View Full Version : Best Tricks ???
I will get this "party" started............
Large diaper pins on the outside of my pack, GREAT for drying socks, etc.
Spam single servings
Pillow case - blanket requisitioned from an airline, sewed into a pillow case.
Merino wool tee shirts
Gallon ziploc bag for water storage in camp.
bigmac_in
12-04-2011, 22:21
My favorite trick is using the "search" tool to find previous threads about "favorite tricks".
Sarcasm the elf
12-04-2011, 22:51
PCT Method for hanging food at night.
ChinMusic
12-04-2011, 23:16
My favorite trick is using the "search" tool to find previous threads about "favorite tricks".
winner winner
Most of those posts are old. I think an updated list of tricks would be a great thing. Thanks for starting this thread!
Get some Dynaglide Whoopie slings for your hammock.
T_Packer
12-07-2011, 19:07
I wear the disgustingly short-type running shorts as underwear. They provide support, are made of quick-dry wicking material, can be used as a bathing suit if you want to take a swim, and you can wear them as actual shorts if you have no pride.
Leave your cookset at home and boil your water in a Kleen Kanteen (freezer bag and freeze dried section hiker types).
http://www.kleankanteen.com/
They work equally well as a canteen :).
Use a kayak stern dry bag to protect your Martin Backpacker or similar trail guitar. Use some old ccf for padding. Just make a cone that the guitar will fit into and stuff guitar and padding into dry bag.
This is a great article, if you haven't seen it yet: http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/content.php?63
Most of those posts are old.
What's wrong with that?
Cut off some 200 wt fleece pants to make 200 wt fleece shorts.
hikin_jim
12-07-2011, 22:13
-Nylon shirts and pants dry WAY faster than cotton
-A shirt pocket with a velcro flap is a great place to put sunglasses as you walk between sunlit and shady areas
-A squeeze bottle of alcohol is MUCH easier to prime a white gas stove with than with white gas itself -- and there's less soot
-Put your fuel and water bottles right side up in your backpack; don't lay them flat. Yeah, I know Nalgenes "never" leak, but ...
-A bandana is the original multipurpose tool. I'd list all the possible uses, but I don't have all night. ;)
-A little zipper pouch containing TP and hand sanitizer stored in the side pocket of your pack right next to your trowel means you're not missing anything when you're behind that bush
-A windscreen rolled around your fuel or water bottle holds up a heck of a lot longer than if you fold it up.
HJ
Slosteppin
12-08-2011, 21:09
When hiking in cold weather if you use water bottles put them in the pocket upsidedown. Then the bottom freezes instead of the top and you can still drink.
Had problems with load-lifter straps..reaching back to find them after putting pack on..having the strap come loose from the buckle while putting pack on (I know...klutz). Anyway, put a safety pin thru the end of each strap : ) Easy to find..doesn't come loose!
Baby wipes in addition to toilet paper.
Toolshed
12-11-2011, 13:14
I wear disgustingly short-type running shorts as underwear under my disgustingly short-type running shorts.
AND, AND..... sometimes I wear disgustingly short-type running shorts and go commando. Think of all that weight I am saving. NOW whos the smart one here ???? LOL.........:D
Great link amac..................a book full of "tricks"
For something so simple there is a lot to this...................good fun
Two Tents
12-11-2011, 18:07
Zip off shorts. The legs zip off and get stowed in the boot gaiters. You never have to take them off and put back on and get them wet/dirty. I know, who wears gaiters? Gaiter haters! A trick from someone on here a long time ago. Works great! Ohh, how would I know that? Hmmmmm!
LoneRidgeRunner
12-11-2011, 18:22
HYOH 10 characters
Mike2012
12-11-2011, 18:41
Don't stand behind horses.
chris948
12-11-2011, 22:37
Cut off some 200 wt fleece pants to make 200 wt fleece shorts.
And bring duct tape, so you can turn 200 wt fleece shorts back into pants!
6 reasons to stop while hiking:
take picture
take constitutional
first aid stuff
water
food
map consultation
make sure all of these items are easy access (IE in an outside pocket or at the VERY top of pack). makes stops efficient and hassle-free. also helps ensure not losing items while rooting...
Hanging my platipus with about one liter of water in the middle of tent at nights so when I need to drink water in the darkness( which is not uncommon) all I need is finding the hose that is very accessible.
wildkitty
12-12-2011, 20:42
using mint rubbing alchohol on feet at end of day means the foot fungus cream will last longer wich can get pricey and second one is to bring meat and either potatoes or carn to grill at shelters that have fire pits with grate you may not need to carry a stove ever use whats provided for you
Dried parsley as a source of vitamins A, C and minerals iron and calcium.
Forgot that one, I start using rubbing alcohol on my feet 1x - 2x / day 2 weeks before each section hike, no blisters since
You can bring water to a near boil with 0.5 oz of vegetable oil and some sort of wick. Jute twine works great, but you could use some clothing scraps, or toilet paper, or moss. Makes a nice lamp also.