I wish I had a... Compass. The answer is a compass. The thing is you better know how to use it too! A compass is a valuable piece of gear that could get you out of a lot of trouble. My favorite style is the Suunto mirrored type like this: One I always have. It's cheap, reliable, accurate for my requirements, and not bulky or heavy. This one is made for the Northern Hemisphere so make sure that if you're traveling south you get one that works where you intend to go. They do make global ones but they're a little more expensive. If you travel a ton it might be worth the extra few bucks, otherwise just get a few...
One reminder: When hiking or climbing the summit, although exciting, is only the halfway mark. Plan better my friends. After reading this article, I started to think about another story that was shared with me this winter. The story is about an Arizona mishap, where a woman did a lot of things and survived; she is likely still alive not because of what she did, but rather what her partner did. This story is worth the read. Then I thought, hey maybe its time to avoid Arizona, that state is a magnet for bad juju (consider that a bonus reminder). Which leads me to three rules; which you may know from GORUCK and Navigator. 1. Always look cool 2. Never get lost 3. If you get lost, look cool...
First, let me point out that it took a Zombie apocalypse to get me to write something. Anyway, lastnight while watching The Walking Dead something amazing happened; they had a GORUCK Navigator moment. At GORUCK Navigator we teach a variety of survival, navigation, and field skills. Among the useful skills taught at these courses are some practical and helpful knots. One of the cool knots selected to be a part of this exclusive list is the alpine butterfly. Often overlooked, this is a very useful knot to tie a fixed secure loop in the middle of a line. The loop can be used as a tie in or as a way to isolate damaged sections of a rope in the event that you don’t...
