what do you carry on trips?

JPH I like your list, close to mine. I should add I picked up one of those CPR barriers are REI to put in my emergency kit. I also always carry duct tape but didnt think about it because I wrap it around my ski pole. I'll consider adding some of the items on your list like Ibuprofen, heat packs and sterile pad. Thanks for sharing.

I also agree with there being too much reliance on a GPS device. Mine has a built in 2way radio which has proven invaluable with groups that tend to split up or get spread out so I always go back and forth on bringing it depending on the group and objective. more and more Im not using it for anything. I'm starting to ween myself off bringing it on routes I've done before... but part of me considers it a safety tool since most often I can pick up other radio users in the area if I needed to ask for help. I also leave a note with my family including the radio channel if I don't return they call SAR and can give them the info. thankfully, I've never needed it for anything other than a beeline to the car in a whiteout because I decided it was beer30.

Don't forget condoms~ Never know in the outdoors~

Saxybrian didn't you say your from Texas? :

>Purell

????? for cleaning hands after going pooopy? You guys are way too fastidious.......handful of snow...rub vigorously.. then wipe hands on back of pants= invigorating!

I'm confused about the lack of enthusiasm for GPS. Maybe I am just younger, but I feel otherwise.

I always bring a map and a GPS with a map loaded onto it. Never a compass. When I need orientation most is in a white out or in the trees. In both situations it would be impossible to find a reference point to orientate myself using a compass and a map. In those situations a compass is only good for a bearing, which isn't much use if I don't know where I am.

The paper map is more of a luxury in my routine because it is easier to get a feel for the land on that map rather than the small screen. But I use the GPS to figure out where I am on the map.

Sure, a GPS can break or it can be used incorrectly. Maps can tear and get wet, compasses can break too. It seems as though it would be much more likely to use a compass incorrectly than a GPS.

Am I missing something? Exiting a tour on skis through a whiteout or thick trees is often aided by frequent reference to the GPS (and my track log). For example, descending the Muir snowfield following my old track log is a cinch. Whereas using a compass is more complicated and less reliable if you don't realize you are not skiing straight. Seems much safer to me.

Saxybrian didn't you say your from Texas?  :

Saxybrain , sorry for my fellow TAyers condescension and eye rolling just because you are from Texas. I'm afraid you are going to have to get used to that for a while as these young, super smart urban-mountaineers are going to act very superior for a while until you get acclimatized.

Only 120 days or so until you come over the pass like some Mormon pushing his hand cart to the promised land with all your boyish enthusiasm I've come to appreciate.

Shortly thereafter you'll be skinning up to Muir ( make sure you actually get to Muir..Amar is checking) with your pack overflowing with ibuprofen, iodine tablets, hand-sanitizer and condoms; your pack festooned with Voile straps.

A few more months here and you'll be driving at 10 mph below the speed limit in the left lane and pontificating on TAY with the rest of us.

I'm confused about the lack of enthusiasm for GPS. Maybe I am just younger, but I feel otherwise.

you have some good points Erik. I'm not an expert compass user but I feel fairly competent, I know in some situations I have relied on my GPS. I like to not rely on the GPS to keep up on the skill with the compass.

Scotsman, my remark was in good humor reply and not condescending I think you took it out of context and I don't know why.

thought it might be worth mentioning that its not a bad idea to use a waterproof liner in your backpack... ie-trash bag (or bivy sack if on an overnighter) to protect all the gear. I don't have much faith that backpack fabric along will keep my gear dry on a stormy day.

and if you're using a water bladder, keeping the bladder outside of the trash bag liner is a decent way to prevent a soaked sleeping bag disaster should your camelback start leaking.