Minimalist, no-trace alternatives?
Going over my pack to optimize it, trying to fit in some creature comforts for long treks without the added weight or losing touch with nature, and I'm trying some new things. Modifications of existing equipment, creation of new ones using simple items, etc
1) Trail Coffee
Commonly called Cowboy Coffee, but I don't want to give credit to cowboys for this, all you do is add grounds to boiling water. Let the water sit and the grounds will sink and it cools. Pour/drink.
2) Alternative to toilet paper
Without that whole shenanigan thread from last year, I'm trying to find a sanitary alternative to packing in/out toilet paper, moist towelettes, etc. This one may be tricky.
3) Washing clothes on the trail
Since you don't wash your big sleeping bag or puffy jacket, all you're concerned about is the undergarments that get stinky/unsanitary. 2+ gallon ziplog bag (reusable... make it heavy-duty), add water, camp soap, and your dirties. Shake/agitate and let sit. Rinse.
4) Hobo backpacking stove for winter or wet grounds
Found a simple can just smaller than my Snow Peak Trek 900. Orient the open side topwards. Cut an inverted triangle from the top ring to 3/4 the way down. Be sure to keep that top ring whole! It provides stability and support. Now cut a couple nickle-sized holes an inch or so from the bottom around the can, leaving an inch or so between each. Voila! Start building your tinder fire and then add your pot. because the can is whole for an inch or so from the bottom, you can place it in the snow or on wet ground without fear of extinguishing the coals. Heck, until you put a pot on you could float it in the bathtub! When done, scatter the ashed and store by nesting it inside your pot
I'll be coming up with some more alternatives to giving up comforts on the trail. Stay tuned
Not a "Cowboy" I guess...
Don't drink coffee; don't like it! I drink lots & lots of Iced sweet tea. Drink it right out of a hard-plastic Nalgene bottle too! Here's the recipe. For each Nalgene bottle you use 2 cups of water & 1 Lipton family size tea bag. If I'm making enough tea for more than 1 bottle I'll add an extra tea bag. I put the bags right in the cold water, then heat it to boiling, bags & all. This makes it really strong! (WARNING: Caffeine Alert!) While the tea is heating I fill each Nalgene bottle to the rim with ice. When I'm done boiling the tea I strain out the bags, squeezing out every drop! Then I stir in 2 to 3 cups of sugar until it's totally dissolved. Finally I measure at least 2 cups of tea into each bottle. The hot tea melts some of the ice & usually fills the bottle. Remember, Tea quenches thirst, coffee aggravates it!:eek:
