I will be in the Anza-Borrego desert state park over the weekend, and was wondering what some of you would reccomend for day-pack contents for when we go hiking. Obviously water is paramount, and firestarting materials, both of which I have covered in addition to sunblock, food warm clothing and a signal mirror and whistle, but I was wondering what else would be good to carry? Thanks in advance for the help. -- Ian

Looks positively huge. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Rattlesnakes are the only indiginous threat that I read about on the park's website (unless the sheep get agitated, you should be able to avoid them).

Water, and extra water and then some more water. I'd probably include a 2-way radio or better yet, HAM (I'm not an operator as yet). Decent First aid kit, with snake bite would be good. Make sure you include some sort of tent or at least a survival shelter with paracord to get out of the sun if something happens. A sealed bottom tent with zipper to keep out the critters would be ideal.

When in the sun, I like to wear a light color ballcap with a white cloth tucked in to catch sweat and to hang down over my exposed neck and ears. Chapstick and sunglasses would nicely round out your kit (I'd bring 2 pair as I've lost some before and it sucks). An extra pair or two of wicking sox and some moleskin (hot sweaty torn up feet are no fun). I would also include a clip on headlamp and backup LED light if you get caught out at night. I assume you'll have at least a folding knife if you read this site. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Make sure you remain observant, make plenty of noise and let someone know your path, departure time and arrival time. This is also a good set of rules for snake territory (or really any territory I suppose):
http://www.wf.net/~snake/field.htm

Here's a reply I made to an earlier post, discussing similar circumstances.

I'm as far from an expert as you can get, but I've done quite a bit of reading about snakebite treatment. It seems that traditional snake-bite kits are no longer recommended: The cut part seldom helps and often harms, and the suck part is not very effective in many cases.

Here's a snakebite checklist I'm working on to include in my day pack. Note: This is my first draft. I haven't yet run it by any experts to see if it makes sense. I am a know-nothing amateur, and you could die by following my checklist. Just because I read it in six different places doesn't make it true.

Snakebite checklist

Don't panic. Snakebites seldom kill. Panic often does.
Your goal: Get the victim safely to a hospital that has antivenin.

Get away from the snake
Be calm. Keep the victim calm.
Note the time.
Call 911. Continue with this checklist whether or not you were able to contact 911.
Keep the bitten limb still.
Have the victim lie down with the affected limb lower than the heart
If practical, splint the limb
Treat for shock and preserve body heat
Remove rings, bracelets, boots or other restricting items from the bitten extremity.
Wash bite with soap and water if available.
If help is not on the way (you were unable to contact 911):
Sit calmly for 20-30 minutes to let the venom localize at the site, then procede calmly to the nearest source of help (a place where the cellphone will work, or a place where there are people, or where the car is parked).
While waiting and moving, if you are a long distance from help, consider signalling periodically to see if anyone who can help is nearby (see signaling checklist).
If driving to help, drive calmly and safely. Snakebite is more survivable than a traffic accident. When you get cell phone coverage, pull over and call 911.

Do not cut the wound
Do not apply a tourniquet
Do not suck venom by mouth
Do not apply cold or ice packs

I've been to Anza and 29 Palms 8 times and have yet to see a snake. It's all about timing. Buzzworms do their hunting during cooler hours. I did have several packrats do some folkdance on my sleeping bag and chew up a new pair of Vasque leather boots though. I got a measure of payback utilising a portion of a pack midden for a morning fire. I managed to camp there when it snowed. You haven't lived until you retreat under snowfall to the front seat of a VW bug with a 6' proff and wake up to frozen doors. About then the park ranger came around and enjoyed our fire. She complimented me for bringing fuel, as several 'guests' had been cited for using native materials. Who says a 1lb bag of fatwood and those split pine caddys from the grocery store are redundant <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Carry a hiking staff/snake stick and keep your eyes open. You'll probably trip over the same tortoise I did. If you see a Cahuilla/ Chemahuevi indian named Kenny, pass on his ethnic cactus snack. The oasis are no place for a unplanned vision quest <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> He's probably got a serious day job at the casino now anyway. Oh, needlenosed pliers if you manage to insult a cactus.

Here are recommendations from Cody Lundin who spends a lot of time in desert areas. I REALLY recommend you read his book "98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive".

<> One each of gallon and quart-size zipper-lock freezer bags for holding water and building stills
<> Tincture of iodine 2% to disinfect water; use five drops per quart [I prefer a more modern disinfectant]
<> Nonlubed condom to use as canteen [Gerber Products "Seal 'n Go Breast Milk Storage Bags work better]
<> Nalgene water bottle
<> Light space blanket for shelter and signaling.
<> Dental floss (100 feet); a tough string for many uses.
<> Orange flagging tape (3-4') to mark your route or write a message. [Bring a small Sharpie too]
<> Pea-less plastic whistle
<> Strike-anywhere matches dipped in paraffin [waterproof matches are much better]
<> Butane disposable lighter; get a bright color so you won't lose it [Cricket brand come highly recommended].
<> Magnesium block with striking rod
<> 6-8 cotton balls saturated with petroleum jelly and stuffed in a film container
<> Credit-card-sized fresnel magnifying lens for fire starting
<> Mini flashlight on lanyard with spare bulb.
<> Extra flashlight batteries with date of expiration marked; replace every 12 months.
<> Extra carbon-steel knife with sheath - can throw a spark.
<> Clear plastic drinking tube (pencil sized, 3' long) for drinking or stills or crevices.
<> Collapsible plastic 1-2 gallon water container
<> Two 55 gal plastic bags; use as a rainsuit, shelter, tube tent, tarp, or for collecting rainwater. [Home Depot has large clear ones]
<> Heavy duty orange or red space blanket with grommets & reflective side for shelter and signaling.
<> Duct tape (3 feet); get the strongest variety available.
<> Glass signal mirror with sighting hole and a whistle.
<> Brightly colored wool or synthetic stocking cap; keep you warm
<> Brightly colored bandanna; doubles as a pot holder, hat, and water filter
<> Parachute cord, at least 50 feet of 550-pound test
<> 3x5" glass sightable signal mirror w/ brightly colored pouch
<> Basic first-aid kit; contains wound dressing, moleskin, antibiotic ointment, and other items.
<> 7.5 minute topo map & compass
<> 2 candy or nutrition bars

BUT given all that, I would recommend you buy one of Doug Ritter's PSP's and suppliment it with the items recommended:
<>Folding knife w/ locking blade; >=2.5 in blade; one-handed opening
<>Pocket-sized personal shelter: space blanket, bivvy sack, large bags, poncho
<>Pocket-sized or keychain flashlight: LED w/ constant-on switch
<>First aid kit: AMK Pocket Medic, Ultralight .5, or similar
<>Personal supply of Water (filled water bottle, multiples in the desert): Katadyn Micropur MP1 purification tablets
<>Personal medications (rotate regularly)
<>Waterproof matches: Waterproof matches and/or butane lighter

Also, don't forget to:

>>Leave trip plan left with a responsible person
>>Travel with a companion
>>Dress and/or take clothing for the weather

I've been to Anza-Borrego desert state park. Just make sure you have plenty of water and Gatorade. Water alone will not do it. Drink enough to keep your urine clear.

Ditto on the Cody Lundin post (by KenK). His suggestions would make a optimum kit, and still not to much weight.

What are the rules on colour-of-urine when water is at a premium? Dark yellow?
It was mentioned the colour of urine in a normal situation should be white. However, isnt this considered a waste of water?

A signalling mirror is an excellent piece of kit to be equipped with in the desert. But you can also consider a air maker panel.tent in fluorescent colour that stands out from the surrounding area.

Anza-Borrego desert state park is a great place. I have spend many weeks there. Be sure to go to the visitors center and see what they may have going on. They have some marvelous collections. You will enjoy the place much more if you understand the environment and history.

Never had snake problems. If you touch one of those cactus with the small fur like barbs you might try white glue (lke Elmers Glue). Put a small amount of the white glue over the area and let it dry. Then peel it off. The barbs will come with it. Otherwise they are very hard to remove.

Your most serious danger will probably be dehydration. Water in your canteen does no good. Drink as much as you can. Don't ration it.

Take some sort of hiking staff. A turned ankle in the back country becomes a real problem for you and the people you are with.

Mostly, enjoy. It is a pretty safe area if you think before you act. It is also one of the best places to enjoy nature. After you get your fill of AB, consider Joshua Tree NP. Another wonderful place.

enjoy enjoy.