Thread: Gear You're really glad you bought.

Originally Posted by R93

Garmin Inreach. Having had to use the SOS function I am glad I have one instead of a PLB.

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Why? Just curious

OK. Read the reply

Wiha Torque wrench. Makes scope mounting a science.

Hawkeye Bore Scope. I use it for all sorts of jobs. Checking for copper fouling, condition of barrel and throat when buying rifles, and even checking that scope base screws haven’t protruded into the action when fitting.

Very Old-School, but this would have to be one of (if not) my favourite pieces of tramping/hunting gear:



I typically only hunt around the same two square kilometres of forest park, and the altimeter is all I need to find my way around.
Not electronic, and with no batteries= never fails. Used it for 30 years now.

@R92

Thanks a heap for taking the time to put those words down, much appreciated. Its good to know what you can expect if it all goes bad.

I find it all very interesting. As you say, knowing there's a rescue underway is in itself priceless... otherwise you'd be erecting an emergency shelter, making plans for the night and a multitude of other tasks not necessarily required. On the flipside, if you were expecting to be hauled out but had to spend the night out due to a rescue being unavailable, then at least you can mentally prepare yourself and make a better camp knowing you're going to need it.

Also interesting that they didn't close off the SOS activation until the client was in hospital. Good to get closure I guess.

Fantastic. Thank you.

I have an old PLB (battery now U/S) I used to take only on major trips as it was quite heavy. I taught my son how to operate it but had to instill in him the understanding that if he activated it, he needed to plan to stay the night and at best expect rescue the following day. I remember him being quite shocked by this... his initial expectation being almost immediately recovery. PLB's and especially the inReach mini are so much smaller and lighter now that carrying them on your person -where they should be - is no longer a burden.

Originally Posted by planenutz

@R92

Thanks a heap for taking the time to put those words down, much appreciated. Its good to know what you can expect if it all goes bad.

I find it all very interesting. As you say, knowing there's a rescue underway is in itself priceless... otherwise you'd be erecting an emergency shelter, making plans for the night and a multitude of other tasks not necessarily required. On the flipside, if you were expecting to be hauled out but had to spend the night out due to a rescue being unavailable, then at least you can mentally prepare yourself and make a better camp knowing you're going to need it.

Also interesting that they didn't close off the SOS activation until the client was in hospital. Good to get closure I guess.

Fantastic. Thank you.

I have an old PLB (battery now U/S) I used to take only on major trips as it was quite heavy. I taught my son how to operate it but had to instill in him the understanding that if he activated it, he needed to plan to stay the night and at best expect rescue the following day. I remember him being quite shocked by this... his initial expectation being almost immediately recovery. PLB's and especially the inReach mini are so much smaller and lighter now that carrying them on your person -where they should be - is no longer a burden.

No worries. Definitely something I hope to never have to do again but very happy the systems work and he is ok. I froze my ass off waiting with him. It got down to -5° in a couple hours at 3500ft. I had to run up and back from camp a few times to bring him stuff but didnt look after myself. Got sweaty and then bloody cold when not moving.
Never knew you could break a leg, let alone a femur just by turning around to look at something but there ya go. You can.

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I used to be a big guy, 6’3” and 110 kj. Sleeping bags have always been a pain. When I was a rafting guide we all used to use MacPac gear, their sleeping bag was like trying to sleep in a sock, warm but no room for movement and certainly no xtra room for the scared young lass out in the wilderness for her first time. Four years ago I brought a Marmot sleeping bag and now I actually look forward to getting in to it. Theres shit loads of room, bloody warm and its super soft. Possibly my best outdoor buy. Haven't tried the young lass thing out in it thou.lol

Interesting that you never looked after yourself. I did a double body recover off the bottom of the lake. Took 5 hrs to find them in the thick lake weed. Also i ran the boat operations as sell as the FENZ crew who supplied the logistics and refreshments, a
So provide emotional support for the family. My point is this. Because Was so occupied making things happen I didn't look after my self and it was only with the prompting of my Paramedic in my crew plus my 2ic I would not of done any thing. Cramp was a real issue and so was fatigue on our last and successful dive. At our debrief if was made clear by my Parrie that you cant function without nutrition, warmth, hydration and rest. If you cant function properly you become a hazard. Lesson learnt.

Oh and those sleeping compression bags.

Duley Hat, Swaro Binos, Game Gear carry cape

Game gear inflatable sleeping mat picked it up on lockdown special for $79.00 down from $169 used it the other night and hands down the best nights sleep I've ever had on the hill.
Super thick and extremely comfy and it has a built in pump and it's long enough for us lanky buggers

Gambrel and Hoist for hanging deer. Have used it twice now, so much easier than faffing about with motorbike tiedowns.

Vortex Diamondback hd. My best and most recent purchase.

Swazi thar anorak and bridgedale Sox,Salomon boots.

DPT suppressor. Bridgedale socks are awesome. Macpac Kestrel pack - it's got to be about 22 years old, shoulder straps have been replaced, and it's still great. maybe 35litres, simple design, love it. And some 8x42(?) ED2 binos that I purchased from Digit, the maker subsequently went out of business, but despite that they are still good binos. And yes, I have some Huntech gaiters, they are good too. And my jetboil flash