field gear for researchers

[steve a]

it is always a pain in the rear to take field gear with you to the woods, or where ever you have pack it or drag it, i hate doing that my self, as age takes over, but i keep up with the younger ones,
i want to make a list of STUFF, for you to take with you when you go out, i know i will not have every thing down, oh by the way, i got one of those packs you can use on your back or put it on wheels and drag the damn thing, lol,

1. when do you need a back pack, ? if i go to a private property and the home owners house is near by or i am camping on the propery close to his home, and the walking is not to bad, then i leave it all in the car or truck, until it is needed, if i got to a state or national forest, then by all means, take it with you,

2.first thing i carry at all times is a compass, put it on a lanyard and put it around your neck, right along with a whistle,

3, next on the list is a belt that will hold canteen, knives or a hand gun if you are determined to take one, clip on flash light, one of those new fangled plier and knife thingys,

4, ok here goes for the pack, all weather fire starting kit,
extra batteries for all things that use batteries,
zippo lighter with fluid and extra flints,
small first aid kit,
radio for weather
toilet paper,
sun screen
out door bug spray,
nylon fishing line with small hooks,
knife sharpener
a roll of 18 gauge of wire for shelter making,
about 6 bars of granola bars,
space blanket,
hatchet, and saw combo,
2 small nylon tarps,
a measuring tape to compare sizes with tracks for pictures
a good high resolution camera or camcorder
a poncho
magnify glass with tweezers, and surgical gloves
zip lock bags for evidence
couple rags and a bar of good soap,
some extra socks,
ok thats all i can think of for the pack, but i always come up short,

now what to wear doing research, never wear shorts, wear loose fitting clothes at all times that you are comfortable in, sun glasses, be prepared for bad weather, the shoes are the most important thing of all, , as for my self, i went to a sports store, and got hiking shoes for hill climbers that has knots on the bottom that digs in to the dirt as you go up and they wont slide back down, and they are very comfortable, good rain and sun hat for you head, if going out in winter, just add good winter clothes to keep warm, always take a journal and pens to write things down on, a good watch, always tell some one where you are going, and never go alone, medicines if you take them, keep a level head and learn as go with some one that is experienced, have fun, and learn how great god is by observing the great out doors, never wade a creek or river with out shoes on, and use the buddy system , i will let you figure that one out, thanks steve


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Wednesday, August 22, 2007

[riley_knows]

i never like to make a fire unless it's absolutely important. so i usually take a very small collapsable camp stove. it weighs next to nothing, and burns sterno fuel. it is great if you are doing the "no trace" style of camping/hiking.

my raingear doubles as a shelter. i have one of the awkwardly large ponchos that button down the sides, and have little metal rings on the outer border. this opens up to form about an 8ft by 4ft tarp. i have used this without a problem. i stake down two corners, and leave the other long side open. serves as a good emergency shelter.

another thing i like to take with me is one of those LED headilight lamps. it gives me a hands free option if im going to be on rugged terrain.

i like to take a hydration bladder with me, versus a canteen. i find it easier to run the hose out of my pack, where i can reach it with ease. this eliminates having to stop and take off my pack or whatever.

i want to restate the importance of a whistle while out in the field. if you fall and are unable to move, and your buddy isn't nearby, sound the whistle 3 times.

hi carb/protien snacks are something i always take with me. along with some salmon/tuna steaks, which are easy to heat up and taste great.

just a few more ideas or options that i thought of.

[Jan]

Now fellows I don't carry all this stuff. Never have and probably never will. If it don't fit in my pockets it doesn't come along.

Here is what I will carry if I am going into woods that I do not know well.
1. Lighter and water proof matches.
2. pocket compass
3. twine or strong string.
4. fish hooks
5. utility knife these have a small saw, can opener, fork, knife, etc all in one
6. small pocket flash light and glow sticks
7. camera that fits in my pocket
8. bear spray on my belt
9. whistle
10. water bottle or cup for getting water from a stream
11. high protein snack bars

If you will take your knife and mark your path in on the side of trees it will help you find your way back out. If you do get lost you can make a makeshift shelter with dead fall logs and tree branches made into a lean-to, and tie these into place securely with the twine or string. If there is a water source near by the fish hooks can be tied on the string for fishing and you can dig grubs and worms and beetles from old dead fall and out from under it. If you get caught out in the dark the flash light comes in handy and if you are lost the glow sticks hung around you in trees will let others see where you are at if you let someone know where you are going and a time to expect you back.
You can always scale the fish with the knife and gut it and splint it on a stick to heat over a fire that you can make out of dry leaves and moss and wood you find laying around. Always wear a light weight jacket even in the summer.
Yours,
Jan

[riley_knows]

well i don't carry all of the stuff everytime i go out. i usually only carry a lot when i'm going out for the weekend. a one day trip usually consists of:

headlamp
whistle
snacks
2 vitamin waters
plastic ziplock bags
twine
knife
lighter
camera
notebook and pen
waterproof fire starters

thats usually about it. depending on the day of course

[steve a]

http://www.elkrivertradingco.com/bear_repellent_pepper_spray.htm

this link will take you to the grizzly bear spray , that is for sale and you can order it there, it will stop a grizzly bear in its tracks, and a bigfoot to , i will give you time to leave the area with out direct contact with these big guys, we have one here, i would rather carry that then a gun,