gathompson_at_bc.sympatico.ca wrote: > As a new paddler can you more seasoned folks supply suggestions of safety/emergency equipment you carry ? What do you carry during a 2 hour trip vs. a 5 day trip. How about winter vs. summer necessities. What do you consider essential vs. "nice to have". The list will vary with location and skills, etc., but two essentials I don't go without are a knife and an easy to make fire. In Antarctica you never go anywhere without your full parka, ice axe, food (usually chocolate bars), ice glasses, and other items prescribed locally. Carrying a radio and being signed out are generally required at all stations. Having water is always a good idea, at the very least carry something to keep water in and a way to purify it. Condoms make good emergency water holders. Shelter, even a couple of trash bags can do a lot to help keep the elements off. The big bandannas can be used for everything from sun protection to bandages to splints and slings to ... well lots of stuff as needed. Adjust for local climate, in the tropics sun protection and water are top priorities, while in the arctic, staying warm is tops. Water is always inportant but the way to get and use it changes. This is a subject that can and does fill several books, please read a few of them. Remember, if you are separated form your boat then you have only what is on your person (on PFD) to survive. Have a knife and fire making gear on yourself at all times. If you have gear in a 'bailout' bag, you probably want to condition yourself to grab the bag in a wet exit. Teathering the bag to yourself is an entanglement risk but might produce less risk than that of loosing the boat and your survival gear. It depends on the individual circumstances. I'm sure this will produce a long and interesting thread. :-) michael *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 12/11/1998 9:10:12 AM EST, MichaelN_at_cycat.com writes: << Having water is always a good idea, at the very least carry something to keep water in and a way to purify it. Condoms make good emergency water holders. >> Only if you are a young buck out to lay the world. If you are old enough to know it can't be done, you carry proper water containers. John P S On carrying water. Do you use it to wash up with it or drink it? *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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