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Planning my first solo backpacking trip

irishScott

irishScott

Lifer
Keep in mind the trip will be a week long and I will most likely be at least 2 miles away from the nearest person. Likely 10+ in some cases.

Medical:

Bandages etc:
Moleskin for blisters
10 Ativ-Flex waterproof bandaids
2 REI Stretch Gauze - 2" - Wide Roll
3 5"x9" Surgical Dressings
3 QuickClot 5"x5" Clotting Spnge
20 Skin closure strips
5 yd roll of waterproof surgical tape

Disinfectant:
9 Antibacterial towelettes
Bactine
16 No-Runse Bathing Wipes (Intended for personal hygiene, but can be used as backups)

Misc:
Travel Scissors
Locking tweezers (for splinters but can be used as a surgical clamp in a worst case scenario)
2 SAM Splints
3 SAM Finger Splints (could also be used for toes)
Aspirin
Tecnu poison Ivy/Oak treatment
4 pairs non-sterile examination gloves.
1 Sawyer extractor bite/sting kit
Travel Toothbrush (for cleaning burns/sticky cuts)
Benedryl
10 disposable forehead thermometers


Survival:
Orion Alerter Basic Signal Flare Kit
ACR Microfix Personal Locator Beacon (Already registered and tested)
25 REI Storm Proof Matches (backup for regular matches)
Space All-Weather Blanket
6 Lightning Nugget Firestarters
ACR Firefly 3 Waterbug Strobe
Water Purification Tablets (backup for pump filter)
Survival Knife
Counter Assault 290g Bear Spray
Magnesium Firestarter with flint strip
Multi-Tool
Whistle
 
Originally posted by: zerocool84
Dump all that and take only a Swiss Army Knife. You should be able to build a shopping mall with that.
Click to expand...

You forgot the turkey baster and gum wrappers so I could build a nuclear power plant.
 
Actual flint is always a good backup in case the matches all get soaked or something. Of course you probably have a multi-tool.

I'd say a wrap/ACE bandage is good as well, in case you roll your ankle and need to wrap it up, or something similar.
 
Originally posted by: buck
benadryl, helped me too much to leave that out of my kit....
Click to expand...

Originally posted by: Gooberlx2
Actual flint is always a good backup in case the matches all get soaked or something. Of course you probably have a multi-tool.

I'd say a wrap/ACE bandage is good as well, in case you roll your ankle and need to wrap it up, or something similar.
Click to expand...

Good calls. I actually have a magnesium firestarter (with a flint strip) that I forgot to list. And I've got some benedryl lying around the house.

ACE bandage/wrap is also a good idea. Would work better than the splints if it was just a minor sprain or something.

As for the matches getting wet, they're called storm-proof for a reason. I actually tested their famed ability to re-light themselves. Lit one, stuck it under the faucet (fully open) for a full second, pulled it out, and a second later it was burning with a vengeance. 😀
 
You probably know this already, but focus less on the gear and more on how to use them (not just from directions, but actual practice). Also know how to use the environment to your advantage (dry shaved bark for tinder, how to build a fire, etc). Chances are very low you'd use any of this and you should be taking solo trips easier and more thoughtfully than trips with people. Overextending yourself in some way almost always is the cause of you actually having to resort to breaking into your survival gear.
 
Originally posted by: venkman
bear repellent spray? Are you batman?
Click to expand...

I always carry bear spray in an easy to reach area when I'm by myself. Almost had to use it once when a bear mock charged me. Was walking and saw a bear foraging ahead. Stopped, took out the spray, and slowly backed away, but the bear did a mock charge anyway. And then IT ran away.
 
Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
You probably know this already, but focus less on the gear and more on how to use them (not just from directions, but actual practice). Also know how to use the environment to your advantage (dry shaved bark for tinder, how to build a fire, etc). Chances are very low you'd use any of this and you should be taking solo trips easier and more thoughtfully than trips with people. Overextending yourself in some way almost always is the cause of you actually having to resort to breaking into your survival gear.
Click to expand...

True. Suffice to say I've got at least basic training in the use of most of the stuff on the list, and the rest is fairly self-explanatory.

And I'm well aware of over-exertion. I basically go until I start to feel light-headed.
 
Originally posted by: lxskllr
A heavy anesthetic, illegal if you have to. Put it in a bottle, and seal the top with wax.
Click to expand...

Not so sure about that. If I have a serious injury and I'm alone the last thing I want to do is lose control of my judgement and motor functions.
 
Originally posted by: irishScott
Originally posted by: lxskllr
A heavy anesthetic, illegal if you have to. Put it in a bottle, and seal the top with wax.
Click to expand...

Not so sure about that. If I have a serious injury and I'm alone the last thing I want to do is lose control of my judgement and motor functions.
Click to expand...

I don't mean use it like that. Something like cocaine(or any other strong *aine) diluted down, and put into a serious wound could be what it takes to get you to some real help. I always planned on doing that for my paddle bag, but never got to it. I used to go to some pretty inaccessible places on paddle trips, but after having kids, I preferred spending the weekends with them. I'd love getting back into paddling though.
 
And of course:

GPS / map / compass / knowledge of orienteering / trip plan left at the ranger's office and with a friend

All the medical and survival supplies don't really matter if you're still healthy but hopelessly lost.
 
Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
And of course:

GPS / map / compass / knowledge of orienteering / trip plan left at the ranger's office and with a friend

All the medical and survival supplies don't really matter if you're still healthy but hopelessly lost.
Click to expand...

I just include that under "general readiness". Same story with bug repellent, sunscreen, shampoo, toothpaste and so forth.

Edit: Not going with the GPS though (other than the beacon). Too expensive, straining my budget as it is. Going old school (topographical map + compass + pencil) on this one.
 
Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
And of course:

GPS / map / compass / knowledge of orienteering / trip plan left at the ranger's office and with a friend

All the medical and survival supplies don't really matter if you're still healthy but hopelessly lost.
Click to expand...

That's a good one. Quad sheets are very useful, and you may be able to find them online.
 
Originally posted by: lxskllr
Originally posted by: irishScott
Originally posted by: lxskllr
A heavy anesthetic, illegal if you have to. Put it in a bottle, and seal the top with wax.
Click to expand...

Not so sure about that. If I have a serious injury and I'm alone the last thing I want to do is lose control of my judgement and motor functions.
Click to expand...

I don't mean use it like that. Something like cocaine(or any other strong *aine) diluted down, and put into a serious wound could be what it takes to get you to some real help. I always planned on doing that for my paddle bag, but never got to it. I used to go to some pretty inaccessible places on paddle trips, but after having kids, I preferred spending the weekends with them. I'd love getting back into paddling though.
Click to expand...

Hmmm. Suppose I could get my doctor to write me a "prescription" for some "severe pain" I've been having. Wouldn't really feel comfortable doing it though.
 
You are missing a laptop, a stove, refrigerator, and a desktop for gaming...

Seriously though, no gun or Sat phone just in case? Maybe a GPS?
 
Have you guys had good experience with the magnesium block flints? I can never do it "right" and end up just using it as a regular flint.

I personally prefer this:
http://www.backpackinglight.co...ire_starter_basic.html

First aid wise, what about a bag of quick clot, or an ice pack? I usually have a little bottle of burn gel too.

Did you get the water tablets that are good for viruses as well? Aside from that, I have this little straw for "can't wait for the tablets to work" situations.
http://beprepared.com/product....ater%20Filter%20System

Tablets:
http://beprepared.com/product....%20(Package%20of%2030)
 
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