The snow will be here soon enough and when it comes most of us will be thinking more about new sleds or new mods then we will about the gear we carry so let's dig our packs out of the closet now and tear them down and get them ready for the new season.
Let's make this month Survival September!
-Ops check the avy beacon and install fresh batteries
-Same as above for the flashlight/headlamp
-Replace hand/foot warmers
-Inspect your fire starter kit. Replace matches if you carry them. If you carry commercial firestarters test them to make sure nothing's dried out
-Inspect your med kit and replace any used, expired or damaged items
-Replace any food items--that gray Snickers is still good, you can eat it now
-Inspect, clean and resharpen any tools or knives
-Inspect (OMG!!), clean, boil, soak in bleach the thermos you forgot to empty back in April
-Inspect, wash, repack any spare clothing items
-Replace your stash of TP--It tends to turn to dust in your pack
-Inspect signaling devices--whistles, mirrors etc. If you carry any kind of flare check the expiration date
-Inspect the pack itself: Check stitching especially where the straps are sewed in and other stress points. Check the zippers for smooth operation and all snaps and buckles.
If you find any damage to your pack you may want a new one or you may want to get yours repaired. Upholstery shops have heavy duty sewing machines and are generally far cheaper than an alteration shop for minor repairs on riding gear. Of course, with the investment of a few bucks in some 3" curved upholtery needles and some heavy thread you can make these repairs yourself.
Have a good, safe 2011/12 season er'body!
Cheers,
TFW
Let's make this month Survival September!
-Ops check the avy beacon and install fresh batteries
-Same as above for the flashlight/headlamp
-Replace hand/foot warmers
-Inspect your fire starter kit. Replace matches if you carry them. If you carry commercial firestarters test them to make sure nothing's dried out
-Inspect your med kit and replace any used, expired or damaged items
-Replace any food items--that gray Snickers is still good, you can eat it now
-Inspect, clean and resharpen any tools or knives
-Inspect (OMG!!), clean, boil, soak in bleach the thermos you forgot to empty back in April
-Inspect, wash, repack any spare clothing items
-Replace your stash of TP--It tends to turn to dust in your pack
-Inspect signaling devices--whistles, mirrors etc. If you carry any kind of flare check the expiration date
-Inspect the pack itself: Check stitching especially where the straps are sewed in and other stress points. Check the zippers for smooth operation and all snaps and buckles.
If you find any damage to your pack you may want a new one or you may want to get yours repaired. Upholstery shops have heavy duty sewing machines and are generally far cheaper than an alteration shop for minor repairs on riding gear. Of course, with the investment of a few bucks in some 3" curved upholtery needles and some heavy thread you can make these repairs yourself.
Have a good, safe 2011/12 season er'body!
Cheers,
TFW
