VE6AB Portable Ops
Scout Silicone Tarp Tales
I'm taking a break from making contacts on 40 meters, while relaxing under my MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) Scout silicone tarp that can be rigged in various ways other than how I have it set up here with 2 of my hiking poles beneath the ridge line, and lengths of 550 Para cord terminated with lightweight alloy tent-pegs tensioning the corners..
This tarp made with rip-stop nylon is silicone treated and therefore is fully waterproof if you were operating on a day with showers in the forecast.
I actually have slept under it when there are no mosquitos in the forecast by rolling out my sleeping bag beneath it with a ground sheet. to protect the sleeping bag.
When using my scout tarp as a lightweight shelter for sleeping, I lower the sides giving more protection from the weather, and allowing the tarp to handle any wind that should come up.
The scout tarp is a snap to set up by yourself, as all you do is lay it out on the ground, then stretch out each paracord line pushing each corner peg in place, and then place a hiking pole at either end of the ridge line tensioning the tarp, its that easy.
Its also big enough to protect your gear as well, by pulling everything in under the tarp.
When your done with it, you roll it up and stuff it in its storage bag, then place it in the corner of your pack as it takes little space and weighs the same.
Also with me on this day is my complete emergency survival kit, that resides in the black leather pack supporting my solar panel.
You never know when you might need it, and that included on this day when I managed to nick a finger that had me reaching for my first aide kit to get a bandage needed to stop the flow of blood.
Of course I was more that comfortable with enough food to last me a week if something went array on this day.
I also had my sleeping bag and sleeping mat, extra clothes, lights, batteries, axe, knives, saw, etc.... along just in case I felt like staying over, or.....well you never know.
When you leave home on any given day, plan for the unexpected, as you never know what the day may bring.
Click on the photo for a closer look......
My survival kit.....
http://www.jerryclement.ca/HamRadio/VE6AB-Technical/i-zFn4G93
Field Day Proofed In The Backcountry......
http://ve6ab.blogspot.ca/2016/05/field-day-proofed-in-backcountry.html
