Camping guys, what about you? Are you all here?
Anyone with survival skills? Experience with this stuff? I need all of you, too. Gather 'round... A little closer, don't be shy.
Ready? Okay. (That's the cheerleader in me, sorry guys.)
Maybe it's a little early to be thinking about packing. Or maybe it isn't. But I've never done this before. What is "this" you ask? Oh nothing too much, I just have to put ELEVEN MONTHS OF THINGS I NEED INTO A DUFFEL BAG AND A BACKPACK! WITH EXTRA SPACE.
I am going to need all of your camping advice I can get. I currently have a giant pink plaid rolling suitcase and a gray and purple backpack that is falling apart. Those don't exactly scream "We're ready for disaster relief!"
First, I need you to read a couple of posts about packing from other FEMA Corps members can get yourselves up to speed.
Start Here.
Nick also says:
Travel/baggage
- Exclude excess
- Cargo space in the 15-passenger (a.k.a., “15p”, “govie”) vans is extremely limited, especially on teams with 10-12 members. Red bags and other NCCC equipment have priority in the trunk, and having 10+ red bags will fill the trunk quickly even though the last row of seating is usually removed. You will have very limited space under each seat for sleeping bags and boots. If you have a backpack, it will have to sit on your lap or be placed down by your feet
- Shoes, you don’t need to bring 7+ pairs. At most, you should bring a pair of casual shoes, PT shoes, and sandals. These, along with your steel-toe work boots that you will receive, are all that you really need. Protip: when traveling to/from a spike, wear your boots and pack your shoes to save space in the van. Also, pack your socks inside your shoes to save space in your red bag
- I would recommend purchasing a collapsible 6-shelf hanging closet organizer for storing clothes while on campus or spikes. This will save you so much trouble, and it will keep your room better organized and less messy
- It is sometimes better to be in a silent van than listen to the same songs playing on the radio every single day. Invest in an iPod with music that everyone likes
- Be good drivers, please, and if you are “A-Driving,” pay attention to and communicate with the driver. Hand signals, study them, learn them
Nick's Packing List
And then this, a post about backing by a GIRL. Because I am one, and I like her thoughts.
Carolanne's Packing List
But did you guys see all that stuff about gear? And survival supplies? Carabiners? Headlamps? Nick's intense backpack? A good sleeping bag? What kind of water bottle can I CLIP to myself? This is a whole new world for me (cue: Aladdin soundtrack) and I am definitely going to need some help preparing.
Of course this is stuff I have PLENTY of time to get in order, but that's why I want to start now. What are the things you will think I will need the MOST and the things I will need the LEAST? Let's save the clothing subject for a different day- I'm talking gear or tools and such. How do I pack "lightly" but also have everything I need to get me through the time that I'm there? I have to be able to carry what I bring! When I go on "spikes" I won't have to bring everything with me, and luckily as a TL I don't have to store it all away in bins, but I still can't bring everything I own! I have a feeling I'm going to have to practice this a few times before I go...
I have read the links. These people are offering good advice. They have laid out a road map of efficiency that would be wisely followed.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the specific items....we'll go shopping. Stores like EMS and REI will be places to go. Go online and check out their goods. Forget JC Penney!
It Is All Easier To Find Than You Think It Will Be. The Lists You Linked Are Great. I Agree 100% With The Headlamp And Caribiners. If For Some Strange Reason You can't Find Them I Will Get Them At The Cabellas Here And Ship Them! Love You :)
ReplyDeleteAllie - "Hair is overrated". Get yours cut and you'll have less yo worry about getting "icky". No joke there.
ReplyDeleteGet yourself a couple of good "compression sacks". You can put lots of clothes(where wrinkles aren't a concern) in them and squash them down to a smaller footprint. It doesn't save on weight, but does on space.
A multi-tool will come in handy. A leatherman works for most.
For anything needing batteries, try to narrow your needs to single battery type - double/triple A's. If you don't need to take extras of both, you'll be better off.
Find room for a couple decks of cards, and a small travel cribbage board. It'll help if you know how to play Cribbage ~smile~
Water-bottle - we've used a number of them over the years and it seems the more popular, is Nalgene.
Depending on where you think you are going, a small water filter might be handy. If not, then iodine tablets.
Carabiners are handy to use to clip all kinds of things, including water bottles.
Duct tape!!! You probably won't need a full roll, but it does come in handy at times.
Sleeping bag? Depends on what you are prepping for. I'd suggest something mid-weight. Then, get a liner. When it's warm, the liner alone will work. For colder nights, use the liner in the bag, and add thermals, if needed.
Up to you on a pillow. I've taken a pillow case, and stuffed it at night with various fleece jackets/vests. It allows you to double up on things. Pillows take up space.
Bandanas - take 2 more than you think you'll need. You'll use them for lots of things.
That's a few suggestions - I'm sure I'll come with others and that some of the other guys will chip in.
**Note - Watch out for any suggestions from Kousin Kenny. He's still the new boy ~smile~
Mike R.
Not enough info here for me to give you an accurate listing of suggested items, though a head lamp and a good sleeping bag are always a good place to start.
ReplyDeleteInfo needed: What are the living conditions? What is the climate like (you won't need a -40 degree sleeping bag will ya? Climate will also dictate clothing requirements)? What facilities will you have access to? Kitchen? Do they cook for you? Outhouse (in that case you may wanna get a 'pee jar' for middle of the night potty breaks)? There are many more questions, but this is a good start!
Also, yer 'Pops' was right...no shopping a JC Penny, Kohl's, TG Max, etc. Stick to outdoor stores and yard sales for essentials.
That's my initial two cents worth...more to follow...