What survival gear do you take?

[Flipchick]

Hi ladies! I'm new to SnoWest and was hoping you could help me. This year I want to be a little more serious about packing survival gear. I know a few people that got in to some sticky situations this year, and their predicaments were made a little easier by the stuff they had in their bag. Here's the list of stuff I have so far. Please add anything you think is relevant! Thanks!

3 pairs extra gloves, 2 extra shirts, extra socks, tool bag, extra goggles, food, water, walkie-talkie, avalanche probe, shovel, ratchet straps, tow straps, a tarp, rope, glow sticks, fire starters, dryer lint, tampons (to dip in fuel tank as fire starter - how clever is that?), compass, whistle, hack saw, knife, utility knife, flint, first aid kit, zip ties.

As a woman I know I'm not as physically strong as the guys to help dig out in the event we get stuck or stranded, so I feel like it's important to contribute to the safety of the ride with good preparation. I appreciate your input!

 

[foxyrmk]

Where's your beacon?

I also have candle, duct tape, extra screws & bolts, and a gallon zip lock baggie.

 

[Flipchick]

Doh! The beacon. I always wear one. See. This is why I need help! LOL! Thanks!

 

[powderpilot]

Welcome to SW!!!

I carry basic first aid supplies and survival gear in my pack, just in case I get separated from my machine. Shovel, probe, saw, lighter, zip ties, plastic ziplock bags for making ice packs, and there's always some candy and granola bars rolling around in there in case of emergency. Bottom line, I like my pack light. I carry a radio and beacon on my body, and a multi-tool as well.

My sled carries all my tools, rope, first aid kit and survival kit.

I figure worst case scenario is being stuck on the mountain over night without my sled, in which case I would build a fire, and a snow shelter, and I can do that with just my lighter, saw and shovel.

There is an awesome light weight rope that they sell in climbing stores. It holds up to 4,000 lbs kinetic. It's pretty inexpensive and you can buy it buy the yard. I think I would ditch the tow straps and tie-downs, the rope will work for all three. I'd also replace the tarp with some space blankets, they're lightweight and multi-purpose.

Have you tried the tampon trick? I used to carry them until I realised that you need have a big enough gas cap to get your hand in, or a super full tank for it to work.

 

[foxyrmk]

On the tampon trick, you can use your oil too.