0171111.html)
while possible hiking through snow is exausting, Snow shoes would have been nice (i'd actually like some purchasing advice on these.)
- A set of snow shoes rated for the weight of your pack
While we were next to a river we couldn't break through the ice to get the water so we used snow melt as our sole water source which melts faster if you've got a wider heating base. then that of a canteen cup.
- Stainless steel pan/pot
The route back was on Forrest roads. while plowed they were every bit as difficult as trekking through the snow. because maintaining balance on that inclined ice rink with a heavy pack sure was interesting.
- crampons for snow/ice mix
I made the mistake of carrying a long gun with a 1 point sling. Fuck 1 point slings...
- 2 point sling
If you're planning on doing this "tactical" a set of non cotton snow cammies are ideal.
- Vertex Overwhite's & Eberlestock Snow pack cover (water proof)
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Snow sounds like a real bitch. I spent a short period of my earlier life on the streets in one of the coldest parts of the country mid winter and even though your eyes could probably freeze shut if you weren't careful we never had snow to contend with. I need to replace the old synthetic full length coat that saved my ass. Line one of those with mylar (a cut up emergency blanket) and you have a priceless piece of winter hardware. Not exactly designed for stealth though and you look like a right crack pot with your shiny jacket but you don't really care when the very dirt you've dug in to for the night is below freezing.
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Snow :P
I just heard on the telly that the farmers Almanac is predicting North American, NE part, will experience colder weather then normal along with more then normal SNOW! :zombie:
If this prediction is true, start putting extra fuel and saving your pennies if your fuel is delivered to you. I was at my neighbors pub last week and I overheard a discussion between two patrons concerning that they had just finished paying off last years fuel bill. OUCH!
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Yeah John as the chemists learn how to pull more gasoline out of a barrel of crude it leaves behind less Diesel/Heating Oil... maybe they should start looking at waste oil conversions. Sure it's a pain in the ass but what isn't?
Burt, the lighter the snow shoe the better. The USGI Magnesium are a fair choice, they lack claws and climbing bars but on good flat snow they are the bees knees. I've got shit snow and steep hills to climb so I went with the Tubbs Wilderness 30 (http://tubbssnowshoes.com/snowshoes/wilderness-m).. I am going to get the 25 this year too for when I am day hiking as the 30 is simply too big unless you are carrying a pack.
If you want to walk on ice the Kahtoola Microspikes Traction System (http://kahtoola.com/product/microspikes/) is a must.
But Price Point does become an issue. Mountain Safety Research (http://www.cascadedesigns.com/msr/) does have shoes in the 25in range that are lighter than the Tubbs (weight is a killer with shoes) and a pretty nifty screw on 5" tail but they are proud of their product. My best advice is to try before you buy a modern shoe because nothing grinds gears like $200-250 spent on gear that doesn't work!
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I need to replace the old synthetic full length coat that saved my ass. Line one of those with mylar (a cut up emergency blanket) and you have a priceless piece of winter hardware. Not exactly designed for stealth though and you look like a right crack pot with your shiny jacket but you don't really care when the very dirt you've dug in to for the night is below freezing.
There's capitalism for that! :D
http://www.columbia.com/technology-omniheatreflective/ (http://www.columbia.com/technology-omniheatreflective/)
I feel I should have mentioned that you need to make sure to layer your clothes. And that they are easy to take off if need be. When it's sub zero and you are exerting yourself you can go T Shirt or bare chest without any issues. It's when you stop moving, a little wind picks up and you're slightly damp you need to start worrying.
Which reminds me: Shamwow! I've got a generic and use it as a camp towel. also works to dry out your clothes.
Burt, the lighter the snow shoe the better. The USGI Magnesium are a fair choice, they lack claws and climbing bars but on good flat snow they are the bees knees. I've got shit snow and steep hills to climb so I went with the Tubbs Wilderness 30 ([url]http://tubbssnowshoes.com/snowshoes/wilderness-m[/url]).. I am going to get the 25 this year too for when I am day hiking as the 30 is simply too big unless you are carrying a pack.
I've got a mix of everything here except for mountains.
If you want to walk on ice the Kahtoola Microspikes Traction System ([url]http://kahtoola.com/product/microspikes/[/url]) is a must.
Already got'm and they are great! After a freeze or snow fall I'm the only cat walking to the store whit a big grin on my face.
But Price Point does become an issue. Mountain Safety Research ([url]http://www.cascadedesigns.com/msr/[/url]) does have shoes in the 25in range that are lighter than the Tubbs (weight is a killer with shoes) and a pretty nifty screw on 5" tail but they are proud of their product. My best advice is to try before you buy a modern shoe because nothing grinds gears like $200-250 spent on gear that doesn't work!
Those are some sweet and modular snow shoes and. not to mindbogglingly pricy so perfect for a new guy like me.
Thanks TG
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I need to replace the old synthetic full length coat that saved my ass. Line one of those with mylar (a cut up emergency blanket) and you have a priceless piece of winter hardware. Not exactly designed for stealth though and you look like a right crack pot with your shiny jacket but you don't really care when the very dirt you've dug in to for the night is below freezing.
There's capitalism for that! :D
[url]http://www.columbia.com/technology-omniheatreflective/[/url] ([url]http://www.columbia.com/technology-omniheatreflective/[/url])
Dammit! I should have taken out a patent on my awesome hobo gear. $300? Mine worked me out around the equivalent of $10.
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This is a winter gear thread now?
I used to do a fair bit of trekking in snow progressing from the Mournes in Northern Ireland to the Alps and topping off with the Himalayas :) Mountain marathons... Climbing Instructor...
This was all some time ago - been a bit of a city boy recently.
Much of this below has already been mentioned :) and its not comprehensive - just some thoughts really.
Agree about the wide mouthed flask - or if you are like me, EXTRA wide mouthed :p Careful where you put it : "Funny tasting apple juice!" but that's another story...
Socks, socks, socks. Sleep with wet ones close to your body - they'll still be wet in the morning but at least they'll be warm. I never got on well with layering socks - so I just buy the heaviest most expensive hiking socks I can find.
Boots are critical - but I always seem to be cursing whatever I have on. Leather or Goretex - there's pros and cons to each. Never lost a toe to frostbite - but even the white ones hurt a lot. Sleep with boots in your bag rather than risk them freezing over night.
Gaitors. When I've not had them - I've usually regretted it.
Snow shoes could be a life saver. Wished I'd had them a few times. On one trek we could cover maybe 2k before the sun hit the snow (brutally cold though) but as soon as the sun came up we started sinking to our waist with every step, falling through into melting streams and bogs... hell. This was compounded by being at 5000m with giardia and wolves circling on the horizon. Actually the wolves helped me go on - if I had given up I'm sure they would have been on me pretty quick.
Same for crampons, rope, ice axe, dead man, ice screws etc - but that's getting specialised. Mission specific I guess.
Sandals - solid lightweight ones for giving your feet a break in camp/ at night, and also for e.g. fording a river where you don't want to get your boots wet but need to protect your feet.
A foot care kit (notice a theme here?) cold wet feet blister more easily. Long nails eat through socks. A great uncle of mine DIED of trench foot in WW1.
Waterproof stuff sacks - for your socks amongst other things :)
More socks. I don't really carry spare clothes - I'd rather be smelly than hump the additional weight. But socks - such a moral booster - nearly as good as a cup of tea :D
Suncream and goggles. Especially at high altitude where the UV is stronger. Snow reflects like water - so you get double trouble. Had snow blindness on one trek - walked for three days with my underpants over my head - peeping out through the fabric. Hehehe... ouch.
Layers of clothing. Options, options, options e.g. it could be very hot in terms of radiant heat but with a freezing cold wind - requiring a thin but wind proof outfit. Then the sun comes down and its so cold you can't think. So, be in your tent, in your sleeping bag with a cup of something hot in your hands BEFORE the sun goes down... A blizzard is a completely different beast... full waterproofs, and layers... Tricky to get it right - especially if active then not, like on a multi-pitch climb, or playing hide and seek :p Has anyone solved the sweaty back problem?
Gloves. I seem to get cold extremities earlier than most. Tried lots and finally settled on a thin pair of thermal gloves inside a massive pair of fleece-lined goretex gauntlets. Its worth thinking through what might happen if your fingers are so cold you cannot feel them. On this basis I put extra large tags on zips for example. Also try e.g. opening a folding knife under those conditions. Check all your gear - can you operate it in mits?
Keep the weight down *doh*. Noodles rather than rice perhaps - they cook in two mins as oppsed to 10. At altitude boiling water isn't as hot... so takes longer to cook = more fuel = more weight.
Quality fuel container. One fall and its A) leaked all over your pack contents B) well... no hot food or drinks. Happened to me once - snapped the top off a plastic screw lid (cold makes some plastic brittle) Fortunately I had condoms... although my trekking partner gave me funny looks.
Pump-up muti-fuel stove - you need that furnace for melting snow, and they will burn kerosene, petrol, whiskey, perfume...
BIG stainless pot - again RE melting snow - otherwise you will be contantly feeding it just to get a mouthfull. Also for making a snow cave...
Water purifying tabs - at altitude boiling water isn't at 100deg so it may not be sterilising.
A reflective tarp - I used to have one that had the same footprint as the tent - got a lot of use for various things.
Sleeping bag. I used to use a down sleeping bag on the warmth to weight ratio basis. But it WILL get wet - at least mine always did - then its useless. Plus you need a better kip mat as the down compresses under your body. I've had one synthetic bag (Ajungilak 5 season) for twenty years now. Its still going strong - still warm if wet, doesn't compress so much under my body - but its twice the bulk of an equivalent down one.
Kipmat. Never got around to buying a self inflating kipmat - but always wanted one. But you need something - closed cell foam, is fine..
Tent - too much to say here and there's pros and cons of whatever design. I had a 2-man Wild Country Quasar that was pretty pricey but lasted me nearly thirty years. It went all around the world, jungle, mountain and desert, and weathered many a storm. Full sized doors at both ends plus mosi nets that were fine enough to even keep out Scottish midges. The two openings are amazing for controlling ventilation. A bitch to pitch if I'm honest. Finally threw it away with a tear in my eye just last summer. They still make them today with an almost unchanged design. Now with family we've moved on to the trusty old Vango Force 10 Mk5. Whatever - understand the different factors influencing microclimate. Sun, wind, reflectance, evaporative cooling, nighttime radiative cooling, thermal chimneys etc etc and how the landscape alters the ways these factors interplay Choosing where to pitch your tent could make all the difference.
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Happened to me once - snapped the top off a plastic screw lid (cold makes some plastic brittle) Fortunately I had condoms... although my trekking partner gave me funny looks.
:lmfao:
I'm so glad I'm not the only one with cold weather camp experience anymore!
I'll write up a chat latter got to run.
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For those of us on blood thinners WoundSeal powder. It stops bleeding instantly. A packet of four applications weight about 1 1/2 ounces and is 1"x3".
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In my youth I /we (My buddy and I) did a lot of snow trekking. IMO, it was the perfect time to be on a trail or hunting. There was nobody around hence we had the PA. & NY forests of our youth to ourselves. Before we had driving licenses one of our parents would drop us off at a "X" on the map and we would be off on an adventure for a couple of days to be then picked up at "Y." I often laugh about parents today who would never drop off their 15 year old kids in the middle of "bum fuck" nowhere, complete with shotguns and pistols in the middle of January or February to go trekking off in 6" to 3' deep snow. Boy things have changed.
I wish I could remember the tent we used as it fit our bill well. It was a three man one with a fly. IMO you need the three man tent for the extra room with gear and all in the winter. In the summer we just used a tarp that was able to be changed to different configurations.
My buddy carried the tent and I carried the pols and under tarp. This may sound crazy but we use to light a candle which was mounted on a clip on ashtray with a thin hurricane lamp over it, in the tent. It gave off the perfect light and actually gave off quite a bit of heat.
To dry out our boots at night we had these bean bag type things that we would heat next to the fire and then once warm we would put them into the boots and loosely cover them. For the most part, they were dry the next morning.
We never used those small stoves that you bring fuel for and pressurize. We always made a fire. I will say though when we did some backpacking in CA. & NM, some area's wouldn't let you build a fire. You could only use those pressurized cooking stoves. I do understand "the why" but the ambiance just wasn't there.
In those days I never used a synthetic sleeping bag. I used a down bag that (At that time) cost $200-. About 10 years ago I bought a synthetic bag and as TS wrote, it does take up a bit more room and weighs a tad more however I would not go back to the down bag again. One suggestion I have on sleeping bags is buy the extra long one. I am only 6' tall but the extra room it gives you is well worth the higher price and a tad more weight. I use to use the extra room to dry out things and keep things from freezing at the bottom of the bag with no loss of room. My buddy always suffered from cold feet. So he would put warmed up water in a empty canteen before he went to bed and stored down at the bottom of his bag in the winter.
While my buddy used a 2/3 length closed cell mat I used a 6' long one. We both had inflatable pillows covered in a flannel that I had cut and sown to fit.
Last we would always eat chocolate before we turned in at night. I don't know if it really did increase our body heat or not but it became a tradition when we turned in.
Just some ramblings in no particular order.