What Your Survival Kit's Been Missing...

  Flathead River, Bob Marshall Wilderness, MT (2005)

Think emergency bandage, water filter, fire starter, blow dart fletching, fishing bobber...

This does all that and more.  It's available at any local pharmacy.  It weighs mere ounces. And it rhymes with "crampon" but doesn't go on your feet. 

And, according to the guys over at The Art of Manliness, it's worth throwing in that survival kit of yours.  Read on here.

Have other tips on being resourceful in the backcountry?  Share them with us.

Creativity and backpacking

There is a brief review of a study done by Ruth Ann Atchley on nature and creativity in a recent Huffington Post article. The study showed that the backpackers were 50% more creative after four days in the outdoors.

"Atchley discussed the value nature provides to the human mind: 'Nature is a place where our mind can rest, relax and let down those threat responses,' she said."

I love reading about creativity and this article caught my eye. Atchley reconfirms how beneficial being in back-county is. Have you noticed a calming effect on your trips?