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Common range of Knife Blade Shapes and what tasks they are best suited…
Drop-point : good compromise between strength and utility Sheepsfoot : no-nonsense utility knife – slicing, whittling & ideal to cut rope Lambsfoot : popular with farmers, amongst its many uses is the trimming of lambs’ hooves! Wharncliffe : ideal for slicing, minimizing an accidental puncture with the tip Clip-point : for more delicate and precision work Straight Back : sturdy, ideal for cutting and chopping Tanto Blade : strong, handy for pushing cuts and piercing Needle-point & Spear-point : fighting and stabbing (illegal in many places). Gut Hook : skinning and field dressing wild game Trailing-Point : filleting, skinning and camp food prepping Spey : favored by hunters and trappers…
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Boxers, Thongs or Briefs?
Boxer shorts are breathable, with plenty of ball room, but rather lacking in support, best for casual wear. Thongs, also known as ‘cheese cutters’, may look good on some, some of the time: they may look good on others all of the time, but they never look good on me at any time. Practically speaking, they are not designed to keep the ‘bad boy and his two chums’ properly tucked in. They mercilessly chafe and ruffle where they touch, or so I’ve been told. I wore my lucky, merino wool, snug-fitting boxer briefs every day, for the whole of my 25-day polar plod. They always kept the crown jewels warm…
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Footwear…Socks
Footwear is an important item on your kit list… Socks The essential but often ‘overlooked’ Socks can make or break your adventure. A suitable pair of socks are a must have for any hiker, runner, climber or outdoor enthusiast. Over many years and on many adventures, inc. Everest BC and Mt Kilimanjaro, I discovered that 1000 Mile Socks are so comfortable, durable and cool; they feel like I’m walking on a luxurious, deep pile carpet. Importantly they really help to protect my feet and prevent blisters so I truly enjoy my days on the trail. My, not so secret, few basic Tips, for Healthy Feet ·…
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FOOD… is Fuel
An average person can survive up to 3 Weeks without Food Our body and brain require a steady supply of food and nutrients: without the body’s many systems will begin to deteriorate. The effects may include you feeling tired, weak, cognitive changes and ultimately organ failure. When on an Adventure – I recommend freeze dried meals for your health, enjoyment and survival. I have eaten freeze dried meals on many adventures and climates; including trekking to the North Pole , climbing Mountains and rowing the Atlantic; they are quick and easy to prepare, high in energy, carbohydrates, protein and other essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Firepot has a delicious selection of dehydrated meals: meat,…
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Footwear is the most important item on your kit list… Socks
The essential but often ignored Socks can make or break your adventure. A suitable pair of socks are a must have for any hiker, runner, climber or outdoor enthusiast. Over many years and on many adventures, inc. Everest BC and Mt Kilimanjaro, I discovered that 1000 Mile Socks are so comfortable, durable and cool; they feel like I’m walking on a luxurious, deep pile carpet. Importantly they really help to protect my feet and prevent blisters so I truly enjoy my days on the trail. My, not so secret, few basic Tips, for Healthy Feet · Check your feet regularly · Wash your feet every day, and…
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Adventure Starts Here…Finding your way – always carry a Compass and a Map as a backup
It is essential to know how to use a compass, it is a skill that everyone who enjoys the outdoors; trekkers, orienteers, kayakers and sailors will find indispensable. A map and a compass are still my basics for navigating and locating my position with confidence and ultimately surviving the wilderness. My favourite is the navigation Suunto MC-2 G Mirror Compass, and a great sighting compass for global mountaineers; insensitive to water pressure, handy for sailor and adventurous kayakers. It is accurate, durable and able to handle the difficult conditions encountered in our changing world…. Fast globally balanced needle with jewel bearing 20 degrees tilt margin for easier readings Adjustable declination correction Liquid filled capsule for stable operation Mirror for…
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Acclimatising in the Mountains My ‘not so’ secret Tips to help…
Training helps to increase your VO2 max (maximal oxygen consumption) Climb at a pace that’s comfortable for you. (poli, poli / slowly, slowly..) it’s a marathon not a race Climb high, 300-400 meters a day and descend to a lower altitude to sleep. Never ascend to sleep at a higher elevation when experiencing symptoms of altitude illness. Difficulty sleeping, feeling short of breath? Propping yourself up will help with your breathing. Get enough sleep and take opportunities to rest whenever you can Stay well hydrated, drink lots of water 4-5 litres per day Take regular sips of water during your climb. Carb-loading – Cut back on foods high in fat.…
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“If you get lost”
My, not so secret, simple but basic advice Firstly – get your head in the right place Face your fears: challenge your fears Do not panic, stay calm S.T.O.P. (Stop- Think – Observe – Plan) Stay put. … Don’t wander!!! Take a good look around, pinpoint your location, identify landmarks Shout, blow your Acme survival whistle Flash your mirror to attract attention Look and listen for signs of people Your 3 immediate Priorities for survival are Shelter, Water and Fire. Find and /or build Shelter (shade or insulated) Find clean water Build a Fire Tips on Shade Shelter …. Protection from Heat • Dig or rake the surface too uncovered cooler ground and build a…
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Recovery – My whole life was hanging by a thread!
In 1983 after being clean and sober for 2 years I was still holding on tightly to the old ways. My reaction to most situations was to attack first. I had yet another fight or rather I had exploded and inflicted unnecessary pain spilling the blood of a fellow member of a 12-step group that was helping me better my life. The violence happened in front of a number of friends, people who knew me and had befriended me, but this time they no longer supported my behaviour. I sat alone in a café next to Shepherds Bush Tube Station, in a dark empty void. For the first time, ever,…
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Why do I put up with discomfort – or good pain!
If I stopped, playing a sport or working out at the first sign of discomfort I’d probably never do any exercise. What if I’d listened and meekly accepted what the surgeon told me over 60 years ago; think of all those amazing adventures and life changing experiences I would have missed! All in return for a little discomfort…. Discomfort due to bad weather, probably means you haven’t got the right gear on. Trekking, running or rowing: a good training program will thwart a plunge into discomfort. Tolerance to pain and discomfort is trainable. Exposure to pain tends to increase your tolerance for pain and discomfort. Did the beatings I received as…
