Originally Posted By OregonMouse

Part of planning for any trip should include a risk assessment. Such an assessment in itself requires considerable experience. If the other factors (experience, skill level, weather, terrain, isolation, health, gear, pack weight, etc.) already indicate a higher risk, then that's not the time to take on the additional risk of going solo!



Risk assessment is the key. Experience is a major factor in risk assessment. Stunts performed by a professional - don't try this at home.

Gear is specific to the trip and your style. My father always carried a pocket knife and used it for everything, but I carry a pair of sewing scissors and a Buck 350. The appropriate light also depends on your style. I use a red photon light to go to the bathroom, a LED headlamp to cook, a red light that clips on my belt for night hiking and a halogen adjustable beam headlamp for night orienteering.
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"In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not."
Yogi Berra