Emergency Gear - What do you carry?

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Permalink Reply by gabriel on March 16, 2009 at 5:39pm

Well, Being a long distance hiking enthusiast. Nothing extra. Duct tape on the hiking poles and maybe some motrin. And, a tiny pocket knife because it would be tragic if I (for whatever reason) ended up with good food on the trail in packaging that I couldn't open with my teeth.

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Permalink Reply by J. Griz on April 2, 2009 at 3:12pm

Did anyone say moleskin? I don't think I saw it, but I may just not know it under a different name? I've also heard that some people also use duct tape in that fashion as well.

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Permalink Reply by John Smith on April 3, 2009 at 9:38pm

Duct tape is better than moleskin since it has multiple uses. I would recommend Leukotape more than Moleskin though for protection. You can buy it at most pharmacies or they can order it. You might also order some tincture of benzoin as well.

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Permalink Reply by Coty on April 22, 2009 at 12:45am

When I first started backpacking my pack was full of all kinds of stuff that I thought I might need in case of an emergency. As the trips and miles progressed, my pack became lighter. I've found that less is more, and depending on what type of emergency, the normal stuff in my pack could suffice. I still carry a simple first aid kit. The kit contains a few bandaides, I think one large sterile pad, some anti-septic type cream, a small piece of dental floss, some tape, and a needle. I also carry a multi-vitamin, calcium pills, immodium, a few chewable pepto bismo tablets, lots of advil and most importantly a pair of tweasers. I guess a few of the supplies could help in an emergency, but most are just for comfort. So, when you get down to it, the only things I would consider emergency gear, and stuff in my pack that I typically will not use while out in the wilderness would be some extra rope, a lighter, and a few matches. The one exception would be when I am hiking in the desert and then I would carry a snake bite kit and Iat least one quart of extra water. And although I hate to admit it, I do carry my cell phone on most trips. It's turned off and buried in the backpack, but when your three or four days away from your vehicle, it's a little comforting knowing that you might be able to send a text or call for help if you need it. I've been suprised at getting service a few times while sitting in the tent at the end of the day or up high on a peak. I think the best emergency gear is the preperation before the trip, like letting friends or family know your plans or checking in and out with the forestry service, because worst case senario would be having to wait for help. All the other stuff that might come up would simply be an inconveniance, or having to deal with being uncomfortable.

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