Around this time of year, the cool, wet fall weather returns to these parts. Don't get me wrong, it's not winter yet. We're still getting warm weather during the day (mid 20 to low 30 degrees C) but the nights and mornings are getting chillier. Before long, we should be back to single digits overnight. We're not near freezing yet but the greater temperature ranges are making me think about re-packing my hiking kit to address the cold and and their lovechild, hypothermia.
This is a day-hike kit, intended to sustain me and DS on an impromptu overnight. I carry it on day/night hikes and day paddles with my Beavers, Cubs and Scouts as well. It also doubles as my get-home bag for my daily commute.
Notes:
-DS (8 yo) has his own hiking kit with PSK, water, snacks, extra clothes, etc.
-everything is carried in a 55L backpack, lined with a dry bag
-individual contents are organized and packed in waterproof bags
* Come September, we'll be prepping for fall hikes, paddles and camps with our Scout groups, another reason for the preemptive seasonal kit change over.
EDC and ON-BODY:
-EDC watch, paracord necklace with photon, key chain (with keys, SAK, fox 40, fauxton and monkey fist) and extra glasses (in hard case)
-layered clothing suitable for the worst 24hr conditions, including paracord belt, bball hat and sunglasses
-Leatherman Kick with AAA mag and key fob with strike-anywhere matches in sheath
-Lanyard with Fox 40, Gerber Vise mini tool, firesteel and LED
-Ritter PSK with added mini bic, mag block, led keychain, bandana, extra duct tape, extra nylon cord, large ziplock bag and folder
-2-person heat sheet
NAVIGATION KIT:
-Local maps & Silva compass in waterproof map case
LIGHT KIT:
-LED headlamp & extra batteries
-mini mag & extra batteries
-snap lights (in lightweight plastic tube)
FIRST AID KIT:
-AMK .9 FAK with extra gauze, bandana, 2 triangulars and lip balm
-OTC med kit with Tylenol, Ibuprophin, Benedryl, Gravol, chewable pepto/immodium (adult and child versions)
-Toilet paper (about 1/3 of a regular 1ply roll, inner tube removed)
-feminie hygene supplies (including max pads, baby wipes and extra ziplock bags)
SHARPS:
-Ruuko fixed blade
-Sierra saw
*folding shovel will be added when it's time for the snow to fly
SHELTER KIT:
-Emerg rain poncho
-AMK 2 person bivvy
-Hot shots hand warmers
-Blaze orange Thinsulate watch cap
-Wool gloves
-Blaze orange rain jacket
-Wool sweater
-Wool socks
-Rain pants
WATER/FOOD:
-Lg kleen kanteen (full)
-1.5 ltr water bottle with filter (full)
-Micro PUR tabs
-individual packs of instant coffee, hot chocolate, tang/koolaid
-Peanut m&ms
-Fruit & Nut trail mix
-Cliff bars
*Military mess cup, Esbit stove and fuel will be added by the time the snow flies and natural tinder and fuel is mostly gone
FIRE KIT:
-Butane lighter
-TinderQuick
-tea lights
-fat wood
-birch bark shavings
SIGNALING KIT:
-bear bell
-small air horn
-cell phone (non-activated, with SIM card for 911 only)
As always, I'm hoping you'll share your wisdom to improve this kit. Thanks!