1. Loneliness, complexes, phobias.
2. Expectation of danger and fear.
In stand-alone single travel may be complexes of different polarity. That is, both negative and positive. From my experience one of the reference positive complexes, enabling them to ultimate success is confidence that allowed me to do what I do. Who is allowed? Some external forces able to store and protect. Or it can be defined as my purely personal way, organically combined with my nature and destiny. This confidence allows to overcome all the negative complexes and phobias. Without this confidence should not even begin the journey.
Of negative complexes inherent right for me, you can probably recognize the lack of organizational skills and entrepreneurship. Their presence could raise to another level all the activities, bring it to more people and resources, as well as to remove entirely the need for travel is in single format. Because this format never was and is not an end in itself. And the presence of such qualities could provide significantly more dividends, both materially and morally.
The combination of the above mentioned negative complex as feeling a lack of capacity to overcome organizational difficulties and positive complex, as the conviction that everything would need both by itself and is one of the factors leading to the fact that many travel made it alone.
Phobia in a single journey can have a real basis, as well as surreal, is not relevant to the real world.
Control surreal phobias was obtained early on career traveler. Meaning the ten-year period, when, basically, it was speleoputeshestviya. Caves generally ideal ground for the emergence of just surreal phobias, because of the presence of absolute darkness, and also because of the exhausting mode, at the limit of physical and mental capacities of man. So stay underground generally good school psychological training. And it’s also one of the bases, which is now being built my inner psychological background in solitary travel. Probably without this training there would be no modern experience.
Nevertheless, various phobias, without the real implications, are felt today. Like any normal person is more often seen in the dark. Primal fear of some phenomena and beings that draws consciousness, but which may not be in reality, is still present. But, as mentioned above, in the early stages of these phenomena, as my mind, which is the source of these phobias, it is the same for a long time and has developed a reflex suppression of these phobias in their origin. It is in the initial stage and it is easiest. If you give a little to develop this feeling, the more control over them becomes difficult. So there is a basic rule – preventive blocks. And you can not always rely on the exhaust reflex. Deliberate approach to this phenomenon.
Phobias and fears with the real implications, some more complex phenomenon in terms of working with him. It is impossible to completely get rid of them. The presence of any real danger will not completely get rid of thoughts about it. But it also is necessary and possible control. Poses on consciousness thoughts about a particular danger, of course, does not give an opportunity to relax. But it is dangerous to do. Overcoming hazards requires concentration and at the same time, it is the moment of overcoming any obstacles dangerous and requires a certain relaxation. Otherwise the body, due to excessive stress, can not at the critical moment properly work. It ‘s a fine line between tension and relaxation that you want a spot.
At the same time, consciousness, absorbed a particular danger is not yet a critical condition. The critical condition occurs when there is a panic. That is the fear that are out of your control. That this condition is also necessary preventive measures to fight. As soon as there is a hint of fear in the development stage of panic, immediately suppress it at will. But this is possible only in the earliest stages, when there is still a hint of such a development. If the state of development of several advanced here may even force will not only help but also hurt. In this case, perhaps it would be better somehow contrary to relax and imagine that everything is not with you, and fear not to suppress and how to skip past him. Well, yes, hooked, but here flew on.
Fears and phobias are manifested not only in the course of the journey. They occur long before that. Already at the stage of decision making and further into the stages of preparation of expeditions. This can be great poison life, to the point that sleep deprived. Surprisingly, it has a beneficial effect on the consciousness is in the future, it passes directly expedition itself. More than overcome fears in the preparatory stages, the more consciousness is ready to process most of the expedition. That is, so as to prepare consciousness occurs. And in the future is easier to deal with fear.
Nevertheless, it is already in the early stages of the expedition itself, fears manifest themselves most actively. So there’s a period of adjustment. Then everything becomes easier and more familiar. There are also a problem on the very late stages of travel. Then there is a certain weariness of a permanent location in a stressful situation.
Psychological stress is also very dependent on the degree of protection. At the moment, I mean – the conditions in which to live. Significant difference in this sense, we have to sleep in a tent or hut in the taiga. Casual or occasional hut, which can meet the expedition, reduce the risk of overnight stays in the wild taiga conditions. It is, accordingly, also reduces the degree of psychological stress. But this is a definite problem. After spending the night in the hut quite difficult to re- live in a tent. That is, it threatens a new stage adaptation painful. This phenomenon is called – “syndrome base”.
3. Autonomy, informational isolation.
In autonomy is not only the negative aspects, the main of which is the increased risk. Positive aspect can be considered a high degree of freedom and independence, the ability to build their lives in the expedition, based only on your views and interests.
Information isolation is also a specific problem in single travel. In fact, in such travel is no lack of information. Just here a very different type of information. And a lot depends on how much you are susceptible to this and other information as usual dependent on information that we receive in abundance in a metropolis. Nevertheless, the hunger for information really exists. Often, even just an old newspaper, found somewhere in the taiga hut can be a valuable acquisition.
This is especially important phenomenon can be in periods of bad weather, when there is a need to wait. There must be raised immediately following the formation of the problem which is connected with the nature of my expeditions. Significant difference from other similar expeditions that this is photo expeditions. I can confidently say that psychologically and in terms of hunger for information, as one aspect of psychological stress, photo expedition harder than the technically more complex and more dangerous, but having, for example, sports purposes. There man is like an arrow released, set the target and waits for nothing, and moves towards this goal, overcoming obstacles. In my case, very often have to wait and, and for a long time. Wait states of interest, wait for the weather and so on. A long wait for few can survive easily. And in this case, the information hunger manifests itself most noticeably. And loneliness is exacerbated.
Perhaps, in the same aspect can enable and energy interactions. There is also a person is in interaction with other energy, quite different from the usual to life in the city. And here it is possible to consider the same way as it was considered in the case of information.
4. Connection with the world.
Most often, my expedition fully autonomous, that is, absolutely no connection with the outside world. And often there is no communication, not only posed, but also incoming. That is, do not even have a radio. But there were several expeditions, where there was a satellite. It certainly makes life easier and makes it a little safer. Especially true it was in one of the expeditions, when he had to negotiate with the remote dropping. But there was another case where the satellite phone was, but for some reason, refused to work. In this case, there was an additional psychological discomfort due to the realization that close await news from me, but do not get it. So worried. When there was no connection, then such additional opportunities for concern arose. On my inner psychological climate, it is also reflected.
As recommendations reveal the reason why the connection was not working. I do not recommend to use satellite communications Global Tel. They have problems with satellites and many areas of land not covered by this link. I can recommend the Iridium communications. It is more expensive, but it works fine.
5. Technical readiness for an emergency.
I think it makes no sense to explain the obvious. Emergency preparedness purchased in preparation for the expedition. That is, it is important to prepare all the equipment so as to best avoid the possibility of an emergency.
However, in case of such situations should be provided some necessary things. For example – remnabor. This kit should include items needed to repair all parts of the equipment – clothing, tents, sleeping bags, rafting equipment.
The most important components remnabora – thread, needles, glue different (depending on materials equipment), pieces of fabrics and materials, which are made of alloy tool, some tools – scissors, pliers, needle files and more (preferably all lightweight but functional).
First Aid Kit – as a necessary attribute of security.
Matches and lighters should be protected from moisture and stored in the maximum number of items of clothing and equipment.
It should also have a clear idea about the geography of the area in case of loss of cards and some basic skills in orienteering.
6. Daily mode, doing all the work schedule.
As mentioned above, my travels – is essentially a photo expedition. Therefore, all graphics modes and subordinated main objectives of these expeditions, namely professional photography certain geographic, landscape and natural sites.
If several objects, then charts are so distributed in proportion to the time the importance of these objects.
Photo expedition may be superimposed on an extended and busy route. For example, the object and purpose of the expedition is a mountainous region, rather than a local landscape or natural object. Or it could be an entire river along its entire length. In this case, as the mode of the day is built on the basis of the main goal – photography. Therefore, to move along the route, select the least interesting from a photographic point of view, the time of day. Namely the middle of the day when the sun is highest, and it is always the most unfavorable lighting conditions. Also, bad weather can be considered the most advantageous time to move along the route, although it is the least pleasant.
More often than not my photo expeditions conducted in the areas close to the circumpolar. And, as we know, the most interesting from a photographic point of view the time of day when the sun is positioned low on the horizon. That is, in the sunset and dawn periods. In the same polar areas in June and July, this period is significantly stretched. This time of year the night there, and shooting time can take almost all night completely. Proceeding from this, to sleep sometimes do not have time. But in periods of bad weather, nothing else to do but sleep only if the target is a specific, local object. Travel along the route or if necessary. That is, the mode of the day is often very ragged and uneven.
7. Swim. Boats.
Swim – one of the main ways to move my expeditions. In cases where the expedition spent not alone, was a means to sail a catamaran. But we are now considering single and the most typical for me traveling. In this case, the kayak.
There are some parameters on the basis of which is selected kayak. First, the lowest weight. At the same time, the expedition is usually long, so is also important and spaciousness. Here is a compromise of these two contrasting settings and select kayak.
In addition, often my routes are constructed so that it is necessary to move along the rivers not only down, but up. There are various techniques of vessel to tow. In this case, important geometry kayaks. It should be narrow and pointed at the ends, for better aerodynamics. That is the usual rubber boat, oval, is not very suitable. It is also important that the design of kayaks must be hard for a better walking against the current. For this task the most suitable frame and inflatable kayaks. But they have a drawback – too bulky frame, which is inconvenient to carry and in the pedestrian part, and especially in the stages of their flight. However, there are kayaks and frameless options that are sufficiently rigid construction.
Swim – not an end in itself but a means of transportation. Athletic goals do not pursue, so a variety of technical difficulties like rapids undesirable and possibly avoided. If you can not avoid the obstacles and the threshold exceeds a reasonable degree of risk, it was surrounded. But there were occasions when dangerous passage could not avoid. And it was a necessary risk.
8. Porterage.
Due to the long duration, in my expeditions are always a lot of cargo. In addition, a lot of photographic equipment, which requires a certain delicacy to carry. That is, it must be kept separate from the rest of the cargo.
Under these settings is very suitable way of transferring certain goods which have borrowed from ancient times their speleoekspeditsy. For passing caves they prepare so-called modules. It essentially sealed bags, close to the cylindrical shape. On sealed bags, in turn, top dress transport sacks of very durable fabric for protection against mechanical damage. This is an ideal capacity for carrying cargo in caves. When Getting to the caves, the cargo is also transported in these bags were prepared for the cave. By themselves, these bags are inconvenient to carry on the surface. But they are comfortable enough to carry on special easel backpacks, which, put simply, is a metal frame with straps.
This scheme has been very useful for my expeditions. The only difference, it does not require so strong transport bags, sealed surface. This makes it possible to save weight. However, the upper bags are still needed. In addition to them, you can sew the strap for easy carrying. Germomeshki usually have no straps.
Cargo in bags placed by type. Ie products separately , clothing and sleeping separately. Equipment that does not require sealing, packed separately in a single rugged transport bag. Usually there exist metal objects or parts that still does not make sense to pack in a sealed bag, because when there is any risk of impact damage to the sealed bag. Or, if a metal or a very solid object from a different material, it still requires sealing, you must create a soft pad or packaging , and only then put in a sealed bag.
Photographic usually transferred separately or in camera bag or a special photo backpack serial production. Naturally for this unit has its own shipping germomeshok. But this is also a separate module is fastened to the machine with the rest of the load, but usually put on.
Currently, there are backpacks easel with very good handling system created on all current rules.
Transport bags are fastened to the frame by conventional luggage elastics. Linking simple rope does not fit here because the goods quickly shake down and ties weaken. As a result, the load falls apart. Attaching the cargo and return to eat him from the machine takes very little time. This is especially true when the goods have to wear a hook. What happens not infrequently in my expeditions.
Originally sealed package shipping solves many problems. On the alloy is no need to invent anything. When hiking transitions also do not need to take additional measures in case of rainy weather.
9. Overcoming obstacles: rocks, swamps, etc.
Unlike sports tourism, in my expeditions various obstacles is not the goal, and production costs. These difficulties must be avoided. But this is not always possible. That these technical difficulties are overcome alone, making them an order of magnitude more difficult and dangerous. And it is better to give up something than afford to undue risk.
Need to build a route in advance so that there are no unnecessary problems during the expedition. If you can not avoid the obstacle, you should try to go through it with minimal risk. This is not a sport and no one will appreciate how clean and technically correctly completed obstacle. Let the part it will not look very nice, but more importantly safety. No help here. Dangerous rocks better avoided if possible. Dangerous threshold is better to enclose or hold the ship near the coast, etc.
But if all this is not possible, then you should be prepared psychologically and serious risk. Here it is necessary to adequately understand what you are going before you hit the road. In general, overcoming obstacles all valid safety rules adopted in sports tourism.
10. Orientation.
Typically, during the preparation of the expedition I use 1:200 000 maps in electronic form. Then to get to the point on the plotter print them in physical size and laminated to protect from moisture. Card is the most important attribute in orienteering. Usually this scale is sufficient to represent the terrain and orientation on it.
Compass needs, but I rarely use them because usually work in rugged terrain with expressive relief where a lot of benchmarks that can be used to bind to the map.
And, of course, needs a satnav. Although this technical innovation became available only last ten years. I use them only to determine the coordinates. This is sufficient to bind to the map, in the case of the disputed location. Functions that require an always-on navigator, do not use, because it consumes batteries very quickly. And it is always a deficit.
Was the case when he went into the origins Olenyek river. Then lost the compass, but was navigator and map. A featureless terrain caught without notable landmarks. I had to go for sun and periodically update themselves on the navigator. Came to a place very precisely.
11. Transport.
For zabrosok in those regions where I have to make my travels, often use any transport. Usually there are no roads and it must be traversed transport. That is all sorts of varieties of all-terrain vehicles.
Also, sometimes had to use a pack transport. This is a very specific transport, requiring some preparation. Namely, it concerns of packing. Transport modules described above is also very well suited. And normally linked to the pack- saddle. But in this case it is desirable to have a bag on top of the sealed transport bag is durable. And never trust the horses carrying of photographic equipment. It must carry yourself. Or hold on his shoulders in fotoryukzake if they themselves sit in the saddle. While it sometimes better to walk than to ride in the saddle. This test is not a simple one.
By air, of course, by helicopter. But now such prices for this type of transport that often it can be used only as a random convenient opportunity.
On the water of getting to often made by motorboats or less on boats.
In any case, in those regions where spend my expedition, transport is always difficult to resolve an issue that requires considerable financial cost or time. Or both. And there never is impossible to calculate the exact schedule zabrosok. Therefore you should always lay the time to spare.
12. Flora.
Flora in my expeditions usually no more than a part of the landscape. Including as an object for photography.
Furthermore, it may also be one of the attributes in the list of technical difficulties. Taiga landscape in general often has poor permeability. Especially in the southern parts of Siberia and the Far East. Of the most impassable taiga regions can lead Sayan mountains. Sometimes there is so impassable taiga, that the rate of passage with load may drop to a mile per hour. Also very unpleasant obstacle – elfin cedar. Sometimes it’s better to get around a few kilometers you climb into a thicket of cedar elfin. This phenomenon can be traced only to the east of the Lena River. Also obnoxious and alder thickets.
Flora can be seen also as a food source. But usually I do not really count on it and not very widely used. Is that the berries and mushrooms, and no more. In the northern regions the most common types of berries – blueberries and cranberries. Poisonous mushrooms where there is little other than toadstools, but those are easily distinguishable. It is better to use familiar species. Broader use of plants as food, always requires additional time to collect and process. In the context of this photo expedition no.
13. Fauna (including midges).
Fauna – a significant part of the environment in the wild lands. The main part of the animal world is neutral with regard to a person traveling in the wrong places. But some species can carry some risk.
The most dangerous in the northern regions should recognize bear. Although immediately say that it is very exaggerated risk among people unfamiliar with the world. This animal is very rarely attack people without good reason. My practice for more than a hundred very close encounters with bears and more than a thousand relatively far. Always it ended that beast went first. Only one meeting ended badly for the bear. And here was my fault. Violated the distance in an environment where the bear could not immediately clear who is in front of him. I had to shoot. It was on Koni peninsula on the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk, where the bears are too many and they sometimes behave inappropriately. That is, there is very often had to scare them blank shot from a gun. In any case, bear one of the real dangers and awareness of this adds significant psychological stress in such travel. To meet this animal you should always be ready and keep nearby weapons. Perhaps the most dangerous time of night when sleep is needed and has to sleep in a tent. Under these conditions, sleep is very sensitive.
As for the wolf, in the summer it is not a dangerous animal. Attacks on a person are extremely rare. In my practice, especially a lot of meetings with these animals was on the river Olenyok in Western Yakutia. There came wolves at a distance when they could see each other’s eyes. Typically, after an exchange of views beast left. It has become customary, and I even stopped to grab his gun.
In Primorye was the case when he left three days into the route and back, saw its tracks on tiger tracks. But see the big cat did not succeed.
This is what comes to large mammals. But there are insects that, despite its small size, can significantly poison life in the field. First of all – midges. That is, blood-sucking insects. In the north, there are several species. Mosquito, midge, slimy and gadfly. Number of times they hit and do not give to live in peace. Protection from this disaster there, but not as effective as we would like. Screens personally I almost never use it. I in them uncomfortable. But I can recommend. Use chemicals deterrent these insects. Prefer repellent and not liquids and ointments. In my opinion, is better distributed repellent on the skin and is more effective. When selecting products should pay attention to the percentage of dimethyl- toluamide. This is just the active ingredient. In normal formulations it usually 15-20 %. If it is not present in the composition, but it ensures the effectiveness of the drug, do not believe. In addition, the most effective remedy against midges believe philosophical attitude to the phenomenon. If you can not resolve the problem, you must change the attitude towards it. Need to take it for granted and is tolerant.
In the southern parts of Siberia and the Far East , in the undeveloped areas of permafrost , there is another insect that can be attributed to a very dangerous representatives of the animal world. There is a view iksoidny tick. This is also a blood-sucking insects and a carrier of dangerous infections – encephalitis and Lyme disease. Discharge of preventive measures against this threat , we must recognize special vaccinations you need to do in advance. Unfortunately, these vaccines do not have exhaustive efficiency. Therefore, under field conditions, additional measures are needed. Clothing must be deaf, giving as little as possible to penetrate to the skin mite. This insect is a special one, he just creeps up. Therefore, the upper part of the garment shall be filled to the bottom. Also everywhere to be deaf and tight cuffs. In addition, it is necessary as often as possible and carefully conduct inspections of clothing and skin.
That’s all harmful and dangerous wildlife species. But there is a useful and edible. In principle, in the northern regions full of animals that may be the subject of hunting and included in the diet of the traveler. But personally, I primitive instinct alien hunter. And not even a very respectful attitude towards hunting. And as a source of food, and virtually do not see wildlife. Firstly, for the above reason. Secondly, hunting and subsequent treatment requires considerable time. In the context of the time required photo expeditions to other tasks, and it is desirable to feed its spending as little as possible. Sometimes catch fish, but also in an environment where it does not require significant expenditure of time. I use spinning. And if after a few casts nothing clings means no fishing, and it’s fun stops.
14. Rain, wind, heat, cold.
Weather conditions in these expeditions, of course, an important component. On this depends very much. Physical and psychological comfort, safety, graphics activity. And to these conditions need to be prepared. First of all, you need to be prepared mentally and very good understanding of these conditions in order to properly prepare. Experience allows you to do it. But if this is not, then you need to pay more attention to the recommendations of experienced people and those moments that seem dubious, yet perceived as unqualified statement. What clothing and equipment must be used for appropriate conditions will reveal other points.
15. People (local strangers, distant relatives, partner, workmate).
Although my travels are most often alone, yet meeting people sometimes occur. Very rarely it may be a meeting with the tourists and travelers. Usually it is unexpected and very pleasant meeting. But most often it is a meeting with the locals. Once I can say that almost always, these meetings are not dangerous. On the contrary, local people are trying to help, even if it is not necessary. Probably the people were such long tradition that should help the traveler, especially lonely. But it also has one rule that must be observed to have interpreted correctly, and the reaction was appropriate. You must be open and friendly from the beginning. Open smile on his face, in these conditions, helps to immediately establish contact and show your inner state and attitudes, which drove up the road. However, there are cases where people can meet in a drunken state. Now that’s a danger here, if possible, you should avoid contact . This is especially true regarding the indigenous people of the North. They have a difficult relationship with alcohol and wait here can be anything. If you have alcohol in any case can not show it, no matter how insistent demands. And you should never treat alcohol voluntarily. There can be problems. Non-indigenous northerners are more resistant to alcohol and behave more appropriately intoxicated.
Attitude towards the distant, but native people in these conditions several transformed. Despite the distance, they become psychologically closer and more expensive, especially in difficult times and in extreme conditions.
I had three expeditions with one partner. In all three cases, these were different people. And this experience is worthy of an entire dissertation in psychology. But I am not a psychologist, so only briefly. I must say the main thing – deuce most unstable psychological structure in autonomous conditions. If someone starts to object, from my own experience, I must strongly pay attention to the two main positions. Namely autonomy, ie no contact with outsiders. And considerable duration of the condition. That is, one or two weeks is not a problem. But more than a month, this is a very critical period. After such a long time, the contact between the partners becomes difficult, and constantly brings some tension and even hostility.
All three expeditions ended relatively well and successfully. The key to this was that my companions took the lead due to the fact that it was I who was the initiator of the expedition and, despite the controversy, followed through. For that they honor and praise. Psychological stress in an extremely small team appeared, primarily due to the fact that his partner in the expedition encountered a crisis purpose. That is his idea of traveling to before, at variance with the real situation. And this despite the fact that the preliminary information was to be exhaustive. In more detail, you can see exactly on psycho. In the first case was a photographer. But then turned out very long route along the river, where a lot of time was spent on it to overcome the distance and so on photography did not have much time as we would like photographs. In the second case was a Tourist. Then get very busy at all – water route pedestrians. And this is quite consistent with this psycho. But the normal tourist is trekking not only carry bags, but also to fish and hunt. But it was a photo expedition, so the timetable and parking places were arranged on the basis of this problem. This was the area of psychological stress. In the third case was Virtual. That is, I do not quite understand correctly in the preliminary period of training, experience in humans. A man before, mainly traveling sitting at the computer screen, and his ideas about the real conditions were purely theoretical. But it was relatively difficult and dangerous mission, so there is nothing wrong with that was not. However, at a certain stage Virtual realized that this is not quite the case, which he would like to dedicate their efforts in the coming years. Before, in his own words, he had a midlife crisis, and he decided to turn his life around and absolutely change occupation. In walks on the network, it is theoretically found its way into the travel and photography. But in reality it was not so nice as it appeared. As a result, at a certain stage where it was made very easy and simple, I decided to go the distance. Expedition had to be stopped prematurely. Although here and I flawed. Could send him one right, and we would have continued the journey.
From my own experience, I can say that in such expeditions autonomous optimal number of participants – 4 or 5 people. It is the most stable psychological construct. Larger number of participants is already fraught with complications in the management.
Women as a co-worker in long, heavy and autonomous conditions do not consider at all. This additional complexity that are not needed. Women are more suited to a more comfortable environment. Here, inter alia, very negative aspect becomes relevant differences in physiology. Aspect, which in ordinary life does not interfere, and even an element of attraction.
16. Firearm.
I am not a hunter, and this kind of activity is positively perceived only in relation to the conditions where it is due to a certain way of life that has survived from earlier times. Hunting – as a hobby, I do not understand, and I think still persisting more primitive instinct of humanity. Communing with nature can be a completely different level.
However, firearms necessary part of the equipment in single travel. This is not needed for the production of food, and security. First of all, when they met with dangerous wild animals. If you consider my experience, the use of weapons had rarely. So in fact weapons are necessary for inner peace and confidence. In extreme cases, it can be used for hunting wild fowl.
When many years ago chose a gun, based on the fact that the weapons should be multiply charged. Because one or two bullets and can not bear to put. So I bought a six- Mossberg pump-action shotgun. Weapons from the outset showed itself not the best way. Even had something customized. Often the mechanism could not throw the used cartridge sleeve. In an emergency, it could lead to very undesirable results. Since then, all the time I want to change weapons, but do not do it for financial reasons. Besides, I do not like the weight. My gun weighs 3 kg. It’s too much.
Usually in my gun store only bullet cartridges. This is a case of too close encounter with a dangerous animal. In the trunk of the cartridge does not hold. It’s dangerous accidental shot. Somewhere in the pocket usually keep signal cartridge or just the shot in order to be able to secure for the beast shot drive him, if it is at some distance, but there is a risk of a more intimate contact.
According to my reasons, the best option would be a good gun with lethal force. But our laws do not allow such weapons.
17. Bonfire, fire, matches.
Bonfire is a very important element of camp life. At certain times, the fire may even be the key to survival. In addition, the fire also important positive psychological component expedition life. In particular, and in solitary journey.
Usually I use a camp fire campfire tent. This makes it relatively comfortable to be around the campfire in the rain. Tilt stretch a rope between two trees. On this rope hung wooden pegs on which hang pots over the fire for cooking. Hooks to tie a rope to cross the tent. Height hooks over the fire regulated grasping nodes. Clothesline hooks should not be synthetic, it can not withstand high temperatures.
I usually have all the pockets laid boxes with matches and lighters, which are stored in a sealed package.
In taiga conditions to find firewood and make a fire is not difficult. Much worse than this is the case, for example, in the tundra or in the mountains. To the extent that it is simply impossible. Under these conditions require other sources of ignition. For example, gas or gasoline burner.
Not so long ago I was in the taiga conditions began to use a gas burner. Campfire she certainly useless. But the burner actively use when live in the taiga huts. Even if there is a stove, sink it just for cooking unproductive. Or sometimes I can make tea in a tent without going outside when there is quite bad weather. My diet is unpretentious and does not require a lot of energy for cooking. Therefore, the gas is spent not so much.
In the eastern regions of Russia, currently, local residents actively use portable gas stoves, which are used mainly Korean gas cartridges, which are called “dihlofosnye” because of their cylindrical shape. This should be considered when selecting the burner when going into those regions. Other types of gas containers there likely will not. A drive their aircraft gas bottle prohibited.
Furthermore, if we still have with them a certain amount of gas cartridges, it is considered advisable to take not only the usual burner for cooking, but the torch soldering. This is just a light tube, with which you can quickly build a campfire in the rain and with wet wood.
18. Injury, illness and chronic new and medicines.
Serious injuries in the expeditions I have never been and hopefully never will. Minor injuries happen all the time. For these cases, the medicine cabinet have the usual set of tools – bandages, plasters, iodine, mummy, ointment “Rescue” and more.
Going on a trip like this need to know their chronic diseases, as well as carry the necessary personal.
For example, I do not happen very strong renal colic. Serious attacks happen and expeditions. Knowing this, I have with him strong painkillers, which had to be injected intramuscularly yourself. Was no other way out.
In my medicine cabinet, a principle, a standard set of medicines for all occasions. All that is needed for injuries already mentioned. Also, various antipyretic, disinfecting, gastrointestinal agents, analgesics as tablets or in capsules stronger.
19. Products: storage, deficit, preparing.
My diet is very simple and rather limited. It is defined by the terms of travel. The weight is very critical. Therefore, products should not contain water, because this component does not carry the energy value. Moreover, products containing water are usually poorly stored.
On this basis, the basis of my diet are cereals. Above all, buckwheat and rice. As an extra large and diversity – wheat, corn, barley, oatmeal and others. Also, there are usually pasta and mashed potatoes.
As a source of fat to take with me fat. Fuel cost. About 2 kilograms per month.
I try to take tea in sufficient amounts to not much to save. In those circumstances it is, after all, and some dope. Also take a little coffee and cocoa. Tea is usually chocolate or in the condition goes well Snickers. Usually a day for 60 grams.
Generally diet and amount of the products is dependent upon the route, and how the movement takes place by way of this route. If this alloy, it can afford a somewhat larger. If it is a pedestrian route, everything very ascetic. You can make payment of approximately – 500 grams per day. This, in principle, it is sufficient not to full life but for survival.
Store the products you need in durable plastic bags. Advisable to divide them is not very large parts. Ideally would like portions, but then it’s too much packaging and from overweight. Needless to say, it all piled up in the very tight modules, as described previously.
There are some features in the storage of fat in the long expedition. It must first be wrapped in a clean cloth of non-synthetic fabric. Desirable cotton. And then in a plastic bag. Salo necessarily flow and the liquid should be absorbed into the cloth, otherwise the fat will begin to deteriorate in a sealed package. Thus, the fat is stored completely within 2-3 months, even at high temperatures.
In swimming, you can afford a certain amount of corned beef. Or if the trip is constructed so that there is some base where zabroska transport produced from which further work is underway.
20. Water: search, treatment, storage, deficit.
Virtually all of my travels are in regions where there is no problem with water. Quite the contrary, it is too much. Moreover, there is usually clean water and does not require any purification.
Although there was a case in Kamchatka, on the slopes of hills Kluchevskoy. There all streams flow to loose ash deposits. Therefore, the water black as oil, from the concentrated slurry of ash in it. Had to collect water in plastic bottles and defend it. As a result, it was still quite muddy water. Nothing left to do, how to use such water, boiling water beforehand.
21. Clothing and footwear.
Over many years of traveling I have formed a certain set of clothes. I think there may be different variations, but I can share your list.
As a basic workwear use encephalitis usual costume that brings more of the time of geological activity. Taiga is a very good option, even if it is not entsefalitoopasny area. Natural fabric breathes well and at the same time well protected skin from damage.
Included are also a couple vests and a pair of T-shirts. Underwear and thermal underwear. Some of the conventional two pairs of socks and warm.
From warm things easy Polartec jacket and jacket with polyester fiber insulation and a hood for colder weather. Light but warm hat.
To protect from the rain set – jacket plus pants waterproof membrane fabric. But I know from experience that any membrane holds up to a certain point. Therefore, complete the package very compact and lightweight raincoat or cape of very waterproof fabric.
Kit consists of three footwear items. Waders are required in taiga and tundra conditions. Otherwise your feet will always be wet. I usually try to use lighter options. Trekking shoes are needed as replacement shoes. Usually do the same food or fly in an airplane, right from the home to the region, which will host the expedition. If the terrain allows it, go to trekking boots. Better to have good shoes from the membrane. Furthermore, also included are the lightest flops. They are needed at sites that do not require to go far, but only next to the tent. Especially if you have to live somewhere in the house. This allows the feet to rest.
22. Tent, canopy, sleeping bag, mat.
Tent in your home long expedition, and to the choice here should be approached very carefully. On the one hand it should be very light tent . But, on the other hand, have to live in it for very long. And therefore needs some level of comfort. That is, in this case some very easy options, such as assault tent for climbing, are not suitable. In any case, it should be framed and double-layer tent with modern fabrics. My tent weighs about two pounds, has a mandatory vestibule, and the latest version even two, and can, if necessary, to accommodate two people. If these conditions have to live long, residential volume should still be slightly larger than in the shorter travel sports.
I have already talked about using KOSTROVA awning. It really is a necessary attribute in a similar journey. Wait out a protracted bad weather alone, lying in a tent psychologically very hard. Much better to do it at a fire in the tent. I usually use either usual web of light waterproof fabric measuring approximately 3×4 meters or gable awning. But the stretch between two trees is not for the middle and on one side is about the height of my height, plus the outstretched arm. The other end to stretch the pegs driven into the ground. In the corners of the edges, in the middle of the tent pole rests. Thus, a certain amount of working or living in a tent.
Need a good sleeping bag. It is not worth saving too. Should be comfortable to minus ten degrees. But there is a contradiction, the limit on weight and volume. Therefore it is necessary to find a compromise. That is to sleep in a lighter bag and extra dressing. Accordingly, the weight of my sleeping bag is usually about a kilogram.
Mat using the most common, of Russian origin. This is the best option. In transitions tidy bag inside one of its modules. Usually one where transferred sleeping and clothes. I turn it roll and placed inside the module tightly around the edges, in the space formed inside the pack.
23. Photographic, film footage.
At the moment I have formed some set of photographic equipment. I can not say that it I was completely satisfied, but it is to a greater extent determined enough favorable financial conditions.
Available Canon 5ED and three zoom lens from Leica, covering a range of focal lengths from 21 mm to 200 mm, which are attached via an adapter. Lenses and neavtofokusnye this for my conditions has one positive thing. Does not require a lot of energy, which the deficit. In addition, the lenses from Leica and light enough to give good quality . But where you want autofocus, such as when shooting people, there are disadvantages. In the long expedition has to take sufficient stock of flash drives to be able to shoot a lot of material. Shoot in RAW, to have the highest quality . One frame is obtained weighing 12 mb. Usually I have enough 100 GB for the season.
As for energy, I was quite ready to give up the batteries. Typically, they are still nowhere to be charged. A good option for me were lithium batteries. They work long enough. In my practice, managed to shoot one set of 6 AA batteries up to 30 GB, or 2300 frames. But here we must not forget that we are on neavtofokusnoy technology. Although AF can be switched off if it is. And certainly need to pull out the camera battery pack, if there is no shooting. This significantly extends the validity of the batteries. In principle, a good option solar panels. Yet in my case, preferably lithium batteries. This, in any case, the gain in weight and significantly simplifies the work.
Also, still have not abandoned medium format film technology and not going to give in the future. Available rangefinder Mamiya 7II, 6×7 format. And three of the lens, in terms of the usual frame size – 20 mm, 40 mm and 100 mm. Despite the fact that this medium format equipment, weight sets is relatively low, because the camera does not mirror. It’s uncomfortable when shooting, but this disadvantage is offset by low weight. In an expedition lasting 2-3 months usually take 50-60 wide films. It turns out 10 frames per 6×7 format film. This number is also some films volume and weight. Films typically bear in the same unit where the clothes. Can impose a package with films soft things, so protect against strains.
Important part in professional photography – a tripod. There are not very saving on weight. My tripod weighs three kilograms. Hard, but it has good stability. This is important if you aspire to a good quality. Also the tripod needs to be high quality and comfortable head to withstand a decent weight and enabling easy and convenient to expose and fix the various camera positions.
Source: PhotoGeographic
Translation: Google
