Arizona Explorers - Explorecraft

     Arizona Explorers - Explorecraft

     Subjects:
     Fire Making and Fire Safety
     Exploring Gear Check List

Fire Making and Fire Safety:

Camping Gear Check List:

Micro Pack (should be within reach at all times)
- I use a medium sized fanny back
Fixed or Lockblade Knife (preferably carbon steel)
Micro First Aid Kit (see below)
Compass
Flashlight and extra batteries (invest in a Pallight with White Bulb)
Trail food or hard candy
Canteen or sealable water bottle with water
Micro Fire Kit (see below)
Sun and lip protection (SPF 30 Min.)
Insect repellent
Emergency Blanket
Metal mirror or signaling device
25-50' 550 cord
Sewing Kit
Extra clothing, especially a jacket
Loud whistle
Plastic garbage bag
Resealable plastic bag
Water-purification tablets
12 inch x 12 inch HEAVY DUTY Aluminum Foil

Hiking Clothing
Pants/shorts
Fleece jacket or wool sweater
Short-sleeved shirts
Wicking long underwear (top/bottoms)
Long-sleeved shirts
Cotton underwear
Warm pants (fleece or wool)

Outerwear
Water Proof Poncho (Military Surplus)
Fleece or wool gloves/mittens
Wide-brimmed rain/sun hat
Warm hat (fleece or wool)

Footwear
Hiking socks
Gaiters
Hiking boots/shoes that match the terrain

Camping Gear
Backpack
Day/summit pack
Matches
Pack cover
Cook set, dishes
Tent with tent stakes, tarp or bivy sack
Cooking/eating utensils
Rainfly
Metal drinking cup (see below)
Pot grabber
Biodegradable soap
Tent broom
Pot scrubber/dish towel
Sleeping bag (in waterproof stuff sack)
Plastic garbage bags
Resealable plastic bags
Sleeping padr
Water-purification tablets
Water bottle(s)
Food (adequate supply for your trip)
Stove and fuel

Personal Items
Toilet paper
Lip balm (with sun protection)
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Insect repellent
Small bath towel
Head net
Brush/comb
Trowel

Other/Extras
Repair/sewing kit
Binoculars
100-foot 550 cord
Field guides
Axe/saw
Camera and film
Money
Notebook and pencil
Photo ID
Trip Plan (left with a responsible friend)

Micro First Aid Kit
3 Bandaids
Super Glue (for stitches)
Compresses
Flexible Self Adhesive Bandage (available at pet supply)
Tweezers
Needles and Thread (for stitches)
Cotton Balls (in 35mm film container)

Micro Fire Kit
Cotton balls with vasaline on them (in 35mm film container)
Waterproof matches in a waterproof case (forget lighters; they often burst going to high altitudes or from high heat).
Fuel Tablets
Tender (sisel is good)

Fire is the proper combination of Fuel, Air and Heat.
To start a fire you need to create a safe environment that is free from dry brush and overhanging vegitation. A small fire is better because it saves fuel, has less impact on the environment, and the closer you can stay to the fire, the warmer your body will be. Huge fires tend to burn your mustache while your back freezes. It is best to contain a fire with a rock ring. You will have a faster starting fire if you dig a small pit in the ring to allow air to flow under the fire. Also, try to get larger branches and logs off the gound by stacking them on to rocks or chunks of bark.
There are numerous forms of fire designs including:
Tee Pee, Log Cabin, and Lean To.
They all work equally well...experiment and see what you are most comfortable with.

Campfire Safety
Have a means of extinguishing the campfire close at hand.
A bucket of water, garden hose, a shovel for placing dirt on the smothering coals or a fire extinguisher.
Construct the campfire within a ring of stones or bricks or in a dug pit with all vegetation cleared for at least 5 feet around the campfire area.
Keep the campfire at least 25 feet from buildings, tents and other burnable materials.
Supervise children around the campfire and keep someone present at the campfire.
Place only the amount of wood in the campfire that you expect will burn completely while you enjoy the campfire.
Don’t place aerosol containers or other non-wood items in the campfire.

Campfire Rules:
Always Have A Shovel and Water Near Your Fire!!!
If A Campfire Gets Out Of Control Get Help!!!
Always Drown Your Fire When You Are Done!!!
Never Leave A Burning Campfire Unattended!!!