Thursday 05/02/15
If you've been reading my blogs on a regular basis, you will have a fair understanding of the things you should carry in your car, in your backpack and in your Bug Out Bag. This week I'm going to add a few additional, light weight items that are often overlooked.
- A pair of bootlaces. I mentioned these a few weeks ago. I used mine as cordage this week, so I thought it was worth mentioning them again. They easily tuck away into an unused corner of your pack, so they take up no useable space and weigh virtually nothing.
- A little traveler's sewing kit. Essentially, this is just a couple of sewing needles, a few safety pins and a few lengths of thread in various colours. The whole kit can fit into a matchbox (or even smaller if you wish). This is an absolute lifesaver if you have to make emergency repairs to your clothes (or backpack).
- A pen. To me, this seems obvious. But now that everyone has a smartphone, fewer and fewer people carry a pen (they just enter the information on their phone). Smartphones are great, but you can't use them to write a quick note for someone.
- A small torch on your keyring. A cheap plastic torch is better than no torch, but a sturdy, metal torch will last longer.
- Bandanna. Useful as a handkerchief and a pad in a first-aid situation. It is a bit bigger and bulkier than a handkerchief, but more practical. I've even dowsed mine in water and tied it across my face as a smoke filter in a bushfire.
- A small, metal nail file. "Men don't use nail files" I hear you think. Trust me, if you have ever kicked your toe on a rock and split it open, you'll have fond memories of catching jagged shards of nail on your sock or bandage.
- Sticking plaster. Keeping one of these in your wallet or purse won't take up much room in your wallet or purse. Its true value will become apparent if you get a blister on your heel.
- A lubricant-free condom. Get your mind out of the gutter. If it looks like you are going to get drenched thanks to an unexpected storm, a condom makes a great waterproof phone cover. Just roll the condom down over the phone and tie the end shut.
There you have it. No startling revelations, just a few handy hints that have made my life a little easier.
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