5 things to always have for adventure
Proper planning is essential for any adventure, but even then, one has to be ready for the unexpected and be as prepared as possible. Because one cannot foresee every problem ahead, I put together a small list of five things I make sure to have on me while travelling in adventure. This list, as anything, is not an absolute. There might be items on this list that have not been the most imperative to you, and would prefer to occupy that slot with something else. If so, I would like to hear what your list looks like.
Zip ties: Never underestimate what a zip tie can do for you. These small, thin, yet durable strips of plastic are lightweight and very resistant. Depending on which size zip tie, they can hold a vast array of weights, not only that, but they are also reusable. On my motorcycle, I always have a handful of zip ties attached to the frame, covered by one of the side panels. On one occasion, I rigged a broken clutch lever with a zip tie, just enough to have it be functional and get back to civilization.
Tape: For all that which zip ties cannot hold together because of impracticality reasons, there is tape. There are endless types of tape, and although any kind is better than not having it at all, Gorilla tape (or duct tape, too) is tough stuff and will hold against the elements of adventure. Whether it is a broken tent pole, torn saddlebags, and even keeping dirt out of a small wound, tape is one of the most useful tools one can have. Gorilla tape held the rip in my motorcycle saddlebags until I was able to patch them properly, and could have held longer. For better storage, I usually wrap a decent amount of tape around another item I will be taking with me, such as a pen or pencil.
Knife: Whether you choose to wield a machete or a discrete pocketknife, it is important to keep a blade with an edge at all times. One can research and find many tutorials in selecting the right knife for the right job. The uses of this tool are countless, but can range from chopping up dinner, splitting wires, cutting that zip tie you can’t loosen, shaving a piece of wood for tinder, openning coconuts, and the list can continue indefinitely because that is how versatile a knife can be. Depending on the adventure, I will take my 8-inch knife or just a multi-tool that includes a blade.
Map: If your adventure requires a map, it already sounds like a great one. Many of us use a digital form of a map now, have it be on your smartphone or gps, it is more practical and covers more terrain in different scales, not to mention it keeps track of your current location. Because smartphones and gps are electronic devices, however, they could fall and break, run out of battery, or simply stop working for whatever reason. Due to that latent possibility, some may choose to carry paper maps as a backup. One can get excellent, waterproof maps, from a number of vendors.
Common sense: Although it is sometimes rare or forgotten, having just a little bit of this can go a long way. So stop and think about your next move.
As I continue to go on day adventures, weekend trips, or longer travels, I continue to make small changes to my full, complete list; maybe an item I thought was important to have, has not been as useful, or I’ve been able to do without. Such was the case for me with paracord. I would always carry a few feet with me, however, I have not needed it or have been able to use another item on my list to fulfill its function. For the most part, it is these five items I take with me on most adventures.