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Integrating Technology Into a Long Trip?

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the useful-portable-electronic-travelmates dept.

xsalmon asks: "I am about to undergo a long trip around the continental United States, via hiking/cycling/walking and other self-propelled means of transportation, to raise money toward AIDS/HIV research. What kind of utilities/devices would you bring to increase safety/security? I'll be hauling enough in my backpack as-is, so any suggestions would have to be lightweight and portable enough. Any ideas?"

3 of 89 comments (clear)

  1. safety by pvt_medic · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I am one of those who beleives that personal safety starts with a 4 and ends with a 5. Of course this may not be the same sentiments of many here, and due to permit issues may not be practical for you.

    Other items though that I would say are critical would be: some form of flashing (strobe?) beacon if you are in distress that will make it easy for others to find your locaation, portable radio (ham radio 146.52 if you have a license), cell phone, GPS, and a PDA with appropriate maps. (some of these items can easily be combined (phone, gps and pda) if you have the funds. And the other big one is water purification system.

    PS dont forget something for power

    --
    30% Troll, 50% Underrated, 10% Interesting
    Score:5, Troll
  2. A pocket .22 by dada21 · · Score: 4, Informative

    and your "HIV/AIDS" T-shirt should both help to scare off muggers.

    Seriously, though, the handheld GPS > the PDA with GPS. My PDA with GPS could never handle the elements.

    When I've done long hikes, I actually carried an old car inflatable tube tire and a mini CO2 canister. You can inflate the tube in an instant (about 12 inflations per 6 pack of CO2 cartridges) and float down the river. I'm lazy.

    The CO2 cartridges also come in handy if you want to cool down, just remove the inflation adapter and am at your chest -- instant cool down.

    I always bring along an extra few pairs of socks, too, they can get pretty grotty if you forget extra sets. And lots of protein and fat packed bacon is my friend on long hikes.

  3. More info... 9 weeks is not enough by mnemonic_ · · Score: 5, Interesting
    A CNN journalist cycled across America and it took him almost 12 weeks. You're hiking/walking part of a longer route, you'll probably need closer to 16 weeks. Another useful bit on gear:
    Be obsessive about leaving stuff home. You will feel every ounce. Expensive synthetic clothing pays off in light weight, quick cleaning and durability. Footwear is bulky; anything more than one good pair of biking shoes and a pair of sandals to stave off the campground-shower nasties is an indulgence.
    Travel light and don't underestimate the rigors of this journey, especially if you're going by foot part of the way. I'm hoping you'll drastically shorten your route, unless you're extremely well prepared.