Critique my preparedness

A lot of really good response, and here are my 2 cents worth of 'critique':

1) In terms of right or wrong decisions, it is always a very subjective thing and can only be justified by the result. The fact that you made it home safe could be a combination of right decisions and good luck. But I think it is prudent and wise of you to reconsider what you could do better, just in case luck runs out next time. So that's a good start. :thumbup:

2) In terms of 'protocol', I always look at my outings in three phrases and how best I could make things safer/more efficient: before, during and after. These critiques will constitute part of the 'after' process, but we will come back to that in the end to revisit this idea.


3) Before-trip Preparedness vs impulse

--It's nice to let your wife know you are going out, but it'd be better if you could let her know which specific trail, especially if it involves side excursion.

--I don't know enough about local weather and terrain, but I have a feeling that you are NOT dressed and equipped properly to navigate/stay the night.

--I usually bring a 'basic set' amount of gears when I go solo hiking, which includes
First aid
Trekking poles
layers of clothing to stay the night/trash bags
Fire starters(lighter/tinder)
Large amount of water/purification tabs/Bottle
Energy food
Headlights/small PLB/signal mirror
Survival kit
All I consider essential gears if I am hiking/camping.
Here is a video about the small kit that I always bring with me for a day trip:
[video=youtube;_6_FdpttyrY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6_FdpttyrY[/video]

--You probably know your limit/trail/condition way better than anyone, but I would really recommend to prepare a 'list' of well thought out gears and protocol, so you won't miss anything when you leave the door.


4) During-trip Decision making, all things considered.

--I fully agree with some other posts--knowing when to quit is really important. Looking at the foggy weather and the treelines, with no maps/compass, intermittent cell reception, possible not enough clothing/layers, without knowing whether you could further injury yourself, it is best to quit early when you still can.

--From decisions standpoint, before deciding whether you want to keep pressing on, I would evaluate what I have on me, weighting the risk/reward, before making that decision. This is a familiar well-known trail which you could always come back(nothing too much to prove, non-opportunistic), and given the less than adequate gears, as much fun as I want to have...again I would probably just turn around instead of going forward.

--Regardless of what decision, it'd be nice if you could keep your wife informed, at least give her a quick text. Just making good use of your 'signal' gears.


5) After-trip Evaluate and Improve

--Going back to what I said in beginning, I think it is wise to consider what can be done better, and you are open enough to accept new ideas. That's a great start.

--What I would love to know more is what steps/gears/improvement you decided upon to undertake, and will you take the initiative to get those done. Afterall, some many good ideas in this thread, and there must be some take away that could be done. ;)
 
Definitely some great replys to this tread. A whole lot of really good suggestions floating around. I really like the recommendation to leave the kit in your day pack, as well as the TP. It's easy enough to yank the cardboard roll out of a regular TP roll and press it flat for storage. Another option is wet wipes which can be used to clean your hands and other gear as well. Just make sure they are bio degradable in case they end up left behind. I completely forgot my recommendation to have a map of the area and preferably a decent compass.
 
Here are my categories I consider every time I go:

1. Pack and packing materials
- You have a pack and something to pack things out with you.
- Sometimes I consider poles here, and sometimes I decide I'll find something along the way.

2. Shelter (Clothing, Sleeping, Fire)
- You have a hat, shorts, fleece, socks and shoes.
- You said it was dry, so maybe you didn't need a rain-jacket, umbrella, tarp, or a safety blanket.
- You know the weather there better than I do. I like wearing shorts, but would probably have considered warmer pants in my pack for an unplanned overnight stay with temps at 30 degrees.
- You'll see fire in several of my categories. I consider it important enough to have a backup. This is a lightweight and unnoticeable item to carry. I always have a Bic lighter as well as a "firesteel". The Bic has more uses than just lighting a fire.
- This category for me also considers sunscreen and bug protection.
- I like to keep sunglasses for the sun and “safety” glasses for walking in the thick stuff.
- Extra socks and underwear weigh very little.

3. Water / Filtration-Purification / Food-Nutrition / Preparation / Fire
- You have a water bottle and water. I always carry a filter and a spare Platypus bottle. It is very lightweight.
- You have food. I carry too much extra food, but you have what you determined was enough. I tend to plan heavily toward carbs and electrolyte replacement for day-hikes.
- I don’t ALWAYS carry a stove on a day-hike, but I at least consider it when the weather is “cold”. An alcohol stove is insignificant in weight, but then I’d have to carry a “cookpot” and a container of fuel. Then I consider the woodstove. If I have a stove, I have a method to light the alcohol or fire.

4. First Aid / Medical / Hygiene / H2O Purification / Fire
- First-Aid – This could be a big topic. This is very personal, and opinions vary widely.
- Medical – Also very personal.
- Toilet paper or an alternative, toothpicks/toothbrush, soap/disinfectant, etc., etc. I don’t see the need for much here on a day-hike, but TP or an alternative method might be necessary.
- Chlorine Dioxide for water purification.
- Another Bic lighter to sterilize a “needle” to pick out thorns or splinters. Backup fire.
- A Victorinox Classic is in this kit.

5. Navigation / Communication / Illumination / Fire
- Map, Compass, GPS – ALWAYS carry a compass. I carry a map of some type, unless I know the area really well. To me, it is very important to study the area and its map BEFORE going on “big” hikes.
- You have a phone, a brightly-colored pack, and a brightly-colored cloth. My kit always has a whistle, signal mirror, and bright orange. The whistle is easy to use to communicate certain things to others who might be with me. The bright orange is also good for walking on a road after dark or to help prevent being mistaking for wildlife. I often carry the PLB.
- I carry a “good” headlamp/flashlight. I have keychain lights inside the pack.
- Fire and smoke are also signal devices.
- Rite in the Rain pad with pen, pencil, and permanent marker.

6. Utility / Tools / Specialty
- You have a knife and a real carabiner.
- This part of my kit will have some rope, cord, or line and a knife. It might also include all manner of things depending on what the nature of the trip might be, i.e. climbing, fishing, mountain bike supplies, etc.
- This is another category where I consider a set of poles.

7. Tools – Defense
- I always consider this. This could be a big topic. This is very personal, and opinions vary widely. It could be a bug-net, Permethrin treatment on clothes, DEET, traps, scents, alarms, pepper spray, bear spray, bug spray, snake chaps, guns, knives, etc., etc.
 
hatchettjack said:
3. No mention of a compass?
Click to expand...

Good call.

No compass. I did have my cell phone which does have a compass app. Plus the sun was shining and could be used for navigation. Doesn't seem likely you'd get lost in the mountains.
 
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mec003 said:
...

2. Did you have a way to start a fire?
...

7. A trekking pole or walking stick would have been my preferance for the terrain that you were hiking.

...
Click to expand...

I think some people assumed that I didn't have a fire kit. Since you asked about fire, let me point out that in the picture of my pack, there is a small plastic bag containing a blue object. Up close it looks like this:



It is a small fire kit, somewhat depleted, containing a ferro rod, striker (Made by our own JK), and some paraffin impregnated jute. Maybe 8". This stuff can be teased apart to make a highly flammable tinder that will catch a spark from two counties away.



I usually carry a bit more jute than that, but it's been used up and I haven't replenished my stash (see Codger's earlier comments about that). Still there is plenty here to start 2-3 fires without a problem.

In addition, I bet I have enough knife and cordage to make a bowdrill and get a blaze going. Sure, next you'll be asking if I practice using a bow drill. Uh....no, not really. But Have done it once and have the theory down pretty good. That's good enough, right?

In re the pole idea: my dog has to stay on a leash or he'll kill every animal in the state, maybe the next state too. I find that if I have a trekking pole in hand he can sometimes get twisted around it and cause me to be at risk for a fall, so I don't use one for that reason. Otherwise, I'd be all over it. I'm a huge fan of hiking and fishing staffs.

Great critique, Mec003.
 
sideways said:
Codger is on point mentioning toilet paper.

  • TOILET PAPER. I always carry it but never remember to mention it.
  • A bit of ball lubricant (vaseline) to reduce chafing and some of those second skin blister bandaids are worth having too. Because the wrong underwear and shoes create a lot of sore spots.
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+1 on the TP.

I hope this isn't TMI, but I was running commando...to avoid chafing....:o
 
I did not see any big chopper, or compact saw. This is bladeforums. You must be ready to chop down large trees at a moments notice.

You did not mention if you told your wife that if you were not back by a specific time, to send out the national guard and search and rescue. And if you are not back within three days, what knives to sell, and how much to a
ask for them, or what knives to bury the little remains they could find with.

No lovely lady on your arm either?


I agree with others on having a way to stay warm at altitude and survive a sudden rain/hail/snow or snap freeze if you have to survive the night.
 
comis said:
What I would love to know more is what steps/gears/improvement you decided upon to undertake, and will you take the initiative to get those done. Afterall, some many good ideas in this thread, and there must be some take away that could be done. ;)
Click to expand...

Great comments, I liked your video. And I will do a self-critique and gear update at the end of the contest/thread!
 
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Hacked said:
Definitely some great replys to this tread. A whole lot of really good suggestions floating around. I really like the recommendation to leave the kit in your day pack, as well as the TP. It's easy enough to yank the cardboard roll out of a regular TP roll and press it flat for storage. Another option is wet wipes which can be used to clean your hands and other gear as well. Just make sure they are bio degradable in case they end up left behind.
Click to expand...

In re the TP idea, this is my preferred method of carry:



I seal the roll with duct tape, remove the cardboard tube, squash, and put in a zip top bag. Stays dry and contained. To use, pull tissue from the center. I've been doing this for years...on camping trips.
 
BillyJoeBobJim said:
Here are my categories I consider every time I go...
Click to expand...

BillyJoe, you have an outstanding list and have been the first to raise a couple points that I think are important. However, let me play the ignorant fool that I am and ask a couple of questions:

1. Do I really need all that stuff for the woods? I mean, I was just going for a short hike.....

2. How much does all that stuff weigh? I looks like I could survive for days and days with your list of stuff, but it looks heavy to carry.

3. I'm middle aged and not in the best shape, will I get a heart-attack humping that load 2000' into thin air?
 
Bigfattyt said:
I did not see any big chopper, or compact saw. This is bladeforums. You must be ready to chop down large trees at a moments notice.

You did not mention if you told your wife that if you were not back by a specific time, to send out the national guard and search and rescue. And if you are not back within three days, what knives to sell, and how much to ask for them, or what knives to bury the little remains they could find with.
Click to expand...

My knives are all Safe Queens because otherwise my wife would sell 'em while I was hiking. Mrs Rotte does not have the combination to the safe.

No, I didn't give her a specific return time. I told her I'd be back 'later'.
 
"Stuff". Fiddling with stuff and making outlandish Gilligan's Island scenarios can be entertaining but... really, the essentials will fit in a one or two pound fanny pack. Fleece pants and jacket, headcover and gloves might add another couple of pounds. Overdoing it can be just as bad as underdoing it.

Regarding compass/phone app... a thick fog bank shoots both phone reception and siteing the sun as does a thick overstory of trees. A button compass allows for generalized direction finding.

The packer's toilet paper comes in three-packs usually and lasts me several outings. Yes, you can use household TP without the core, but again that is overkill. My rolls are about 4" long by 1 1/4" diameter. And not expensive. And stuffs in any pocket for a quick jog and squat offtrail. Check it out at the box stores. One purchase will last months.

Summation, prepare to stay overnight... warm and dry no matter the weather change. Pack little but pack enough. Food for emergencies can fit in a Ziploc snack bag... hot jello makes a warm filling drink. An envelope of hot chocolate or a Folgers single coffee bag. And an instant soup mix. No pot or pan? Get a small one anyway. Many will nest on the bottom of a water bottle. Speaking of which, a spare bottle of springwater to augment your lexan bottle. That should be enough to keep you hydrated for a day and prep a meal except in desert environments. Filters and treatment chems for a dayhike or unexpected overnighter are again in my opinion overkill. Like spear blades, fishing kits etc.
 
Treatment chems are just one of those things... I'll probably never need them. They only weighs a few grams though so I am not taking them out of my backpack on the days I don't need them at the risk of not having them if I ever do need them.
 
Thanks, Codger. I agree with you on all points. I do like my standard TP roll, but I have carried a few smaller rolls for overnight trips. Also have carried some individual "wipes" for field hygeine. In this case, where I didn't expect to be out for more than 3 hours, I didn't even consider that stuff. It was just supposed to be a 3 hour tour.....
 
Okay, here's what I think you did right.

1. Went for a hike. Good on ya, mister. Yours will not be amongst those timid souls who pine only for the La-Z-Boy and the babble box.
2. Told the wife you were going for a walk. I'll get to this again in a moment.
3. Brought something to eat and drink. Again, I'll address this one in a moment.
4. Took along a companion. Bonus points for it being a Cornish Game Dog.
5. The hat, wool socks, long sleeve shirt and sturdy boots were wise choices.
6. Fire starter kit was well added.

Here's where I think you could have been more prepared.

1. I don't think you're prepared for precipitation. If it dropped in on you, one of those $2 rain ponchos would be gold. They are no bigger than a pack of cards and weigh nothing.

2. You weren't prepared for darkness. You had plenty of daylight when you started, but you just can't tell what might extend your day. Maybe there was a slight chance of rain for the day, but there's a 100% chance of darkness tonight. I'm reminded of a buddy of mine who went up-river to count salmon. He was on a well-used fishing trail with a companion, but he simply ran out of daylight. Had to stop because it got dark enough that they couldn't see a hand in front of their faces. His wife called us up and told us he hadn't come out yet. We found them standing in the middle of the trail, prepared to wait the night out. We had a good laugh, and I doubt he went anywhere without a flashlight. Again, a quality light needn't add much bulk or weight, and it'll bail you out.

3. Be more specific with the wife as to your destination. My buddy I mentioned above would have really had a bad night if his wife hadn't known the specifics of where he went. Lots of wilderness to search for somebody who just went for a walk "somewhere" and was going to be back "sometime".

4. An ounce of jerky does have some protein and fat... but there are better, more calorie compact choices on the rack at the 7-11. Trail mix made of nuts, raisins, some m&ms really offers up energy to the body.

All in all, a poncho, light, and a pack of Frito-Lay trail mix won't even require space in your day pack... it'll fit in your vest pockets. You can add them to your pockets for less than $10 and your level of preparedness jumps up another level. Add a whistle to your zipper pull and now you have a signal/distress call.

And I was just kidding around with that Cornish Game Dog comment. Let your hiking companion know that no hard feelings meant. :)
 
Hi. Will not “critic”, being myself a week-end hiker still learning every day :). Anyway, roaming the alpine foothills and the Alps since when a kid, I came to this set-up when it comes to one day hikes:

Weather and clothing
The weather in the mountains can change dramatically really in minutes. Weather forecasts help just as broad indication. A watch with a barometer can help to be more aware of these sudden changes. I started hikes in July/August with full sunshine and 25°C around 900 mt and ended up in kind of storms with winds raging and buckets of freezing rain at 2300 mt with temperatures around 0°C. I use the “onion concept” :) in clothing: base/mid/outer layers. Base layer for me is polyester/elastane garments. Mid layer is generally a warm fleece with wind-stopper membrane and outer layer is a good wind/waterproof goretex shell. A good pair of trekking shoes is important. Now, since years, I mainly wear trail running shoes with goretex membrane. Today I wear my hiking boots really only during winter, to clamp on snow shoes. I always have a thermal fleece beanie cap with me and Thinsulate gloves, lightweight and very effective. I pack one extra pair of socks. I never went wrong with this clothing for one day hikes.

Food and water
Where I hike, usually, finding water is not a big issue so I just carry one liter jar for drinking. Alpine areas are not short of brooks, small rivers and ponds which are a good source of clear water to boil for a cup of coffee or tea. Sometimes also a cup of snow can be melted :) . About food I go light, some fruits, some trail mix and maybe a sandwich. Of course, if, when the family, we plan a picnic or a “camp lunch”, then we can pack more goods, can be meat or fish to grill, cheese, bread, frittata, etc. As far as I remember, I never starved during a one day hike :D ! As said, we usually hike well travelled, marked trails and it’s not uncommon to hit a mountain hut or a bivouac (Rifugi Alpini) which offers some simple food.

Gear
For me it’s good to know the trail before hitting the road. I feel more comfortable. For what is possible, I always collect info beforehand, I study the maps and the terrains, the weather forecast, etc., specially if I go alone. Not always I carry maps but a compass is always in the rucksack. It doesn’t see so much action, actually. I always carry a tarp, it came in handy several times as temporary shelter from rain or sun. I always carry a sun screen, in summer and winter. I either carry Nordic walking poles or take my time to make a walking stick (it’s part of the fun). I have with me a knife (nowadays a folder it’s OK for my tasks) and a multitool (SAK or Leatherman type). If I plan to run a camp fire for long, I take an ax or a folding saw for wood harvesting and processing. I regularly carry a BIC lighter and a fire-steel. Mobile phone is always there, with an extra power pack. First aid kit it’s a must for me and some elastic and rigid bandage came in handy to fix a minor sprain or a twist and allowed me to get back home on my feet a couple of times. Chlorhexidine wet wipes goes in the medical pouch as well, together with tissues. Equipped like this, my backpack is rarely heavier than 10 kg :).

When I go hiking alone I always leave to my wife and family precise indications about my hike (e.g. trail #) and the estimated time for return. I always send an sms when reaching the start of the trail with information about my car parking place (village and street name). I keep them posted about my progression along the day. Luckily it never happened to me to have a non planned overnighter but, it’s true, one can never know.
 
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