Soda Can Stove 2

Just a follow up with some pictures of two stoves that we made last night.  They burned great, a little crazy at first but as the seams tightened up they burned awesome.  Two tablespoons of denatured alcohol will burn for about 10 minutes.

 

Soda Can Stove

Check out this website for a great homemade backpacking stove.  Anybody with a little patience and some empty soda cans can make one of these stoves and they weigh next to nothing so they are a great addition to your hiking pack.

http://www.thesodacanstove.com/stove/

Caring For Blisters

Here is a great way to deal with blisters on the go thanks to the U.S. Army Survival Handbook.  Always keep blisters intact in order for the blister to protect itself.  To avoid having a blister burst or tear under pressure and cause an open sore you can drain it.

First get a sterilized sewing needle and clean thread
Clean the area around the blister and run the needle and thread through the blister
Detach the needle and leave the thread hanging out both sides of the blister
The thread will absorb the liquid inside the blister and keep it from bursting
The thread also keeps the hole in the blister from closing up and allows it to dry
Pad around the area to relieve pressure and continue to keep it clean

Sun Compass

Shadow-Tip Method

Find a straight stick about 3 feet long
Place the stick in the ground in a level area
Mark the shadow's tip with a stone or twig (this first point is always West)
Wait 10-15 minutes until the shadow moves and mark the tip of the shadow again
Draw a straight line through the 2 points and that is your east-west line
Stand with your first mark on your left and your second mark on your right and now you are facing North

This method will work anywhere on earth
To make it more accurate wait 30-45 minutes and make 3 or more marks as the shadow moves

Survival Acronym

This is a good acronym from the U.S. Army Survival Handbook that will help you to remember what to do in  a survival situation.

S-size up the situation (surroundings, physical condition, equipment)
U-Use all your senses; Undue haste makes waste
R-Remember where your are
V-Vanquish fear and panic
I-Improvise
V-Value Living
A-Act like the natives
L-Live by your wits; Learn basic skills now

Minimalist Outing

A friend and I were having a discussion the other day about doing a couple day outing with only three supplies allowed.  Water and a backpack not counting as one of the three what would you take?  A pocket knife, a tent, sleeping bag, food, matches or maybe a weapon of some sort?  Keep in mind we were talking about covering 15 to 20 miles, so whatever you take it must be light and easily carried.  I think I would opt for a jacket of some sort cause it is still getting fairly cold at night, maybe a multi-tool, and then some sort of food like an MRE.  What are the three things you would take along?

CamelBak TriZip

I received my CamelBak TriZip backpack today.  Here are some initial pictures and thoughts with a field test to follow.  I am impressed with the quality of the construction, it is made with 500D cordura with what looks to be excellent heavy duty zippers.  There are two outside pockets; one with room for a 1 liter water bottle and the other with sewn in dividers for organizing small equipment.  It comes with a 100 oz / 3 liter Omega bladder with a quick disconnect hose and an insulated drinking tube.  The bag weighs in at 4.8 pounds empty and with the bladder full it weighs 11.3 pounds.  The total volume for the bag is 34.4 liters and it's dimensions are 20in x 13in x 11.5in.  The interior of the pack has two net pockets that aid in organization as well as two straps for securing internal loads.  I really like the design of the Y shape zippers which allow you to fillet open the bag and access all it's contents at once.  There is a top pocket that is soft lined which is good for goggles, glasses, electronics, or any equipment you need quick access to.  The bladder is located in a separate pocket between the harness and the pack and it has high and low exit ports for the drinking tube.  The best part of this pack is supposed to be the Mystery Ranch adjustable harness which adjusts up and down to create a more personal fit depending on your height or for conforming if you are wearing body armor.  I plan on loading this pack up and doing a little hiking this weekend so I will post my field reviews soon.