Gear most people overlook

July 27, 2011

Hello!

I'm new to this site and to geocaching so I thought this might be a good topic for my own knowledge and for others as well.

I have so many questions about getting into hiking I'd like to know from experienced people what gear you have discovered you really need out there and why. A GPS device is an obvious, I'm talking about gear people may not think of until it's too late. I'm sure everyone has gone deep into the woods and thought, "Darn! It would have been nice to have..."

2.8k · July 27, 2011

Have a look around the site. Do a search! This sort of thing comes up all the time from what kind of pack people use to what they carry in there packs.

Here is what i generally carry.

Leather gloves- Many caches are in or under hollow logs. You never know what might be in there with the cache.

Flashlight- to see into those dark holes

2 30 gal trash bags- For CITO opportunities, they also double as emergency rain cover

4 freezer bags- In case a cache is in need of a new bag

note pad- Helpful with doing Multis or if a cache log is full and there is room in the container for an added sheet to the log.

Bottle of water- no explanation there

50+ft paracord- Never know when you may need a bit of rope

Pen- another no brainer

hand sanitizer pen- Works as a great disinfectant for any cuts and scrapes you may get

Swag items (small toys)- duh

4+ cereal bars- A good hike needs some good trail food

3 or 4 film cans- Replacement containers if a cache is in bad shape. Not the best but will work till a CO can get out and do some maintenance.

Folding saw- Been several occasions on the trail i find trees and limbs over the path. Just doing my part to help maintain the path. It also came in handy once retreving a cache that fell into an 8 foot tall hollow stump.

large camping knife- Never know when a good knife can come in handy

3 sets of spare batteries- Batteries are always going dead on a GPSr

Compass- My GPSr don't have electronic compass' so a magnetic compass comes in handy at times.

First Aid Kit- for obvious reasons.

Edited: To elaborate on my list of items.

Edited July 27, 2011 by mpilchfamily

July 27, 2011

Like I said, new here so forgive me.

I will make sure I search around more but I appreciate the info! Lots of good stuff I would have never thought of.

Thanks for taking the time to list them!

1.2k · July 27, 2011

Tweezers, first air kit, water, extra pens, extra batteries, extra logs.

July 27, 2011

Tweezers? Interesting... If I feel the need to pluck my eyebrows I guess it would be safer in the woods where nobody could see me.

I'm joking....

So...what would the functionality of that tool be for? Perhaps a splinter?

9.5k · July 27, 2011

Tweezers? Interesting... If I feel the need to pluck my eyebrows I guess it would be safer in the woods where nobody could see me.

I'm joking....

So...what would the functionality of that tool be for? Perhaps a splinter?

Splinters. Stingers, Ticks, etc.

July 27, 2011

A lot of what you carry in hiking/geo-pack will depend upon where you live, the expected terrain of where you'll be hiking, and the needs of others in your party. Besides what has been mentioned so far, you should also consider a whistle for signaling your position if hurt or lost, and a goog hiking staff or pair of trekking poles. If you consider exercise an important part of your lifestyle, it's best to carry a little extra weight in water or food to give your body and excellent workout.

July 27, 2011

Yep, one of my personal goals is to get more exercise in ways that are more fun than the boring gym routine. This would make an excellent hobby for that.

The whisle is a brillant idea and I've thought about this already. I also have one of those very loud sirens you pull the pin on which can clip to a belt or pack. It would scare Bigfoot away trust me.

1.2k · July 27, 2011

To add to my list, as stated above I have a whistle, pepper spray and bells. The pepper spray is for safety since I cache alone mostly and the bells scare away hogs and other animals. I also carry a snake bite kit, swiss army knife, signal mirror. Most of what's in my pack is what one normally carries for hikes and camping.

Edited July 27, 2011 by SeekerOfTheWay

2.8k · July 27, 2011

Tweezers are for the micro and nano caches you may come across. Some times those rolled up logs are hard to get out without a tool to help.

I typically keep a small knife with folding pair of small needle nose pliers in my pocket that covers the hard to pull out logs.

Edited July 27, 2011 by mpilchfamily

July 28, 2011

I can hear my wife now as I put all this gear into my pack... "So...where you walking to, Alaska?" :lol:

I'm making a big list so when I do purchase a nice pack I can start adding things slowly over time. So far I appreciate all the advice and if you think of anything else let me know!

July 29, 2011

You never, never want to be without your camera, cell phone, germx, water bottle, batteries and a pen. Everything else is frosting but those are my bone essentials.

July 29, 2011

Oh- and it's not really something for your bag but equally important is to always tell someone where you are going. Even if it's a group outing. Groups can get lost too.

9.5k · July 29, 2011

My day hike backpack has:

starts with 5 liters of water

water filter/pump with quick disconnect system so I can refill without taking the backpack off.

mylar bivy

fire starting kit (including fuel, matches, lighter, pocket chain saw and winter will also include a charcoal handwarmer)

food rations for up to 3 days

first-aid kit including a suture closure kit and sam's splint big enough for legs.

butt cushion (it's pretty wet over here)

cup/bowl

stove

bear spray

3 knives in various locations

amateur radio

pen/notepad

batteries

headlamp

gps (DeLorme w/ Spot Communicator)

compass

map

camera

smartphone

chemical handwarmers

toilet paper

bug repellant

sun block

carmex

sunglasses

trekking poles

attitude

July 29, 2011

Wow, that's some serious gear.

It's funny because the hikes that I will be going on, at least as I'm starting out probably won't require anything but a GPS unit. We have a lot of parks around my area where you can park your car near the path and venture into the woods a bit. Nothing like open wilderness where you hike for miles upon miles. Eventually I'd like to do something like that and maybe even spend the night out there but I need to make sure I'm prepared and a lot more experienced. But for now my hikes won't be any more than a mile or two away from my vehicle.

But don't get me wrong, this is still great information I need because one day I will break away from the baby trails and head out into the unknown. At least in my part of the country I don't have to worry about poisonous snakes, bobcats, mountain lions or bears! You're pretty safe in Ohio.

July 29, 2011

It doesnt matter if you going for a short hike or a long hike you should always have the 10 essentials.

Map >> Nat Geo TOPO! is great

Compass (optionally supplemented with a GPS receiver)>> I carry both bc electronic fail the more IMPORTANT thing is to know how to use the compass and orient a map correctly

Sunglasses and sunscreen

Extra food and water >> short hikes I bring a few power bars, longer hikes its MRE's or Backpacking meal's

Extra clothes >> normally just t shirt and shorts in summer or hoodie and shell pants in winter

Headlamp/flashlight

First aid kit

Fire starter >>Blast Match is awesome but I am looking at making a fire piston

Matches

Knife >>I normally take two 1 sheath knife on my belt and a multi-tool

I also carry

>> a small pelican case to hold my wallet and phone in so no matter what they dont get trashed and/or soaked. (i hate going to the MVA and buying a new iPhone

would suck...until the new comes out )

>> duct tape- the other swiss army knife

>> small moleskin journal- I find it nice to sit away from a cache or off trail at a nice spot and write down my thoughts. I also carry a second even smaller

moleskin with all my tips/tricks I've found over the years from reading merit badge books, SAS survival guide, forums, backpacker mag, etc.... It contains

highlights for first aid, survival techniques, navigation tips, signal making cheat sheet, etc... I know most of it but in a panic one tends to forget so

having a reminder always helps

>> I now wear a 550 paracord survival bracelet

>> I normally carry $20 in small bills in case theres a park fee or I want a post hike beverage

>> bandanna- its multi-purpose (sweat mop, pre-filter for water filter, bandage, etc...) and takes up little space/weight

>> hydration bladder

>> I have a cheap pair on binoculars with a built in signal mirror

>> small LED flashlight- great for caches hidden inside tree

Thats what I cna think of off the top of my head.

I also find that beign over prepared for a hike actually create a good workout too bc you are carrying extra pack weight and it a great way to knock of the dust after short hiatus from hiking regularly. Im from the mid Atlantic and hiking in July/august is almost un-bearable

9.5k · July 30, 2011

Wow, that's some serious gear.

It's funny because the hikes that I will be going on, at least as I'm starting out probably won't require anything but a GPS unit. We have a lot of parks around my area where you can park your car near the path and venture into the woods a bit. Nothing like open wilderness where you hike for miles upon miles. Eventually I'd like to do something like that and maybe even spend the night out there but I need to make sure I'm prepared and a lot more experienced. But for now my hikes won't be any more than a mile or two away from my vehicle.

But don't get me wrong, this is still great information I need because one day I will break away from the baby trails and head out into the unknown. At least in my part of the country I don't have to worry about poisonous snakes, bobcats, mountain lions or bears! You're pretty safe in Ohio.

That's a collection made over a 6 year period. Somethings I not listed were updated with other gear as better or because the previous proved to be useless. The pocket chainsaw, for example, replaced the cable saw because the cable was flimsy. The fuel for the fire kit is from the Esbit stove which replaced other fire starting items because it burns hotter and longer and lights very easily. I start with a lot of water because some trails are just plain devoid of water sources.

Whatver you decide to get, make sure to practise usage in the backyard first. Then practice usage in a real world condition effort where you aren't in trouble but could conceivably find yourself in that condition and in trouble and in need of the resources you brought along to survive long enough for SAR to reach you. In other words, know your gear before you need your gear.

By the way, snake bite kits are pretty worthless. The effort doesn't pull enough poison out and ultimately, the time it takes to do the process is far more dangerous than the time it takes to seek help.

Edited July 30, 2011 by TotemLake

July 30, 2011

Totem,

You mentioned some rig that allows you to refill water while leaving your pack on. I'd be interested in what filter and rigging you use. Got a pic?

I have a Katadyn Hiker filter. Kind of clumsy, but works.

2.8k · July 30, 2011

I forgot one very important item every traveler must have.

Towel- The Towel is the most massively useful tool to take with you on your trips throughout the universe Geocaching. It is handy for oh so many reasons: you can sleep on it, rub food and sauces on it for later consumption, use it to signal for help, wrap it around your head to avoid the gaze of the Ravenous Bugbladder Beast of Traal, or to dry off. And most importantly, strags Muggles (non-hitchhikers) (non-geocachers) will assume if you know where your towel is you are also in possession of quite a number of other common items like a toothbrush or a space suit GPSr (which means they are more apt to lend you said items if you ask to "borrow" them). :laughing:

Edited July 30, 2011 by mpilchfamily

July 30, 2011

Tweezers? Interesting... If I feel the need to pluck my eyebrows I guess it would be safer in the woods where nobody could see me.

I'm joking....

So...what would the functionality of that tool be for? Perhaps a splinter?

I carry tweezers too, for extracting rolled up logs out of micros, etc.

38.2k · July 30, 2011

My day hike backpack has:

starts with 5 liters of water

water filter/pump with quick disconnect system so I can refill without taking the backpack off.

mylar bivy

fire starting kit (including fuel, matches, lighter, pocket chain saw and winter will also include a charcoal handwarmer)

food rations for up to 3 days

first-aid kit including a suture closure kit and sam's splint big enough for legs.

butt cushion (it's pretty wet over here)

cup/bowl

stove

bear spray

3 knives in various locations

amateur radio

pen/notepad

batteries

headlamp

gps (DeLorme w/ Spot Communicator)

compass

map

camera

smartphone

chemical handwarmers

toilet paper

bug repellant

sun block

carmex

sunglasses

trekking poles

attitude

Looks a lot like mine, but I have a tube of Aquaphor instead of Carmex and bring purification tablets instead of the filter. I also leave out the stove, bear spray, hand warmers, radio and 3 days of food but I'll have a few energy bars along.

A few things I bring that are not on your list is a Storm Whistle, rain jacket, 100 feet of parachute cord, a Leatherman multi tool and a SOG Seal Pup knife.

July 30, 2011

My day hike backpack has:

starts with 5 liters of water

water filter/pump with quick disconnect system so I can refill without taking the backpack off.

mylar bivy

fire starting kit (including fuel, matches, lighter, pocket chain saw and winter will also include a charcoal handwarmer)

food rations for up to 3 days

first-aid kit including a suture closure kit and sam's splint big enough for legs.

butt cushion (it's pretty wet over here)

cup/bowl

stove

bear spray

3 knives in various locations

amateur radio

pen/notepad

batteries

headlamp

gps (DeLorme w/ Spot Communicator)

compass

map

camera

smartphone

chemical handwarmers

toilet paper

bug repellant

sun block

carmex

sunglasses

trekking poles

attitude

Looks a lot like mine, but I have a tube of Aquaphor instead of Carmex and bring purification tablets instead of the filter. I also leave out the stove, bear spray, hand warmers, radio and 3 days of food but I'll have a few energy bars along.

A few things I bring that are not on your list is a Storm Whistle, rain jacket, 100 feet of parachute cord, a Leatherman multi tool and a SOG Seal Pup knife.

How do you like the Sog Seal Pup? I've had my eye on it for a while to replace my small Gerber Sheath knife. I am torn between the seal pup and Gerber LMF.

38.2k · July 30, 2011

How do you like the Sog Seal Pup? I've had my eye on it for a while to replace my small Gerber Sheath knife. I am torn between the seal pup and Gerber LMF.

Good knife. I've had it a few months and really like it. Holds an edge very well.

9.5k · July 31, 2011

Looks a lot like mine, but I have a tube of Aquaphor instead of Carmex and bring purification tablets instead of the filter. I also leave out the stove, bear spray, hand warmers, radio and 3 days of food but I'll have a few energy bars along.

A few things I bring that are not on your list is a Storm Whistle, rain jacket, 100 feet of parachute cord, a Leatherman multi tool and a SOG Seal Pup knife.

The whistle I have holds my long burning REI matches. The container also holds an emergency mirror. Depending on the weather report for the next three days, I carry a windbreaker which is water repellant. I used to carry a poncho, but that was overkill and I ended up getting as wet inside from sweat as I would have from the rain. I do carry it in the winter though because it will act as an emergency fly when setting up shelter. For most intents, the bivy sack can act as a poncho if needed. I also carry up to 100 feet of cord in 50 foot segments. I had a multi-tool buck knife, but lost it and haven't yet replaced it. I haven't had as much need for the multi-tool aspect as I have had for a simple sharp blade. Duct tape is something else I carry.

The stove was recently used to boil up some snow where the filter wouldn't have accomplished much.

Edited July 31, 2011 by TotemLake

July 31, 2011

If you are looking for affordable gear as far as knives and other military style equipment visit:

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/

There are lots of other sites like Blackhawk etc. but they are expensive and I'm not convinced the quality is that much better over things at Cheaper Than Dirt.

July 31, 2011

If your hiking will take you into any sort of wilderness or isolated area, The Ten Essentials should be on your list. The 10E list takes on many forms and can evolve based on location and season. A great starting point is the 10E list prepared by the Boy Scouts. See the link below for a link to another post covering the 10E's.

http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=266118&view=findpost&p=4608949

1.2k · August 1, 2011

If your hiking will take you into any sort of wilderness or isolated area, The Ten Essentials should be on your list. The 10E list takes on many forms and can evolve based on location and season. A great starting point is the 10E list prepared by the Boy Scouts. See the link below for a link to another post covering the 10E's.

http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=266118&view=findpost&p=4608949

Thanks for The link and article .

Edited August 1, 2011 by SeekerOfTheWay

2.1k · August 2, 2011

I used to carry a poncho, but that was overkill and I ended up getting as wet inside from sweat as I would have from the rain.

The poncho is to cover your pack, not you.

One of the camo military ones (with all the buttons and such) is a good all around item. Leave the hood tided tightly and you can use it for any number of things.

Edited August 2, 2011 by MooseJawSpruce

9.5k · August 2, 2011

I used to carry a poncho, but that was overkill and I ended up getting as wet inside from sweat as I would have from the rain.

The poncho is to cover your pack, not you.

One of the camo military ones (with all the buttons and such) is a good all around item. Leave the hood tided tightly and you can use it for any number of things.

You took my comment out of context when it was in response to Briansnat's rain jacket not on my checklist.

However, in response to your comment; Anything I may be concerned with getting wet is in its own protective pouch or ziplock. Where I hike, we have conditions where a duck's back cover isn't sufficient to keep the moisture out of the pack.

Edited August 2, 2011 by TotemLake

August 2, 2011

What about a couple of large Garbage sacks, plus they cover packs very nicely when Hiking or that overnight. :grin:

August 4, 2011

What about a couple of large Garbage sacks, plus they cover packs very nicely when Hiking or that overnight.

Good point. Garbage bags are like duct tape...many uses in the field.

4.4k · August 5, 2011

Emergency locator beacon.

In case you really screw up.

August 6, 2011

Emergency locator beacon.

In case you really screw up.

$550? Ouch! lol

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fast-Find-Plus-McMurdo-Emergency-Location-Beacon-/150574304796?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item230eed8e1c

Since I'm just starting out I doubt that's going to be in my budget anytime soon. Maybe one day!

2.4k · August 6, 2011

I always advise a Trip Plan if you are going out into the boonies, even locally if there is any reason to warrant it.

Only one I know of (there should be others) is at

Adventuresmart.ca

It's based on standard SAR missing person/group profiling information... just print one, fill it out and leave it with someone you trust... Always remember to retrieve it when you come back. Save on false alarms. You could simply do your own using the information boxes.

It may seem overkill, but you should always let someone know your plans and wishes for alerting authorities IF you don't show up again. Even saying to the spouse/friend that you are going caching in the park and will be back for dinner is fine. AND it is suitable for urban/suburban ventures. It's nothing more than parents demand of kids going out... and for some of the same reasons.

You would be surprised at what information can lead to quicker finds... but your local search manager won't be... the more the better.

In case the screw up ISN'T intentional or planned for... BTW SPOT is cheaper and useful as well... ELB's are strictly emergency devices, and worth it for expeditions and such. We respond to SPOTs if they are activated properly and they work well for lesser events... Also amazed often that people don't seem to know that texting from celphones will work when the phone won't. If the cel can see any sort of link, the text can make it... it uses different channeling (control). They always make sure the billing data can get processed when you make a call or whatever... Only a totally failed link will be a no go, most of the time for simple data.

Doug 7rxc

9.5k · August 7, 2011

Emergency locator beacon.

In case you really screw up.

$550? Ouch! lol

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fast-Find-Plus-McMurdo-Emergency-Location-Beacon-/150574304796?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item230eed8e1c

Since I'm just starting out I doubt that's going to be in my budget anytime soon. Maybe one day!

Fwiw, I wouldn't trust my life on an emergenc beacon device from ebay. There are some things when going cheap isn't worth taking a chance on.

1.2k · August 8, 2011

Emergency locator beacon.

In case you really screw up.

I really want one of these! Someday I will.

August 8, 2011

I don't hike as much as I like too, most places near where I live are small state forests or state parks, where you generally around someone all the time, or close to your car or close to some type of civilization. So on those trips I just take a camel pak, extra gps batteries, a energy bar or two, a zipper compass, a 2 AA Mag-lite, tweezers, a extra pen....if its less then a mile I just take a pen and my gps lol.

Now I've only been on one real true hike, it was near Las Vegas, called Red Rock, it was a 5 mile round trip hike with 2300ft elevation gain to one of the peaks in the park. I did it solo, I had the ten essentials. I learned that even though it was in the 80 degree range, the 2 liters of water in my pak was not enough, I ran out half way back down the mountian, I also learned that trekking poles are useless when bouldering and scrambling, and ALWAYS cut your toe-nails before you go on any sort of hike! Probably the smartiest thing I did was tell my wife which trail head I started on, and when I expected to be back to the car...nothing happened.

9.5k · August 13, 2011

I have managed to pare down my overnight backpack to 58 lbs. After 4 days out this week, I've taken stock of what I don't need to carry anymore. IF it doesn't serve a multiple purpose... it is gone.

4.4k · August 14, 2011

$550? Ouch! lol

US$250 brand new at REI, or C$225 at MEC. Just search "McMurdo Fast Find 210" at your favorite store. Maybe skip the auction sites...

Edited August 14, 2011 by Viajero Perdido

August 20, 2011

$550? Ouch! lol

US$250 brand new at REI, or C$225 at MEC. Just search "McMurdo Fast Find 210" at your favorite store. Maybe skip the auction sites...

eBay is funny that way. Enough people use it for everyday browsing that people get screwed. I knew a guy that would buy stuff from walmart, price it about 10% higher on eBay and it would sell. Amazing.

August 21, 2011

Yep, have to be careful with eBay and know how to search. I didn't spend a lot of time with that particular one but yes, if it's higher on eBay I won't buy things there but it's a good place to see what things are going for in general.

I like eBay because I can use my PayPal funds which are kinda like my "play" money. I build it up over time selling odds and ends. Beats putting it on my credit card. lol

Gear most people overlook

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