LET THERE BE LIGHT

ILLUMINATION....................FLASHLIGHTS

If I know anything about Flashlights it's this........
They can be heavy for their output.

The wilderness traveler has to consider what his/her needs might be before carrying what could very well be too much light. Usually searching a back pack or readying your bedroll is about the most you will ever really NEED a light for.
Of course if you are the type that feels compelled to swing your searchlight beam into the forest whenever you hear a twig snap, you may need super candle power. These are usually the same group that needs to look under the bed before going to sleep.

I find that a good LED lamp (standard incandescent bulbs are as obsolete as oil lamps) or two will serve you under nearly all conditions if thought out ahead of time. What's to think about? Lets look.


Hikers, Hunters, Campers and the like all have one thing in common.
They Move! A headlamp is indispensable. This Energizer Multi LED is the ticket. It sports two focused SPOT lights, two separate FLOOD light LEDs and two RED LEDs for saving night vision.
The out put is impressive, the head adjustable to point down for varied terrain and the band is comfy. Uses common AAA batteries.
Illumination range about ten yards.........not bad $20.00


For a sporty hand held focus adjustable beam in a small package with high out put (a full WATT) I like the Dorcy Mini, powered with three AAA batteries like the Energizer headlamp, it is easy to feed and sips power. The one WATT out put throws it's beam 100 ft...................believe it!
Price $10.00


My "Every Day Carry" light is a GERBER Infinity single LED lamp. It uses a single AA battery and lasts about..............forever.
The out put is more then fair and will keep you on the trail or get you out of a sudden "Dark" situation. It's built like a Tiger tank and has a pocket/hat brim clip. $25.00............gotta love it.

As a service light I carry a larger sized DORCY (one WATT) It's beam cannot be focused but it is concentrated to throw light about 125 ft. WOW! That's about what a standard four cell Mag Light will do but without the added weight.
Oh I still carry a Mag Light in the car for sleazebags and trail dogs but believe me I don't carry it around with me.
AAA batteries sip power and it has a pocket/belt clip.
$25.00

If you haven't guessed I don't care much for rechargeable power cells. I like standard sized AAA or AA batteries that can be purchased anywhere and are easy to monitor. Rechargeable cells just die.............BANG! your light has a heart attack and you're in the dark. I hate surprises. If that happens, it's nice to be able to cannibalize batteries from another light.

Remember, when you're in the dark and you are the only one with a light.....you make the rules

SAFE TRAVELS
RJ

THE COMPASS

NOT ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST
(But you could be without a Compass)

The wilderness traveler needs at least two (2) good Compasses.
A really good plotting Compass to do map work and shoot azimuths with and a quality back up.

The Silva Ranger is a top of the line navigational instrument.I have used one for years. My first was crushed under a VW Rabbit and destroyed, my fault. Hang em around your neck or put em into a strong secure case when not in use.

I keep this one on my belt in an Military issue first aid dressing pouch.
This is a SUUNTO wrist Compass. Not just another wrist compass, it has a sighting window and sites built into the body of the housing enabling you to shoot an azimuth with a quick glance.

A quick reference Compass or Combination thermometer is a handy addition to your Pack strap.

This inexpensive instrument has a wind chill graph on the reverse side so you can have something to read as you freeze to death.

Safe Travels
RJ

CUTTING TOOLS

KNIVES

Only a fool would venture into the bush without a good knife. truer words were never spoken. The knife from it's earliest beginnings, probably an accidental flaking of sharp flint type stone at the foot of early man, the "knife" was second only to the hammer in uses for making man's life easier.

Today we have no shortage of portable cutting tools well suited to the outdoor adventurer. As most outdoors men, I have a small selection of knives and cutting tools. Axes, Machete, Saws are very useful types of cutting tools that work with very specific movements. They do what they do better then most other tools but are very specialized, therefore I will cover them on another page.

For now lets look at Pocket and Belt Knives.

Know up front that I hold no special place in my cold heart for any particular manufacturer. Any knife I choose must stand on it's own merits of design and craftsmanship.

I used to teach a principle I called Pocket , Pack and Paw. It was simply a way for you to prioritize the importance of your kit based on how you carried it.

Items in your hand (Paw) could be dropped or left behind, Hikers do separate themselves from their Packs at times so I saw this as another opportunity to loose gear. The Pocket always seemed the place to keep those items we hold most dear.

The POCKET KNIFE will be the most used and therefore relied upon.
Choose it wisely.

This is my "Every Day Carry" knife "
The M16-10KZ folder by CRKT
Columbia River Knife and Tool

It's just an amazing little knife. Fast opening, lite, double locks, A half razor half serrated Tanto design that's very user friendly. I am never without this knife! It conforms to all laws and statutes regarding length and type so I can carry it anywhere. For Cutting, Slicing and Piercing it's hard to beat for it's price (less then $40) and feels great in the hand. It slits things open like Luke Skywalker.


For slightly bigger jobs, I carry a KERSHAW locking folder.
Price without holster $40.00

The leather rig was specially made for me and allows the knife to
be opened with one hand. It can be worn on both weak or dominate sides and is handsome (although the pic is poor)




The GERBER 4" PROFILE. A well though out gift from my Son.
A nice light Survival knife. Titanium coated for durability.
(although the sheath is lacking) I added Para cord.
$25.00





The BUCK VANGUARD Zipper. My Deer Knife. The name says it all. It's like having Velcro on the animals underside. Ouch!
Price 50.00





The GERBER Multi Tool.
It's all here, from fixing fishing tackle to carburetor adjustments!
Great for producing snare sets.
Price about $40.00




The T.D.I. Tactical Defence Institute Knife by KA-BAR

This specialized "fast draw" fixed blade was designed as a Police
Officer's last defence against a perpetrator at close quarters or if he/she is in a weapons retention situation. The T.D.I. draws very fast and from almost any belt position it is carried in. I carry this in uniform all day long and don't even feel it riding under my duty belt.

The rather odd looking angle of the handle is the secret to the fast draw, it's much like a handgun and the curve gives great mechanical advantage when cutting.
Price around $45.00

Last of the list is the COLD STEEL BUSHMAN Survival Knife. Wow, did the boys at CS hit it outta the park with this one. It's a stamped piece of what CS calls carbon V and takes/holds an edge like nobodies business. I like to test my sharpening skills by shaving a small patch on my arm, if it shaves, It's good enough for me. This thing was amazing! I could shave a six inch patch down my arm without pulling a bit. Just a hiss as the hair fell to the floor..........Damn!
Whats more it holds it too. The handle of the Bushman is nothing more then a rolled continuation of the same sheet of High carbon steel the blade is made of making it super strong!

It could be configured as a spear (for stabbing not throwing) or with a longer handle for harvesting fruit high over head. I have stuffed the hollow handle full of splintered fat wood in a plastic bag and wound it with jute cord for snares or fire making, it also insulates the handle which can be cold in winter months.
You really could do it all with this knife, Shelter, Food or making other tools. It's the real thing! Price.........Less then $25.00

Take that Rambo!

Safe Travels
RJ