What's in your "Fix" kit?

[dug]

I'm sorry, but all this talk of tensile strength of the ropes has me thinking:

What is the estimated airspeed of an unladen swallow?

 

[adkpooh]

completely OT...

I'm sorry, but all this talk of tensile strength of the ropes has me thinking:

What is the estimated airspeed of an unladen swallow?

What do you mean, African or European??

Sorry....I just couldn't help myself.

 

[jrichard]

as always, it depends

These things depend, winter or summer, etc... I used to cart around a rather large repair kit, complete with needle-nose pliers. But then I found that when I actually had to use the kit, I was learning about it at the same time. Apparently there's no substitute for experience.

So, before a few long-ish hikes, I sat down and tried to build some protocols for what I'd do if something broke, and what I'd need to fix it. I actually got some old broken gear and tried to jury-rig it, in the comfort of my home. Then I tried to use the results. I learned that bailing wire breaks easier than I figured. And I found that "parachute cord" frays and breaks when used as a replacement for the under-the-boot strap on gaiters.

Eventually, I started looking for stuff that doesn't break easily, and is easily repaired when it does break. That's why I opt for a tarp in the summer (no poles to break).

Your idea for zip ties for snowshoes look like a great idea. I have the most problems with snowshoes and crampons. And zip ties seem like they'd get a snowshoe working again quickly (electrical wire and pliers are a pain to use in temps below 30F). It's probably be a good idea to try it before you go though.

I bring extra screws for my crampons too.

Hi!
I was thinking of bringing:
good old duct tape
tie-wraps
fishing line
needle

Thanks!

Fish

 

[erugs]

Got to use my crampon repair kit this Saturday. We were on the go again within a few minutes, which was good given the cold temperatures and it was nice not to have to hold up others in the group while we tried to figure something out.

 

[hikingfish]

I didn't end up needing anything from my repair kit for myself, however I did help out 2 parties with all the little extra pieces of stuff I had brought along.

Of interest, I gave some tie-wraps to this guy so he could get his climbing skins to stick under his ski.

Thanks for all the input!

Fish