Preparing Wisely

When You Want Lightweight and Compact, Without Sacrificing Warmth

Featherlite 0 Degree Sleeping Bag

Ledge Sports out of Tooele, Utah has an impressive line of synthetic, lightweight, mummy-style sleeping bags.  These bags are much more compact and lightweight than traditional mummy bags, which often weigh 5 pounds or more.  The Featherlite 40 Degree Bag is a great summer bag that has a pack weight of only 2.9 lbs and it has a pack size of 6″ x 12″.  The Featherlie 20 Degree Bag is a three season bag that weighs in at only 3.4 lbs and has a pack size of 7″ x 13″.  The Featherlite 0 Degree Bag is a four season bag that is still about half the size and weight of many 0 Degree mummy Bags.  The Featherlite 0 Degree Bag has a pack weight of 3.8 lbs and has a pack size of 8″ x 16″. 

I have used all three of these Featherlite sleeping bags in various conditions and they work very well.  Like all other bags, you have to have  a pad underneath you to achieve the rating of the sleeping bag.  I also sleep cold, so I have to have clothing layers to add extra comfort.  However, the Ledge Featherlite Bags feel to me that they are close in their rating systems to other bags made by Eureka, Slumberjack, Kelty and Vaude.  Many lightweight synthetic bags are very expensive, but these are fairly affordable.  Ledge has even come out with a negative 20 degree Featherlite Bag, but I have not tried it out yet.

Down sleeping bags will weigh significantly less, will pack smaller and retain more loft, but they are much more expensive, harder to maintain and do not provide the same heat protection as synthetic when they are wet.  My only complaint with the Ledge Featherlite sleeping bags is that their zippers are hard to manage most of the time.  I am getting better at holding them just the right way, but they are very finicky.  However, in terms of value, performance, size and weight, the Featherlite sleeping bags are great for backpacking, camping, vacations and 72 hour kits.  In fact, I currently keep a Featherlite 20 degree back in my backpacking assembly, which doubles as my 72 hour kit.

Hand Crank, Solar Powered Emergency Radios with Built In Flashlights and Cell Phone Chargers

 Eton FR160 Microlink Solar Hand Crank Red Cross Radio/Flashlight/Cell Phone Charger

Eton Corporation is the manufacturer of high quality emergency radios.  They offer a line of self-powered radios.  The internal battery pack on these radios can be charged via solar power, or they can be charged with a built in hand crank.  This means that you have full control over the power.  You don’t have to store batteries for these radios.  They are ready to use when you are.

What is nice about these radios is that they offer several fantastic features.  The Eton FR160 Microlink shown above has an AM/FM radio which also has the NOAA channels for emergencies.  NOAA is also often referred to as the weatherband.  These frequencies can be used to alert you to weather caused disasters, storms or other natural disasters.  This radio can also charge cell phones and some portable devices depending on the tips you have.

Eton FR500 Solarlink Emergency Hand Crank/Solar Power Shortwave Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger

The Eton FR500 Solarlink goes even a step further.  It can charge cell phones, some portable devices, it has an AM/FM radio, the NOAA channels and also features a shortwave radio.  This gives you the full capacity for picking up a wide range of news alerts.  Both of these radios are compact, work well and are manufactured by a proven company.  These radios might be small, but they pack a ton of protection and great features.

The key is…….Water, Water, Water…….and more Water.  Plus, make sure you have a water filtration device or water purification tablets.

Obviously that is not everything that makes up a 72 hour kit, but for most of us water and water filtration are at the top of the list.  Many individuals focus on their gear lists and fancy gadgets, but fail to recognize the importance of water and access to potable water.

Water storage and portage does create some issues.  One problem is that water is heavy.  You are looking at about 9 pounds per gallon when considering the water weight and container.  To help with this carrying weight, drink some of your water immediately.  Many agencies and experts feel that it is best to hold off on drinking water initially and wait for up to 24 hours.  In my own experience and in talking to other folks who I consider wilderness survival experts, it would seem that it is better to start drinking immediately.  There are several reasons for this.  1)  The exertion of carrying the extra water weight can lead to increased stress and perspiration.  Water inside of you is much easier to transport!  2)  Maintaining your existing level of hydration is important.  Once you are dehydrated it is difficult to return to a hydrated state.  Furthermore, your senses become dulled, your logic is impaired and you may become incoherent.  3)  The initial portion of an emergency and/or physical activity will often require more of your body.

A good recommendation is to store 1 gallon per person per day.  However, for an emergency kit this would prove to be too heavy.  3 Liters is usually a better recommendation as long as you have additional access to water.  If you do store 3 gallons, drink two of them as soon as possible.

Water storage can be an issue.  Build up of harmful bacteria can begin in water bottles due to light, heat and duration in a container.  A great way to avoid these issues is to store the Coast Guard Water Rations, or water pouches.  These pouches are usually good for 5 years and stand up to changes in weather better.  If you do store water in bottles, rotate frequently with a maximum of 3 months in between rotation.

In terms of filters, a great way to go are the AquaMira FrontierPro Filters.  These filters usually cost under $25.00 and are good for up to 50 gallons.  They are small, lightweight and extremely effective.  Keep one of these filters in your pack and know where reliable water sources are.  This allows you to expand your water capacity.

Another option is to purchase a pump style filter made by Katadyn or MSR.  Some of these units can filter 1,000’s of gallons of water, but are heavier and bulkier.  Many folks also use water purification tablets made by Katadyn or AquaMira.  These are extremely lightweight and compact. 

Whatever you decide to do, make water your focus and you won’t be sorry.  The next post includes what I call an adult lightweight backpacking assembly with a list of components.  This is my pack for backpacking, camping and emergencies.