Wilderness Skills - Olympia Mountaineers

Optional Equipment
Camera, binoculars – Cameras are popular pack items because hiking and backcountry travel provides many
opportunities for scenic photographs. Binoculars can be used to check possible travel routes or watch wildlife.
Altimeter - An altimeter is helpful in estimating where you are, especially while on trails or near natural
features like ridges or streams. Usually, at least one person in a hiking party will have an altimeter.
Trekking poles - You may want to carry one or two trekking poles to aid your ascent and descent when the
terrain is not steep enough to require an ice ax. Several studies have suggested that using trekking poles while
hiking reduces stress on the knees. Old ski poles are a cheap alternative, but they don’t adjust or collapse for
safe storage as most trekking poles do.
Camp stove – occasionally there may come a time when a stove’s ability to heat water for emergency use or
simply for cooking dinner is indispensable. Although rarely carried on day trips, the camp stove is essential for
a backpacking trip and overnighter. Often one stove will meet the needs of 2 to 5 people, depending on the
availability of running water (more stoves are needed if snow must be melted) and the amount of water
needed. Generally white gasoline is used in liquid fueled stoves and Butane/Propane mix is used in stoves
fueled by pressurized gas canisters. Each has advantageous and special safety considerations.
Water purification tablets or filter - You may want to carry purification tablets or a water filter or purifier,
especially on hot days or overnight trips. Don't plan on finding water sources on a day trip unless you’re sure
there are plenty on your route. Purification tablets cost and weigh much less than filters or purifiers. Water
purifiers kill viruses; water filters do not, but filters usually cost less than purifiers and are adequate for use in
the wild. Purification tablets and iodine-based purifiers give water a chemical taste, which is harmless but
unpleasant to many people.
Insect repellent - many people don't like using repellents, but you should carry some in
case you absolutely need some - which eventually will happen in the mountains. Insects are
very seasonal in the mountains, but at certain times, you may consider insect repellent an
emergency need. The most effective repellents contain DEET. Repellents are available with
DEET concentrations up to 100%, but according to Consumer Reports, concentrations
above 50% do not increase effectiveness. Most repellents are harmful to synthetic materials
(nylon, etc.), so don't use it on synthetic clothing or equipment.
Pack rain cover - A pack rain cover will help keep your pack and the gear inside it drier in the rain, and lighter
(wet items are heavier). A heavy-duty trash bag with shoulder-strap slits cut in it will also work. You may want
to use a large plastic bag to line your pack, then put all your gear inside the bag, so the gear inside will stay dry
without a pack cover. The large plastic bag can also be used for an emergency bivy sack. (So can your pack.)
Avalanche rescue beacon (transceiver) - If you hike in the winter, or snowshoe or backcountry ski, you'll
eventually want to get an avalanche rescue beacon. Rescue beacons are required on some winter hikes. (Only
course graduates may sign up for The Mountaineers’ winter scrambles.) Although expensive, an avalanche
beacon could save your or another’s life. Before purchasing one, you should take a course that teaches you
how to use one. Many outdoor stores, commercial courses, or The Mountaineers’ Snowshoe Course can
provide instruction.
Snow shovel – When traveling in snow during avalanche season, all party members should carry a shovel.
Shovels are used to build snow shelters, dig out tents, dig pits or snow break platforms to assess avalanche
conditions, and - most importantly - for avalanche rescue. In hard snow, aluminum shovels work better than
plastic. When digging, don't pry - you'll break any lightweight shovel. Use the shovel to cut loose the snow,
then scoop it out. Shovels with extendable handles are easier to use, and removable handles pack better. Wax
the blade before a snow trip to prevent snow from sticking to it and increase the shovel’s effectiveness.
Wilderness Skills Module Page 29 of 73
Olympia Mountaineers - Hiking, Alpine Scrambling and Basic Climbing