I may get up and hit Academy in the morning. I am going to be in Amarillo also.
If you're camping in the Palo Duro take a shat ton of water and something to kill snakes.
I may get up and hit Academy in the morning. I am going to be in Amarillo also.
I never plan on a 1 day hike, being a 1 day hike, unless I'm at a nature park or something like that. Out on a real trail, I try to always plan for at least a 1 night stay. If it gets dark, you are better off bedding down for the night than risking getting lost or injury trying to beat your way out in the dark.
Some sort or cord, I carry paracord, at least 100'.
When it comes to fire, always have 2 different ways in the very least. I always carry minimum strike anywhere matches and a firestick. I prefer 3 though if weight isn't a concern and will carry a few lighters as well.
Orange emergency poncho's are cheap and handy, especially in a survival situation. You can use them to signal, to collect rain water with, or morning dew, and of course, them use as they are meant to be used.
I always have a trash bag I carry with me, best to carry is orange, so it can have that many more uses in a bad situation, and you can use your poncho if you actually need it.
I carry 2 compasses, 1 stashed as safely as possible deep in the bag, other on my person at all times. Print out topo maps of immediate area you will be in, and a topo of the area you are going + 10 mile radius. (topo's aren't the easiest to get) Handy if you end up lost, you have a larger area to find yourself on on a map. GPS is nice, but don't rely on them, batteries die, signal isn't always available.
Water purification means. You may be packing in water with you, but if you run out, always nice to have a Sterilite or LifeStraw, iodine tabs, whatever your preferred method to refill would be. All those methods are easier than boiling, but not as safe.
If you have access to an Epi-pen, they can be lifesavers for you or a loved on if you hit something you didn't know you are deadly allergic to.
Add an old school 35mm film canister size of Vaseline to your bad of dryer lint. when you use it, mix a dab of it in with your lint, and it will extend the burn time of your flame giving you a better chance at a successful fire on a windy or wet day.
I try to always have a few real carabiners or s-hooks as well, they can be very handy if you find yourself in a pinch and need to pick something heavy up, suspend something from a tree (gear, shelter, yourself), if you are carrying rope with you...
Fire safe container. Something you could boil water in, cook in, transport water with, as multi purpose as possible with this. When I pack it, I'll put my socks in it, and compass in it as well. If it rains or I fall, my spare compass has a better chance of staying intact, and socks dry.
Spare socks. If a day turns bad, once you end up in camp for the night, a fresh pair of socks can be a real game changer to the psyche. Also, some sort of camp shoes, like sandals or something airy, to air out/dry out your hiking shoes and your feet.
Amount of food you'll require for the trip +10%. Then don't eat unless you are going to hydrate at the same time. Eating uses water, which will make you dehydrate faster. Especially anything with protein, like protein bars. Unless you are snacking on something lite light dried fruit, leave the eating out until you get some downtime and make a meal out of it. You'll feel better in the long run, and your energy level will stay higher and more consistent.
Most important: Drink before you are thirsty and monitor your urine!
Thanks for the input.
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