the trip on your back. Also, look for gear that is easy to adjust and repair in the
field. For example, my crampons require no tool for adjustment.
Third consider simple upgrades to your existing equipment. A lightweight
sleeping bag can be made warmer with a vapor barrier liner, a thick sleeping
pad, a bag cover, and by wearing clothes to bed. A wind shirt underneath a
fleece jacket makes a toasty garment for cool evening breezes.
Fourth, equipment with multiple uses is a good way to lighten your load,
such as a shovel with an integrated snow saw, probe poles, or a compass with a
clinometer and mirror. Keep in mind multipurpose tools may compromise
performance for one use or another. For example, most experts agree that in a
rescue, an avalanche probe is superior to ski poles that convert to a probe. Also,
multipurpose tools can be expensive, and if they break, you may be out more
than one piece of equipment.
Finally, plan well, especially meals and group gear like a stove, tent and
water purifier. Distribute heavy items among members of your group, share the
load.
Let's look at some specific examples of Light is right gear.
FIRST AID, SURVIVAL AND REPAIR GEAR
The light is right idea can be applied to first aid/repair/survival kit. You can
buy some commercially available first aid and survival kits, but many of us prefer
to prepare our own custom made kit and make it an all-in-one package.
My emergency kit for mountaineering is a bare minimum (Table 1). It stuffs
into a one quart resealable freezer bag so it easily fits in a fanny pack, day pack,
or the pocket of my parka. This mandates that I keep it small, for if it is two heavy
or bulky, I may not bring it for a quick jaunt out-of-bounds or when I'm mountain
doctor at the ski area. My kit weighs in at 15 ounces because it is designed for a
short outings. For longer trips, I take more stuff, especially a larger first aid kit
and more survival gear. I tend not to remove items so I don't have to worry about
putting them back in. In fact, I have a separate kit for summer mountain biking
and hiking.
You probably will customize your own kit depending on your willingness to
carry weight, your activity, and any special needs. Some items I just chose to
leave out. For retail emergency kits check www.orgear.com or www.omnikit.com.
Remember, tape is perhaps most important. It is difficult to improvise as
substitute.
First Aid
o
Cloth first aid tape (waterproof is better)
o
Povidone-iodine
wipe
o
Steristrips,
large
o
Benzoin crush tube
o
Bandaids
o
Sunscreen
o
Water purification tablets
o
Bio-occlusive
dressing
