What multi purpose items do you use?

Posted by: chaz

What multi purpose items do you use? - 03/10/08 04:28 PM

I've read several great ideas on this site concerning using an item of gear for more than one purpose. Like using a poncho for a pack cover or an extended fly for your tent. What is some of the most imaginary multi uses for your gear?
I also use tent stakes to support my cook pot in the wind screen.
Posted by: phat

Re: What multi purpose items do you use? - 03/10/08 05:46 PM

Duct Tape: blister protection, butterfly bandage, as actual tape or patching for anything that needs fixing (tarp, clothes, pack, boots), and bug strip (it works well sticky side out to keep inquisitive ants from crawling down your hammock lines.)

Everclear: stove fuel, fire starter, antiseptic, hand sterlizer after potty, high-test additive for hot chocolate or tea to warm your inside.

Integral designs silponcho: poncho, packcover, tarp, and hammock bottom insulator all in one

Trekking poles: trekking poles, spider moving equipment, tarp poles, handles work well to take the wind out of an agressive idiotic mountain biker (Yes, I've used them for all four of those purposes)

3 cup pot: Pot, Plate, Cup, Wash Basin/Bathtub, operating table for swiss army surgery when inverted.

Aquamira: purify water - but add to a lot less water and it works nice for cleaning out boo-boos (see swiss army surgery above). This techique is usually reserved for when you want to reserve your everclear for drinking <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Sako .30/06 featherweight: Rifle for shooting things, Signalling Device, and Tarp Pole (yes, I've done those three - I've also seen Les Stroud trying ineptly to start a fire with a rifle, and will never be put in such a situation unless I'm hired to film a show called "stupid idiot man" - so I'm not listing firestarter since I haven't actually been dumb enough to put myself in such a situation <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> )
Posted by: Jimshaw

Re: What multi purpose items do you use? - 03/10/08 08:13 PM

Hi <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Actually my gear is so limited and specialised that about all I have to contribute is that my rain pants and jacket can <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />go over any or all of my gear, and my Down Filled Airmattress is also used as a boat.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: Glenn

Re: What multi purpose items do you use? - 03/11/08 04:13 AM

In addition to their obvious, main uses:

Tent fly and poles: lunchtime shelter.

Pack: extension for 3/4-length sleeping pad

Rain jacket and pants: wind shell or light warmth layer

Dromlite water bag: pillow (inflated with air or water)

Titan kettle: mug, plate, bowl

MSR Blizzard tent stake: toilet trowel

50' light cord: bear bag, emergency shoelace, additional guy line for tent, wrapped around Blizzard stake to make a handle for toilet trowel use.

Socks: mittens

Longjohns, down jacket, gloves and hat: extend range of sleeping bag

Nylon bowl: dip water to filter, dish washing, sponge bath

Chair kit: doormat for tent, stays for a frameless pack (when I used one)
Posted by: hootyhoo

Re: What multi purpose items do you use? - 03/11/08 06:45 AM

Quote:


and will never be put in such a situation unless I'm hired to film a show called "stupid idiot man" - so I'm not listing firestarter since I haven't actually been dumb enough to put myself in such a situation <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> )


I like the title - funny!
Did you fire that stove up yet?
Posted by: phat

Re: What multi purpose items do you use? - 03/11/08 11:10 AM

Quote:
Hi <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Actually my gear is so limited and specialised that about all I have to contribute is that my rain pants and jacket can <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />go over any or all of my gear, and my Down Filled Airmattress is also used as a boat.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />


If you're gonna talk again about using the DAM as a boat Jim, you have to post the picture. We all like that picture <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: phat

Re: What multi purpose items do you use? - 03/11/08 11:13 AM

Quote:
Quote:


and will never be put in such a situation unless I'm hired to film a show called "stupid idiot man" - so I'm not listing firestarter since I haven't actually been dumb enough to put myself in such a situation <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> )


I like the title - funny!
Did you fire that stove up yet?


Hey, I've pitched it to the network execs - somehow they don't like the idea of an obnoxious fat canadian picking on an established show. - John Candy has been dead too long I guess.

And yes, I fired it up - works fine, although it probably won't make it out with me before white gas season is done and I switch back to alky - if I get out this weekend the svea is in my bag.
Posted by: Glenn

Re: What multi purpose items do you use? - 03/11/08 12:48 PM

Please tell me the picture includes Jim in a little sailor suit! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: OregonMouse

Re: What multi purpose items do you use? - 03/11/08 03:05 PM

More uses in addition to those already mentioned and the obvious primary use:

Trekking poles: splint; travois poles in case dog is injured (I hope I never have to do this, but I have tested it--main problem in test mode was keeping healthy and very reluctant dog on it!); camera "monopod"; base for storing duct tape. I haven't tried them out on obnoxious mountain bikers, but I certainly would use the sharp points if I were attacked by man or beast. My poles are labeled every 5 centimeters, handy to measure such things as wild animal footprints. I also use them to flick sticks off the trail or open up clogged trail drainage ditches--my small contributions to trail maintenance.

Rain gear and extra insulating clothing: Bivy if caught out overnight on day hike or if something should happen to my sleeping bag. Since I have non-breathable rain gear, it could substitute as a vapor barrier in my sleeping bag should the temperature get that cold.

Veterinary wrap: Much lighter substitute for ace bandage for humans (will need a little outside duct tape reinforcement); bandaging dog.

Duct tape: I recently used it to patch a tear in the seat of my pants. Unfortunately the edges worked loose and stuck to my skin instead (especially fun while I was driving home from the hike). Ouch! It also left a lot of sticky residue on the pants, but that came out in the wash. I suggest a tiny sewing kit for emergency repairs on clothing that is next to your skin.

Plastic bags, in addition to the usual uses: rain mittens; waterproof socks; put under muddy boots to keep tent floor clean; dog pooper scooper near trailhead or if he should "go" in an unsuitable place, such as on the trail or on a possible tent site (he's very good about not doing this, so normally I can just bury his poop where he goes). Of course I do not use the same bag for all these purposes!

Pot: Laundry tub

Pack: base for pillow (the front mesh pocket on my Six Moon Designs Comet is the perfect size in which to stuff my jacket and rain gear). My pack also crunches up enough with the compression straps that I can use it as a day pack.

Base layer (less euphemistically known as long underwear): worn in sleeping bag at night to keep it clean(er).

There are undoubtedly many other multiple uses, but these are what come to mind at the moment.

Jim floating on his DAM in a sailor suit would be an interesting contribution. As would phat's proposed contribution to the TV wasteland. Maybe we could combine them on the same show? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: chaz

Re: What multi purpose items do you use? - 03/11/08 05:09 PM

Maybe I should get trekking poles to use against mountain bikers. What are the rules. I know that you should yeild to horses and pack animals. I do quick hikes in a natural area with several multi use trails. Some for horses and hikers. Some for everything and 2 marked for hiking only, but, the bikers just ride everywhere they want to go, even though the trail is clearly marked with a warning that a citation can be issued for bikes on the hiking trail. Think I'll complain to someone before I build a trap or pit with pungee sticks.
Posted by: JAK

Re: What multi purpose items do you use? - 03/11/08 05:15 PM

Most of my multipurpose ideas have more to do with potential emergency/adhoc uses but normally only one primary purpose.

Some items that have multiple uses in addition to a primary purpose:

Beeswax candle, Vegetable oil.
Nails (more versatile than pegs), Cordage/Shoelaces. Rain poncho/tarp.
Windlayers. Plastic Bags. Blue foam pads. Waterproof map.
Wool scarf. Socks. Thread. Snarewire.

Also stuff found in woods has many potential uses:

Birch twigs.
- used as tootbrush, toothpick, toothpaste, tea
Birch bark, Cedar Bark, etc.
- used as tinder, wrapper, pouch, tea
- emergency cushion soles/mukluks/mocassins/splints
Spruce sticks.
- used as kindling, fuel, light construction
Spruce root.
- used as emergency cordage/shoelace
Posted by: Wolfeye

Re: What multi purpose items do you use? - 03/11/08 05:28 PM

I use my sleeping pad as my footprint. Floss doubles as part of my sewing kit. The backsighting mirror on my compass is also my last-ditch signaling device. I also keep my sleeping bag inside my shelter instead of packing it in a separate stuff sack; they both get compressed into one bag. I also carry a no-see-um hood, but it usually ends up as a ditty bag for used clothes.
Posted by: JAK

Re: What multi purpose items do you use? - 03/11/08 05:40 PM

No-see-um hood as ditty bag! - Good one. Thanks.
Posted by: Trailrunner

Re: What multi purpose items do you use? - 03/11/08 09:04 PM

What??? No one mentioned a bandana? It's a:

Wash cloth

Snot rag

Bandage

Water filter

Ankle brace

Towel

T.P. in a pinch <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Neck shade

Cooling system

Pot holder (cooking pot that is)

Tie for converting hiking poles to shelter poles

Some even have maps printed on them. I'm sure I missed a few uses. I always carry at least two.

Errr....better not to use one as T.P.and a water filter <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: Jimshaw

Re: What multi purpose items do you use? - 03/11/08 09:06 PM

Phat
the picture of my friend boating?

Here my friend demonstrates the number one use for down airmattresses - they are warm in cold lakes and the really large ones stay dry.

Posted by: redroach

Re: What multi purpose items do you use? - 03/12/08 11:15 AM

Ever seen the "Buff" they wear on survivor?
They are darned useful.

Headgear (keeps the sun off my ears)
Bandage
Hot cup holder
Hanky
Pot cleaning cloth
Wash cloth (for me)
ear muffs

And it weighs next to nothing.
A lot like my old bandana used to be.

TV
Posted by: BrianLe

Re: What multi purpose items do you use? - 03/12/08 01:42 PM

No one has mentioned electronics yet --- my smartphone fullfills a number of roles, all ultimately non-essential, but the aggregate makes it well worth while to carry on most trips. You've probably already seen the list, but mine includes phone, internet, camera, book reader, mp3 player (incl audiobooks), gps, voice recorder. I carry e-versions of manuals to various equipment (I can never remember what all the functions do on my watch ...), a couple of backcountry first aid books, limited plant identification (nice to have pictures of poison oak in its various guises).

Lightweight running shorts --- backup pants, something to change into when I'm washing clothes, backup underwear.

My gossamer gear Mariposa Plus backpack uses a separate torso-length pad as the back padding --- the torso pad is useful as a sleeping pad at night, and a great sit pad during the day.

If I'm carrying a very lightweight ice axe (in situations where a real ice axe isn't clearly needed I use the ULA Helix) --- this can be a great cathole digger, tent stake or short tent pole, splint, and of course it makes you look more cool when you have it strapped to your pack. Maybe. At least for someone that looks like they know what they're doing, so maybe not for me <g>.

A monocular is good for spotting wildlife, I've used it to read off-trail signs I was curious about (didn't have to side-trip to read), and it's good for scouting out trail and terrain ahead when there isn't too much vegetation and you have a reasonable view.

Superglue hasn't been mentioned yet?
Posted by: phat

Re: What multi purpose items do you use? - 03/12/08 04:30 PM

Quote:

Superglue hasn't been mentioned yet?


Not me - I don't do battlefield surgery, and I can't even think about using the stuff without sticking more things to me than what I want to stick together.

I'd probably end up with my hands glued to my trekking poles and my lip stuck to my pot if I took that along. but maybe I just have poor glue foo.. I failed folding and white-glue-and-macaroni art in kindegarten too..
Posted by: EricKingston

Re: What multi purpose items do you use? - 03/12/08 07:35 PM

That's just hilarious. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: totempole99

Re: What multi purpose items do you use? - 03/12/08 09:14 PM

So I tend to only carry 2 32 oz. Gatorade bottles and camel up when I can; but this sometimes leaves me lacking on the water I need for dinner/breakfast/miles in the morning to next water. So with (relatively) close water, I'll go camel up, fill my bottles, and my cooking pot to temporarily extend my water capacity. Depending on spillage when hiking back from water to camp, usually gets me from 3/4 to 1 L that I can use for dinner, and still have both my bottles mostly full for the morning.

One particular time comes to mind, at Vandeventer Shelter on the AT in TN. I stupidly was running low on water the whole day and the stream I planned on filling up at was dry. It took me forever to get back up the ridge to the shelter from the spring because I didn't want to spill one precious drop from my pot, but I wanted to make sure I didn't have to go back down there in the morning. You can actually make it into a game similar to the one where you have to race with the egg on a spoon…..
Posted by: chaz

Re: Super glue - 03/15/08 01:31 PM

The other day I was cutting some cane to get a length for a pole to set up my fly as a ground shelter and I was wacking the limbs off the cane with a small saw. Everything was going good until I kinda missed and wacked my index finger. Just slightly tore my finger nail half off and punctured the end of my finger with 3 sawtooth holes. Ouch! I cleaned the wound and used gel super glue to mend my fingernail back together and coat over the punctures. It worked! As you can tell I can now type rgfbv (left hand index finger). The stuff will forever stay in my pack, along with GOOP adhesive.
Posted by: chaz

Re: What multi purpose items do you use? - 03/15/08 01:39 PM

Gatoraid bottles are good but I would always over estimate the amount of water you need. One of the worst feelings is being out of water and finding a dry creek. A similar thing happened to me a couple of summers ago in the Sipsey Wilderness area in Al. We had a short supply of water and found the whole area as dry as a bone. NO Sipsey, No waterfalls just dry creek beds everywhere.
Posted by: onenortherner

Re: What multi purpose items do you use? - 04/07/08 08:03 AM

Newspaper... it's good to stuff in your boots overnight when you get a soaker, and works as toilet paper in a pinch. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: chaz

Re: What multi purpose items do you use? - 04/09/08 11:19 AM

Should I carry the Sunday New York Times or a copy of L.A. free press? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: outspoken

Re: What multi purpose items do you use? - 04/16/08 03:08 PM

hopefully you dont use the bandana in that order