Pocket Knives

I look for two features in a pocket knife. I want to be able to open the blade while wearing gloves or mittens or without splitting my thumbnail. I also need a fitting for tying on a lanyard or retaining cord. In the snow, a dropped tool is usually a lost tool. These two knives meet my requirements.

Victorinox One-Hand Trekker

The Victorinox One-Hand Trekker is a no-nonsense Swiss Army knife without the usual doo-dads like corkscrew and micro-scissors. A husky 4-3/8 inch blade is easily and safely manipulated. The other tools are sturdy and practical. Find it at Lighthound.

Available in a version with a black blade and in the Soldier and German Army models.

Spyderco Rescue

Available in 93mm and 79 mm lengths, the Spyderco Rescue is easily opened and safe to use. It’s a tool, not a weapon, and unlikely to cause injury when cutting clothing and boots. The clip may be removed to insert a dummy cord or lanyard loop. The orange color is almost impossible to lose in the snow or bush.

Similar models are on the market: Spyderco Atlantic Salt and Assist I, Gerber E-Z Out, Kabar Rescue Blade K2K Folder, and Meyerco Rescue One.

Flameless Hand Warmers

Liquid-fuelled hand warmers have been used by generations of hunters and ice fishermen. Patrollers will use them for their own comfort and for treating hypothermic patients.

After filling with a small amount of lighter fuel, the warmer's element is lit with a match. A catalytic platinum element allows burning without a flame, producing radiant heat for 8 to 10 hours. Warmers may be safely carried in a jacket pocket, usually in a flannel bag.

Jon-e® Hand Warmers are manufactured in the United States and made from durable chrome-plated steel. Replacement parts are available online. The Jon-e® hand warmer is sold by Cabela's and Outers

A similar product is the Zippo Hand Warmer which is available at Duluth Trading Company and Amazon.

The Peacock brand is found overseas at GK Trading and Hakukin.

Amazon offers the Xtreme brand.
 

Underwater Kinetics 4-AA Xenon Light

Underwater Kinetics model UK 4AA-AS2 is robust and designed to withstand harsh outdoors and industrial environments. It survives a 30 foot drop test and water submersion to 10 meters.

Powered by four AA batteries, the xenon bulb projects a 38 lumen beam for 4 to 5 hours. Just over 6 inches long, this light handily fits the pocket. Molded fittings facilitate the attachment of lanyards or webbing. See the Data Sheet for more specs. Made in the USA.

An LED version is now available. Read the review at Flashlight Reviews.

Available online and at many dive shops and industrial safety suppliers.
 

Pocket Magnifiers

Reading a map is difficult when you don't have your glasses or the light is fading. Squinting doesn't work, and your arms aren't long enough.

Handy pocket-sized Fresnel magnifiers come to the rescue. The simplest is thin plastic the size of a credit card, easily carried in your wallet. The best known is probably Itoya brand. You can find one at office supply stores and pharmacies. Look online at Campmor, MapTools, or UltraOptix.

The latest innovation in this technology is the illuminated magnifying card, which is a bit thicker. Pressing a tiny button activates an LED, flooding light on the map. A well-known model (as seen on TV) is the OWL Light. Similar lenses are available from Essential Gear and Amazon.

Illuminated or not, both styles provide 2 to 3x magnification.
 

2009 International Technical Rescue Symposium

The 2009 International Technical Rescue Symposium welcomes rescue personnel from many disciplines: mountain rescue, military, park services, and outdoor recreation. The program includes new advances in equipment, medical issues, and technique.

The event is sponsored by Pigeon Mountain Industries, CMC Rescue Incorporated, and others.

November 5 – 8, 2009
Pueblo, Colorado

Download the brochure in Adobe Acrobat format here.

Classic Camping Stoves

At one time, most of us probably owned a brass Optimus, Primus, or Svea stove. For the most part, they served us well and faithfully accompanied us on our treks. They are part of our history.

Many of these cookers were shelved when we acquired the hi-tech stoves first introduced by MSR. Others just don’t work so well anymore.

The most common problems with old stoves are dried gaskets, defunct wicks, and clogged jets. There is hope, however. A & H Packstoves both sell new stoves and furnish parts for the old. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful, enthusiasts of Swedish brass. Prices are quite reasonable.

Classic Camp Stoves is a discussion forum and an archive of photos, advertising art, catalogs, and exploded diagrams.

Read the Backpacker review of the classic Svea 123 and its links to related articles.

Personal Locator Beacons

Technology is finding its way into the backcountry: the avalanche beacon, GPS receiver, cellphone, and personal locator beacon (PLB). The media have reported the use of personal locator beacons in dramatic and successful rescues but at least one instance of their abuse. Some experts have expressed concern that the devices will encourage over-reliance on their use.


ACR Electronics manufactures most of the units available in the United States, the Microfix and the Terrafix. The devices are pricey (around $500 – 600) but can be rented online from PLB Rentals.

The New York Times recently published an article about PLBs.

“Not Without Peril”

Subtitled “150 Years of Misadventure on the Presidential Range of New Hampshire.” Nicholas Howe documents the misfortunes and tragedies befalling twenty-two hikers and climbers over the past century and a half. There are lessons to be learned here about safety and trip preparation.

Not Without Peril: 150 Years of Misadventure on the Presidential Range of New Hampshire
by Nicholas Howe
Appalachian Mountain Club Books, 2001

Spring Skiing at Tuckerman’s Ravine

Summer is a mere month away, but the ski season is just starting at New Hampshire’s storied Tuckerman's Ravine. Today’s New York Times runs an article about the ravine’s action and history, including safety issues and mentioning the Mount Washington Volunteer Ski Patrol. Read For Daredevil Skiing, The Season Is Now.