what do you carry on trips?

Two items I added to my pack recently that are must haves now:

1. Balaclava - best warmth to weight and super versitile
2. Rub on liquid wax - in the spring/summer it makes a huge difference

Nobody mentioned skin wax... most of us are in the PNW and not Utah the last I checked

I see that fire starters has been mentioned several times. What have you found works best? I have seen several options over the years but don't have a favorite as of late. Let me know what works well for you.

I see that fire starters has been mentioned several times. What have you found works best? I have seen several options over the years but don't have a favorite as of late. Let me know what works well for you.

The best( really...there is no argument)= cotton wool balls covered in Vaseline, store in small plastic film canister. They burn long and easy to light.

The best( really...there is no argument)= cotton wool balls covered in Vaseline, store in small plastic film canister. They burn long and easy to light.

Where would I find cotton wool balls? I can only find cotton balls in my wife's medicine cabinet. If I soak them in bacon grease will they burn as well?

Where would I find cotton wool balls? I can only find cotton balls in my wife's medicine cabinet. If I soak them in bacon grease will they burn as well?

Cotton wool balls( European English)= cotton balls( American English).... sorry , I am an immigrant and still revert to my mother tongue at times. I am trying to assimilate !

Regarding making the ski sled, I really like the idea, and went right out and collected the nuts, and bolts (1/4 in) when I was through the little sack of hardware seemed too heavy is 1/4 overkill? Anyone out there have any ideas about that. I went with stainless. I put one in the vise, and tried to bend it, it is stout! Guess I'll have to try the next size smaller.