Complete Walker

Highlights from The Complete Walker, by Colin Fletcher. (New York: Knopf, 1970)

• Your opinions on equipment and technique must never fossilize into dogma.
• Don't put wet boots close to a fire. The soles may curl up and the leather may lose some of its life.
• Dirty socks can cause abrasions faster.
• Walking sticks are good for checking bushes for snakes.
• Of course, avoid drinking still water, and be cautious about springs that have no insect life.
• Flint sticks are easy to carry.
• The hottest fire comes from small sticks.
• Once you get a fire going, dry up some tinder for future fires. It's going to be a wet world.
• Newspaper is a good insulator.
• The neck creates a weak point in almost any clothing system, hence the usefulness of scarves.
• If you're on the move, binoculars can save you hours of wasted effort. They help you choose the best route.
• Despite the magnetic chaos, a compass may still be useful. Get one that's shielded from interference, and get one that's not liquid-filled.
• A mirror may come in useful for signaling. So may a whistle, if someone in your party gets lost.
• In trout country, the best rod is a switch cut from a riverbank.
• A thermometer can help you avoid surfaces that are too hot or water that is too cold.
• Adhesive medical tape is good for repairs.
• Nylon cord, of course, is an essential. How else can you get water out of a well?
• Rubber bands are God-sends.
• Burning your feces will discourage flies.
• Most caves are not safe during lightning, unless very deep and high roofed.

Offered by Mike.