Posts from — November 2007

The quintessential gear guide, often referred to as the “Hikers Bible”. Although gear evolves at a lightening fast pace, Colin Fletcher and Chip Rawlins do a great job of compiling a great resource for those that can’t get enough gear knowledge. In The Complete Walker, Fletcher and Rawlins break down the camping and hiking world into easily manageable sections from your boots to your rain fly and everything in between. [Read more →]

We showed up at Bristol on Friday at a less than punctual 5:45 and the house was packed. Thanks to our thoughtful friends, our 1st round was at our table waiting for us. The Skull n’ Bones Cuvee was tasty- sort of like a cherry cider to my uneducated taste buds. [Read more →]

Regardless of the activity you plan on enjoying over these cold winter months you should look at your gear stash and figure out what is useful and what can be stored until the warmth of the spring returns. The major things that are effected during winter sports are clothing, shelters, navigation techniques and understanding of winter’s impact on the outdoors.When dressing for outings you should remember the basics of layering. Once you are outside it is difficult to add clothing but removing it is simple. So always go prepared!
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Just a heads up to fellow beer drinking gear sluts. Our local Bristol Brewing Company is tapping a fresh keg of some sweet suds. This batch is a cuvee described by Bristol as “A blended style of beer resulting from long aging periods on oaken barrels and cherries”. This beer racked up a silver at the 2007 Great American Beer Fest!!! The tapping occurs at 5pm this Friday night at the brewery. Come down and enjoy a pint support one of your local breweries.

Basic rules to give you a frame of reference when in a survival situation. These “rules of three” will help you prioritize if lost in the wild.

Simple

• You can live for 3 minutes without air

• You can live for 3 days without water

• You can live for 3 weeks without food

Here are some additional rules of three I have heard over the years:

• You can live for 3 seconds if you allow fear and panic to take control

• You can live for 3 hours without shelter (you need the protection from the elements in inclement weather)

• You can live for 3 months without companionship (you need some form of communication with others or you will either go insane or find religion)

These are the tried and true essentials for backcountry travel

1. Map – So you can get where you’re going or communicate your location to rescuers.
2. Compass – Critical for navigation and providing rescuers with your location.
3. Flashlight/headlamp – Going for help can mean a long hike in the dark. Don’t forget spare bulbs and batteries.
4. Extra food – For warmth and strength.
5. Extra clothing – For covering an injured hiker to prevent shock, as well as for keeping warm.
6. Sunglasses – Eyes are especially vulnerable to the bright sunlight encountered in the mountains. These can help avoid eye damage.
7. First-aid supplies/Gear repair kit – A ready-made, storebought kit may prove inadequate. It is best to construct your own, based on expert advice.
8. Pocket knife or Multi-tool – Can be incredibly versatile in time of need.
9. Fire starter – Being able to start a fire can be the difference between life and death. A fire starter, such as a lighter, matches, or some other device, as well as some form of tinder as a means to keep the flame going.
10. Whistle — To signal your location to rescuers should you need them.

These are the essentials and should be a part of your gear anytime you venture out. As you become more familiar with the outdoors and your own needs feel free to add additional gear.

Some recommendations are:

A space blanket, this can double as a shelter if necessary.

550 cord, between 25 to 50 feet.