AWARDED
FOR WEB SITE CONTENT - JUNE 2006
AWARDED
FOR WEB SITE CONTENT - JUNE 2006
Although
I cover most of the basics you will need for a safe and rewarding outdoor
experience, I offer far more extensive treatment of each subject in my The
Complete Hiking, Backpacking & Wilderness Survival Manual, which may be
purchased at the below,
under Books & Reference Resources
GEAR TIPS DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT CONSIDER MYSELF AN EXPERT ON GEAR. AS WITH WINES, EACH YEAR AND EACH HARVEST BRING A MYRIAD OF NEW MODELS AND ENHANCEMENTS. I CANNOT KEEP UP WITH ALL THE CHANGES. I BUY WHAT SUITS ME. BEING A BIT OF A PURIST, I USUALLY AVOID ALL THE HYPED, FASHION DRIVEN, HI-TECH GADGETS AND GEAR. THE FOLLOWING IS A CONGLOMERATION OF OPINIONS – MINE AND THOSE OF OTHERS. I FIND BACKPACKER MAGAZINE’S ANNUAL GEAR REVIEWS TO BE ENORMOUSLY HELPFUL AND INFORMATIVE. THEY’RE AT HTTP://WWW.BPBASECAMP.COM. YOU MAY DISAGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING OPINIONS, AND THAT’S FINE. I WELCOME YOUR OPINIONS AND INPUT. THIS PAGE IS AN EVER-EVOLVING “WORK IN PROGRESS.”
How much gear one opts to carry, and how prepared one chooses to be to meet unexpected contingencies, will guide each person in their gear purchases. Ultra-lite enthusiasts may opt to forego gear that the average outdoor person feels is necessary to both safety and comfort. I advise that emergency survival gear NEVER be ignored - it may save your life. Always be prepared for a sudden and potentially-life-threatening weather changes. Beyond that, let your load evolve with your experience and preference.
CAUTION: No offense to the many fine retail outlets nationwide, but your average sales clerk is probably 20 years old, afraid or unwilling to say, "I don't know," and concerned more with sales than how cold, wet, or miserable you might be out in the wilds of Montana. Shop around. Look for someone who obviously knows his or her product. Ask questions. Does the salesperson ask you pertinent questions? Take a time out if you're unsure. Take a walk outside and think about your prospective purchase. Shop around!
BOOKS & REFERENCE RESOURCES: Backpacker Magazine, Boy Scouts Handbook, Complete Wilderness Training book by Hugh McManners, Hiking & Backpacking, a Complete Guide by Trailside, The Complete Hiking, Backpacking & Wilderness Survival Manual, by Mike Myers (me), and humbly recommended, My Web Site www.HikingwithMike.com
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BOOTS, SANDALS & SOCKS: Choosing your boots and socks is best done as a single selection. Sock thickness and design can effect the fit of a boot, so be careful when buying socks. Bring your hiking socks with you. I also recommend sock liners or under socks for anyone who endures blisters. They are an excellent preventive measure. Always buy your boots from a reputable, professional Outdoor Gear store. Big 5, Kmart, Walmart, and similar stores MAY not have experts on their staffs. Also, many stores have slant boards on which to stand, thereby testing the boot's downhill toe room. See Chapter Five on Blisters & Boot Selection for expert advice. Consider footbed (inserts may be useful); heel cup fit; soles (usage will dictate whether you choose rugged tread for rocky hiking or lighter tread for dirt trail hiking). Also test the connection between sole tread and the boot – cemented welt vs. stitch welt); above, below or ankle high construction. I prefer above ankle style for ankle support. Leather vs. synthetic uppers? I prefer synthetics for lightweight, breathability and cost. I also look for Gore-tex or other proprietary water proof fabrics in my uppers. I also look at internal lining and materials, checking for comfort and durability. Manufacturers such as Asolo, Beck NA, Danner, Garmont, Gronell, Hi-tec Sports USA, L.L. Bean, La Sportiva USA, Lowa Boots, Merrell Footwear, Montrail, Raichle Meliter USA, Salomon North America, Tecnica, Timberland, and Vasque provide a wide assortment, but your goal is not name association, it’s fit, comfort, and utility. Finally, while what you pay doesn’t guarantee quality, paying less often means getting less. Don’t scrimp on your boots. If you can't spend enough for this year's top quality boots, then look for last year's models, which should be on clearance sale. Sandals can double as stream forders and camp shoes, but do not offer sufficient arch support for extended use on the trail. Buy sandals of sufficient size (length) to protect feet against sharp rocks and roots. Attach to pack with a large carabiner. Columbia, Tecnica and Teva are major manufacturers. Never dry boots by fire or direct heat, lest the heat separate parts.
CLOTHING: Pants & Shorts. Shirts. Hats & Balaclavas. Socks. Gloves. Gaiters. Bandannas. Underwear. Layering is the way to go. Layers of thin material work best in keeping you warm, and they also allow you to remove only as much protection as necessary. Blue jeans and other cotton pants do not dry quickly – avoid them. New nylon mix shirts and pants work great, and even the long sleeve shirts allow you to be cool, while also keeping the sun off of your skin. A simple pocket storage windbreaker is also a great thing to carry, though most are not water proof. Breathability is a priority in rain gear and cold weather gear. See Parkas and Raingear below. Mud Gaiters work well to keep feet dry; Snow Gaiters keep snow out. In winter, be sure to have a stocking cap or balaclava to protect head and face. Gloves should include an inner glove of wicking material, covered by a heavier water proof glove or mitten. Fleece wear works wonderfully in providing warmth and wicking moisture. In cold temperatures, add a turtleneck style polyester shirt to keep neck warm. Read labels carefully. Stay away from cotton (socks, shirts, pants, etc.), or at least know the negatives associated with them. Desert use in hot weather may be OK, though avoid Tee Shirts due to insufficient skin protection. Look for words such as wicking, breathable, synthetic. If you’re headed high into snow, research mountaineering gear. I do not deal with this specialty sport.
COMPASSES: If you are not going to fully learn how to use a compass, both with and without a map, I recommend purchasing an inexpensive protractor compass for under $10.00. You will need nothing more. If you intend to learn orienting, then go for the hi-tech Protractor or Prismatic models. Brunton, Silva, Suunto are major manufacturers. Some compasses allow you to preset magnetic declination.
EMERGENCY SURVIVAL KITS by www.HikingwithMke.com : Keep your Emergency Survival Kit with you at all times!
Compass;
Topographical Map;
Water treatment tablets – iodine;
Backpacker’s First aid kit (see Backpacker's First Aid Kit, Tip #25);
50'rope;
2 emergency candles - great as fire start aid;
Waterproof matches;
Flint (scrape knife blade against it to create sparks);
Butane lighter as backup;
Signal Mirror;
Good pocket knife (Swiss Army style) or Multi Tool;
Emergency solar blanket;
Emergency tent (optional) (plastic fold-up);
Emergency poncho;
Emergency whistle;
Sunscreen (optional);
1 pair wool socks;
Small flashlight & spare batteries;
2 Granola Bars or Power Bars;
Medication you may need, including Aspirin or non-aspirin pain killer;
Extra bootlaces (may second as small ropes);
Sewing kit & safety pins;
A yard of thin wire (for repairs);
Small bag of salt (for body's dietary needs);
Cellular Phone - note that most of the time they will be useless in the mountains, unless you have the very expensive iridium type; check with local Ranger Station.
note #1: Bear Pepper Spray might be applicable - use only approved spray specifically formulated for bears - more powerful spray and more potent. It's more expensive than that made for people - using people spray may only enrage the bear without deterring an attack.
note #2: In winter (snow/freeze conditions) - always have extra clothing, even on day hikes, and a little more food.
note #3: In hot weather, where water may be scarce, carry no less than a quart per hour on trail.
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A few antibiotic ointment packs
Extra-strength non-aspirin tablets for adults & for some for kids
6-12 Antiseptic cleansing pads
6-12 Alcohol pads
A burn treatment gel pad
A cold compress
Gauze roll bandage
Large butterfly wound bandage
A few of various size adhesive plastic bandages
A sterile eye pad
Several gauze pads or varied sizes
Roll of adhesive tape
First Aid Guide
Vinyl gloves
Some medium safety pins
Scissors
Tweezers
Several cotton tip sticks/applicators
CPR Rescue Breathing Face Mask (optional)
A Snake Bite Kit is NOT recommended due to the harm improper use can cause.
FLASHLIGHTS & HEADLAMPS: Hands free headlamps are great, though worn by others, they tend to be blinding. Look for light weight, but durable products, and consider battery weight, as well. Always carry spare bulbs. I place a piece of paper between batteries and contacts when storing to avert corrosion damage. Manufacturers include Coleman, Jakstrap, Mag-lite, Petzel, Photon Micro-Light II, PrincetonTec.FOOD: I’m a simple diner when backpacking. I hate cooking unless I’m in a large group. Breakfast - Instant Oatmeal w/ raisins, or Granola Bars, cocoa. Lunch/Snacks – Jerky, gorp/trailmix, cheese/peanut butter crackers, fruit rolls/fruit drops, salted nuts, dried fruit, Balance Bars, Clif & Luna Bars, Power Bars, Peak Bars, Tiger Sport, etc. The key is that lunch should be suitable for the trail. Supper – Go for it! Dehydrated foods offer a wide variety. I love the Corn, Beef Stroganoff, Pasta Primavera, Turkey Tetrazzini, and Veggie Lasagna. Major brands which I’ve tried and like are Backpacker’s Pantry & Mountain House. Alpine Aire & Natural High are two additional brands, which I’ve not tried. I often carry only Top Ramen, which is easy, fast and hits the spot - at least for me.
GLOBAL SATELLITE POSITIONING DEVICES: Considerations are
speed of acquiring satellite signal and giving you your position; error warning
signal indicating deviation from bearing; number of available waypoints to mark
your way; and parallel channel vs. multiplex for more consistent accuracy.
Electronic compass and elevation marking are also valuable features. Is it
compatible with your PC for map transfers? Also
consider weight, durability, available readouts, and ease of use. What is
battery life? What is memory? Major
manufacturers are Garmin, Lawrence Electronics Globalnav 200, Magellan Map 410,
Trimble Scoutmaster. MightyGPS.com
"delivers GPS hardware and software navigation solutions and
maps. Low prices. Fast delivery"
INSECT REPELLANTS: See Fighting Back Against Bugs, Tip #24.
BEAR REPELLENT - PEPPER SRAY: 
CLICK HERE FOR LINK
I have used only Counterassault ®, and
can highly recommend it. Warning: never spray gear, tents, clothing,
etc. with pepper spray. Once inert (no longer in an aerosol state) it may
actually attract a bear. Read instructions well, and use only as
directed. Never carry Mace or other sprays intended for human
attackers. They are not potent enough to stop a bear, and neither does
their spray range meet the required twenty-five feet to ensure safety.
***THIS CHART WAS PROVIDED BY COUNTERASSAULT 8/1/02***
** Pepper Power (UDAP) and Bear Pepper Mace (MSI) are sub-registered and manufactured by Guardian Personal Security Products, Inc. in Arizona, which also makes Bear Guard. All attributes are identical except for the name and label artwork. All have the same EPA registration number. |
 |
|
KNIVES, SAWS & MULTI-FUNCTION TOOLS: I always carry a Swiss Army knife (Camper model) in my pocket, and I carry a larger version (also the Camper) when backpacking. In addition, I carry a rope saw in my emergency kit. I carry a Sierra Saw when I expect to have to cut up dead wood for firewood. I also carry a small hunting knife for fish work and other chores. Choose your multi-purpose knife or tool carefully. It should include, at a minimum, a large locking blade, a small blade, a serrated saw blade, corkscrew, scissors, sewing needle, small and large screw driver, Phillips screwdriver, bottle/can opener, and a reamer/punch. Add other features to fit your individual needs. Use only a wax based, dry lubricant. Oils will make knife slippery and attract dirt and lint. Keep your blades sharp. Manufacturers include Benchmade, Buck, Columbia River, Gerber, Leatherman, Sierra Saws, Swiss Army by Victorinox and Wenger.
Click on Knife to go to
Online Knives &
Multitools
MAPS: You may obtain 7.5 minute Topographical maps from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) @ PO Box 25286, Denver, CO 80225; (888) ASK-USGS. Allow 3-4 weeks for delivery. You may also download via www.topozone.com or www.gisdatadepot.com or www.terraserver.microsoft.com, although downloads leave a lot to be desired in the areas of completeness, legibility, time of download, required software, etc. You may obtain a CD-ROM at http://edcwww.cr.usgs.gov/buspartners/digital/currentpart.html, at Delorme www.delorme.com/topousa/regional.htm, or Maptech at www.maptech.com, though these may be expensive as you pay for more than you need. Finally, check with your local outfitter or gear store. They may also offer local information and updated information. Other excellent map providers are Trails Illustrated by National Geographic, at http://www.trailsillustrated.com, Wilderness Press at http://www.wildernesspress.com, and The Essential Wilderness Navigator, a guide by David Seidman, $14.95, at (800) 722-4726. Remember to check the edition date or survey date on all maps. Many are severely out-of-date as much as 35 years and more. Remember to adjust for magnetic declination if using a compass in conjunction with your map. Look for tear proof and water proof maps – they are the greatest. Reading vision failing? Carry a magnifying glass in your water proof map bag, along with compass, pencil and paper.
MESS KITS AND COOKWARE: You can buy aluminum (light weight, inexpensive, not as durable as others); stainless steel (a bit heavy, but durable); titanium (durable, light weight, expensive); composite (usually aluminum and stainless steel). Look for nonstick surfaces. Look for nesting of pots. Carry a pot grabber to avoid burns and spills. Carry a frying pan, too. Coffee pot? Have at least two sizes of cook pots, 1.5 liter and 2 liter or 3 liter, depending on how many you will cook for, two or four. For eating, you will require a large plastic cup (won’t stick to your lips in freezing temperatures); fork and spoon (use your pocket knife); bowl with handles and raised-lip plate with handles.
PACKS – DAYPACKS AND BACKPACKS: As with so much of the gear available to you, packs come in nearly every size, color, style, construction and clever name. You may opt for an external frame vs. an internal frame backpack. Externals offer better organizational pockets; internals are usually lighter and more versatile. Internals are basically stuff sacks without the pockets on the outside that externals offer. Capacity is important, and you must consider planned use. Under 3,000 cubic inches is best for day hikes or warm weather one or two nighter backpacking. Packs up to 4.500 cubic inches can handle standard backpacking trips, while a larger pack of up to 6,000 cubic inches may be necessary to winter backpacking or very long trips. More important than style and enhancements is FIT. Be certain to wear your pack at the store (fill it with junk to test its feel under weight). Test adjusting straps. Be sure that hip belt has enough room for further tightening. Children, women and men typically require different packs due to size differences. Before buying a pack, look thoroughly for the fit, features and style (internal vs. external) that fit your needs. Daypacks can be fanny packs or small backpacks. I use a small backpack with hip belt, as it takes weight on the hips and holds more than a fanny pack. Most models include exterior water bottle holders. Major manufacturers are Dana Design; Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS); Eureka; FerrinoUSA; Granite Gear; Gregory Mountain Products; JANDD Mountaineering; JanSport; Kelty;LaFuma America; Lowe Alpine Systems; Mountainsmith; Mountain Tools; Osprey Packs; Outbound Products; Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI); The North Face; and VauDe Sports.
PARKAS & RAINGEAR: You know the name Gore-Tex, right? A laminate coating applied usually to nylon or polyester fabrics. This fabric is water proof and breathable. It’s also quite expensive. Raingear made by or of Gore-Tex is probably the best currently available. Sympatex, a competing fabric, also works well. Other imitators don’t seem to measure up, but are less expensive. Waterproof ponchos, large enough to cover one’s pack as well as the hiker, are also excellent and fully breathable, though they can be a problem in winds or where they can easily snag. You need to consider weight; waterproofness and breathability; ventlation; durability; fit and freedom of movement – try it on over several layers of clothing; and features. Major manufacturers are Helly Hansen; Lowe; Marmot; Mountain Hardware; Patagonia; Solstice; The North Face; and VauDe.
SLEEPING BAGS: Your choices are many, but you'll need to decide between a Mummy, Rectangular and the best-of-both-worlds Semi-rectangular. The Mummy style is close fitting & warmest; the rectangular is not as snug and allows more air space and resultant cold spots; the Semi-rectangle falls in between. For truly cold climates, add a bag cover for extra warmth and for extra warmth and water proofing, try a Bivy sack. There are a number of outer shells. DryLoft by Gore-Tex, is water resistant; Microfibers are less water resistant, but excellent; Ripstop tear resistant; standard Taffeta is light-weight, but not water resistant; Gore-Tex shells are available, but they lack breathability and are falling out of favor. What fills your bag is important. You need a bag that will withstand the temperatures you are not, just likely, but possibly to face. Your bag can save your life, but only if it can handle the temperatures thrown at it. Down is the warmest, but susceptible to wetness and takes an eternity to dry. Hollofil/Quallofil will keep you warm, but can be weighty. Lite Loft, Micro-loft, Primaloft and Thermoloft are examples of synthetic fills which will keep you warm and weigh a bit less than down, but they don't hold their shape (shape increases warmth) as well as down. Pile and fleece fill is found only in warm weather sacks. Additionally, for cold weather use, look for a draft collar to keep out drafts; a zipper tube to keep out draft and keep cold zipper off of you; fleece liners for added warmth (I use mine in the summer, all by itself). Also, some bags have an Exterior pocket for glasses, contacts, flashlight, etc. Be sure to buy a roomy storage bag to prolong life of bag. Never store your bag in a compressed state. Try on your bag at the store. Do you want a right or left side zipper? Can it mated to another sleeping bag to provide accommodations for two? Finally, especially if you're new to backpacking, you will probably, eventually spend a night in temperatures you never imagined, so get a bag rated to at least 5-15 degrees Fahrenheit. Trust me! You'll thank me! Major manufacturers are Cascade Designs, Bibler Tents, Downright/Wolverine, Eastern Mountain Sports, Feathered Friends, Integral Designs, Kelty, LL Bean, Marmot Mountain, Moonstone Mountain Equipment, Mountain Hardware, North Face, Outbound Products, Peak 1, Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), Sierra Designs, Slumberjack, VauDe Sports, Western Mountaineering and Woods Canada.
SLEEPING PADS: Self-inflating pads are top notch. They are not inexpensive, but the cost is worth it, especially in cold weather or very hard surfaces. You may choose length, width and thickness. Ensure that the pad is long enough to include your feet, especially in cold weather. Some pads fold into seats with backs for sitting around camp. Purchase a repair kit along with your pad. You may opt for the open or closed cell foam pads. They are inexpensive, light weight and durable. One problem with open cell types are that they do not shed water – bad! Consider a compressed pillow or inflatable pillow for added comfort. Major pad manufacturers are Artiach/Appalachian mountain Supply, Cascade Designs (see Therm-a-Rest), Crazy Creek Products, High Country Outdoor Products, Slumberjack, Stearns, Therm-a-Rest by Cascade Designs, and Wenzel.
WOOD BURNING STOVE? Go to: www.trailstove.com , Stratus Trailstove.
STOVES & FUEL: The stove and fuel you choose will depend on several factors: weight considerations, high elevation & cold weather performance, packability, durability, ease of lighting & flame adjustment, and cost. Fuels used are wood, (useless at high alpine elevations where wood is scarce; requires significant attention & feeding). Alcohol (not recommended as they do not burn as hot as petroleum based fuels), blended fuel canisters (usually butane & propane - not efficient at high elevation and cold temperatures). Butane canisters (although excellent performer in mild temperatures, not efficient in temperatures below 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit, unless blended with propane. This fuel is used a lot in Europe). Isobutane (efficient to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but often hard to find). Kerosene (most available overseas, smelly and smoky, clogs stove burners – look for K-1 and avoid diesel based kerosene). White gas (best liquid fuel, burns hot and reliably; works great in cold and at elevation, though requires priming). Now for the stoves, themselves. Note that some have push button igniters (Piezo ignitions), but I strongly advise that you always be prepared to light manually (matches or lighter). You will find a wide variety of stoves available. I use a Peak butane canister type stove as I seldom cook above 10,000’ elevation or at temperatures under 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Were I to venture out in temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, I would take my MSR Whisperlite white gas stove. Use a windscreen to maintain even flame and conserve fuel. Always cover pot to conserve fuel. To prevent tip over, set stove on hard, level surface. Keep canisters warm in cold climate – hand warm, set in lukewarm water, wrap in commercial hand warmer just prior to usage. Carry fuel in a plastic, leak proof bag to prevent spillage onto other gear. Never attempt to carry fuel onto an airplane. Check ahead to ensure that fuel will be available at your destination. I find that mountaineering stores usually carry an excellent assortment of stoves and tend to have the most expert salespeople when it comes to stoves. There are exceptions, of course. If you intend to use your stove only in mild temperatures, go with the butane canister type. They are lighter weight, reliable, inexpensive and easy to use. Major stove manufacturers are Bibler Tents, Campingaz, Coleman (for car camping), Markill, Mountain Safety Research (MSR), Optimus, Outbound Products, Peak, Primus, VauDe Sports, and ZZ Manufacturing (wood burning Sierra series). PLEASE – Never use your stove inside your tent or even a closed vestibule due to fire danger and asphyxiation danger.
SUNGLASSES: Go to: Technical-Gear.com
TENTS: As one of your most important purchases, you may find that you require more than one design and type. I own a Sierra Designs 3 season Nightwatch CD for inclement weather or high elevation backpacking, a Eureka Timberline 3 season for fair weather backpacking, a Eureka one person bivy tent for fair weather backpacking, a Sierra Designs Ultra Light Year CD one person tent (weighs under 3 pounds), and a 3 person tent for car camping. In selecting a backpacking tent, you should consider weight, usage, ease of erection, capacity, type, and features such as vestibule, gear loft, etc. Most of today’s tents are easy to put up, but practice at home before hitting the trail. Be sure to seal all seams against water intrusion, unless your tent is factory sealed and you are satisfied with that. Most 3 season tents are reasonably light weight, offer full rain fly, are sturdy and provide for good ventilation. Convertible tents are basically all season tents with vestibule, rain fly and window options. Mountaineering tents, though weightier, offer necessary sturdiness, stability and large vestibules. You may opt for an A-Frame with less headroom; for an improved Modified-A-Frame; for a free-standing, high ceiling Dome style, with sturdy and easy to erect overlapping pole construction; a Hoop style for lightweight, fair weather (low wind) backpacking; a Pyramid style "teepee," which is basically a rain fly draped over a single pole or even your trekking pole; or finally, an expensive, but very lightweight Single-wall tent, which includes a single wall of water proof, breathable fabric. Go for a vestibule – you will be glad you did. You might wish to buy a tent repair kit, as well. I recommend staking your tent, even when it doesn’t seem necessary. Weather conditions may change rapidly. I also recommend storing your tent poles fully extended, if possible, to relieve the shock cord stress. If you must pack your tent wet, be certain to unpack and set out to dry as soon as practical. Mildew damage is irreversible. The sun’s rays can hasten your tent fabric’s demise – pitch your tent under the shelter of trees whenever possible. Always use a ground cloth under your tent (purchase a custom-fit ground cloth, if available), and be sure it does not extend outside the perimeter edge of the tent, or it will draw water under the tent. Finally, this is not a product to scrimp on. You will find that out the first time Hell’s fury visits you in the guise of weather. Major manufacturers are Bibler Tents, Coleman, Eastern Mountain Sports, Eureka, Kelty, Marmot, Moss, Mountain Hardware, Neall Tents, Outbound Products, Quest, Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), Rokk, Sierra Designs, The North Face, VauDe Sports, Walrus, and Wenzel.
WALKING STICKS & TREKKING POLES: Walking sticks relieve considerable fatigue. Two work better than one. They also assist in ascending. They can help with stream crossings. They can also help as tarp supports, splints, etc. Adjustable trekking poles are laudable, but I like the old fashioned wooden stick. Major manufacturers include God (good old wood), Komperdell Trek Poles. Check out Sport Pole collapsible trekking pole.
WATER CONTAINERS, BOTTLES, HYDRATION SYSTEMS: The choices are many. You need to decide what suits your needs. Canteens hold water; water bottles hold water and often show fluid measurements; collapsible canteens save space when empty; sophisticated hydration packs with drinking tubes carry a lot and work well, allowing you to drink without stopping or removing pack; bota bags carry water and wine; 3 gallon collapsible bags are ideal for camp; collapsible plastic buckets are ideal for camp chores, such as washing dishes, clothing, yourself, and also dousing the campfire. Major manufacturers are Camelback, Mountain Safety Research, Nalgene, including Nalgene Cantene (collapsible bag), Platypus, Reliance.
WATER FILTERS: Spend a little more and get the best. The last thing you need in the wilderness is an intestinal affliction. Make certain that your filter deals with bacteria, parasites and viruses. Major manufacturers are General Ecology, Katadyn, MSR, Miniworks, Pur, Safewater Anywhere, and Sweetwater.
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Last Updated: 11/15/08 07:17 PM