Ok I really can't call it 3 days since I spent the daytime exploring the Chirachaua Mountains. Really what I did was test my emergency gear for 2 nights at 2 different camp locations in order to get a variety of conditions.
The was that something like a rollover happened to my truck so while I can get my gear out it isn't safe to sleep in it. Leaking gas, crushed cabin, things like that.
Anyone who has seen what all I carry on a everyday basis would think I am loaded for the Second Coming. However you never know till you need it and by then it is too late.
Also I usually take a few days off by myself at the first of every year in order to reflect on the year that has passed and think on the year to come. This would work out nicely with my planned gear test.
I am calling this the Winter Edition even though I didn't encounter snow. I plan to do a Summer Edition in June to test desert conditions and my gear again.
I am going to do a much more indepth write-up in the next couple of days but I thought I would give you folks a taste of how my emergency gear test went and the lessons I learned.
It was cold and rainy as I headed out of Phoenix to southeastern Arizona. I haven’t spent much time in that area so I wanted to explore and test at the same time.
As a cigar smoker fire starting is usually not a problem. I also could have used paper that was in my truck, wax candles that I had. I could have used the battery and some wires for sparks and siphoned fuel from the tank.
And fire was a serious priority since it was cold by morning.
Camp #1 got me through the night no problem.
A wool blanket works great since it insulates even when wet, has less fire hazard that synthetics and is durable. However enough can’t be said about the importance of a good hat.
Food was never a concern since you really can go days with nothing and be ok. However water is super important. I had 2L worth and a stream that I used my water filter & tablets on.
No pic of camp #2 as I was wrapped like a burrito and couldn’t take a pic.
I found a great use for all those Bud Light cans we pick up off the trail, windscreen for your tablet stove.
Lessons learned:
Wear gloves even if they are work gloves, retains heat & prevents injury.
If you might be over-nighting even if it is a slight chance get, started on your setup in daylight if possible.
Hammocks are great for keeping you off damp or rocky ground. However you will loose heat to air under you if you don’t put a barrier in place.
Fire makes all the difference, comfort, heat, signal, cooking it is all important.
Have the ability to make a hot drink.
Have a way to sharpen edged tools. My axe was dull from previous use and the Leatherman file just wasn’t enough.
When eating hot food during cold temps keep the container inside your jacket/blanket to retain it’s heat. Good for you and good for the food.
Chemical warming packs would have been a blessing the second night when a fire was not possible.
Wool is wonderful but not enough if it get stupid cold and no fire is possible.
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