Watch a few episodes of Naked and Afraid, and you’ll see people covered in bug bites, and tons of mosquitoes and ants and other bugs that attack them. There are ways to minimize this, but not all locations will have the necessary items to keep you from getting devoured by bugs. So, what can you do?
Most bushcraft shelters work well except when it rains. When inclement weather strikes, it can be a very wet shelter. Worse yet, it can start to flood on the dry floor that you need to sleep on. The solution to this is making a trench around your shelter.
I have a collection of headlamps, flashlights, work lights, lighting for photography, and lighting for camping. It’s a bit out of hand as I started collecting lights as a child. I finally found one I use often, and it is always on me in my backpack or in my car. It is a flashlight and work light combined, and it can charge your phone in a pinch.
I don’t know about you, but whatever it takes to lower my pack weight so I can carry a lighter load but not compromise what I bring to an adventure or survival situation is critical for me. Whenever possible, I bring carbon fiber, aluminum, or titanium for as much of my gear. There are many brands out there that make titanium based cookware, cups and water bottles, but my favorite one has to be from Silver Ant.
There are some things about 5.11 Tactical products that I like. Quality, design, and function seems to work well for me. Bags and backpacks are very subjective, and in most cases, personal taste that makes us select a specific one. I like MOLLE webbing so I can attach many things to make room for the essentials that I cannot attach to the front and sides of the bag. That being said, my favorite bag is the 5.11 Tactical RUSH series. I have the original RUSH 24, and the RUSH 12 2.0. They are my go to bags for many things, though the RUSH 24 has been delegated as my Go-Bag.
When I first purchased a few of these, I had a specific use for these. I haven’t had a need for it, until recently, when I went sport climbing at a local crag. The area is very noisy with traffic, and shouting out “Slack!” or “Take!” would be futile.
Many people don’t realize the importance of protecting your eyes from the sun when you are out hiking, adventuring, backpacking or even camping. It is also very important for survival. I have a pair of sunglasses packed in every one of my bags, except my get home bag since I have my shades with me and I grab that and the get home bag to, well, get home.
I have lived on a boat, overloading (before the term got popular), and have gone car camping, glamping, and backpacking in many places around the globe. When you have the luxuries of carrying a ton of stuff to prepare and cook food, it feels like home to me. However, if space and weight is a concern (carrying a kitchen full of stuff is not an option in a survival situation), I have a short list of items I carry or make on my own.
The Garmin GPSMAP 66i is a great navigation device and an emergency communication device. There is a new model, the GPSMAP 67i which has longer battery life and a more accurate GPS system. I personally have not had problems with GPS accuracy on the GPSMAP 66i, so I don’t intend to upgrade anytime soon. I have maps loaded which will allow me to navigate in most situations around the US.
RibbitRadio.org is slowly gaining popularity. It is a great way to send messages to people off-grid or with no cell or internet service. You only need a HAM or GMRS radio, and a smartphone (iOS or Android) device to get started, though there are some useful accessories that are nice to have.
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