Long distance hiking... A platform for survival?

[Water Monkey]

I've been into hiking the past 3 years and have reached the point of ultra light hiking (pack weight with 6 days of food at 22-24 lbs).

Got me thinking how hiking is a significant platform for survival especially if you have to bug out. Examples:

I can travel a good distance in a day over significant terrain (15-20 miles a day)

I can safely procure water using several methods

I can stealth camp and leave no trace

I have put my gear to the test under various conditions (snow, heat, storms, fog)

I can read a map effectively and use a compass

I have basic self aid skills with injuries (first aid certified)

I can make crude temporary shelters if gear fails

At any point in time I keep around 2 weeks worth of dehydrated and freeze dried foods in the house for future hiking trips.

Will it be great for long term survival. No but it will be great for a bug out to another location.

What are your thoughts?

Water Monkey

 

[Rossignol]

I'm interested in hearing more, or an elaboration?

I can camp, Ican hike, but not like the stuff youve described here or in your introduction. I can make fire and procur water. I can hunt and fish. No way I could hike like you do with a pack only weighin in around 24 lbs.

I know some basic stuff in comparison, more than some perhaps...

 

[Water Monkey]

Sure I can elaborate. which area the gear?

I've been documenting my evolution in hiking on YouTube I can post some videos later.

 

[Rossignol]

The videos would be excellent and I'd be happy to suscribe!!!

Stealth camping... I'd def like to know more!

 

[Water Monkey]

Stealth camping is just a fancy term for camping in non-approved areas and not getting caught.

First is have a method which will camouflage your desired shelter. I hammock camp so all I need is a tarp in a camo print. Also camping in a area with some low overhangs helps conceal your position. Again difficult with tents if the ground is rocky or uneven.

Second is leave no trace that you were there. That can get difficult with a tent but is very easy with a hammock since I'm suspended in the air.

No fires.... Period that gives away your position and the fact you were there. And you want to cook on something that isn't a noise maker. I use an alcohol stove. There are several makers out there that have quality stoves that can boil water in 8-12 minutes. Minibull designs, zelph stoves, smokeeater908 to name a few.

I'll post videos later tonight. My website has a lot of info on it www.watermonkey.net on hiking.

 

[John A.]

I used to hike a lot (and in some of the roughest terrain in the country) up until a few years ago, and now I do well to walk through the grocery store but I still miss it sometimes.

But I have picked up a lot of things that probably work better in my area than in others due to the terrain.

Cliffs and overhangs and caves are very prelevant here, so there is usually no shortage of shelter, so that already saves weight from carrying a tent.

A tarp could be good in very cold weather to block some of the wind off of you, but pine branches do the same thing, and you don't have to carry them in with you. This can work with or without being in an overhang. Lean-to's could potentially save your life. And dont' cost a dime and you don't have to carry them.

Water is also very abundant here, so I don't carry it either. If anything, maybe an empty bottle and lid. This also cuts weight. If I was going into uncharted area's, I would certainly opt to fill up the water bottle ahead of time, but if I'm hanging close to the area's I know well, I would probably not fill up the bottle before I left the house because there would be little need to.

If you don't like just plain water, a little Tang mix or coffee or tea in a ziplock doesn't weigh a lot or take up a lot of valuable space either.

disposable cutlery and plates and cups weigh less than metal cutlery, but if you're using a fire, or stove, it's better to opt for the metal dishware/cookware. I also like to keep a small pot for boiling water and foods. You can often store the forks and can opener and cup in the pot, again, saving space.

And I will also build a fire and leave the camp stove at home. You can almost always find some dry firewood if you know where to look. And again, is one less thing to have to carry on your back.

I also have a small plastic Nestle Quick container and lid to keep some of my dry items dry. Cigarette lighters, and tang mix and coffee, dry bandage, cell phone or whatever.

A sharp knife is also almost mandantory.

The way I hiked, was very minamilistic, but efficient for me.

I didn't make these video's, but here are some of the places in my area.


[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxFlY358aHk[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzstE0ehe0g[/youtube]

 

[Water Monkey]

Gear Videos for Summer:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfY5YVAytFg[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgK7MAdzqJg&feature=fvwrel[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0BnnI5ja6k&feature=relmfu[/youtube]

3 Season Gear:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FQj63MA9WM[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNUvOBThjFU[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IuMRmBtrjU[/youtube]

Alcohol Stove Tests:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYJG6KzliHQ[/youtube]

 

[Fronty Owner]

Stealth camping is just a fancy term for camping in non-approved areas and not getting caught.

First is have a method which will camouflage your desired shelter. I hammock camp so all I need is a tarp in a camo print. Also camping in a area with some low overhangs helps conceal your position. Again difficult with tents if the ground is rocky or uneven.

Second is leave no trace that you were there. That can get difficult with a tent but is very easy with a hammock since I'm suspended in the air.

No fires.... Period that gives away your position and the fact you were there. And you want to cook on something that isn't a noise maker. I use an alcohol stove. There are several makers out there that have quality stoves that can boil water in 8-12 minutes. Minibull designs, zelph stoves, smokeeater908 to name a few.

I'll post videos later tonight. My website has a lot of info on it http://www.watermonkey.net on hiking.

I like your choice in wool.
Do you use a summer base layer?

 

[Water Monkey]

I used a 200 weight wool tee my latest trip and it was nice at camp but no base layer bottoms. While hiking I wear a 150 weight wool tee for summer and it was nice.

 

[Mudinyeri]

Hiking, camping, bushcrafting, backpacking, trail running, obstacle racing, endurance racing ... fitness in general ... are all good platforms to prepare one's self for the potential of disastrous situations.

Having some experience with all of the above, I would have to say that bushcrafting skills provide the best foundation for a sustainable life without the conveniences of the modern world. Still, bushcraft skills, alone, are not the answer. A combination of skills and overall fitness provide the best foundation for survival, IMO.

 

[oli700]

21 years of wildfire has had me in a lot of remote territory for many many miles. Used to pack about 30lbs everywhere then on top of that all the stuff you had to take to the fire no matter how far it was including piss bag 45lbs(5gal water backpack) and or a tool and or a chainsaw with fuel and oil ,chain, wedges and all the crap to keep a saw going 30lbs, drinking water, 5 pound leather boots. Usually eat MRE’s but there was a couple years I was on a crew who had polished shovels for cooking steak or whatever…. flat iron style. In Alaska they flew us fresh food that was stored in tundra coolers and we lived in black plastic villages for 14 to 21 days at a time. I am glad I moved up the food chain because that part of the organization is a young man’s game. Most people can’t do the hiking part of it let alone the fire part lol.
All my hiking has been in the mountain ranges out west here so very little flat ground, never really think about it till you get people from flatter areas of the country. I love getting fire folks from back east out here who think they can hike, we always put them in the deepest holes, “welcome to Oregon” lol usually they love it but definitely suck wind in country that stands on end miles on end.

 

[John A.]

I like that picture

 

[oli700]

You would love it here John, right up your ally

 

[John A.]

You would love it here John, right up your ally

I think you're right

Here's a few snapshots I've taken from around here that you may like

Moon rise

Sunrise

The next 3 are from Shepherds trail I told you about. Part of the Appalachian Trail

I took this one because I liked how the sunset was making the cloud look like it was lit up

And this one because of how the clouds looked

And the rest just shows that we have 4 distinct seasons.

 

[oli700]

Nice John !, I have to make it out there before I die. Here are a couple more shots I have at my disposal right now, some of the cooler ones I took anyway

On the way into the gym

On the way down to the fire

At the fire

 

[John A.]

Those are some good pics.

Mucho respect

 

[oli700]

hiking is cool ! hiking for a job can be a drag but the things you see.......you know? the things no one else sees is priceless.

anyone else have cool hiking pictures ?