Hello, I'm the OUTDOOR PROFESSOR from DiscoveringTheOutdoors.com.
Here's your outdoor tip on essential tools for your next outdoor adventure.
“Be prepared” is a well-known Scout motto and important advice for any trip you take into the outdoors. There are many variables that determine the essentials that you need to take with you depending on the details of the trip, but there are a few things that are important for you to always carry. A first aid kit should always be first on the list, but there are some other essentials…and you need to remember that even a short walk in the outdoors can turn into a longer adventure if the unexpected occurs—remember Gilligan’s three hour tour. So prepare for some extended challenges.
Here’s the list for you to consider:
1. A whistle—signaling for help should be a high priority whether you are in the woods or on the water. Much less energy is required to blow a whistle than yelling and the sound of a whistle will travel much further.
2. A large plastic trash bag—a light and thin bag is easy to carry and has many uses. It can be a rain poncho, temporary shelter, or a great container for trash or other materials collected in the wild.
3. Duct tape also has a variety of uses. It’s great for a number of temporary repairs and can even be used to fix leaks.
4. Large Safety pins can also be great for repairs, to dig out splinters, and other temporary fixes.
5. A knife is something you should never be without. A sturdy blade can be used for preparing food, building shelters, cutting through vines and limbs and other tasks.
6. A fire starter is important for signaling, bad weather, and other fundamental uses. Water proof matches are fine, but even a disposable butane lighter will work. The classic flint and steel is also a safe bet for starting a fire with dry tinder. Some flammable helper such as cotton balls covered with wax or a candle can be helpful in wet weather.
7. A flashlight is not just a handy help for seeing in the dark, but it is also an important an important way to signal help. It can be seen a great distance by rescuers.
8. An emergency or space blanket is a good idea as it takes up almost no room and can be used to help maintain your core temperature in wet or cold weather. It can retain up to 80% of your radiated body heat and help fight hypothermia. It can also be used with your trash bag for a ground tarp or shelter from rain--also the sun on some days.
9. High calorie protein bars are a good idea especially if you have someone sensitive to blood sugar levels. You can burn a large number of calories foraging around and they will save you from unnecessary calorie loss.
10. A compass and topographical map is a good idea in case you get turned around. Even if you are in a contained area, you may find the trek to a road a very inconvenient necessity. Technology makes a GPS unit a possibility, but you do put yourself at risk with poor signal, dead batteries, water damage, or other mishaps.
11. Be prepared with an extra water supply. Water is more important than food. If you have a metal container, you have the option of boiling the water to kill unwanted critters. Also you can have water purification tablets to ensure safe water to drink.
12. Tweezers are a good idea. Not only splinter removal may be necessary, but the best way to remove a tick is to have tweezers to grab the head and carefully pull it from your skin.
It’s true you may not need some of these items when you are taking an afternoon hike, but remember the unexpected can and does occur. Surprises including natural disasters can easily delay your return for your evening dinner. Being equipped to deal with an unplanned night or two in the wild is something you will appreciate should it be forced on you. It’s always better to be safe than sorry—remember--be prepared.
References-Additional Reading
The 10 Essentials for Outdoor Adventure
http://www.artofmanliness.com/2010/11/15/the-10-essentials-for-outdoor-adventures/
10 Outdoor Survival Tools
http://www.wired.com/2008/03/top-10-survival/
Top Outdoor Essentials
http://listverse.com/2008/05/07/top-15-outdoor-essentials/
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