Backpacking

Highlights of the Outdoor Retailer Summer 2015 Trade Show:

Leave a Comment / Backpacking, Camping, Equipment, Farming, Home & Gardening, Four Wheel Driving, Hiking, Hunting /

There are some wonderful new products here. Katadyn’s new water filter has arrived. Lots of new shoes to try out (under 400 grams), new raincoats, packs sleeping bags, etc. http://gearjunkie.com/topic/outdoor-retailer & http://www.outdoorretailer.com/summer-market/show-info/product-showcase.shtml & http://gossamergear.com/wp/coverage-summer-2015-outdoor-retailer-lightweight-and-ultralight-backpackers The Thermarest Easy Inflation system gets my vote. It works like this: http://www.gizmag.com/windcatcher-air-pad/27582/

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Duct tape Raft:

Leave a Comment / Backpacking, Camping, Canoeing, Equipment, Farming, Home & Gardening, Hiking, How To Guide, Hunting, Survival Kit /

Further to my post here: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/diyemergency-watercraft/ I have been thinking, ‘Can one make a raft ENTIRELY from Duct Tape?’ This may be a good team building exercise for your next in-service – or maybe I should just maroon you on an island somewhere with nothing but duct tape and bananas for a time and see

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DIY/Emergency watercraft:

Leave a Comment / Backpacking, Camping, Canoeing, Canoeing / Boating Gear, Fishing, Fishing Tools, Hiking, How To Guide, Hunting, Survival Kit /

I have been thinking about this for a long time, but have got only as far as http://www.theultralighthiker.com/home-made-pack-raft/ whilst others have ACTED: This girl is seriously clever (and patient): http://www.instructables.com/id/Backyard-Duct-Tape-Kayak/ here is another variation: http://www.instructables.com/id/Duct-Tape-and-PVC-Kayak/ and http://www.shelter-systems.com/kayak.html and a coracle: http://thehomesteadsurvival.com/build-coracle-person-boat-twigs/ or https://books.google.com.au/books?id=RQUETx6ha48C&pg=PA12&lpg=PA12&dq=tarp+coracle&source=bl&ots=tLN_3AyKJU&sig=2Sd_eiIyMaRThg2I3bd0Woj9jWU&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CC4Q6AEwA2oVChMI-ObshLuRxwIVJiqmCh3xhgjC#v=onepage&q=tarp%20coracle&f=false This is probably the next step up: http://gaboats.com/ or this: http://www.instructables.com/id/Skin-on-Frame-Canoe/

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Sambar Deer Stalking #103:

10 Comments / Backpacking, Camping, Dusky Track, Farming, Home & Gardening, Fiordland, Four Wheel Driving, Gippsland, Hiking, How To Guide, Hunting, Inspiring People, Mountain Areas of Victoria, New Zealand, Snowy Bluff - Mt Darling /

I have been a hunter for over 60 years. I still feel much more thought needs to be given to the ethics of the hunt. It never ceases to amaze me (for example) that Rene Descartes, one of the West’s pre-eminent thinkers (and someone I also recognise as an outstandingly bright hombre cf his contribution

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A Further Use for Drinking Straws:

Leave a Comment / Backpacking, Camping, Canoeing, Cooking, Equipment, Farming, Home & Gardening, Fishing, Fishing Tools, Food, Four Wheel Driving, Hiking, How To Guide, Hunting, Shelter, Survival Kit, Torches & Lighting /

Emergency fire starter storage: http://www.instructables.com/id/Fire-Tube-Drinking-Straw-Hack/ This is a top idea. It is also easy to do. All you need is some drinking straws, a pair of needle nosed pliers and a lighter.   See also: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/single-use-antibiotic-packs/ See also: http://www.instructables.com/id/11-unusual-uses-for-straws/

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Fun with Sticky Tape: Mylar Poncho:

Leave a Comment / Backpacking, Camping, Canoeing, Clothing, DIY, Equipment, Farming, Home & Gardening, Fishing, Four Wheel Driving, Hiking, How To Guide, Shelter, Survival Kit, Uncategorized, Waterproof / Rain Gear /

49 grams and five minutes that may Save your Life: Follow the instructions here: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/hole-less-ponchoshelter/  As you can see you can sit down against a tree in front of a fire wearing it and be perfectly dry – with a little help from your small dog, Spot!   See also: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/more-fun-with-sticky-tape-ultralight-mylar-vest/ Actually you can buy

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Toaks Bail Handle Pot

2 Comments / Backpacking, Camping, Cooking, Equipment, Farming, Home & Gardening, Fishing, Four Wheel Driving, Hiking, Hunting /

These folks have re-introduced billies with bail handles (along with side handles): http://toaksoutdoor.com/potwithbailhandle.aspx It adds a little bit of weight but means that you can cook by suspending it over a fire. You have to buy the frypan lids separately unfortunately, eg: http://toaksoutdoor.com/accessories.aspx This goes with this: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/humping-your-bluey/

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Hole-less Poncho/Shelter/Hammock Tarp:

2 Comments / Backpacking, Camping, Clothing, Equipment, Farming, Home & Gardening, Fishing, Four Wheel Driving, Hiking, How To Guide, Hunting, Shelter, Survival Kit, Waterproof / Rain Gear /

Here is  my poncho/shelter which I promised some time ago. When we first made this (back in 2000 – for my first ‘moose hunting’ trip to Supper Cove, Fiordland) there was no such thing as a waterproof zip. As you can see we used 2 oz ripstop and Velcro. Della made three of them in

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Soda Can Stove:

Leave a Comment / Backpacking, Camping, Cooking, Equipment, Farming, Home & Gardening, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting /

If you are not using an alcohol stove you should be. There are serious weight savings to be made with them particularly on short trips – and of course they are much more environmentally sensitive! Easy to Follow Instruction here: http://www.ehow.com/how_12340111_turn-soda-cans-portable-camp-stove.html See also: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/super-cat-metho-stove/ http://www.theultralighthiker.com/soda-can-stove/ http://www.theultralighthiker.com/diy-side-burner-metho-stove/ Lots more stoves here: http://zenstoves.net/  

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