Multi Tools and Pocket Knives

 You may already have your multi-tool or mini multi-tool for our trek.  If you do then take the time to:

1. make sure you know where it is

2. make sure it's clean and the blade is sharp

    If you are still looking for a good multi-tool then I suggest getting a small or mini multi tool rather than the full size one.  I say this concerning the amount of weight you'll be carrying is important to keep under control.  There's no requirement for carrying a small multi-tool rather than a full sized one but just keep overall weight of your pack in mind.

    If you're looking for something to add to your Christmas list and you don't yet have a knife then consider the following:

    This Gerber knife and mini multi-tool set is currently at Home Depot for $19.88.  Gerber is good quality and I have no complaints with my full-size Gerber multi-tool that I've had for almost 20 years now.

 

    At Cabellas we have the current edition of what I usually carry.  It's the store brand of mini-multi-tool but it's lasted me many years now and I haven't exactly been kind to it.  It's tough and durable and I've used every tool in it multiple times.  The only downside I notice is that the blade, though not bad is not the hardest of steel and often needs re-sharpening.  A very big upside is that it's only $5.99.

 

    If you have a preferred brand or would like to talk about the positives or negatives of brands you're experienced with then please comment below.

    For something a little different, I ran across this article about pocket knives.  I really enjoyed it and I think you will to.  Lots of great trivia and some info I've never heard of.

https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/complete-guide-pocket-knives/

 

 

 

I had no idea all the different blade formations had names!
 

Gear Deals (Pack and Dry Bag)

 

 

 

 Everybody take a look at the deals here.  This sale is only good until December 14 so If you need a pack or dry bag for the trek then let us know and we can order it.  The price on that 75 liter pack is very good. 

If you are looking for a tent and groundcloth then these shown are great for regular camping.  They're too big for Philmont but if you're in the market then it's also a good deal.

 

Water Water Everywhere

 When we are out on the trail at Philmont we won't have access to water faucets or fountains to refill our canteens.  We can fill up at base camp and there may be a staffed camp that has filtered water but mostly we will be doing it on our own.  That means we get water from streams and other natural sources.

 That DOES NOT MEAN we fill our canteens (I'm using that word for all our water containers) from a stream or spring and just start drinking.  We must and will filter and/or use other methods for water purification before we can drink it or use it in cooking.  We'll be using a gravity water filter and iodine tablets to do most of the purification work for us.

 One of our methods is this filtration system that will fill our 1qt canteens one at a time using two options.  One option is to fill smaller 32oz bags and then filter them into your canteen.  The other is a gravity method that we can use to continuously fill bottle after bottle.  I'll include a video demonstration.

 

The next method we will use is the iodine tablets.  With this method you will fill your canteen from a stream but cover the mouth of the bottle with a bandana to keep out any "floaties" witch can be bits of plant matter or dirt.  After it's filled you drop two iodine (water purification tablets) in the bottle and dissolve the tablet in the water.  After three minutes the water is potable (drinkable).

 

We will have at least one backup purification system with us but for now familiarize yourself with these methods.  Ask any questions about either of these systems in the comments below.  Or let me know of a system you are interested in.