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 Abby Normal
   
Location: Las Vegas
Gender: Female
 |  |  | Re: Not Another Gear Thread
<Reply # 20 on 11/27/2012 4:45 PM >
|  | | | Posted by Keaven
You mean "it greatly reduces the search area and hopefully would speed body recovery time".
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Actually that's the least likely scenario I am likely to encounter when out exploring. A much more likely event would be to break an ankle and not be able to make my way back out of the mine to call for assistance. Another likely scenario would be to break down while out of cell phone service. During the summer that can be a life threatening event if you are not properly equipped.
While mine exploring can be dangerous, using common sense goes a long way towards managing the risks. When out solo I am more conservative in the areas that I will go into. I am less likely to climb sketchy ladders or climb into areas that have significant exposure in the event of a fall. And I simply don't do any exploring that requires rope descents or ascents.
I have participated in adventure sports my entire life. Rock climbing, scuba diving, motorcycle riding, and now mine exploring. All involve a level of risk that I am willing to accept for the rewards of the activity.
Posted by Keaven
I have concerns that things like this give people a false sense of security and encourage more risky behavior. It is no substitute for having an exploring partner who is already there and can help immediately.
We could find examples of lives that have been saved because of these, but we can also find examples of lives saved because someone was not wearing a seat belt and was "thrown clear" of an auto accident. I think both scenarios are unlikely.
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While I completely agree that exploring with a partner is a best practice, I disagree with your assertion that a piece of safety gear leads to risky behavior. To use your analogy, we would have to conclude that wearing a seat belt would lead to reckless driving. I assume you don't leave your cell phone at home when you head out on an urban explore because it gives you a false sense of security. I would utilize the SPOT to help mitigate some of the risks inherent in wilderness travel.
Posted by Keaven
I can see why this would be fun. I love/hate technology toys. They can be fun. They can be a distraction.
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I couldn't agree more! I also have the whole love/hate thing going on with technology. When it works well, it's great. It's the rest of the time that frustrates me... I'm currently thinking about buying a tablet PC, USB based GPS receiver, and topo map software. I can load my mine & ghost town database as an overlay on the topo map and have live GPS positioning. Sort of like a GPS on steroids plus all the benefits of the tablet PC.
Abby Normal
"Government is not a solution to our problem, government is the problem." Ronald Reagan |
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Steed
      
Location: Edmonton/Seoul
Gender: Male
Your Friendly Neighbourhood Race Traitor
| | | Re: Not Another Gear Thread
<Reply # 21 on 11/27/2012 5:13 PM >
| | | | Well I just went craning, and had to pack lightly. This was the gear I brought specifically for that.
-TP
-masks
-camera
-remote shutter
-flashlight
Only thing missing was the beer, which I'm now back home enjoying.
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AnAppleSnail
Location: Charlotte, NC
Gender: Male
ALL the flashlights!
| |  | | Re: Not Another Gear Thread
<Reply # 22 on 11/27/2012 5:55 PM >
| | | | Steed, what would you use TP for on a crane?
...Unless you just have plans to poop from on high?
Achievement Unlocked
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MeoW
Gender: Male
| | Re: Not Another Gear Thread
<Reply # 23 on 11/27/2012 7:10 PM >
| | | | That SPOT satellite tracker sounds pretty awesome - not only for mining.
Here's my contribution
http://www.bhphoto...102_AW_Camera.html
Somewhat of a given, and probably not very useful if you normal explore places that require a lot of gear. For me, usually take a GPS and flashlight along. Both of which fit in the top compartment along with car keys, and wallet. The main compartment easily fits a DSLR (lens attached) and an extra wide-angle lens, along with some miscellaneous items.
The thing I like about this bag is you can just swing it around to take out the camera, without taking the bag off. Also the way the straps are positioned you can easily run sprinting speed no problem, or climb vertical obstacles no problem.
I don't do magic Morty I do science! |
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Ricky_from_TV
Location: Peterborough, Ontario
Gender: Male
I'm going to try and refuckulate it
| | Re: Not Another Gear Thread
<Reply # 24 on 11/27/2012 8:55 PM >
| | | | Didn't know what a SPOT was..... Lol
When Caught Always, Always Use the Jim trick. |
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Steed
Location: Edmonton/Seoul
Gender: Male
Your Friendly Neighbourhood Race Traitor
| | | Re: Not Another Gear Thread
<Reply # 25 on 11/27/2012 11:27 PM >
| | | | Posted by AnAppleSnail
Steed, what would you use TP for on a crane?
...Unless you just have plans to poop from on high?
http://i.imgur.com/ad5GG.jpg
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I was very near the presidential palace and I thought maybe...
Actually it was for immediately before and/or after. Korea is one of those countries where most public washrooms aren't outfitted with toilet paper, so you ALWAYS need to BYOTP.
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Keaven
Location: 15 miles from the Grassy Knoll
Gender: Male
| |  | Re: Not Another Gear Thread
<Reply # 26 on 11/28/2012 1:24 AM >
| | | | Posted by Abby Normal
... I completely agree that exploring with a partner is a best practice...
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Like you, I am willing to accept some risk. I will explore many places by myself. Other place and activities I would not go without one. Life is full of risks; I believe in taking some risks, just not the stupid ones!
Posted by Abby Normal
...A much more likely event would be to break an ankle and not be able to make my way back out of the mine to call for assistance. Another likely scenario would be to break down while out of cell phone service...
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Good points, Abby. Those things could happen and SPOT could help under some circumstances.
Posted by Abby Normal
...I disagree with your assertion that a piece of safety gear leads to risky behavior. ... I assume you don't leave your cell phone at home when you head out on an urban explore because it gives you a false sense of security. I would utilize the SPOT to help mitigate some of the risks inherent in wilderness travel.
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I didn't say it "leads to" more risky behavior, I said "encourages" it. I should have said that it "could encourage" it.
Posted by Keaven
...I have concerns that things like this give people a false sense of security and encourage more risky behavior...
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I concede that SPOT could be helpful. But I contend that it should not be relied upon. Neither should any other mode of communication. One shouldn't count on using a cellphone even in an area with good coverage. It is bad to think "if I get in trouble, I'll just call for help". You certainly don't have this way of thinking, but there are people who do.
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Abby Normal
Location: Las Vegas
Gender: Female
| | | Re: Not Another Gear Thread
<Reply # 27 on 11/28/2012 3:36 AM >
| | | | Posted by Keaven
<snip>
But I contend that it should not be relied upon. Neither should any other mode of communication. One shouldn't count on using a cellphone even in an area with good coverage. It is bad to think "if I get in trouble, I'll just call for help". You certainly don't have this way of thinking, but there are people who do.
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Good point! Even with a cell phone, letting someone know where you are going and when you expect to return makes good sense. I have considered obtaining a HAM license for additional comm options when I'm out. I try to avoid a "single point of failure". Except when I'm that single point of course... 
Thanks for the discussion. Regardless of which side of a debate people come down on, I think it benefits the entire community when we present different viewpoints on a topic. I'm the first to admit that I'm not always right. I try to listen to viewpoints that differ from my own because there are a lot of folks on the internet who are way smarter than I am.
Take care,
Abby Normal
"Government is not a solution to our problem, government is the problem." Ronald Reagan |
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HungarianSM
Location: Toronto, Canada
Gender: Male
Eh?
| | Re: Not Another Gear Thread
<Reply # 28 on 11/28/2012 6:29 AM >
| | | | Posted by MeoW
That SPOT satellite tracker sounds pretty awesome - not only for mining.
Here's my contribution
http://static.bhph...500x500/676052.jpg
http://www.bhphoto...102_AW_Camera.html
Somewhat of a given, and probably not very useful if you normal explore places that require a lot of gear. For me, usually take a GPS and flashlight along. Both of which fit in the top compartment along with car keys, and wallet. The main compartment easily fits a DSLR (lens attached) and an extra wide-angle lens, along with some miscellaneous items.
The thing I like about this bag is you can just swing it around to take out the camera, without taking the bag off. Also the way the straps are positioned you can easily run sprinting speed no problem, or climb vertical obstacles no problem.
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Ugh I have that exact bag, and though it's great to regular use (non-UE) for climbing shit, and UE in general it's just not that great a bag,
-The tripod holder sucks
-It catches on EVERYTHING 
-can't even hold a bottle of water, (or beer ;P)
-no room for respirators, etc...
Apart from that though, I still use it on every explore.... simply because I can't afford anything better right now
Imagine all the awesome shit you could buy for UE-ing with an unlimited budget....
Full-face respirator, Full-frame DSLR w/ lenses, hell, you could bribe security, though that would take away from the fun a little ;)
Skys the limit! :)
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McNulty
This member has been banned. See the banlist for more information.
Location: MD/PA
Gender: Male
I am Dr. Kirkbride
| | Re: Not Another Gear Thread
<Reply # 29 on 11/28/2012 11:41 AM >
| | | | Sometimes something a bit like this...
Not all the time of course. Just occasionally, in the badlands.
[last edit 11/28/2012 11:52 AM by McNulty - edited 3 times]
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NotBatman
Location: MSP
Gender: Male
Secret Cult Member
| | Re: Not Another Gear Thread
<Reply # 30 on 11/28/2012 2:09 PM >
| | | |
This is my interpretation of the same theme:
Maxpud Sitka:
http://www.maxpedi...arslinger-p926.htm
Sure, it's a little "Mall Ninja," but it's tough as hell, too. It's been dragged over and through a LOT and it's still going strong. And when it finally succumbs, I'll buy another.
I do a lot of draining and general undergroundery where things get messy and being able to swoop the bag around my body and access everything without setting it down has been great. That's also a really nice feature for tight crawl tunnels where I can just swing it around and hang it under my chest.
It's not a dedicated camera bag, so you do have to put a little thought into it, but I've been able to hold my camera, an extra lens, a bunch of flashlights (I use them for photo lighting, underground), various odds and ends, and even a few beers. It's got a dedicated pocket for a (small) water bladder, if that's what you're into.
It gets a little bulky, fully loaded, but drink the beer/water as you go and things get easier. And if it's not quite the right size for you, MaxPud makes bigger and smaller bags in the same style.
I really like the buckle in the front (on the strap) as it's let me remove the bag easily, even while wedged into something awkward. There's no dedicated tripod holder, so I made a sling for mine (with a similar buckle for quick and easy removal).
I love my Sitka.
With my peepee.
I'm a "Leave only footprints, take only pornography" kind of guy, myself. |
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Keaven
Location: 15 miles from the Grassy Knoll
Gender: Male
| | | Re: Not Another Gear Thread
<Reply # 31 on 11/28/2012 2:38 PM >
| | | | Posted by NotBatman
Maxpud Sitka:
http://www.maxpedi...arslinger-p926.htm
Sure, it's a little "Mall Ninja," but it's tough as hell, too. It's been dragged over and through a LOT and it's still going strong. And when it finally succumbs, I'll buy another...
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I like the "tacticool" look that is popular now, but I know it freaks some people out. A friend and I were walking one evening and were questioned by the police because he was wearing a camo jacket and I was wearing camo BDU pants. The officer gave us a free ride to the city limits!
Maxpedition makes decent gear and it is not a bad value. The issue I have with them is that they have a history of being overly defensive and rude to anyone who posts criticism of their products on-line.
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McNulty
This member has been banned. See the banlist for more information.
Location: MD/PA
Gender: Male
I am Dr. Kirkbride
| | Re: Not Another Gear Thread
<Reply # 32 on 11/28/2012 3:48 PM >
| | | | Posted by Keaven
I like the "tacticool" look that is popular now, but I know it freaks some people out. A friend and I were walking one evening and were questioned by the police because he was wearing a camo jacket and I was wearing camo BDU pants. The officer gave us a free ride to the city limits!
Maxpedition makes decent gear and it is not a bad value. The issue I have with them is that they have a history of being overly defensive and rude to anyone who posts criticism of their products on-line.
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I never liked the taticool look, at least not for UE uses. I always tried to blend in and appear to be "from the neighborhood" so to speak.
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dtewsacrificial
Location: Bay Area, CA
Gender: Male
On my way out the door.
| | | Re: Not Another Gear Thread
<Reply # 33 on 11/28/2012 11:14 PM >
| | | |
I use the 100AW for my MILC and I think my friend uses your version. I lament not having a tripod strap, but my friend has one on his, so his might be a newer version. I think he manages to stuff some extra items in there. I have to use a:
http://www.condoro...deploymentbag.aspx
...on a pistol belt. Basically a tacti-cool fanny pack (is this an oxymoron?)
And on that note, I have to admit that I think tacti-cool stuff is well-suited for urban exploration in some theoretical world. But reality being what it is, I make it a point to avoid tacti-cool stuff as much as I can.
[last edit 11/28/2012 11:15 PM by dtewsacrificial - edited 1 times]
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Tenebrae
Location: The Wild West
Life's short; eat dessert first.
| | Re: Not Another Gear Thread
<Reply # 34 on 11/29/2012 10:57 AM >
| | | | Posted by Steed
I was very near the presidential palace and I thought maybe...
Actually it was for immediately before and/or after. Korea is one of those countries where most public washrooms aren't outfitted with toilet paper, so you ALWAYS need to BYOTP.
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Strange... is similar to Bangladesh (use of hands instead)?
Do kids sell TP to tourists (like in Mexico, for $1 per square)?
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meanwhileinfoco
Location: Fort Collins, CO - Brooklyn, NY
Gender: Male
| | Re: Not Another Gear Thread
<Reply # 35 on 11/30/2012 12:24 AM >
| | | | Since we're talking about bags now... This: http://www.kata-ba...2_lenses_%2B_flash I replace the lowepro slinghshot I had with this, and it works great. Its got removable inserts, etc... and, if you put your camera in another bag you can stuff a tripod inside, which helps when you're trying to be inconspicuous
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MonoxideChild
Location: Rockford, IL
Gender: Male
~creeper~
| | | Re: Not Another Gear Thread
<Reply # 36 on 11/30/2012 4:50 AM >
| | | | Im also in the Slingshot bag fanboy group. I have a slingshot 202AW. http://products.lo...t/SlingShot-202-AW,2192,4.htm
Really have no complaints. Well other then the 'tripod holder' is a joke and dont ever actually plan on using it. But i use it to mount other stuff at times instead. so its not 100% useless.
I keep 2 headlamps, 2 flashlights in the front section with a lens cleaning cloth. The camera section has my Canan Rebel XT with a battery grip, remote shutter release, and my 3 lenses. (i also toss my bottle water in here since its the only space i have for it)
The upper front section i keep a few P100 respirators in, and some bandaids along with some Tylenol cause im old and get headache's at the worst times.
Then in the upper section i have a LED panel light, reflective workers vest, and two pairs of Mechanics gloves. One pair is insulated and the other are the typical type, a Leatherman tool, and a lighter.
Theres a hidden compartment that holds the waterproof bag on it also. I have my rain poncho.
Loaded with two bottled water's its exactly 10 pounds. And never fazes me. And most of my explores are full day trips with miles of walking.
~Quote By Thomas Edison~
I have far more respect for the person with a single idea who gets there than for the person with a thousand ideas who does nothing.... |
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Ligeia
Location: Washington
Gender: Female
| | Re: Not Another Gear Thread
<Reply # 37 on 12/3/2012 7:17 AM >
| | | | I carry a classy old pirate monocular. Kind of like this one (courtesy of ye olde Google) except fancier:
It's really just until I can afford good binoculars, but I like to think it looks sassy. 8D
I also bring animal treats since I tend to encounter a lot. Doubt that would do much to distract an angry dog but it's helped me befriend some shy cats.
Beyond that it's just the standard gear, plus cigarettes to offer sketchy people. Learned about that on one of the forums here, brilliant idea.
Also on occasion I will bring my stun gun, depending on where I'm going.
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LupinSpike
Location: Texas Panhandle
Gender: Male
| | | Re: Not Another Gear Thread
<Reply # 38 on 1/14/2013 1:08 AM >
| | | | A thought on entering and exiting gear along with regular gear. It's a little lengthy so I apologize for anyone with ADD.. Some things I use especially when doing an all day not coming home anytime soon trip and others might find useful if they don't already have them. Didn't see much on an indepth help for complete newbies so I hope no one minds.
First off... the simple stuff. Plenty of water. First step to dehydration is feeling thirsty.
A double strapped backpack or single strap if you like that won't slip if you end up at an odd angle with a waist strap to keep it from going overhead if you somehow end up pointing down. But something without a bunch of straps and outer accessories that will get snagged on things if you are in a tight spot.
Boots as mentioned and gloves of course. Try no-slash and no-pierce gloves.
Plenty of batteries and flashlights as others have mentioned, especially weather/water proof if you hit up drains or roofless places a lot. Learn your flashlights in and out in case you have to change out batteries or bulbs whilst in the total darkness or busy trying to keep an eye on things around you even in a small bit of light. Try to keep flashlights with the same batteries, rechargeable lights are handy too but anyone into tech knows just how reliable a rechargeable batt can be.
A first aid kid. Whether it be a simple one person kit with a few bandages in it and some neosporin or a multi-person kit ready to take care of burns, gashes, or sickness. (Always helps to have some sort of antihistamine ie. benadryl for you or anyone else that may have allergies or issues with mold) Personally I try to take one that can get me and atleast my partner by if one of us gets injured. Just don't try to be an EMT less you really are one. If they break something, get help, especially if they injure their neck, back, or skull.
Toilet paper. Just don't leave nasty surprises for the next explorer to find eh?
A phone for communication. A smart phone with a tracking app (Lookout works well) on it helps even more. In relation to the post on the SPOT, as long as you have service then the smartphone with a tracker app on it can be useful to have someone at HQ keep an eye on you or in case you get in trouble you can report your last/latest location to someone even if they aren't watching immediately. And 911 can always pick up atleast a general location as long as you can dial to them even if its just for a few seconds.
Your favorite camera of course. The one on my Droid is pretty good at its job as long as I'm not trying to take macro pictures on it. Then it's a bit blurry if it's too closeup.
Now as for getting into and out of. I don't condone vandalism of any sort and that means undoing alarm systems or taking apart locks and if you aren't well practiced with lock picks then don't bother (although its usually dumb to have them on you anyway unless you are a state licensed locksmith) because they can damage the locks and keep you and others outside permanently.
A simple well made pocket knife. Like a credit card, never leave home without it. Make sure it follows state laws on length and use. No switchblades or butterflies just because it looks cool. Will help you out in many spots including if you want to keep a window or door open for a moment but so could a rock or something (never walk into an old freezer that doesn't have an emergency handle on the inside and make sure it works anyway) Just my opinion.
Binoculars for observing, especially if you are in a high rise building or out in the middle of nowhere. Not necessary but useful.
Rope, whether it's single strand nylon cord or specialty climbing rope. It can be useful just like the knife in many ways. Small cord can be used to make a sound trap if you want to make sure no one sneaks up on you or to help out if you don't want to risk being lost in a long winded drain.
Now for the neat not seen much of stuff.
Glowsticks... Keep track of where you go, chunk them down a hallway or shaft to see. And plus they are just fun. Side note... No matter how interesting it might be, never cut them open; it will ruin whatever surface it is on, makes your skin go numb... And no matter how cute your fellow explorer is, it isn't a good idea to lick it off of them ;) And pick em up when you're done if you can. Tie some aforementioned rope to them for easy retrieving.
Little hideaway handcuff key. It's not illegal to have a key on you no matter how odd it is but don't bother with a handcuff shim as that is considered a pick. (Note I don't condone illegal activities such as resisting arrest, this part is purely fictional and for fun  ) I keep one not any bigger than the size of a nickel on me just in case I find that cop having a bad day that just wants to ruin someone's day. If they don't know who you are and already have you in cuffs, they will probably let their guard down at some point. Always have an ace up your sleeve but don't bother escaping if you even hesitate for a moment and think you might not make it or you're in more trouble.
A snap string smoke device. 30,000 cubic feet coverage ones are good. Just make sure your escape route is planned out and you can be as safe as possible doing so as you could be as blind as the people you are trying to escape from. Great for getting away from that bunch of thugs or that crazy hobo. Chunk it ahead of you though as it isn't instant.
Self defense tools. With a gun if you aren't licensed to carry it then you went from petty trespassing to a very serious crime so don't bother. A high voltage taser is useful (make sure you know how to use it and never take it apart to see how it works or it could go bad) Make sure it's charged and ready and definitely make sure it's discharged before sticking in your pocket. And as an officer once told me, NEVER pull out any sort of weapon unless you are ready to use it. Very funny story behind that, was the witness not the perpetrator in the story though thankfully. And once again, NEVER hesitate. You hesitate you die. If you have time to be scared then you have time to run like a little girl or fight like a rabid bear but don't stop and think of which to do as the bad guy already knows what they want to do.
I guess that's all really. Hope it isn't too much for anyone. Just wanted to put my two cents in.. Hm.. Ever wonder why you have to put your two cents in but it's a penny for your thoughts? Someone is making a profit >_> ADD strikes again!
Oh! What does this button do?! |
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WalkingFumble
Location: VA
Gender: Male
| | Re: Not Another Gear Thread
<Reply # 39 on 1/15/2013 3:30 AM >
| | | | Posted by LupinSpike
Rope + Glowsticks
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Had to do a quick edit...this can be all kinds of fun.
FUMBLE!!! |
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