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Knives
I have no doubt that there are expensive knives that are better
than what I use. A little $7 pocket knife, however, weighs less
than an ounce, and can have have used it many times to cut and
carve walking sticks, as well as for food preparation. I have
never had a blade break.
How much weight savings and better performance would you get for
another $70? Not much. If you want to keep it light, I suggest
buying a tough, inexpensive little knife with a two or three
inch blade at any sporting goods store. Don't go over two
ounces.
Other Tools
A knife is enough. Some people swear by their multi-tools or
Swiss army knives, but I just haven't ever seen a use for a
corkscrew in the wilderness . With practice, you can use knife
where you might like scissors, and pliers... what for?
Lights
The most dependable lights you can are lightweight LED lights.
My first was called the "Photon Light," and cost $20. I think
the little key chain ones in some drugstores now for $3 are the
same thing. They run for 12 or more hours on a watch battery. At
less than an ounce, light weight is their primary virtue. They
aren't very bright, but I have climbed up mountain trails in the
dark using them.
LED headlamps are great if you'll actually be traveling in the
dark at times. These are not quite as light, because they often
have two lights, and have headbands. I have one that weighs just
two ounces, though, and newer models are getting even lighter.
Pack Covers
Don't use a pack cover. It is just too much extra weight. Most
packs are relatively rainproof now in any case. It can help to
put the contents of your pack into several plastic bags, just in
case the pack leaks. This will add about an ounce - much less
than any pack cover.
Whistles
A whistle can be a good thing to have in an emergency. If you
bring one, make it a simple plastic one. If it weighs an ounce,
you bought a heavy one.
Radio
Bring a radio if you really think it will add to your trip, look
for one of those little ones that attach to your belt and have a
tiny ear plug. They weigh less than two ounces.
Hiking Gear To Avoid
If you really want to go light, avoid anything that is just
"gimmicky," and doesn't add any substantial convenience or
value. In this category I would include seats, reflector ovens,
forks, coffee pots, neck coolers, binoculars, chemical hand
warmers, electric socks, thermos bottles, cups, thermometers,
towels, shaving mirrors, tents, and sleeping bags.
Key Points
1. Be sure it is useful, and not just interesting, before adding
it to your packing list.
2. Keep your hiking gear lightweight.
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Caffeine can be okay. Contrary to what many "experts" say,
caffeinated drinks do not dehydrate you. If it was true, some
people I know would have died years ago at their desks. The
truth is that coffee, tea and other drinks with caffeine just
don't hydrate you as well as water. Drink some water also, and
you'll be fine. The caffeine in that coffee will make your
aspirin work better too.
Need an emergency whistle? The pith can be pushed out of the
branches of elderberry bushes to hollow them out. These
are often made into whistles by kids. Don't suck on them,
though. Elderberry can be somewhat toxic.
Don't put tents in the washing machine. It is too rough on them.
You can wash it in the bathtub, but it may be even better to set
it up outside to wash it. That way you can also let it dry
properly.
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