Hey, just found Eric (we're on first name terms you know.... Actually, he has no idea who I am, but let's carry on...) on the new hip website, The New Artemis. Here's his interview....
So my car broke down today. It started to make a nasty clacking, slappy sound from the vicinity of the timing belt. So I called out the AA (Automobile Association) and they arrived in just over an hour. He decided it was the crankshaft pulley about to give up the ghost and called the recovery truck. It arrived an hour and a half later. Loaded up and home we came a mere 4 hours late. The point is this. I had to stop in the middle of Dartmoor at 6pm on a cold but dry day. Dartmoor does not compare to areas in the US or Europe but when the weather turns nasty people can die up there if they're wandering around unprepared. OK, I was in a car, but with no heater it could have been uncomfortable. But I EDC! And prep a little. We had food, drink and blankets and warm clothes so we were quite comfortable, as well as flashlights to see with and puppies to keep us warm. (OK, they're dogs but they'll always be 'puppies'). We spent most of the time reading and I kept volunteering to walk to a light I'd seen to 'get help'. I've always wanted to say that. What I could have done with were.. 1. Even though I managed to get into a side turning, I would have like some serious glow sticks to alert other drivers of my presence, and a simple way of hanging them up somewhere. (Or one of Hyperions fancy flashing LEDs). Because I didn't want to use the battery for the hazard lights (I've flattened a battery with those before). They also make a REALLY annoying clicking sound! 2. A safe way to heat the car if it had been really cold. I had a small candle, which I didn't need, (likewise the space blanket which I didn't need, but I will be getting another one of those) but it would have been a bit dodgy to have in the car so a lantern of some kind is needed I think. 3. A proper camping stove so that I could boil water for a cup of tea. A stable, small, easy stove. In the area of moor I was in there were no trees so a full on survival fire would have been a little difficult as well. 4. A couple of beanies to keep our heads and ears warm, especially in winter. My baseball cap left me with cold ears. Or even the balaclavas with eye and mouth holes. My nose got a little chilly. 5. A couple of sleeping bags for the winter months.
If you guys can think of other things or suggest products for those points above, I'd be interested to hear them.
AJ, a couple Buffs would be good. Can be used for beanies, gaiters, tissues, all kinds of uses. I had a wool one I loved. Lost it, but I wore it in the summer as much as winter. Kept my bald head warm in the winter and my neck cool in the summer when dunked in a little water. Get a couple hand warmers for heat. No worry of carbon monoxide with them.
Hell, a Buff can even be used quite well to keep fingers warm. Put your hands in one like the pocket on a pull over hoodie.
Thanks revs, I saw some army surplus neck gaiters/buffs the other day. I think I'll get a couple. The other thing I found is that of those things I had, I only had one. I will need to get duplicates for passengers.
Some glo sticks or flashing beacons to mark the cars position if broken down?
Don't have much to add, but if you're feeling affluent a jetboil is fantastic in the car. Boils water really quickly so cracking a window shouldn't be an issue (I think it boils in about a minute). A passenger could probably use them while the vehicle is in motion too. Breaks down to the size of the mug including the jetboil gas can. It can use regular cans too but they won't fit inside when packed up. They are bloody expensive though.
"I used to be an adventurer like you, but then I took a pie to the belly"
Post by willydigger. FB inFamous on Mar 15, 2014 13:23:09 GMT -8
That tin reminds me of someone.
That Smurfing Forum is no bueno and HI SPONGBOB. - Kilroy Psychosis is refreshing like a cool glass o' lemonade. - T. YOU HAVE MY AXE, WILLARD DIGGERD OF WESTEROS, FIRST SON OF THE FROG KING - Q Where is the satisfaction in watching other people accomplish things? - Short Make woopy, make waffles make like the wind. - Roy