Backpacker Survival Poll

READERS COMMENTS

Excellent Poll, varied questions, with varied scenarios, with varied experiences from Hikers, always generates alot of discussion.
Posted: Aug 17, 2008 Jay

Survival situations down here (central Louisiana) tend to be somewhat different. Snakes are abundant here, Grizzlies not so much. Leave your bear mace at home and pack a good snake bite kit. (I don't recomend a sleeping bag either.)
Posted: Aug 13, 2008 Tim Pelto

A good idea would be to offer links to articles that show a helpful solution or guidelines to dealing with each of the scenarios in the survey when the reader gets to the second page. It's nice to pose dreadful scenarios, it's far better to accompany them with helpful solutions and guidance.
Posted: Aug 12, 2008 Concerned

Your poll asked about the most dangerous park. All of the answers were a complete tie, because no matter where you are, something horrible can happen. It doesn't take a large or secluded park to do you in, a simple dayhike without enough water can lead to heat stroke.
Posted: Aug 12, 2008 Brandi

Your poll asked what I'd do if I found myself lost. It did not mention the answer to stay put, calm down, check your map & compass and get your bearings. That's what I would have actually done.
Posted: Aug 08, 2008 Andrew R.

Keeping a level head in any bad situation is key. No matter what skills you know or think you know, it all goes out the window when you are freaking out.
Posted: Aug 07, 2008 James D.

Does the stove imply you have a pot or a way to light the stove? I know this is too much but it would be nice to know the environment, i.e. are you in the desert, forest, mountains? And during what season. Gear choices, aside from the 10 essentials depend on the environmental conditions. Great questions though!
Posted: Aug 04, 2008 Yeti

A good knife is useful in so many ways in the backcountry. It can help you make fire, shelter, traps or aid in preparing food. In a pinch, it can be used for defense. Carbon steel...Don't leave home without it.
Posted: Aug 03, 2008 Brent T.

A knife is great, but you can find plenty of sharp things to substitute a blade. Fire is what seperates man from beast.
Posted: Aug 02, 2008 Steve L

I agree, if you have a knife, knowledge, will power and immagination, you can pretty much survive anything. Oh...a little common sense never hurt either.
Posted: Aug 01, 2008 Matt S.

Knife by far, everything else is a luxury.
Posted: Jul 31, 2008 Jed

it will be interesting to see what people think is important in this poll, i wish we could see which parts of the country folks are from. you don't necessarily need the same skills or gear in the same degree of importance depending on what area you backpack in.
Posted: Jul 30, 2008 Johnson M.

Proper preperation prevents piss poor performance.
Posted: Jul 27, 2008 Dr. G

People underestimate the importance of a good knife and the skills to use it properly. If you have these two, you can survive, provided you don't panic.
Posted: Jul 26, 2008 Pete M.

Personnaly I think that the most important thing that backpackers can do to stay green is take care of and reuse the equipment that we have. How many times have you thrown away that old backpack or tent in favor of a newer one that shaved you a couple of ounces. Granted I am not saying that we shouldnt retire archaic gear that weighs a ton for new, lighter, and environmentally friendly gear. Just ask yourself; what is more environmentally friendly, taking care of and continue using that perfectly good sleeping bag for another couple of years or going out and buying the latest carbon, mico-filled, spaceage, lime green sleeping bag that only expends 2 carbon credits to manufacture? The sleeping bag you currently own has already expended the resources to manufacture it, you cant change the past, so take care of, continue to use it and look for other ways to live green.
Get out and enjoy the great outdoors and organize a cleanup for your favorite hiking trail. Then recycle the materials that you collect. Those who come behind you will thank you for it.
Posted: Jul 23, 2008 Mark

Went backpacking in Boy Scouts and was missed by a tornado within a couple of miles that night. Lightening struck down a tree we had orginally wanted to camp under, but the Scout leader urged us to pick another spot the night before.
Posted: Jul 22, 2008 RC

Posted: Jul 22, 2008 Anonymous

I was caught in a January storm at 10,000’ camp Muir on Mt. Rainier. After three days the storm passed and we headed down only to hike through low lining clouds. Visibility was 5 feet at best. Keeping a cool head is the most important skill and also having excellent navigational skills.
Posted: Jul 21, 2008 Bondy A.

I was involved in an avalanche once. Had to get out and go for help for my friend. Keeping a cool head is the most important skill...
Posted: Jul 21, 2008 Clay M.

Posted: Jul 21, 2008 Anonymous

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