Now for the machete
January 13, 2012 by Alyssa Miller, AOPA Online Managing Editor
Treasuring the last of the warmth of being indoors before heading to the Surratt Winter Survival Clinic this afternoon. Thankfully all of my survival gear that I checked at Dulles made it to Kalispell, and I’ve consolidated my packing to be able to carry as much of it as possible on my person.
My backpack is stuffed with two changes of clothes, extra socks, food, knife, Leatherman, two flashlights (including one that flashes like a beacon), utility rope, fire starter (it definitely creates sparks), mirror (signaling device), water filter and water bottle, thermos, hand and foot warmers, and first aid kits. I rolled my emergency weather blanket and tarp in a thermal mat, and packed more food, cotton balls (for starting a fire), another medical kit in my sleeping bag pack. All told, I just have to carry three items, and if I can attach the thermal mat to my backpack, I’ll knock that down to two.
I also need to attach my sauce pan and another water bottle to my backpack and buy a lighter and machete. Now, I just need to figure out where to pack/attach the machete.
January 13th, 2012 at 1:49 pm
You’re having too much fun, Alyssa!
January 13th, 2012 at 2:55 pm
As a longtime hunter in Wyoming and Montana during Winter months I have learned Highway Flares are a lightweight effective fire starter with dual purpose as a signalling device. They can be broken down into pieces for fire starter use and are intense enough to dry out wet wood