The PREpack: A Pre-Equipped Daypack For Hikers

As an avid backpacker with a 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail thru-hike under my feet and a Search & Rescue volunteer, I've had lots of time for trial and error when it comes to gear. By that I mean not only testing various brands and models but also learning what can happen if one goes into the backcountry without some basic equipment. That experience, along with some questions from other hikers over the years, wondering what I thought they should have in their packs, prompted me to start my own company.

So in January, 2009, I launched my new internet-based company at 24HourPack.com, selling two pre-equipped kits as well as custom packs for both recreational hikers and SAR personnel.

I certainly haven't reinvented the wheel with the PREpack; I've simply taken my list of what I consider essential gear for any hiker setting out on a significant day trip, my favorite brands and models of each of those items, and my penchant for being prepared and put it all together into a product in and of itself. I then discounted the PREpack from the sum of the manufacturers' suggested retail prices to make the full kit a better deal.

But before we move on to what comes with the PREpack, a little disclaimer is in order...

This pre-equipped, 24-hour pack is not intended to replace common sense or skill. Neither is it meant to include the full complement of what someone should carry. It will have to be the responsibility of the user to add any and all food and water, clothing, shelter, technical and other gear he or she might feel is necessary for the outdoor adventure and ensure that all gear is in working order. One's equipment should always be reviewed and tested before heading out for that hike, and please know how to use all of the equipment in your pack before you go.

That being said, I hope you enjoy every moment you spend in the great outdoors!

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I wanted to work with the Osprey company, because I love their packs for their superior comfort, quality and features, including convenient gear accessibility. So I was thrilled when they agreed to work with me.

As far as which model and size to use for the PREpack, I chose the Kestrel 28. This is a streamlined pack with a top-loading design to help keep gear organized efficiently. This pack comes in two torso sizes--S/M and M/L--and has an adjustable harness to provide a custom fit. At 1600 to 1700 cubic inches in volume and an empty weight of 2lbs/13oz to 3lbs/1oz (for the S/M and M/L, respectively), I feel this is the proper size pack for anything from a short jaunt of just a few hours to an extended day-long trek. This pack has a recommended carry range from 10 to 30 pounds.

Other features of the Kestrel 28 include:

• Unique Stow-On-The-Go trekking pole attachment
  
• Stretch Lycra mesh front and side pockets
  
• Hip belt pockets
  
• Integrated rain cover (stowed in outside lower pocket)
  
• Hydration compatible
  
• Front daisies with bungee tie offs

For sizing information and instructions on how to properly measure your torso length, see Osprey Packs' Sizing & Fitting center. It certainly doesn't hurt, when buying a backpack online, to visit a local outfitter to try that same pack on if possible. And bring some items from home (or borrow some from the store) to add weight to the pack to get the feel of wearing it with gear inside.

**The backpack itself is optional when it comes to purchasing the PREpack. See the other options and pricing at 24HourPack.com.

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Another optional item in the PREpack kit is the GPS. For my packs, I've chosen Garmin products, the brand recommended the National Association for Search & Rescue (NASAR).

There are numerous models of Garmin hand-held GPS units, covering a large price range and a wide range of features and storage capacities. For the PREpack, I've selected one of the more affordable and basic models, without a bunch of bells and whistles. Those interested in a higher-end model, and who may enjoy the enhanced capabilities of those more complex units, can opt out of the GPS and replace it with one that's more to their liking.

To me, the most important functions of a GPS for the average day-hiker are the abilities to set waypoints and do "go-to's" as well as to determine one's location at any given moment and plot that location on a map. And the Garmin E-trex H will certainly do that and more. The E-Trex H is a dependable, easy-to-use GPS unit, which now offers better accuracy in heavy cover and deep canyons with its new high-sensitivity receiver.

Other features include:

• Storage space for 500 waypoints and 20 routes
  
• Garmin exclusive TrackBack feature to find your way home
  
• Hunt/fish calculator
  
• Sun/moon-Rise/set times
  
• Runs for 17 hours on 2 AA batteries
  
• 1.1-inch x 2.1-inch display
  
• Weight: 5.3 oz. with batteries
  
• Waterproof to survive an accidental dunk

If you're new to GPSes or have never used this brand and model before, it's crucial to take out the user guide and practice before hitting the trail.

I've written a series of "how to" articles beginning with....


How To Use A GPS: The Basics And Background

So, you've decided to purchase a GPS for some reason. You're a backcountry traveler perhaps, who wants another form of navigation. Or maybe you're...

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To me, a compass is an even more important piece of gear than a GPS, as long as one knows how to use it of course. Unlike a GPS, a compass doesn't run out of battery power and has a better chance of working if dropped. And it doesn't have to make contact with multiple satellites in order to give an accurate reading.

Now, don't get me wrong; GPS's are remarkable (and fun) pieces of equipment. But electronic gadgets have a greater tendency to bite the dust than do mechanical ones, so I'd say it's a good idea to carry both. Besides, a compass adds only a few ounces to your pack.

Now, I prefer a compass with adjustable declination and a sighting mirror that can double as a signal mirror. The MC-2DLIN Navigator by Suunto fits that bill, so that's what I've put in the PREpack.

Additional features include:

• Clinometer
  
• Large, easy to read bezel w/ self-cleaning bearings
  
• Rubber non-slip feet
  
• Measuring scales
  
• Luminous points
  
• Lanyard
  
• Weight: 2.65 oz.

See my article about the basics.


Basic Map And Compass

I can't say there's just one thing you should never go without when heading into the backcountry -- in fact, I have a whole list of what I consider

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Got a splinter? Need to fix a zipper? Clip a toenail that's driving you nuts? What about some help undoing an extra-tight knot? There are endless uses for the implements that come with a multi-tool, which is why many people--not just hikers--never leave home without one. My husband always has his Leatherman Squirt in his pocket, attached to his key chain, and that small but handy gadget comes out at least once a day. The possible uses on the trail are nearly endless.

I've chosen the 2-oz, 2.25-inch Squirt P4 for the PREpack, because it's ultra-compact and lightweight. Other features include:

• Anodized aluminum handles
  
• Needlenose pliers
  
• Straight knife
  
• Wire cutters
  
• 3 Screwdrivers
  
• File
  
• Opener
  
• Awl
  
• Lanyard attachment

All Leatherman multi-tools come with a 25-year guarantee, so if yours breaks (as long as it's not due to "abuse, alteration, unauthorized or unreasonable use"), you can return it to Leatherman for free repair or replacement. I've made use of this warranty once myself, and the process was easy and quick with no questions asked.

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Because most day-hikers intend to be home before dark--and make it more often than not--the PREpack includes a light source that one can rely on even if it hasn't been used in years, made by a company one can rely on, too. I've been using Petzl products since I started hiking decades ago, and each time I've tried a new brand, I've ended up back with Petzl.

I say that emergency lighting should be part of any preparedness kit. The light should be compact, lightweight, dependable and high-performance. And it should be ready for use today or next year. You may never need it, but it's good to know it's there. I've been involved with quite a few Search & Rescue missions that wouldn't have happened in the first place had the hiker just had a light source.

The Petzl e+Lite is my pick for the PREpack headlamp, because the long shelf-life of the CR2032 lithium batteries means the light will work when needed unexpectedly or on that occasional night-hike.

The e+Lite can be used in all conditions and can be stored with batteries for up to 10 years and still be operational. It shines up to 19 meters and is practical and easy to use, with a built-in SOS signal in the rare case you might need it. This light can shine for up to four days in a row.

Visit the Petzl website for more information on the e+Lite and to watch an informational video.

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Because one light source just isn't enough. Not in my book.

For the PREpack, I've included a second, long-lasting light source that takes the same kind of batteries as a GPS--common AA's--so you'll have to carry just one kind, and they'll be interchangeable in a pinch.

The Gerber Infinity Utra Task has patented Diode Step-up Regulator technology, providing superior luminosity, a 30-foot beam, and up to 100 hours of burn time on just one battery. The 3.25-inch, 2-oz. flashlight also comes with a lanyard and clip for hands-free use. And it's waterproof up to 10 feet, just in case you end up going for a swim.

The 2.7-oz. Atwater Carey First Aid kit contains a grab bag of items sufficient to treat most minor injuries and ailments on the trail, until you can tend to them more thoroughly back at home. These kits, which come in a water-resistant, zippered case, include:

• First aid instructions
  
• "Ask the Expert" free membership
  
• Splinter grabber forceps
  
• Iodine ointment
  
• Antibiotic ointment
  
• 2 sterile butterfly wound closures
  
• Sting relief pad
  
• Tincture of benzoin
  
• Adhesive tape, 1/2" x 2-1/2 yards
  
• Conforming gauze, 2" x 4 yards
  
• 5 adhesive strips, 3/8" x 1-1/2"
  
• 4 sterile gauze pads, 3"x3"
  
• 2 telfa non-adherent pads, 2"x3"
  
• Acetaminophen tablets
  
• Antihistamine tablets
  
• Ibuprofen tablets

Of course, add any personal prescription medications as needed.

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For an emergency blow ... and a blow ... and a blow.

The Windstorm whistle is twice as loud as most popular whistles and capable of being heard above howling wind or other competing sounds. It can be heard up to a half-mile away on land and even works underwater, with the sound traveling up to 50 feet.

The patented double chamber design allows the Windstorm to be blown when held right side up or upside down.

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Since you should never leave home without a map.

The 17.7"x 11.8" NavTool clear PVC pouch comes with an elastic daisy chain for affixing your compass, along with document pockets and a shoulder strap. This is also a handy place to keep your pencil and small notepad.

Colors will vary depending on availability.

An emergency bivvy may not keep you toasty warm, but it's certainly better than nothing if you get stuck out overnight or need to stay put for a while due to inclement weather perhaps.

Weighing just 3.5 oz., the Heatsheets Emergency Bivvy fits in the palm of your hand and is made of reusable, repairable polyethelyne bright orange material. It reflects up to 90% of your radiated body heat.

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At just 12 ounces, the All-Weather space blanket is a multi-use piece of gear. There are grommets in all four corners, so you can use your nylon cord to rig the blanket up as a tarp, then use your emergency bivvy (above) to keep the cold out.

This amazingly tough laminate of fiber scrim and aluminized plastic reflects back up to 80% of your body heat and can be used as a ground cover or a shelter, as well as to prevent hypothermia.

Colors will vary.

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There are two 48-ounce, Nalgene Silo water bottles made of 100% BPA-free Polyethylene in each PREpack.

This bottle has a wide mouth for the easy addition of drink mix, with a loop-top cap that stays attached in rough conditions. Nalgene Silos fit nicely in the Osprey Kestrel's outer side pockets for easy access.

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There are two hand warmers and two footwarmers in each pre-equipped pack.

Heatmax HotHands-2 Hand Warmers are air-activated and will provide up to 10 hours of warmth inside gloves, pockets or wherever you feel chilled. All Heatmax warmers are made of natural materials, including iron powder, water, salt, activated charcoal and wood fiber. When exposed to air, these materials combine and react to produce heat through a fast oxidation process.

The Foot Warm-Ups are designed to work in low oxygen environments, like inside your hiking boots. This odorless, disposable, nontoxic and nonflammable product is individually sealed in an airtight package to guarantee a shelf life of six years.

Users should allow 10 to 20 minutes for these warmers to reach their optimal temperatures.

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Two, 12-hour light sticks are included in each pack. These waterproof and windproof 6" sticks provide adequate light without batteries or electricity. The light is produced by a chemical reaction inside the stick when a small capsule is broken, simply by bending it until you feel the snap.

Safer than flares, these glow sticks are nontoxic, non-flammable, and non-heat producing. They are visible up to one mile away and are useful for marking your route ... or perhaps your location to be seen by a rescue helicopter.

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A campfire can be a lifesaver, and this I've seen firsthand during Search & Rescue missions. I've witnessed the outcome when a stranded snowboarder was, thankfully, able to burn pine needles for just enough warmth, because he happened to have a lighter in his pocket. And I've seen what can happen when a young, fit hiker sets off for "just a short walk in the woods" on a sunny, winter afternoon without any fire-starting tools at all. Having more than one means of fire-making at your disposal is, in my opinion, crucial.

In the PREpack fire-starting kit, I've included:

• a box of stormproof matches
  
• a match case with striker
  
• two emergency candles

Due to the fact that fuel-filled lighters are fully regulated, hazardous items, the cost of shipping one in the PREpack is prohibitive, but I strongly suggest adding a flint or other type of lighter to your pack.

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In the PREpack, I've included a 50-foot length of Equinox Viper nylon paracord.

Why nylon cord? Let me count the ways ... or at least just a handful of them:

• Emergency boot or shoe lace replacement and other repairs
  
• Rigging your All-Weather blanket (see above) as a shelter
  
• Lowering or raising your pack
  
• Useful in making an improvised splint
  
• To hang a "bear bag" if you have to spend the night

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For keeping your stuff and extra clothing dry and organized.

The Outdoor Designs Window stuff sack, made of neoprene-coated nylon and fully sealed seams, has a clear view window so you can see what's inside and find what you need fast. The light gray, coated inner reduces darkness and aids in viewing the contents.

A 9x16-inch stuff sack is included in each PREpack. Colors will vary.

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If you're going for "just a day hike," chances are you'll be able to carry enough water, right from tap to bottles, to stay properly hydrated for the duration, and you won't need to obtain additional supply from backcountry sources.

But what if things don't go quite as planned, and the hike takes much longer than expected? Or what if it takes more water than you're carrying to quench your thirst or that of your hiking buddy who's been eyeing your water bottles for hours?

That's why I always carry some kind of emergency water purification product even on a day-long outing. One option I prefer and that I've included in the PREpack are chlorine dioxide tablets, namely Aquamira Water Purifier tablets. I've included a 12-pack in the kit, and each tablet purifies 1 liter of water.

Aquamira Water Purification Tablets release a powerful germacidal agent when dissolved in water, meeting stringent EPA guidelines and making it the safest solution on the market. Each tablet is sealed in an individual, child-resistant foil pouch. To use, simply drop a tablet into one liter of water and wait the required time.

 
Backcountry Water Purification

Before backpacking the Appalachian Trail, I'd done a lot of hiking, but the majority of those trips had lasted a day or two at most. So I'd been able to carry...

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So you don't have to dig a cat hole with your heel or hiking pole ... or use leaves.

I've included a lovely orange, plastic trowel, a roll of Bio-Wipe Toilet tissue, and a small bottle of hand sanitizer in every pack.

For more information on the use of these items, see "The Notorious Cat Hole and The Art Of ... Well, You Know" from my lens, "Hiking the Appalachian Trail: What You Really Need To Know."

These are the additional items included in the PREpack:

• Sunscreen
  
• A pencil for marking points on your map and making notes
  
• Small notepad for taking and possibly even leaving notes; you just never know when you'll need or want to write something down
  
• Storage baggies for keeping things organized and dry
  
• Large, heavy-duty garbage bag for additional protection from heavy rain, both inside your pack and on your person as an emergency rain poncho
  
• Extra AA batteries

With 44 pieces of gear, the SARpack was designed for Search & Rescue personnel, especially the beginner volunteer who needs a 24-hour pack to grab and go when the pager starts beeping or the phone rings, often with little time to prepare.

There's some extra room in this larger Osprey Kestrel pack for additional rescue gear that's sometimes needed, as well as the extra food and water we SAR folks often carry for those we're heading out to help.

For a side-by-side comparison with the PREpack, visit the "What's Included and Why" Chart at 24HourPack.com.

The number one thing not included in these pre-equipped packs is common sense. In fact, good judgment saves more people than any piece or combination of equipment. On the other hand, poor judgment can kill.

But when it comes to gear, here is a list of items that my company doesn't sell but I strongly recommend adding to your pack, or at least considering before you set out. And some of these things will, of course, be on you to begin with:

• Fleece jacket or pullover
  
• Loose-fitting nylon pants (or convertible pants with zip-off bottoms)
  
• Synthetic shirt
  
• Synthetic thermal underwear, top and bottom
  
• Gortex jacket and pants (Coated raingear is fine but will "sweat" and soak you from the inside)
  
• Down vest or jacket
  
• Wool or synthetic socks
  
• Sun hat (or ball cap with bandana)
  
• Ski hat
  
• Light to medium weight ankle-supporting hiking boots
  
• Cold-weather gloves/mittens or glove liners
  
• UV-rated sun glasses
  
• Watch
  
• Extra socks
  
• Extra clothing change for wet weather
  
• Appropriate forest map
  
• Appropriate topographic map
  
• Lighter
  
• Safety pins
  
• Needle and dental floss or monofilament fishing line (for repairs)
  
• Duct tape, 10 feet (can be wrapped around water bottle or trekking pole)
  
• Adjustable trekking poles
  
• Small stove, pot, cup and spoon
  
• Food and electrolyte replacement (drink mix)
  
• Lightweight down sleeping bag
  
• Cell phone (fully charged!)
  
• Camera (optional but nice)

Things to think about before heading into the backcountry....


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In Search and Rescue, while each mission is unique, my teammates and I see a number of common errors, oversights, and decisions made by hikers that ultimately...