Gear for trail runs ...

[Doc McCoy]

I know that we have the following list up on the main page;


What to Bring:

* Warm winter clothes (Jacket, Snowpants etc.)
* Winter boots/gum boots
* Gloves
* Extra food
* 4 Litres of water
* Sleeping Bag/Thermarest (Just incase)
* Toilet Paper
* Extra fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid)
* Hi-Lift Jack (if you have one)
* Tree Saver (Mandatory if you have a winch)
* Camera/camcorder
* Toyota!


but ... I was wondering what other useful items we could bring. For instance, what radios did you kids have last time (considering there is no cell service out there)?

[freeze]

Good call!

- handheld radios (motorola 2 way radios) Channel 11
- I also have a HAM radio... handheld.
- CB Radio is also good to have
- Matches/lighter

Any more ideas?

I'll update the website with the additions

[Phantom118]

My rig is loaded with electronic goodies... so If I get down there I'll make sure to bring it along, it can come in handy..

- Laptop
- Wireless internet (for google maps/earth)
- GPS <-------- especially...
- Sat Phone... you never know..

[Doc McCoy]

If you are running wireless internet off an air card ... you might need a cell phone booster. Cell phone service in the Ghost/Waiparous area is spotty at best.

Telus Coverage in Alberta (http://www.telusmobility.com/ab/coverage/index.shtml)
http://www.telusmobility.com/images/coverage/pcs_ab_lg.gif

Rogers Coverage in Alberta (http://your.rogers.com/Store/Wireless/coverage/info.asp?cm_re=home-_-badge-_-reliable#Page_2)
http://images.comparecellular.com/coveragemaps/15/large.jpg

Bell Coverage in Alberta
http://images.comparecellular.com/coveragemaps/138/large.jpg

As you can see in most of these pics ... to the NW of Calgary (or specifically, NW of where Waiparous village is), there is 0 Coverage. If you\'re lucky you get a signal now and again but it\'s spotty.

As well, with work we\'ve had Sat phones with questionable reception out along the trunk road ... but if you got one, it is better hacing it, than leaving it at home.

I just picked up some Motorola FRS/GMRS two way radios. At least that way we can communicate amongst each other.

[Phantom118]

Way ahead of you..

[freeze]

Nuclear radiator subsonic booster for the laptop.... it's science really...

[Doc McCoy]

Lol .. I was adding pics to my previous post. Good on ya ... cell phone boosters rule.

Anyone else who doesn't have a cell phone booster should keep in mind that it is (for the most part) out of range.

[uriedog]

cell booster is OK

I am pretty big on my VHF radios. not as many people have them but I think its the only way to go. I normally cary one 7 watt hand held and have a 60 watt mobile mounted in my TOY. Getting Calgary never seems to be a problem from Waiparous or McClean Creek

[BeachBoy]

I have 4 2-way small walkie talkies. they say 40km but anyway, it's good between the trucks

[mookie]

Do we have some Ham folks?

I have a vhf/uhf, an HF/all band , and a hand held uhf/vhf for cross band repeating back to the truck.

The vhf (2m)came in handy on a camping/4x4 outing a few months ago. A truck went off the road in a snow storm. No cell service, but we could hit the Claresholm repeater and were able to get a tow truck and assistance via a ham operator relaying info.

[freeze]

I have a handheld but I don't have my amateur license though.

[uriedog]

The crapy cell service is the only reason I have 2M radios. they work anywhere and the range is awesom especially if you are on a repeater

[Stuwy123]

Staying on topic:

- WD-40
- Spark plugs

For those times when you find that puddle that was a wee bit too deep.

[Doc McCoy]

Good call ... good to have.

Seems like all the guys from TTORA are runnin around with an extra CV or two. What do you guys think?

[Chucky's Taco]

I never leave home for off-roadding without throwing a shovel in the back, especially in the winter. Also usually take my jet boil stove and some tea or coffee, and some food.