What do you carry that others may not have thought about?

[Bnorth]

Hatchets suck for splitting imo. I would carry an axe if that's the purpose. I use a mawl for splitting, axe for chopping and a hatchet for kindling.

I burn 6+ cord of wood a year so I've split a few logs over the years. Lol

If you want to strap a splitting maul to your sled that's your deal, I prefer a small hatchet that fits in the side panel. I've burned a lot of wood too and at home yeah a maul all the way but I'm not packing one just in case I feel like having a bonfire up the mountain.

 

[Bernoff]

If you want to strap a splitting maul to your sled that's your deal, I prefer a small hatchet that fits in the side panel. I've burned a lot of wood too and at home yeah a maul all the way but I'm not packing one just in case I feel like having a bonfire up the mountain.

Be careful with the hatchets. LOL. Had one in a tunnel bag once and on a rough trail off the mountain it came loose from its scabboard. Got to trailer and saw that it was wanting to chop a hole in my tunnel .

 

[Lund]

Chunks of mtn bike tire tube to start fires. Stays dry all day long.
Comprehensive tool kit- stashed under the seat of my XM. If you cut foam, there’s lots of space under there.
Pocket guide backcountry first aid.
Safeway bags.
15” fiskars pruning saw.
A second triangular saw zip tied in the engine compartment.
Hatchet.
Powder keg tunnel box.
Pocket guide outdoor survival.

And practice your skills- try light a fire and see how hard it can be to do when there ain’t much dead standing. Or when the bows are covered in snow. See how long it takes to cut wood with your little 8” inch fold out saw. Or a flexi blade shovel handle saw.

Good book to read that used to be on the book stands at IGA called “northern bushcraft” by Mors Kohanski. Used to be my bible as a kid growing up camping and in JFW group. Lots of shelter ideas- which is a pretty important topic to be effective and efficient when you’re forced to overnight.

Too start a fire out there is actually not that difficult, a bomb fire maybe yes but a small fire to help keep the chill out is all you need to survive.

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IMO, every one should attempt this on a sledding trip...very nice.

Typically when it goes all wrong, you’re already wet and cold. From experience, a well planned and built fire will get you warm and dry. It also keeps your spirit and confidence up instead of having a dismal outlook.

And then perhaps revert to your thought of space blanket and tea candle when you’re outta wood. You’’d have to try & see if you like it first.


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There is alot of stuff out there to help you start a fire in an emergency situation.
But honestly in our case, sledding in the back country there is nothing on this list that you really need for starting a fire because most everything you would need you probably find it on your sled.....well in most cases i think LOL.
Here is one of the best way to start a fire out there.
1- a container, like an empty beer can, pop can, even a cooker will work.
2- a knife, i like to carry my Kbar with me, but any big enough knife will do. Not a pocket knife, those are to clean your fingernails with LOL.
3- gas.
4- match, lighter, flint, even you engine spark plug if your in a bind..LOL
5- fuel to burn(wood). That is the hardest part but this is why this works so well.

What you do is remove the lid or top off the container, a pop or beer can, use your knife and remove the top.
Fill the container with gas and set it in a slightly dug out pit where the fire will be. It is best to dig your pit up against a large rock, or solid wall of some type as it will help radiate heat. Even a large tree will work....remember its not a bomb fire LOL.
Light the gas with a match and it will get burning for a long time, as long as there is gas in the container. Keep feeding the flame and you will get a good fire going, even with wet, frozen wood it can be done.
Obviously care has to be taken, tip the can and you might be sorry, so don't set your self on fire LOL.
BTW, when you put a flame to the gas such as a match, no worries it will just gently light, it won't blow up on you like some might think.
A full beer can of gas will burn for at least 1/2hr, giving you 1/2hr to get it flamed on wood....as long as you don't knock the can over.

Go in your back yard and try it, i've done this for years and it never fails. Seen lots of other's struggle with fire making. While i get it going in minutes.
Forget the survival show based on a lot of unrealistic BS. You have everything on hand so use what you have.

 

[catrutt]

I carry a MEC survival bag and a down filled vest takes up no room and could be crucial

 

[Lund]

So i guess i will add to this thread other then the fire in a can post. hahaha

If you like to take back country sledding to a high level or just want that ability to communicate with rescuer's when radio's are too far out and sat or spot doesn't link up. I highly recommend a flare gun.
It use to be part of my gear when i was younger and more adventurous and when i guided.
If your in a bad situation and you hear or know rescue is on their way, a flare can be seen remarkably far enough to help rescue.
Caution must be taken when using one but used in an open sky a flare will go a long way's up and burn bright till it burn's out.

 

[ferniesnow]

Lund has a lot of good ideas. As for the fire against a tree, not so good. Look at the trees where you ride and all the snow/frost that is accumulated in the branches. All a fire under the tree is going to do is cause a wet soggy mess as everything above you melts. If you can, get to a sheltered area, out of the wind. Place your fire material on some green bows so it doesn't melt the snow and sink right away. If you are there for the night, you have time on your hands so get the shovels out and clear a pretty big area around fire so as the fire melts the snow it will have air to breathe. The hardest part is walking through waist deep snow to get some dry wood (not green wood).

Quinces are easy to build and candles (I put tea lite candles in a toilet paper tube and tape the ends shut) along with foil blankets/sacks can be a life saver. Build the big fire outside for sitting around and telling stories through the night. In the eastern part of the province (McBride, Valemount, Golden, Elkford, Fernie) it is a lot colder than the interior and the cold should be taken more seriously.

 

[52weekbreak]

I really enjoy these types of threads. Lots of interesting ideas and approaches. The most comprehensive list of items to consider that I have seen (Rowdy's post at the beginning of this thread being the exception) is at http://zacstracs.com/backcountry-gear/

This covers everything I think you could possibly imagine. From that list, you can pare it down to what you can carry

 

[Lund]

"As for the fire against a tree, not so good. Look at the trees where you ride and all the snow/frost that is accumulated in the branches."

Every situation will be different, like Ferniesnow said building a fire against a tree might not be a good idea at that particular time. The first thing is to asses your situation and then plan accordingly. It is impossible to carry and have everything for every situation but you can improvise and make the best of it. Not everyday out there the tree's are loaded with snow, most of the season they are not. You need to asses first then act. Maybe there are no tree's...what then????
Use your sled, roll it on its side and use the track area as your heat deflector.

To clarify thing's, your not building a fire up against a tree or the track. You should have a foot or 2 gap between the fire and the backing. Your just using the tree, rock, log, track as a deflector for warmth. This allows you to make a "smaller" fire that will give off enough heat then a larger fire that will need more work.
Survival is about conserving energy, big hot fires require alot of work while small fires require much less conserving your energy. Plus when you exert your self your body will start sweating, in a survival situation this is slow death. You want to stay dry, it is a must.

When i was in the forces we had flame retarding space blankets, i do not know if the one's you can purchase are flame retarding. Maybe i should test one.
But they were great at deflecting the heat.

 

[snochuk]

Pretty much what I carry every trip. I feel fairly prepared to spend the night.

In my back pack I carry:
- small SOL kit
- leatherman
- foil blanket
- Frankensled
- dryer lint
- small biivy sac
- a few Wetfire fire starter cubes
- tampons (to dip into a gas or oil tank)
- Sportsman Grizzly First Aid Kit
- socks
- compact midlayer
- inReach
- Garmin 650
- BCA Link
- beef jerkey
- granola bars
- head lamp
- water
- torch
- flint
- collapsible saw
- pocket saw (see pic)
- spare goggles

On my sled:
- orange hand smoke signal
- pencil flares & bear bangers
- sam splint
- jet boil
- 1 x pack of dehydrated food
- more wetfire fire starter cubes
- collapsible saw
- water & gatorade
- lunch
- beef jerkey
- tow ropes
- larger bivvy sack
- 2 x tool kits (with a bunch of zip ties in the one)
- spare gloves
- Ziploc baggies
- Gorilla tape

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Here's a great video that shows how to keep yourself warm with some tea lights and foil blankets.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGoaaRrlf8Q

Pretty much exactly what I carry in my 30L Avy bag and on sled. I see you also have a big first aid kit. You can never be over prepared. Only adds about 10# to pack for all stuff.
On the sled I have a paint ball hip sleeve full of odd tools, bolts, wire, shrink wrap tube for wire splices, couple y-pipe bolts etc. about another 3#.
After that it's all about training.
Everyone in group has AST1 including kids, first aid CPR and some of us have winter survival training.
It's always good to have the tools and skills to help others as well as save your own azz.

Great thread!

 

[DDrake]

Too start a fire out there is actually not that difficult, a bomb fire maybe yes but a small fire to help keep the chill out is all you need to survive.


IMO, every one should attempt this on a sledding trip...very nice.



There is alot of stuff out there to help you start a fire in an emergency situation.
But honestly in our case, sledding in the back country there is nothing on this list that you really need for starting a fire because most everything you would need you probably find it on your sled.....well in most cases i think LOL.
Here is one of the best way to start a fire out there.
1- a container, like an empty beer can, pop can, even a cooker will work.
2- a knife, i like to carry my Kbar with me, but any big enough knife will do. Not a pocket knife, those are to clean your fingernails with LOL.
3- gas.
4- match, lighter, flint, even you engine spark plug if your in a bind..LOL
5- fuel to burn(wood). That is the hardest part but this is why this works so well.

What you do is remove the lid or top off the container, a pop or beer can, use your knife and remove the top.
Fill the container with gas and set it in a slightly dug out pit where the fire will be. It is best to dig your pit up against a large rock, or solid wall of some type as it will help radiate heat. Even a large tree will work....remember its not a bomb fire LOL.
Light the gas with a match and it will get burning for a long time, as long as there is gas in the container. Keep feeding the flame and you will get a good fire going, even with wet, frozen wood it can be done.
Obviously care has to be taken, tip the can and you might be sorry, so don't set your self on fire LOL.
BTW, when you put a flame to the gas such as a match, no worries it will just gently light, it won't blow up on you like some might think.
A full beer can of gas will burn for at least 1/2hr, giving you 1/2hr to get it flamed on wood....as long as you don't knock the can over.

Go in your back yard and try it, i've done this for years and it never fails. Seen lots of other's struggle with fire making. While i get it going in minutes.
Forget the survival show based on a lot of unrealistic BS. You have everything on hand so use what you have.

The can idea does work awesome. When we were kids we would take an old metal tobacco can with a metal lid. Full roll of TP would fit in the can real snug. Soak it with any number of flammable liquids, gas, kerosene, whatever was available. Putting lid back on while travelling to prevent leaks, spills. Remove lid and set where you wanted a fire and it would burn for quite a long time. Easily long enough to get a good base from even the wettest wood.

 

[RevyG]

Awesome thread, I carry a ton of stuff, just like most, only thing I would add is a tarp, small one, when new they are folded so flat it sits in bottom of my pelican box on my tunnel and has come in useful, shelter, wind block, etc, I replace it everytime I have had to use it as you can never fold it that flat, also from experience I carry a small deck of cards, really helps kill the boredom.
As a SAR member I love reading these, **** happens, even to the most experienced guys, but preparedness is what makes the difference whether you are going home when we find you or not.......

 

[imdoo'n]

i carried a pack of chewing gum, keeps your mind off food, keeps your face from freezing when you are sitting or riding. easily carried and a bit of sugar? or sweetener.

 

[pano-dude]

If you want to strap a splitting maul to your sled that's your deal, I prefer a small hatchet that fits in the side panel. I've burned a lot of wood too and at home yeah a maul all the way but I'm not packing one just in case I feel like having a bonfire up the mountain.

Lol, all good. Was just poking ya, everyone has their preferences.

 

[cattechsummitrider]

Great post!

I carry the same things ( most of them) , But I also carry some road flares, they are waterproof ,wind proof, can be lit very easily and give you 15 min of flame, ( some more and some less depending on flare size) can be seen at night , can start a fire, ( 15 min of fire starting, I carry 3 so 45 min of fire starting )

 

[revdog]

I carry my electrical tape and duct tape inside my sled.i step on the duct tape so it is oval and wire or zip tie to the frame.it keeps the tape warm and ready to use.

 

[imdoo'n]

an added bonus on electrical tape, rip a 6 inch piece off and chew it, u'll get higher than a kite.

no idea what long time results are though.

 

[moyiesledhead]

an added bonus on electrical tape, rip a 6 inch piece off and chew it, u'll get higher than a kite.

no idea what long time results are though.

Hmmmmmmmm. Been an electrician for 40 years and did not know that. Think I'll stick to beer.

 

[skegpro]

Hmmmmmmmm. Been an electrician for 40 years and did not know that. Think I'll stick to beer.

But we all went to the shop and just tried it.

 

[moyiesledhead]

But we all went to the shop and just tried it.

Did it work?

 

[catinthehat]

Did it work?

Bet it doesn't taste like butterscotch.