Walking Forum
Main Boards => General Walking Discussion => Topic started by: Yorci on 17:06:03, 09/02/20
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I’m just curious what kit people still carry when they go walking, but have never used them and what item have you used the most.
For me I have never had to use my whistle, first aid kit, or my life system 2 person survival shelter, but always carry them.
My trowel has probably been my standby item that I've used the most.
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In recent years - compass, storm shelter and space blanket.
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Compass, paper maps, emergency bivi, tick remover, first aid kit, gaffa tape and pencil it is wrapped around, torch and spare batteries.
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Pen knife. Emergency Bivi Bag, Whistle. Small First Aid kit. Carried and not used for years.
I still regularly use my compass in poor visibility, my maps less so.
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whistle, compass, spare guy rope, signal mirror, 2 spare tent pegs.
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A packet of three :-[
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A packet of three :-[
Hope springs eternal! They have survival uses too though.
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tick twister, survival bag, pain killers. I have used my spare bootlace but not for about 20 years.
I'm a map and compass man can't think of the last time I used my GPS, though I do from time to time.
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Carried but never used - Lifesystems emergency bivi bag, lump of KMC, waterproof matches and whistle.
Items frequently used, other than waterproofs probably my Jetboil Minimo has seen the most use out of kit carried.
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Nice one Fernman, that bought a smile to my face. Most of the things mentioned I used to carry, now not one of them. I've cut down on my hygiene bag weight as well, I now use shampoo for everything.
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Have used a 'Bothy Bag' shelter when stuck on a lump of rock in the Atlantic in a snowstorm for several hours; was very glad of it, have used a first aid kit to stem the flow of (my) blood, but have never used a whistle in anger.
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Seriously, I don't carry anything that I don't use, unless you include something like mittens which could make a huge difference if conditions turned nasty; mostly I don't use them, but occasionally I do.
I am forever examining my equipment list, and after my last multiple-day trip (September 2019) I decided to stop taking my plastic teaspoon, because I realised I only ever used it for spooning out instant coffee, which I can do just as well with my plastic dessert spoon. Then there was a little collapsible funnel that I used to aid filling my plastic water container; the plastic measuring beaker that I now use instead of a mug has a pouring spout that renders the funnel uneccesary.
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A plastic whistle and a plastic survival bag.
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My whistle, first aid kit, survival bag … but wouldn't dream of not taking them as that'll be the time I need to use them ;D
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Never used a plastic survival bag in anger, either - but did use it as a makeshift toboggan to slide 900' down the back of Blencathra once! :)
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Wasn't that the main purpose of a plastic survival bag? At one time my friends and I would regularly drive out to the Cleveland Hills from Scarborough if it snowed just to do a bit of decent "plaggy bagging".
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Most of the things that people are suggesting are things you take and hope you never have to use! But still need to take them.
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Most of the things that people are suggesting are things you take and hope you never have to use! But still need to take them.
A bit like 'insurance'.
"Better to have and not to need, than need and not to have".
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I’ve always carried a whistle but luckily, I’ve never needed to use it.
Most used bit of kit (apart from clothing) is my sit mat. Not much meat on my bum so comes in rather useful! :D
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Most used bit of kit (apart from clothing) is my sit mat. Not much meat on my bum so comes in rather useful! :D
On damp ground I find a laminated OS map fits well
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On damp ground I find a laminated OS map fits well
Fully opened? :)
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I've racked my brains and I've discovered four things that I carry but have never used, my driving licence, my EHIC card, my 'rape' alarm and my Pebbell alarm.
I connect my 'rape' alarm to my rucksack with a length of fishing line when I use my bivi, just in case it goes for a walk in the night.
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Got that wrong. I do use my 'rape' alarm but its never gone off though.
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I don't carry anything I've never used, somethings don't get used very often like my first aid kit.
My spare cloths don't get used much on day walks but do get used on overnight trips. I sometimes use my bothy bag for lunch stops especially if I have company and the weather is inclement.
Maps, compass, headtorch, hat and gloves get used all the time. The GPS occasionally and the waterproofs come out far to often.
I only carry ice axe and crampons when I think I will need them but the poles are used regularly. Especially if I'm carrying a heavy pack.
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I was going to say first aid kit, but actually, over the years I've used most items from it, including plasters, painkillers, scissors, needle and thread, superglue and strip of fabric repair tape. The only never used item in there (so far!) is a length of tubigrip bandage. I have to admit I can't remember the last time I used my compass in anger, though I do get it out occasionally for practice or to show the kids how to use it. I do carry a survival blanket on day walks which I've never used, but not in multi day walks when I reckon my sleeping bag / tent would do the same job. Interesting question, though!
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Fully opened? :)
That's not a question you should ask :)
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I’ve not used the survival blanket or bandages in the first aid kit, but compeed, ibuprofen and tubigrips more often than I would like. Just waiting for someone to post that they haven’t used their waterproofs! ;D That’s not going to happen is it?!
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I’ve not used the survival blanket or bandages in the first aid kit, but compeed, ibuprofen and tubigrips more often than I would like. Just waiting for someone to post that they haven’t used their waterproofs! ;D That’s not going to happen is it?!
Oh I dunno. I don't use my waterproofs very often - that is what weather forecasts and planning is for. I day walk and am retired so I can pick my days, time and area. I have a look at the days ahead forecast and pick out the "walking days" then plan around that.
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Oh I dunno. I don't use my waterproofs very often - that is what weather forecasts and planning is for. I day walk and am retired so I can pick my days, time and area. I have a look at the days ahead forecast and pick out the "walking days" then plan around that.
I still haven't worn the waterproof overtrousers I bought in October 2018!
I do use my 'rape' alarm but its never gone off though.
Somehow I don't think you are ever likely to need that.
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Somehow I don't think you are ever likely to need that.
Well I have heard there are people prowling round the Chilterns with an unused pack of 3. Better safe than sorry ;)
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- PLB
- Anti diarrhea pills
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A heavy heart.
But then I am a heartless rascal.
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The thing that resides in my daysac, that thankfully has never been used, is my emergency strobe light, its been there for a number of years, unused.
I bought it several years ago, in Joe Browns in Capel Curig, on their bargain basement stand.
It still cost me £14, but its one of those items that heaven forbid if you did come to grief, and twisted your ankle or even worse, in the upper reaches of the Carneddau, the mountain rescue lads, would see you straight away.
Its supposed to have a range of nearly 5miles, and the flashing light it gives off, is mighty impressive, far better than a silly whistle.
This thing is fully waterproof, and can be seen from a huge distance.
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Phew, I thought you were going to say an aneroid barometer :D
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The inside pocket which came free with my sleeping bag. I never use it. More often than not, I forget it's even there. If I did use it, I'd likely forget I'd put something in there. Having said all that, I think it could be bettered if it had a zipper.
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My Pebbell alarm.
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My first aid kit, although I've fallen over a few times its never been enough to warrent first aid.
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Paracetamol, (my wife insists) I always carry four with me but have never needed them yet.