[pct-l] safety on the pct

[Tortoise]

from Switchback's Super secrets of Backpacking: "Neck cord = I carry a 
whistle, chap-stick, small knife, etc. This is very convenient."

Switchback has a good idea here about carrying your whistle on a neck 
cord (necklace). I will add a compass. These are items that should 
always go with you. Both of the times I was lost -- once in Sequoia NP 
and once in a regional park in the fog, I did NOT have a compass. Then I 
bought a second compass and it stays in my day pack in addition to the 
one always in my backpack. I got a loud whistle from REI too, after 
Pygmy's post. What good are these items if they are not at hand when you 
need them? And when I got lost in Sequoia NP, I had left my pack to 
search for a campsite. Moreal to me:  keep these with me.

Also I think the neckcord should have some kind of break away link or be 
weak enough that it cannot catch on something and strangle you.

Tortoise

<> He who finishes last, wins! <>



Hiker97 at aol.com wrote:
> I would take pepper spray.  I always carry it for protection from 
> animals and humans.  The chances of using it for these things are very 
> slim, but it is nice to know I have something that is fairly light and 
> effective.
>  
> Pepper spray works on most humans.  Some who have certain metal 
> disorders or certain drugs in their system, you will just make 
> them angry.  But that is a VERY small part of the human population.  I 
> like pepper spray.
>  
> Say, I remember the first time I camped out with Can'tQuit.  She was 
> setting up camp several yards from me and pulled out a BIG full size, 
> heavy Bowie knife just before we went turn in for the night.  I now 
> tease her about this big heavy knife she had for protection.  Too 
> funny.  Of course, camping with a Trail Pirate, may be this made 
> sense.  I would not mess with her even if I was a grizzly.
>  
> Cheers, Switchback the Trail Pirate
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape 
> <http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489> 
> in the new year.
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
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