To: dannys@iis.ee.ethz.ch
Subject: Backpacking hints
From: jim.speirs@canrem.com (Jim Speirs)
Date: Sun, 21 May 1995 06:15:00 -0400
Organization: CRS Online (Toronto, Ontario)


Article #R137b.
===============

For the Backpacker
The Leader, April 1992.


- Air your tent and sleeping bag in the sun before and after your
trip to freshen them up and reduce the potential for mildew
growth.

- Hold your flashlight switch in the "off' position with an
elastic band to prevent it from accidently switching on in your
pack and draining the batteries.

- Choose a clear wide-mouthed plastic water bottle.  It's easier
to fill, clean, and spoon contents out of And it lets you see how
much water you have left.

- A nylon water-bag is handy to have at your campsite.  You won't
need to make repeated trips to the water source; you can use a
full bag as a comfortable pillow and you can leave it in the sun
to give you pleasantly warm water for washing up before bed.

- Carry along some 15 cm and 30 cm lengths of scrap No.12 copper
wire.  Among other things, you can use it to fashion an emergency
boot eyelet or lace or a replacement clevis pin for your pack.

- When the bugs are bad, look for a campsite on higher ground
where you can catch a breeze.

- As soon as you settle into camp, remove your boots and slip
into soft-soled camp shoes to minimize trampling and scarring the
site.

- Hang up high all cooking tools and washing-up materials (wooden
spoons, scrubbers, dishcloths) as well as your food. Animals can
smell the scents on them even if you've washed them and will chew
them up or carry them away if you don't keep them out of reach.

- Place a candle in an empty tuna tin to make an effective and
stable lantern for reading at night.

- Here's a good way to ensure you don't leave anything behind
after a stop.  When you take something from your packs leave the
zipper or nap open until you replace the item.  Before you hoist
the pack to resume your trek, check for open pockets.  They'll
alert you to the fact you have to look around for whatever is
missing.

- Even experienced hikers on relatively short jaunts sometimes
get lost.  Always carry a topo map and compass, whether you're on
a day trip or a week-long trek.  Even if you plan to be back
before the end of the day, put a flashlight and basic bivouac
material into your pack.  To make sure you plan your hike or trip
well, prepare a route card, breaking the route into sections and
recording essential details such as grid, compass bearing,
distance, terrain, and estimated time it will take for each.
Leave a copy of the card at home and carry one with you.  The
time estimations will help keep you on track and the information
will be helpful to searchers if your return is over-delayed.

(with thanks to Backpacker, Outdoor Canada,
and Boys' Life magazines)