Going on a Hike? Be Prepared!

Superstition Mountains HikeOne of the benefits of getting away in your truck camper is going on some terrific hikes and exploring areas that your truck camper can’t even get to. Hiking, however, can also be fraught with danger. One wrong turn to can lead to a night in the wild; one wrong step or chance encounter with a bear, moose, or cougar can lead to injury or even death. No matter what your intentions are, whether you’re planning on a short hike away from the camper or a long one, it’s best to be prepared for whatever “curve ball” life throws at you.

When it comes to preparedness, there are two kinds of survival bags you can carry: a bug out bag (BOB) and an everyday carry (EDC) bag. Of the two, the BOB is larger and can carry a lot more, but it’s also far too bulky and too heavy to take with you, especially on routine truck camper excursions. It’s just not practical. The EDC bag, on the other hand, is small and light enough to take with you no matter where you go, whether it’s on a hike in the mountains, a day at the park, or an afternoon at the zoo. This is what makes the EDC pack so popular.

A couple of years ago I wrote a review on the Maxpedition Remora Gearslinger, which is the bag I use for day hikes and as my EDC. This particular review had a few photographs of the bag’s pouches and pockets with my gear that prompted some readers to ask what some of these items were. As one who is always willing to share what I have in mine and what I’ve learned over the last two years, here’s a list of what I currently keep in my Maxpedition Remora:

  1. Protein Energy Bars (x2)
  2. Jerky (x2)
  3. Sunscreen
  4. Bert’s Bees Lip Balm
  5. Gum
  6. Hard Candy (x4)
  7. Altoids Mints (small tin)
  8. Tissues (small package)
  9. Moist Wipes (x6 – individually wrapped)
  10. Claritin 12 Hour Reditabs (x4)
  11. Aleve (x4)
  12. Medication (personal)
  13. Leatherman Utility (Super Tool 300)
  14. Gerber Folding Knife (Paraframe)
  15. LED Flashlight (Lenser P3 AFS P)
  16. Lens Cleaner
  17. One Permanent Match
  18. Fingernail Clippers
  19. Toothbrush  (mini)
  20. Toothpaste (small tube)
  21. Eye Drops
  22. Folding Reading Glasses (+2.5)
  23. Bandana
  24. Floss – Plaquers (x3)
  25. Hand Sanitizer
  26. Paracord Survival Bracelet
  27. Compass/Whistle/Thermometer Combo
  28. iPhone Charger Cord
  29. Earphones (portable)
  30. Space Blanket
  31. Collapsible Water Bag (1 quart)
  32. Survival Bracelet
  33. Bottles of Water (3x)
  34. Survival Tin (Altoids-Large)
  35. Weapon of Choice (pistol, mace, or taser)
IMG_0456
View of the inside of the Gearslinger’s front pouch.
IMG_0461
View of the Gearslinger’s main compartment.
The Permanent Match
Closeup of the Permanent Match

 

About Mello Mike 820 Articles
Mello Mike is an Arizona native, author, and the founder of Truck Camper Adventure. He's been RV'ing since 2002, is a certified RVIA Level 1 RV Technician, and has restored several Airstream travel trailers. A communications expert and licensed ham radio operator (KK7TCA), he retired from the U.S. Navy in 2004 as a CWO3 after 24 years, holds a BS degree, and now runs Truck Camper Adventure full-time. He also does some RV consulting, repairs, and inspections on the side. He currently rolls in a 4WD Ram 3500 outfitted with a SherpTek truck bed with a Bundutec Roadrunner mounted on top.

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