Multi-use gear

[alliecat]

As mentioned in this thread, gear that has multiple uses is one cornerstone of the lighweight walking philiosphy. So I thought I'd start a thread for discussion of gear that has more than one use.

Here's a list of 20(!) uses of bicarb soda to start the ball rolling.

20 Uses Of Baking Soda

1. Baking soda will also put out fires in clothing, fuel, wood, upholstery and rugs.

2. Wash food and drink containers with soda and water.

3.Wash out thermos bottles and cooling containers with soda and water to get rid of stale smells.

4.To remove strong odors from your hands, wet your hands and rub them hard with soda, then rinse.

6. Sprinkle baking soda on your wet toothbrush and brush your teeth and dentures with it.

7. Sprinkle soda in tennis shoes, socks, boots and slippers to eliminate odor.

8. Take a soda bath to relieve general skin irritations such as measles and chicken pox.

9. Take 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water to relieve acid indigestion or heartburn.

10. Gargle with 1/2 tsp. baking soda in 1/2 glass of water. Freshens and cleans your mouth.

11. Used as a mouthwash, baking soda will also relieve canker sore pain.

12. To relieve sunburn: use a paste of baking soda and water.

13. Bug bites: use a poultice of baking soda and vinegar.

14. Bee sting: use a poultice of baking soda and water.

15. Windburns: moisten some baking soda and apply directly. Soak and wash diapers with baking soda.

16. Use soda as an underarm deodorant.

17. Add to water to soak dried beans to make them more digestible.

18. Use to sweeten sour dishcloths.

19. Use dry with a small brush to rub canvas handbags clean.

20. Apply soda directly to insect bites, rashes and poison ivy to relieve discomfort. Make a paste with water.

Okay, not all of these are directly applicable to bushwalking, but many are. Lets see what other multiple use items people can come up with.

Cheers,
Alliecat

[johnw]

Hiking poles can be used as tent poles in some cases

Wearing extra clothing to increase warmth of sleeping bags

A lightweight tarp/groundsheet can double as rainwear/poncho of sorts

For first aid -
a self-inflating air mat can be used as an effective splint
rucksacks and hiking poles can be improvised to make a stretcher

[Son of a Beach]

a self-inflating air mat can be used as an effective splint

This reminds me...

The alloy bars in internal frame packs can be easily extracted (in many models) and can be easily bent to fit the shape of a leg, and also make excellent splits (with a bandage, or torn clothes, etc to tie it on).

Of course the pack is then not as easy to carry, but then, you're not likely to make the guy with the bung leg carry a pack anyhow, so if the pack is going to be carried, it's not likely to be in the usual way, so this becomes a moot point.

[north-north-west]

I always assumed that if I really, really, really needed a splint, the trekking pole would do.

[johnw]

I always assumed that if I really, really, really needed a splint, the trekking pole would do.

Yes it should, as would a stout stick (but file down any sharp bits)

[corvus]

Splints are good ,how many of you have been trained how to use them and as to when are they required.
corvus

[Lindsay]

The victims good leg can be used as a splint, thus eliminating the need for anything else except a decent bandage, and even that can be got around if necessary.

[corvus]

The victims good leg can be used as a splint, thus eliminating the need for anything else except a decent bandage, and even that can be got around if necessary.

Not being picky however you do need to know the correct methods of applying splints whether you use the other leg or not and regardless of the item used as a "bandage".
I believe basic first aid training is a good skill for bush walkers.
corvus

[johnw]

Splints are good ,how many of you have been trained how to use them and as to when are they required.
corvus

Yes, but probably getting to the point of needing a refresher course.

[Lindsay]

The victims good leg can be used as a splint, thus eliminating the need for anything else except a decent bandage, and even that can be got around if necessary.

Not being picky however you do need to know the correct methods of applying splints whether you use the other leg or not and regardless of the item used as a "bandage".
I believe basic first aid training is a good skill for bush walkers.
corvus

Yes, a splint can do more harm than good if applied incorrectly. Basic first aid training is a good skill for anyone, but it's surprising how many people don't have it. To go bush walking without at least basic first aid knowlege seems extremely foolish. It's a skill just as necessary as having proper equipment.