Collecting rain drops

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I thought this was a great diagram of how to build your own rain water collection system for your home. Provided of course you have rain gutters and an HOA that would allow this. Even so this is a very cool idea. I might try this as a project with the kids on a weekend where I hear, "I'm bored" Of course where I live it would have to be on a smaller scale.

I think, given that this collects rain gutter water, you may have to filter it to make it potable. I am thinking of the cute little birds that are chirping outside right now, possibly pooping in the gutters. Still a great idea!

Has anyone tried this or made something similar and had success?

How to adjust your pack

I wasn't sure what all these straps were for so I did a little digging and found this helpful video from our friends at Kelty and Backpacker Magazine and thought I would share it.

How to pack your pack

Found this today, and although for some of the more experienced hikers this might be second nature, I know there are a lot of you just getting into hiking. This ones for you! Get out there and enjoy the wild.

For our experienced backpackers, leave your tips below!

 

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Backpacking season is right around the corner, and Chris Simmons would like to take a moment to remind you of all the stuff you won’t be needing when you head into the hills.

1. Mugs/cups. Everyone wants one, but these things are a pain to pack efficiently, are useless if they aren’t insulated, and weigh something if they are. More often than not, they don’t have a lid. A good compromise: Find a half-liter Nalgene bottle. It’s the perfect size for your morning coffee or evening tea, and with the lid screwed on, it can tuck into your jacket or sleeping bag, doubling as a hot-water warmer.
    
2. Pillows. Great for car camping, and inevitably inadequate for the backcountry. Most of the time, I drop all my extra stuff into my backpack and use it to prop up my head. I’ve also been known to use the climbing rope, or my boots.
    
3. Extra Clothes. You’re going out for a weekend—not climbing Mt Everest. Seriously, extra shirts, pants and underwear should be tossed out. It makes packing a ton easier, and eliminates the (perceived) need for #4. On a 21-day Denali expedition, I bring a single change of long underwear, which is only put on when we leave the 14,000-foot camp for the final summit push. I’ll bring an extra pair of socks per three days in the backcountry, maxing out at three pairs total.
    
4. 100 Stuff sacks/Ziploc bags. Does everything have to go in a bag? And then into another bag? And then into the backpack, which is a big bag all by itself? Seriously? Yes, it makes it more organized, but why are you carrying so much stuff that you need to be that organized? If it’s smaller than your hand, it goes in the lid. The hike or approach into the mountains is often hotter than the climb and time spent sitting around camp, so use your pants, jackets, hats, gloves and your share of the tent or shelter (but see #9) to stuff around the sleeping bag, stove, food and climbing gear.  Afraid it’s going to rain, and your pack isn’t water proof? See #5.
    
5. Pack Covers. The most clever —and useless—piece of equipment that the outdoor industry every convinced the public was necessary. Maybe it dates back to canvas packs. Your stove can get wet and still work. The tent is designed to get wet and still work. If you’re hiking in the rain, you’re probably wearing rain gear, so you shouldn’t notice the difference between a wet backpack and dry one. Often these overpriced pieces of fabric are held on with just some elastic and a draw string, making them the 2nd most commonly blown-away item (in between trucker hats and poorly-anchored tents).  Worried about your sleeping bag getting wet?  A waterproof treated stuff sack, not necessarily dunk proof, will work 90 percent of the time, unless you’re in the Pacific Northwest. For the other 10 percent (or 30 percent in the PNW) of the time, simply line your pack with a plastic trash bag. Voila.

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Jungle navigation and survival with Mykel Hawke

Mykel Hawke is the real deal when it comes to survival. One half of the series Man Woman vs Wild, Mykel is an Ex-Specops guy and former Army Green Beret who knows his stuff. Check out this clip from Discovery's I Shouldn't Be Alive.

How to use Bear Spray!!!

Check out this how to use bear spray from Backpacker Magazine and don't forget to visit their site!

How to stay safe in the wilderness

How to stay safe in the wilderness

1. Know the area you are going or at least do some homework. Talk to people who have been in there, or go with someone who knows the area.
2. Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Use programs like Yodel that can send check in messages or emergency notification to your contact(s) allowing them to see where you are on a map and relay GPS coordinates to emergency crews. If you rely on cell phones etc make sure they are charged, and possibly have a pocket sized solar charger.
3. Bring the 10 Essentials minimum
4. Pay attention to your surroundings. Time of day (allow plenty of time.  Round trip, or in and back), weather changes, other people, animals and equipment.
5. Pay attention to what your body is telling you. How you are feeling: Tired, thirsty, sick, nervous. Maybe its time to rest or turn back.
6. Don’t take unnecessary risks and know the dangers: What animals might you encounter, and what should you do? What if there is an uncontrolled fire? Am I in a potential flash flood area and what should I do if it starts to rain?
7. Stick to the trails. Don't go off trail unless you are an experienced hiker and know the area.

Some of these may seem like common sense, but you would be surprised at how many times I read about lost hikers/runners and see how many of these were broken. It’s not usually the one mistake that gets you; it’s a series of small mistakes that leads to disaster.

How to make fresh drinkable water

Building a solar still is an important craft to know. Stranded on a beach, in a desert, or lost in the wilderness on a day hike gone bad? This can save your life.

Rule of 3's: The average human body can go 3 minutes without air, 3 days without water and 3 weeks without food.

Knowing how to create drinkable water from a stagnant source or from vegetation can save your life!