fifteen or less challenge second year!

[decorum]

This is a very tongue in cheek entry ~ and it is not to be taken with excessive seriosity.


Date under taken:

Feb 13 to 15 2012.


Items taken:

1. Pack,
2. Shelter,
3. Camp cot,
4. Blanket
5. Sleeping bag,
6. UCO Micro,
7. Book,
8. Wash kit,
9. Saw,
10. Knife.

Freebies taken:

1. FAK,
2. Poncho (my standard camp waterproof),
3. Basic clothes (trousers, tee, swannie, underwear, smartwool socks, boots),
4. Camera.

(No phone ~ it went the way of the Norwegian Blue just before I left home).


Luxury freebie in lieu of a need for a nicotine fix:

1. Brew kit (Caffeine fix ~ should that be caffeind fix?).

Please note that I have not included food or water on my items list ~ all food was foraged on site; as was water.

Special note should be noted, once more, as this really is a rather tongue in cheek episode.


Challenge Diary.

(With a couple or two pics or so)


Day One:

Monday 13[SUP]th[/SUP] February.


Arrived at pitch at approx midday.

Quickly set-up.

Hit by a sudden realisation ~ I’d set to with all the style and finesse of a day dead baboon.

De-camped and did it again ~ this time, properly.




Hungry, time to go a forage and seek a source of water!

Found a fantastic seed pod ~ should be suitable for at least some of the next day or so's meals.

I have also stumbled upon some invasive non-native plants which would seem quite adequate for making eating utensils.

Having made my cooking utensils the finished items have taken on a strangely metallic sheen.


Rest and sustenance is taken at safe harbour ~ with good fortune I have discovered a fallen wild growing domestic tree of the genus Flatus tabelii ‘Blue’ and a stump of a Seatus bumfitonus. The half seed pod found earlier is of the genus Platus Plasticii ‘Manky Brown’ with the foraged food and two of my new utensils.






Having savoured my repast I recommence my search for a supply of fresh water.

Success! Close to my pitch I have located a stand of the vine Tapus domesticus 'Hatandcold' ~ the water appears to be safe, but has a strange ‘chemical’ like taste.

A sense of growing urgency dictates that I now locate one further area for delivering of personal ‘issues’.

A quick scout around reveals a safe arbour in a felled tree (Blockus toiletii ‘Lit and Aircon’d') . Often found within its structure is the parasitic hybrid Bogrollius smoothii x butus.

Better than Holly leaves!


Returned to my pitch and realised that I’m still thirsty. Time to top up the caffine …




Had a read ~ Nessmuk by candle light ~ ‘Woodcraft’ed bliss!

There seem to be some locals around ~ but it’s possible that they, like myself, are just passing through. Using the cover of darkness I shall investigate.

I can confirm that these fellow travellers are definitely not part of ‘The Helium Brigade’. If anything, they appear to be more closely related to ‘The three foot Tall and Squeaky Squad’ ~ where possible I shall endeavour to avoid interacting with such primitive creatures.

Bum, they’ve found me ~ but, for the moment, my encampment is still safe.

On further investigation they appear to be part of ‘The Persistent Noisy Beggar’ tribe. Could be worse!



Day Two.

Tuesday 14[SUP]th[/SUP] February.


A good interrupted nights sleep. Awoke to this scene ...




Shortly after waking I discover that at least one of the woods Tea Pixies seems to want to appease me.




Hungry once more, I have decided to go off in search of breakfast.

Sustenance is found in the hands of the ‘Persistent Noisy Beggars’. They have little mastery of fire and cooking ~ but seem to understand the concept of bribery. A better meal is sourced!

Although I had decided against interaction, my better nature best me and I share the magic of fire with the tribe.

In thanks, the tribe does me the honour of providing me with lunch.




Having seen the meal intended for me and, under the guise of ‘Medical Requirements’ I persuade them to provide me with the raw ingredients so that I can do for myself.

I shall keep my eyes open for ‘Post it Notes’!

Spent the afternoon wandering around ~ and trying to avoid further interaction with the PNB's..

On my wanderings I keep an eye out for something for my evening meal.

I strike success when I stumble upon an arbour of a tree (Pinus cabinii ‘kitchenalia’). Various strange seed husks and grub are found inside.






Turn in for the night ~ another quick read. Quite glad to have found a replacement for making ‘other use’ of the book.


Day Three.

Wednesday 15[SUP]th[/SUP] February.


An ‘eventful’ night! Having just got comfortable, nature made an insistent call and lead to a major zip malfunction. Fixing was ‘fun’ in pitch black.

I’m not sure what the Tea Pixies were supplying me with but it seems to ‘flow in the dark’ ~ and I’m up and down like Zebedee in a disco.

After finally silencing my bladder I rest peacefully until after daybreak.

On rising I get the caffeine on.

Once caffeinated I break camp ~ unfortunately ‘normal life' calls and I'm due back at work in a couple of hours.

~~~ Fin ~~~​

Kit & set-up pics ...


Saw and Knife.




FAK, book and Wash Kit.




Brew Kit (Primus 96 stove, lighter, Pot, Bag of caffeine, spoon ~ well, it's a kit of sorts ).




My 'Not-so-Purple' UCO Micro lantern (spare candles are in the metal case underneath).





Pack and sleeping bag (in Ortlieb dry bay).





ALICE butt pack ~ The FAK, lantern, washkit travel in this and, at camp, it's used to store items off of the floor but easily accessible.




It also provides a storage space for my saw.




And is 'reasonably' unobtrusive when the blanket is in place.




UCO reflector in its combi-pouch ~ pouch doubles up as an insulating place mat.




The almost finished set-up ~ stuff still showing. The humble Swiss Surplus poncho is a hardy beast and, as well as being my camp waterproof, does a good job of doubling up as a clean surface to put my unshod feet. My pack sits on the ortlieb dry bay that my stove travels in.




And, with the blanket in place, a bit neater.





Not a short post by any means ~ thanks for taking the time to look through it.

 

[Stringmaker]

Brilliant.

Nice write up!

 

[decorum]

Bump ...


And, as participants are a bit sparse on the ground, a suggestion that the time limit is extended.

<<<

5) The time limit will be until march the 31st to allow everyone time to get out and give it a go

>>>

 

[Man of Tanith]

bump well noticed
time limit increased to last day of april
come on folks its got to be worth a try leave your shiney toys at home and get back to basics!

 

[RachelUK]

@Decorum, mind telling me what tarp that is? Looks cool.

 

[decorum]

... mind telling me what tarp that is? ...

It's a Tatonka 4TC. The configuration is what I'd call 'wonky A-frame' ~ take a basic A-frame set up and leave one side down to act as a wind break and have the other sloped to suit ~ yourself and / or the weather. It looks different because the corners are dropped and pegged .

 

[RachelUK]

Cool thanks - I like the setup. Not gone the way of a tarp yet but I can see it will happen soon. Slept without a tent a bit when I was younger and fairly recently under a log lean to and you can't beat it.

 

[Retired Member southey]

bump well noticed
time limit increased to last day of april
come on folks its got to be worth a try leave your shiney toys at home and get back to basics!

YAY! brilliant! I was reading through with the aim of asking if you would increase the time limit and BOOM!

 

[decorum]

Bump to suggest that we extend deadline again ~ and to attract more potential participants .

 

[Man of Tanith]

oops guess who forgot this?
a time extension might be wise
any idea how long Dec?

 

[decorum]

oops guess who forgot this?

Ooh, a 'Mahogany Moment'

Blame it on the night shifts and if that fails, you can blame it on the boogie

a time extension might be wise

You might be right

any idea how long dec?

The current mish-mash of weather is forecast to be with us for the next month and might put a dampener ( :sad6: ) on some peoples chance to get out.
With that in mind, I'd give it until the end of August .

 

[Man of Tanith]

good plan
End of August for the finishing date

 

[ex-member BareThrills]

I was contemplating it this weekend but the forecast is 'pi$$ing down again' so im going for comfort and all the crap i can carry.

 

[decorum]

I was contemplating it this weekend but the forecast is 'pi$$ing down again' so im going for comfort and all the crap i can carry.

I was thinking the same, which is what reminded me about the thread.
I'd taken notice of the likely weather too :umbrella: , but I can't be bothered to carry stuff, so I might go lighter than usual this time.


The one thing I definitely don't want to hump around is the damned-able man-flu cough that some sweet little darling's decided to make a present of ~ wonder if I could launch it onto the GIO thread :bluThinki :thinkerg: or would that make it a computer virus? ( :sad6: ) .

 

[Grey Owl]

Two Colonial Boys of questionable integrity will be heading into the Canadian wilds this weekend to attempt some strange version of the 15 or less challenge
. We will let you folks know how things go.

This is the update on the doings of the Colonial Boys. On the weekend of 15/16/17 June 2012 we headed out to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and we would like to share our adventure with you.


This past weekend myself and a friend set out into the Boreal Forest near Rocky Mountain House to learn a few skills, to challenge ourselves and to simulate the situation of being lost. We chose an island in the North Saskatchewan River that is separated from the mainland by a series of channels, ponds and wetland areas. The island itself approaches 200 acres in size.
Our plan was to enter this outing as a pair of dayhikers that became disoriented and were forced to spend the night out. In our situation we had the luxury of time and chose to spend a total of three days in our simulation.
Our level of skills were somewhat comparable entering this experience. My companion for the adventure was an active outdoorsperson, with a solid understanding of personal care in the outdoors. For myself, I have been working as an outdoor educator for 15 years and routinely leading trips, or providing wilderness and bushcraft skills education for many different groups of people from kindergarten to university programs.
With this dynamic in mind we were approaching the experience as 2 equally skilled friends, with a slight emphasis on skill sharing on my part.
Our loads consisted of two parts, the dayhikers typical kit, and a sealed emergency package in the event of things going south. Bear in mind that this is Canada, and we are in the foothills of the Rockies, and can expect freezing temperatures any day of the year and we chose to dress appropriately for the possibilities.


Dayhikers Pack:
1. Free Stuff
Small first aid kit
Bear spray
Camera
2. Clothing:
Items worn
Rain jacket
Baselayer
Insulative upper layer
Toque
Gloves
Bug jacket
3. Sheath knife: fire steel attached
4. Axe or large knife
5. Billy
6. 550 cord
7. Matches
8. Head torch/lamp
9. Folding saw
10. Emergency Kit: trash bags, flagging tape, snare wire, fishing kit, duct tape, spare matches, tinder

Emergency Bag:
• Extra base layers
• Silnylon tarp, 3m x 4m
• Phone
• 5 Muesli/Chocolate bars

Due to our location being frequented by grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, etc, we chose to include bear spray in with the free stuff allowed as part of the 15 item challenge. In 11 years of visiting this general area we have been privileged to see each of these species, but have never had an incident that required any form of defensive action.
In the week leading up to this trip we had been monitoring river levels as the North Saskatchewan River had been running as high as 800cms from a seasonal normal of 100cms to 200cms.



This was due to long series of heavy rainstorms and rapidly melting snowpack from higher elevations. We were somewhat concerned about actually reaching the island as the secondary channels on the East side of the island may be running.

As shouldered our packs and headed towards the island we immediately came to our first of several challenges. The first channel was quite deep and required time to locate a dryfoot crossing. What would normally be an easy cross country walk, became a several hour challenge of tracking upstream, walking beaver dams, and occasionally wading. Our goal was to access the large island in the centre of the image and declare ourselves lost.


Being the hopeless canoeists that we are, we simply had to cross the entire island, touch the river itself, and then focus on the weekend’s project.



The river itself was very swollen and in the process of undermining the banks and toppling large spruce and cottonwood along islands edge. Our wetfoot experiences accessing the island were well explained by the sight. We located our camp near the eastern margin of the main island. We needed access to water, while still maintaining dry soil underfoot, adequate building materials for natural shelter, and a supply of dryish wood for fire. By the time we declared camp to be found it was approaching 1430, leaving us with approximately 8 hours of meaningful daylight. We were already feeling the effects of hunger as we were between 8 and 20 hours distant respectively from our most recent meal. This lack of food was deliberate on our part, to facilitate a more meaningful simulation.

Considering the dampness of our recent weather, and that rain was forecast for days 2 and 3 of our planned outing we felt that shelter, fire and water should be our primary concerns. We chose to create a raised bed and pole lean-to using dead wood. Keeping in mind our dominant weather patterns we tossed the coin between being parallel to the river valley wind, or parallel to the storm systems. Due to the depth of the river valley, we chose to build in line with the river winds to allow better smoke dispersal.



This photo shows the frame under construction. The lean-to itself needs very little explanation, however the bed is perhaps a little more unusual. The height of the bed allows it to serve as a sitting surface, elevates the sleeper off the cold ground, and when properly constructed, is incredibly comfortable. The final two cross members should be placed at the shoulders and knees. In our case, we averaged things out for two sleepers, sleeping head to toe.


Over the two cross bars, a series of saplings are laid down to provide a sleeping surface. At this point we were waiting for the first brew of ‘swamp tea’ to come to a boil and someone had elected to watch the billy boil. The final touch for the bed was to cover it with the tips of evergreen branches for cushion, insulation and a delightful olfactory stimulation.


The backside of the lean-to was thatched with sheets of moss held in place with a couple poles. The thatching provided rain coverage from the ridge pole down to bedframe. Due to time, we left the weatherproofing at this stage for night 1, with plans to upgrade portions of the shelter during day 2.


The fire crane was simple setup that would provide us with boiled water for drinking




Diversions/Crafts/etc:
During our spare time we would often sleep in the sun or take on small crafting projects. We worked through plant ID, a little bit of paracord trickery, snare and deadfall construction, willow whistles, and we talked about food on occasion. Unfortunately, in our sleep deprived state we never thought to take any pictures of these activities. Or maybe we were just having too much fun?


Above are the tools and toys that were utilized throughout the weekend, including the pack that was chosen. The large knife was an experiment on my part. Typically I am a dedicated axe user, but with the constant conflict/debate between big knifers and axe lovers, I thought I would challenge myself to give up my tool of choice. In retrospect it worked well for most all tasks where I would typically have used an axe (we did no splitting of wood during the outing). The greatest deficiency was in sectioning logs for firewood. It was certainly capable of removing large chips, but the price paid in vibration transfer up the arm was rather unpleasant. It certainly won’t replace my axe, but I would feel comfortable taking into similar situations in the future.



This represents the clothing packed and utilized, beyond what was worn. The two items that are not readily recognizable are rain jacket and a bug jacket.


Emergency Kit? Survival Kit? Take your pick of names, but this represents a typical collection of equipment that resides in my backpack regardless of the outing. Starting in the upper left and progressing anti-clockwise: signal mirror, match case, compass, small folder, firestarter/bic, flagging tape, snare wire, insert for billy, large trash bags, 12lb test fish line, collection of fishing gear, 2 ziplocks, mini FAK and a 16cm billy. All of these items nest inside the billy, with room for 4-6 muesli or chocolate bars. As this kit is permanently in my bag, the fishing gear is often pulled out during downtime during other trips and adventures. The first aid materials are only sufficient for simple scrapes and cuts.

Reflections:
This trip was successful as both an adventure and a learning experience. While the loads we carried were very realistic versions of what we would typically carry on a day excursion, we had chosen to limit ourselves in terms of some equipment and food. Normally, each of us would have been carrying a lunch, extra food, and a tarp shelter. This food free challenge gave us insight into how our body and personalities respond to low sleep and food. Within 30 hours we had essentially ceased to have hunger pangs and were content sipping on boiled swamp water.


Our first night was the roughest in terms of sleep. We had not been able to build a large supply of firewood and chose to build a smaller fire that required more frequent attention. With the added complication of a shared sleeping platform, we were not able to achieve solid sleep until after 0300. In the end, we took turns sleeping on the ground next to the fire during our turn minding the fire. In some ways we preferred the split sleeping arrangement as we both achieved better sleep, regardless of who was on the ground.


On Day 2 we took a 4-5 hour walk around the island, looking for an easier means of returning to the car. Our greatest challenge was keeping our expectations in line with our bodies reduced capabilities. We would start out with our normal stride and pace, but quickly feel drained by the exertion. Once we adjusted and moved at perhaps 60% of our normal pace, we were able to stroll amiably about our island with little tiredness.


The tasks of gathering firewood for each night were not immense challenges. But we had chosen to carry a smaller folding “emergency” style saws, rather than a full size bucksaw. We would often find ourselves resting from the exertion of cutting through a 15cm log. This saw is a constant companion in my pack, but would the greater utility of larger saw be worth the extra weight and room for future excursions? Certainly when running a traditional winter camp and anticipating the need to process large amounts of wood there is no question.

The second night allowed us to prepare a more sizable stock of wood, including some larger pieces left behind when some ATV users had been clearing an access trail. This was fortunate as the forecast low was 2C and the storm clouds were successfully dropping their precious gifts of rain on our heads. But with our excellent roof, and a large fire we were able to achieve 5-6 hours of solid sleep. Despite our relatively primitive conditions, we both awoke on day 3 feeling well rested and awake.



On day 3 we woke around 0630 and prepared for our departure. After storing our leftover firewood, packing our belongings and dousing the fire we headed for the car and home. Once we reached the car, we took a detour to visit a market. We expected to be overwhelmed by the selection of food and find ourselves compulsively selecting items. My experience was one of near disengagement, the food looked good, but I felt no strong desires or even hunger pangs. In the end I settled on an apple, banana, fruit juice and some bread.

We hope you`ve enjoyed our contribution to the 15 or Less Challenge. If anyone is ever out this way, we`d be happy to show you around our neck of the woods.

 

[ex-member BareThrills]

I was thinking the same, which is what reminded me about the thread.
I'd taken notice of the likely weather too :umbrella: , but I can't be bothered to carry stuff, so I might go lighter than usual this time.


The one thing I definitely don't want to hump around is the damned-able man-flu cough that some sweet little darling's decided to make a present of ~ wonder if I could launch it onto the GIO thread :bluThinki :thinkerg: or would that make it a computer virus? ( :sad6: ) .

Lol if only your jokes were a computer virus, i could sort you out with some software to fix them.

Ok im going to give it a go. list to follow but it will err on the side of bombproof shelter and a dry area so thinking tarp and tent

 

[decorum]

Lol if only your jokes were a computer virus, i could sort you out with some software to fix them.

If my jokes were a computer virus it might go some way to explaining this _hacking_ cough ( :sad6: )

Ok im going to give it a go. list to follow but it will err on the side of bombproof shelter and a dry area so thinking tarp and tent

There's nothing wrong with erring on the side of caution and having kit additional available to use if the weather goes Biblical, in fact it's what you'd probably carry on an long weekend's unsupported hike . The basic premise of the challenge isn't to suffer, it's to provoke thought about kit choice

 

[ex-member BareThrills]

Ok a quick ponder has come up with the following. I will probably refine further. Im thinking ill take the torch out of the FAK and use my lantern. Is hygeine kit an item or free? no toilets where im going! does brew kit include a cup or should tea and coffee be part of food?

1. Tarp
2. Tent
3. Sleeping bag
4. Sleeping Mat
5. Food and water in containers
6. Cup
7. Hygiene kit
8. Knife
9. Saw
10. Ferro rod
11. Candle lantern & candles
12. Chair
13. Cooking Pot
14. Frying pan
15. Brew Kit

fire box
Phone and charger
Fak - contains a small torch
Bin bag
ecig
Hip flask

 

[decorum]

Ok a quick ponder has come up with the following. I will probably refine further.

I've added a note here and there. In the main answering your questions, but also a couple of things to help your ponderings

Im thinking ill take the torch out of the FAK and use my lantern.

Leave it in there ~ it's a sensible thing to have in there to deal with 1st Aid in reduced light. Plus, leaving it in place means that you don't forget to return it after the weekend's done

Is hygeine kit an item or free? no toilets where im going!

It's an item, primarily because there are natural alternatives

does brew kit include a cup or should tea and coffee be part of food?

A brew kit is an item in its own right ~ but caffine addicts can have a brew kit freebie as a replacement to the nicotine freebie of smokers . Those who partake of both have a hard choice to make :Thinkingo .

A cup can be cooked in so it's an item ~ it could be argued, if it's sole use is with a caffine brew kit freebie, that it's needed as part of the kit in order to have a brew.

1. Tarp
2. Tent
3. Sleeping bag
4. Sleeping Mat
5. Food and water in containers ~ No water available on site, so water's actually a freebie
6. Cup
7. Hygiene kit
8. Knife
9. Saw
10. Ferro rod
11. Candle lantern & candles
12. Chair
13. Cooking Pot ~ Which cook pot? If it's possible / suitable I tend to use the lid as a frying pan,
14. Frying pan
15. Brew Kit

fire box ~ Definite freebie, ground fires need to be raised and contained (Paul knows this, mentioning why it's a freebie stops others asking why ).
Phone and charger ~ Again definite freebie, the ability to make contact in the event on an emergency.
Fak - contains a small torch
Bin bag ~ No Bins on site so, freebie.
ecig ~ Nicotine freebie
Hip flask ~ Not a freebie

Sooo, what's coming out to allow the hip flask?

I notice you haven't listed eating implements ~ on purpose?

 

[ex-member BareThrills]

Damn it

Ok so my cup will only be used as part of my brew kit so it is no longer an item in its own right. This Allows my hip flask entry to the list

The frying pan is not something i would normally bring if doing something like this but im breaking in a new cast iron one so want to keep using it. Hmm just thought that gives me another problem, the scraper!!!!. Ok im ditching the fry pan and will use a different cooking pot set with fry pan lid.

Eating implements will be fabricated on site (hmmm, i might go hungry with my DIY skills)

I think water will be available on site and it will be plentiful :welcome:

I now have a spare place which i will fill with a tinder kit to include some candles (candles will get me out of jail if all the wood is wet) Im dropping the candle lantern and going with a wind up one. Clothes will be per the conditions so a poncho is included in lieu of a waterproof coat.

Revised list

1. Tarp
2. Tent
3. Sleeping bag
4. Sleeping Mat
5. Food and water in containers
6. Hip Flask
7. Hygiene kit
8. Knife
9. Saw
10. Ferro rod and striker
11. wind up lantern
12. Chair
13. Cooking Pot
14. Tinder kit
15. Brew Kit

FAK
Bin Bag
Ecig
Fire Box - Raised fire required by site