Lessons Learned 2014

[Bmcox86]

Figured this would be a good idea for a thread, everyone can post of stuff they learned from their backcountry trips. Might help everyone in future trips.

I'll start with a few

-You can pack to much food. I think I came out with 24oz of extra snacks on a 3 night trip. Figure out your food intake on scouting and training trips will help you plan better.

-make sure you set up your tent/shelter with your feet pointing down hill, not across or up, makes for a long night.

- just cause you can see the bear you want doesn't mean you can safely get within range

[splashcaster]

Make sure your air mattress isn't missing the air valve 

[xXLojackXx]

Don't forget rain gear, backcountry sucks when you're soaking wet.

[7mag.]

Make sure to eat a good breakfast and avoid hiking in in the heat of the day. I tried to force a scouting trip on a tight schedule, and ended up hitting the trailhead about 1:00 pm, 95° out, and nothing to eat that day. 4 miles in I got real sick and had to take a 2 hour break then head back down. I drank plenty of water, but that wasn't enough. The next weekend, same trail, better preparation, and I had an enjoyable hike with zero issues.

[Bmcox86]

7mag that sounds like no fun. 95 and elevation doesn't sound fun any day.

I'll add another one.

-zrest pads are for the birds. Make a good seat rest but stops there. I now have an xtherm on order. 1oz more but way more cushion!

[jackelope]

I learned that there may be a market for waterproof shorts. Who's in??

[7mag.]

I learned that there may be a market for waterproof shorts. Who's in??

That's a good idea. Some good, technical shorts for the hike in, that will breathe well and shed water.

[grizzlyadams]

I did the too much food thing last year, but I like to have enough for an emergency. You never know what will happen out there and being prepared for an extra 3 days of food for an emergency makes me feel better.

[Andrew]

Make sure your glass is covered if facing the sun...glinting glass at 500 yards will spook deer   

[bmccalister]

I learned to make sure you have good fire starters. Especially ones that will get a fire going in a rain storm - your friends life could depend on it.

[savagehunter]

Cotton balls soaked in vase line best fire starter and can be used as lube if you get lucky

[Cap.Silver]

I got one - if you bought new sleeping bag ,make sure you'll fit in it .

[ctwiggs1]

Cotton balls soaked in vase line best fire starter and can be used as lube if you get lucky

 

[grizzlyadams]

The Cotten ball with Vaseline works great. Making more to fill into straws today

[RadSav]

Have some sort of siphon tube for accessing even the slightest trickle of water.  And a sediment separation cup or scrunched up water bottle is a good idea too.  Water in the high country can be a challenge.

Heat stroke is real!  Educate yourself!!

Keep boots inside the tent!  Bear seem to think they are snacks when left outside

Keep your TP (blue shop towels better option) in a water proof container!

Make sure the para cord you carry is small enough to be used as emergency shoe/boot laces!