Tips & Tricks
Better to know about it, than think you know about it If you have it and you don’t use it, it’s a hassle... If you need it and you don’t have it, then you have a problem! Murphy’s Laws apply to the outdoors too! Mixed with weather, equipment, tools, etc. Plan ahead and use Redundancy: For the important items, carry an extra one, or spares, or repair kit. And don’t forget the extra batteries!IMPORTANT NOTE: carrying a repair kit doesn’t mean you know how to repair something! At least read the instructions! A dull knife it’s way worse than a sharp one, it will require extra effort to cut, and increase the probabilities of having an accident In most cases, what you don’t carry with you, you won’t find it, or it’s going to be double the price to get it. Pack wisely, because Either you have to carry it on your back, or haul it on and off of your vehicle When loading your car or truck, put first the stuff you won’t need upon arrival, and leave the important stuff on top, and Consider the time you’ll be arriving at the campsite! if it’s at night, the first you need handy are lights, lanterns or flashlights Take an extra time in selecting where you are going to pitch your tent, consider the winds of the zone, the weather forecast, the cardinal points, and type of ground. Oh! and check for ants and those little critters that can give you some trouble while sleeping! If you are in “expedition mode”, learn about the place you are visiting, get a map, look on google earth or similar about the features of the terrain, and how they change during different seasons of the year. Learn your ways around ahead, and PRINT a map, because Anything that uses a battery, at some point, will run out of energy. That includes GPS, cell phones, and 2 way radios. Learn to use things like compasses, that work with the magnetic field of the earth. If you run out of magnetic field, well, at that point it really doesn’t matter where you are....:) If you are making a fire, pay extra attention, sparks fly and can cause a really bad accidents. Adjust the size of the fire to the situation, you don’t need a bonfire to heat some coffee, and is a waste of good firewood you can use the next day. Did I mention toilet paper and/or baby wipes? Be friendly with nature, don’t leave anything behind, extinguish your fire, pick up your trash, or burry it if it’s appropriate. Check out the following table:  Bring enough water for the whole expedition, or means to procure it Don’t try to win the “Darwin Award” Play it safe and learn your limitations. more to come!!!