|
Are You Prepared?
I’m not a fan of the late winter / early spring season. The novelty of winter is fading like the snow into a melted mess of dirty grey. Those inside tasks that I’ve saved for the cold season have either already been completed or will most likely stay unfinished. Saddles have all been cleaned and oiled but that new shelf for saddle blankets is still a random pile of wood waiting to be assembled. It’ll wait a bit longer. Soon we’ll be riding again and venturing out on the trips we excitedly planned during the the first heavy snows of the year. But what to do in the interim?
Enter the “Possibles Bag”. I generally call my assortment of “stuff” for an unplanned night on the trail my “Emergency Kit” but the term “Possibles Bag” has much more flair and panache. I heard the word recently when talking about the new movie The Revenant. It’s about legendary mountain man Hugh Glass and his “adventures” after having had all of his equipment taken and being left for dead in the wilderness by his friends. The story made me think about both my choices in riding partners as well as the small of collection of items that may well save my life should a trail ride take an unforeseen turn.
If and when I’m forced to spend a night along the trail, I want to have all the essentials required to stay alive. How much gear “insurance” to carry is a matter of healthy debate and varies from person to person. For me the point of these items is to proactively answer two questions: First; Can I respond positively to an accident or emergency? Second; Can I safely spend a night out? What follows are the gear systems that accompany me on every ride.
Common Sense – You can’t put it in a bag or carry in in your packet but it’s arguably more important than anything else. Having the right gear is one thing, knowing how and when to use it is another. Experience, know-how, and good judgement is what will save your bacon not a pile of stuff that you purchased and never took the time to earn how to use. Make the effort to cultivate the knowledge to use every item to its fullest potential.
 First Aid System
Navigation System
Insulation System
Illumination System
Fire System
Repair Kit System
Hydration System
Shelter System
From everyone here at www.TrailMeister.com, we wish for you a wonderful 2016 full of good horses, safe trails, warm camps, and joyous memories. |
