Post by Jiggy Gal on Jun 11, 2014 6:01:03 GMT -5
The Red River Gorge Of Kentucky
Pack Items
The following list of pack items is my personal choice. Opinions vary on this subject. What I carry can understandably be considered over kill and unnecessary for some hikes. I have learned the hard way that it is easier to keep the essentials in my pack at all times. I only have to make sure food and water are replenished before each hike. My essentials are based on what I would need to survive an unplanned night if needed and in some comfort.
1.) Map of the area. In the RRG get familiar with where the roads, creeks, and Red River are.
2.) Carry a GPS with extra batteries. I keep a bottom of the line Garmin. Works just fine. You will lose signal in many places in the Red but with some moving around you can always regain it.
3.) One 200 minimum lumen flashlight and one headlamp with extra batteries. TIP: Turn one battery backwards or depending on the type of flashlight the battery pack backwards. They tend to find a way to turn on in your pack.
4.) Tinder kit. I carry a combination flint stone with paraffin coated cotton balls. Available in most outdoor stores. I have never been unsuccessful getting a fire started even in the wettest conditions. And PLEASE…use dead wood. Don’t cut a live tree down unless it means staying alive. They don’t burn very well anyhow.
5.) Combo tool-knife, scissors, pliers screw driver, etc..
6.) H2O. I prefer 20oz. bottles that I freeze so I have cold water all day. I usually pack 3 or four bottles. Depending on the weather and distance to hike I have carried as much as six. I don’t have a solid formula to the quantity needed. The individual and weather are major factors. The best suggestion I can give is reasearch and experience.
7.) Bear spray. I haven’t seen a bear yet but have seen several signs to know they are out there. Bear spray in my opinion is the best thing in case of an encounter. You both live and the bear learns “stay away from people” I can tell you from an unfortunate accident. The stuff works. VERY WELL!
8.) Compass and a whistle. Mine is a combination whistle/compass.
9.) Food. I like to carry the little foil tuna packs, homemade trail mix, and cliff bars. Sometimes I substitute tuna with Jerky or summer sausage.
10.) Bandanna…not just for the sweat but it could come in handy if the need for a tourniquet or bandage should arise.
11.) Cell phone and portable cell phone charger.
12.) Mosquito net to cover the head. At certain times of the year (mostly June) the horse flies and deer flies in the RRG can be relentless.
ricksrrg.com/pack-items/
Pack Items
The following list of pack items is my personal choice. Opinions vary on this subject. What I carry can understandably be considered over kill and unnecessary for some hikes. I have learned the hard way that it is easier to keep the essentials in my pack at all times. I only have to make sure food and water are replenished before each hike. My essentials are based on what I would need to survive an unplanned night if needed and in some comfort.
1.) Map of the area. In the RRG get familiar with where the roads, creeks, and Red River are.
2.) Carry a GPS with extra batteries. I keep a bottom of the line Garmin. Works just fine. You will lose signal in many places in the Red but with some moving around you can always regain it.
3.) One 200 minimum lumen flashlight and one headlamp with extra batteries. TIP: Turn one battery backwards or depending on the type of flashlight the battery pack backwards. They tend to find a way to turn on in your pack.
4.) Tinder kit. I carry a combination flint stone with paraffin coated cotton balls. Available in most outdoor stores. I have never been unsuccessful getting a fire started even in the wettest conditions. And PLEASE…use dead wood. Don’t cut a live tree down unless it means staying alive. They don’t burn very well anyhow.
5.) Combo tool-knife, scissors, pliers screw driver, etc..
6.) H2O. I prefer 20oz. bottles that I freeze so I have cold water all day. I usually pack 3 or four bottles. Depending on the weather and distance to hike I have carried as much as six. I don’t have a solid formula to the quantity needed. The individual and weather are major factors. The best suggestion I can give is reasearch and experience.
7.) Bear spray. I haven’t seen a bear yet but have seen several signs to know they are out there. Bear spray in my opinion is the best thing in case of an encounter. You both live and the bear learns “stay away from people” I can tell you from an unfortunate accident. The stuff works. VERY WELL!
8.) Compass and a whistle. Mine is a combination whistle/compass.
9.) Food. I like to carry the little foil tuna packs, homemade trail mix, and cliff bars. Sometimes I substitute tuna with Jerky or summer sausage.
10.) Bandanna…not just for the sweat but it could come in handy if the need for a tourniquet or bandage should arise.
11.) Cell phone and portable cell phone charger.
12.) Mosquito net to cover the head. At certain times of the year (mostly June) the horse flies and deer flies in the RRG can be relentless.
ricksrrg.com/pack-items/