UVM Outing Club Critical Injury Procedure 1. Remain Calm. Trip leader or person with highest level of medical training should take charge of assessment and direct others in giving help. 2. Do Scene Survey. Make sure environment is safe to approach injured person(s). 3. Do Primary Survey ABCDE’s! AIRWAY, BREATHING, CIRCULATION. DISABILITY, EXPOSURE. Check for severe bleeding, expose suspect areas fully! 4. Check C-Spine. If in doubt about c-spine stability, palpate and stabilize manually holding head, neck and spine in anatomically correct position. 5. Do Secondary Survey. Be calm and reassuring to person receiving treatment. Initiate complete head to toe examination. Check and re-check vital signs: AVPU and level of consciousness, pulse, respirations, condition of skin (dry, hot, cold clammy etc.) 6. Record SOAP Note. Subjective: What happened? To, who, where and when? What are the major areas of concern? Objective: What did you find during your examination? Include vital signs and relevant medical history. Assessment: Indicate list of possible problems and priority in which they need attention. Plan: What are you going to do to get injured party(ies) to the next level of necessary care? 7. Carry Out Action Plan. Make sure the safety and well being of other group members is considered at each step. Don’t create a situation where you are placing others in further risk! If evacuation is necessary and can not be affected safely by your group, send out a message party with co-leader with highest level of medical training and at least two other strong group members. If you have a cell phone: leave it on until evacuation is complete! Message party should be equipped with following items: Headlamps, food, water, stove, warm/dry clothing, marked maps, emergency phone list, money, marking tape, bivy gear and most importantly, the confidence and ability to use them! Remember: The route of departure should be marked and noted so rescue team can easily be led to injured party. 8. Fill out Accident/Incident Report Form. Highlight in detail, everything that happened to the best of your ability. Give to Coordinator upon return to UVM.
“SHOULD I CALL FOR AN EVACUATION OR RESCUE?” When to initiate an Evacuation: 1. When an injury or illness has occurred that is within your standard of care and will make it impossible for group to continue with the proposed itinerary. 2. When injured party is able to reasonably hike to trailhead (support may be necessary) without risking further injury or injuries to assisting party. 3. If a critical injury or illness occurs and according to your best judgment the injured party can’t wait for a rescue. Rescue is beyond the group resources. When to initiate Rescue: 1. When an injury or illness occurs that is beyond your standard of care. 2. When injury is critical and injured party is unable to safely move under their own power or with reasonable assistance. 3. When continuing an evacuation becomes impossible due to unfolding circumstance (weather, increased injury, unexpected occurrences, unsafe conditions). If you determine that injury scene is unsafe and a group evacuation will result in injury to others (i.e. entrapment, rock fall, flooding, etc.) When Calling For Help: Give your name, location, phone number you are calling from, type of emergency or injury you’ve assessed, the number of injured parties, type of assistance needed, exact location of group and exact description of quickest route to find them. Remain by the phone until you’ve activated plan and all logistics are worked out. Make yourself available to all parties involved.
Outing Club EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Before Calling: 1. Relax, breathe and gather your thoughts. 2. Do what you are able to do: use sound judgment and have plan before calling. 3. Know your location and be able to offer accurate descriptions of terrain, structures, and landmarks (distance from roads, from trail head, from marked features on map). 4. Assess the situation: Is the scene safe? How many persons are injured or involved? Is a rescue or evacuation needed? What resources are available? If there is an injury or illness be able to provide accurate medical information and patient history! - Have medical forms in hand. - Have SOAP note ready.
1 st Contact: 911 or nearest emergency dispatch
2 nd Contact: John Abbott 3 rd Contact (if John can’t be reached): UVM Outdoor Programs Pat Brown Cell # 1.802.324.3694 Director of Student Life Home:1.802.899.5212 Home: 1.802.878.0113
4 th Contact (if neither John nor Pat can be reached): UVM Police Services
2 802-656-7729 Green Mountains: Vermont State Police 802-244-8727 Stowe Mt. Rescue 802-253-3000
Adirondacks : NY State Police 518-897-2000 Forest Ranger Dispatch 518-891-0235 Lake Champlain: Coast Guard 802-864-6791 VT State Police 802-244-8727 NY State Police 518-457-9474
LOCAL VT STATE POLICE #’S Bethel 234-9933 Bradford 222-4680 Brattleboro 254-2382 Derby 766-2211 Middlebury 388-4919 Rockingham 875-2112 Rutland 773-9101 St. Albans 524-5993 St. Johnsbury 748-3111 Shaftsbury 442-5421
3 Table of Contents Emergency Procedures 1 Introduction 4 FAQ’s for OC Leaders 6 Leader Expectations 10 Leadership Skills Bibliography 11 Leader Hard Skill Inventory & Teaching Topics 11 Policy & Procedure 12 Principle Causes of Accidents 22 Trip Itinerary Planner 18 Expectations of Wilderness TREK Leaders ? 23 Exploring Leadership Styles 23 Co-Leader Team Questionnaire & Agreement 26 Situational Leadership Scenarios 27 Group Development 28 LNT® Principles and Practice 29 GMC Groups Feedback Sheet 32 Backcountry Hygiene for Women 33 Pre-Trip & Packing Meeting with Trippees 34 Group Roles 35 Vermont Cow Facts (unnecessary) 35 Personal Gear Lists 36 Group Gear List 40 Repair Kit Inventory 41 Instructional Guide for Speedy Stitcher 41 Kitchen Kit Inventory 42 Medical Kit Inventory 42 MSR Whisperlite International Use & Repair 43 Natural History of Vermont or “Where the Fugawi?” 47 Group Food & Packing Lists 48 Daily Menu 49 Group Contest! 52 Group Games and Activities 52 TREK Lib 55 Checklist for Gear De-issue 56
4 OC Quotable Quotes 56 UVM Mission Statement “Our Common Ground” 59 Notes, Quotes, Stories, Etc. 60
General Expectations of Outing Club Leaders As a UVMOC trip leader, you have several important responsibilities: to yourself, to your Tripees, to UVM and, of equal importance, the natural areas your group is using and the people you encounter along the way. Remember: Safety first at all times! Set a good example during activity-related skills and social interaction with your Trekkies. Remain aware of your (and your co-leader's) needs & energy level. Communicate expectations & travel plans to the group clearly. Accept responsibility for your actions and for the safety of the group. Be a positive role model. Treat all thru hikers, caretakers & rangers with respect. Always be a team player. Assign daily roles and responsibilities. Work hard to establish a healthy sense of community. ALWAYS practice low-impact LNT® outdoor ethics and skills in the backcountry. Don't forget what it was like to be a first time student on an OC trip for the first time. Extend appropriate support and sensitivity as a leader… Finally, make all OC trips an educational experience for all of your Tripees!
Outing Club Leader Hard Skills All OC leaders should minimally display proficiency (or developing proficiency) in the following skill content areas: Tarp & Shelter Construction Leave No Trace practices Bear Bag Hanging Topographic Map Reading Water Purification Human Waste Disposal (Cat Holes) Group Management Sanitation Concerns Packing and Fitting a Backpack Cooking & Food Management Hydration Hygiene Blister Management Wilderness Medicine (WFA or WFR)
5 UVM Outing Club Policies & Procedure Safety is, at all times, the highest priority of the UVM OC! OC leaders are responsible for ensuring the physical and emotional safety of trip participants by following the policies and procedures outlined. Safe practices require constant vigilance and awareness of potentially dangerous situations. While it is impossible to develop a complete set of “rules” to deal with all situations that may arise, guidelines to keep in mind as you make decisions are often helpful. When in doubt, the conservative option is usually best…better safe than sorry! The following policies and procedures have been adopted to make the job of keeping leaders and trip participants safe as possible. Policies define a code of conduct that must be adhered to strictly (unless reasoned judgment dictates otherwise). Please take the time to think about them. They generally rely on common sense and may help prevent near misses and accidents on trips. Procedures suggest guidelines for what to do in certain situations to minimize your risk and maximize your fun. 1. First Aid Policy: Hiking, sea kayaking, climbing and canoeing OC leaders must have current minimum certification as Wilderness First Responder (WFR) with adult CPR. Assistant OC leaders must have current minimum certification of Wilderness First Aid (WFA) with adult CPR. Leaders should always carry a first-aid kit when leading trips.
2. Cell Phones Policy: Cell phones are to be carried in the First Aid kit and turned off. Cell phones should be carried with battery detached. Cell phones should only be used for calling to place an emergency or evacuation call. If making an emergency call for support, leave cell phone on until plan is made and executed. Cell phone calls are to be used for emergencies only!
6 Procedure: As a program, the Outing Club does not use a cell phone as part of its emergency plan. As an OC leader, your training is based upon not having access to a cell phone! Given the lack of consistent cell phone coverage in the woods, and potential battery problems, cell phones should not be considered an integral part of emergency plans. 3. Evacuations Policy: No one person is allowed to hike or be alone at any time (on the way out or in). Therefore, you must plan accordingly and take a minimum of 4 people out with you. This will leave you with 3 people to hike back in as a group. If the unfortunate situation arises that one of the 3 then is injured you will have enough resources to provide for that person's needs. Often times the best decision is to have the entire group participate in the evacuation. This can be a great bonding experience for the group. If you are evacuating one of your co-leads the entire group must go out. We will then work with the situation as a collective to provide the best leadership possible for the remainder of the trip.
4. Motor Vehicle Operations Policy: Drivers of UVM SGA or Motor Pool vans must provide written proof of having passed the UVM “Coaching the Van Driver” class through the Dept. of Risk Management. Drivers of Thrifty or other rental company vans must be 21 years of age. Seat belts must be worn by all passengers at all times. Drivers must follow all state and federal road laws. Alcohol is never to be transported in UVM or rental vehicles. Procedure: Drivers should keep both hands on the wheel– do not eat, drink or talk on cell phones while driving. Do not pick up hitchhikers. Have someone get out of the van and help direct the driver when backing up or driving in a tight spot. Do not drive or move a van when there is anyone within 10 ft of it. If you are tired and there is any chance of you falling asleep, DO NOT DRIVE.
5. Road Crossings Procedure: Do not linger by roads with trip groups. Serious accidents have occurred on trips from cars hitting participants. Be sure gear being carried is organized and secure before crossing begins. Cross quickly and make adjustments when safely on the other side of the road. Where possible, cross in designated “crosswalks”. In remote areas, leaders should scout the safest place to cross. You should have at least 200 feet of visibility in either direction of the crossing area. If unable to see this far, post a spotter (preferably a leader) to let the group know when it is safe to cross and have them
7 give a clear verbal command. This procedure is particularly important when crossing near sections of curved road. Cross as a group and get across quickly! Establish a “safe zone” for your group at both sides of crossings or when waiting to be transported at roadsides. Anticipate your position relative to the trajectory a speeding vehicle might take if unable to negotiate the section of road closest to your group.
6. Stream Crossing Policy: Unbuckle sternum straps and hip belts. Remember to wear shoes. Procedure: Scout for the best/safest place to cross. Remember: there is always another time or place to cross a stream. Be aware of both upstream and downstream hazards, such as logs, waterfalls, rapids, etc. Consider all options before a crossing: handing packs across, spotting, using a hand line or using the “rotating pod” technique (best for swift water).
7. Environmental Safety Policy: Leaders should be aware of environmental threats –everything from weather and local wildlife (rabid squirrels & west nile mosquitoes!), to potential terrain and campsite hazards – and be able to promote sound principles of safety and accident prevention.
8. Lightning Policy: The leader who is acting as the lifeguard stays on shore to observe the swimmers At the first sign of lightning get off of exposed summits/ ridgelines and avoid open fields or any terrain where your group is the highest object. If you're on the water get to shore immediately! Organize your group into a lightning drill with each member adequately spaced but within visual distance of 2 other people. Avoid ditches and caves in the case of ground currents. The ideal place to be is a group of evenly spaced trees. Have each person sit on his/her ensolite pad with feet together and dressed in rain gear. Stay in this drill position until the storm has passed at least 3 miles. (Remember: 5 seconds = 1 mile. So if you count 15 seconds between the lightning and thunder the storm is 3 miles away) Storms are more dangerous as they approach. If you're in tents stay in them until the storm passes. Have everyone stay on their sleeping pad as much as possible and away from the sides of the tents. Once the storm has passed inspect each tent, and it's inhabitants, for any damage.
8 9. Supervision Policy: General Supervision guidelines: Participants are briefed on the activity before commencing. Participants are given all appropriate information about the area in which they will be traveling. A system of check-ins is developed and implemented. Participants always know where leader teams are located. The group always travels together under the supervision of OC leaders or designate. If a group needs to separate, an OC leader accompanies each group. With the exception of certain situations (bathroom breaks, sleeping) leaders should always have particpants within eyesight or earshot. 10. Alcohol and Illegal drugs Policy: The Outing Club does have explicit expectations of leaders and the way that they will conduct themselves in regard to campus drinking and parties. OC leaders are not permitted to initiate or introduce any drug/alcohol activity with any of their participants. Drug activity is defined as the use of illegal drugs, prescription drugs taken without a prescription, or a misuse of any prescription or non-prescription drug. Cigarette Smoking & Chewing Tobacco: Use of tobacco products on Outing Club trips is prohibited. 11. Hiking Policy: An up-to-date route plan should be carried and accessible at all times, in case of emergency. Trip groups should always travel together (“solo” hikes are allowable in daylight if they can be well managed). Only in the case of evacuation should a group split up. In such cases, hiking groups should have a minimum of three people on the evacuation team. Leader with highest level of medical training should accompany the evacuation team. The rest of the group should not continue hiking unless there is a safety concern.
Procedure: Night hiking is permitted only in areas where terrain hazards are not present. Solo hikes are permitted only in daylight hours and with a leader in the front and rear of the group. 12. Canoeing Policy: No solo paddling. No night paddling. PFD’s and shoes must be worn and securely fastened at all times. Leaders should administer swim test before expedition begins. All boats and paddlers should be off the water when lightning threatens. All portages and road crossings must be supervised by a leader.
9 Each group should have an extra paddle. All canoers should practice a T-rescue early in the trip. Procedure: Do not place all group equipment in a single canoe. Packs should be secured tightly in the bottom of canoes (clipped or tied to thwarts). Stay as close to the shore as is reasonable. Do not canoe in heavy wind and/or white caps. All canoes should be removed from the water at days’ end.
13. Shoes Policy: Shoes or sport sandals must be worn at all times, including: swimming, canoeing, crossing streams and while in camp. 14. Swimming Wading: walking in water that is less than or equal to mid-thigh deep. Dipping: sitting, dunking and splashing in water that is less than or equal to mid-thigh deep. Swimming: entering water that is deeper than your mid thigh. Policy: All wading, dipping and swimming is to be supervised by a leader. No night swimming, dipping or wading. No solo swimming, wading or dipping. No diving. Wear shoes when wading, dipping or swimming. Do not swim in water deeper than chest high. All participants who are going to swim must first have their swimming tested and approved by a leader. Leaders need to designate a swim area with boundaries AND leaders need to first check this area for dangers such as rocks, sudden drop offs, logs, broken glass etc. Someone with American Red Cross Lifeguard certification or comparable training must act as a lifeguard for any swimming activity. Procedure: The leader who is acting as the lifeguard stays on shore to observe the swimmers A buddy system is developed for participants who are in the water Any participant who does not follow the swim policy may be removed from swimming activities. Participants ,must keep their shoes on during the activity A rescue tube can be devised using an ensolite pad wrapped in webbing
15. Shelters/Huts Procedure:
10 Do not use available huts and shelters unless it is an emergency or you are certain no other hikers will be onsite. Our wilderness permits may not include the use of shelters, except in the case of emergencies. If you judge it necessary to sleep in a shelter, set up both tarps nearby in a designated spot. Wait until late in the day to occupy the shelter, and be ready to yield your place in shelters if other hikers arrive. Both tarps (plastic & nylon) should be set up every night to ensure Trekkies stay dry. Be courteous and respectful of other people using the trail and its facilities. Outing Club groups are large and can be loud. Always practice minimum noise impact and keep group gear together and orderly. Remember: the behavior of individual groups reflect on all Outing Club programs and the University of Vermont! Do not camp in illegal campsites or create sites in primitive areas unless environmental hazards or emergency demand it. 16. Interaction with Strangers Procedure: Be friendly, but wary of disclosing you are part of a university wilderness program. Weirdoes (yes, English majors this is the correct spelling…) exist! Do not offer strangers information about your itinerary or give names of any group members. 17. Environmental Awareness Policy: Always minimize your groups’ environmental impact and practice sound Leave No Trace® (LNT) ethics. This includes minimizing visual and auditory impact that may affect the experience of those around you. Shelters: When staying at a shelter site consolidate all of your belongings and activity to an impacted area that is not the shelter. Leave the shelter for others (that's why you have a tarp) and set up camp on the impacted site that is in the area. If it is time for bed and no one else is in the shelter then feel free to use it. Your judgment and consideration for others is important here. Fire Rings: At many sites, especially in the Adirondacks, you may find more than one fire ring. The Outing Club discourages the use of fires by our groups since it is a potential hazard, uses and important future top soil and is, high-impact activity. However, your group is encouraged to provide a community service of dismantling fire rings where appropriate (if there is more than one or you're in an area where fires are not permitted). See the information in the LNT section concerning fire ring dispersal. Trash: Pack out all your trash! This should go without saying. In addition, please pick up any trash that you find along the way and keep it in a separate zip lock. When you get back to campus there will be a prize for the most non-TREK trash collected. 18. Fires Policy: FIRES are permitted, but never encouraged, if:
11 There is an established fire ring or the ability to make a low-impact fire. Water is nearby and plentiful enough to extinguish a fire. Area is clear of flammable material, including fuel, stoves, synthetic clothes, etc. Leaders supervise the fire from the lighting until it is extinguished. Leaders should know definitively whether fires are allowed in the sites they are camping in. Fuel is never to be used to start a fire. Procedure: Leaders should adhere to local operating procedures in areas they are camping. Refer to ADK Hiking Guide, the Long Trail Guide or other field resources to find information on your travel area. Only start a fire when a fire ring is available or use a LNT fire. Use dead, downed or drift wood. Never cut or use fresh branches. Do not use fuel or loose debris on fires
19. Bear Bagging Procedure: Bear bag all food and toiletries every night to keep food safe from rodents, avoid contact with bears and to minimize bears’ attachment to humans. Make as effective a bear bag as possible, while paying attention to environmental hazards. Don’t endanger the group trying to make the elusive “perfect bear bag.” At the very least get all food, stoves, cookware and utensils away from camp (at least 100 feet from the sleeping area) and off the ground to reduce pillage by critters. 20. Stoves/Fuel Policy: While on campus, at the OC cabin and in the OC house, stoves are to be used in designated areas only. Procedure: Stove use should always be supervised by a leader. Fueling of stoves should take place at least 30 feet from the cooking area and any bodies of water. Fuel bottles should be at least 30 feet away from cooking area while stoves are in use. Always stay on your feet when lighting a stove. Roll up your sleeves when lighting a stove. Stoves should be carried upright, fuel bottles depressurized in packs and stored in separate compartments from food– ideally in separate packs from food to prevent fuel contamination. No cooking on picnic tables. Do not use stove fuel to start campfires.
UVM Mission: Our Common Ground "Education is not preparation for life. Education is life itself" -- John Dewey, educator, philosopher, UVM Class of 1879
12 The University of Vermont is an educationally purposeful community seeking to prepare students to live in a diverse and changing world. We who work, live, study, teach, do research, conduct business, or participate in the University of Vermont are members of this community. As members, we believe in the transforming power of education and agree to help create and foster an environment where we can discover and reach our true potential. We aspire to be a community that values: RESPECT. We respect each other. We listen to each other, encourage each other and care about each other. We are strengthened by our diverse perspectives.
INTEGRITY. We value fairness, straightforward conduct, adherence to the facts, and sincerity. We acknowledge when things have not turned out the way we had hoped. As stewards of the University of Vermont, we are honest and ethical in all responsibilities entrusted to us.
INNOVATION. We want to be at the forefront of change and believe that the best way to lead is to learn from our successes and mistakes and continue to grow. We are forward-looking and break new ground in addressing important community and societal needs.
OPENNESS. We encourage the open exchange of information and ideas from all quarters of the community. We believe that through collaboration and participation, each of us has an important role in determining the direction and well-being of our community.
JUSTICE. As a just community, we unite against all forms of injustice, including, but not limited to, racism. We reject bigotry, oppression, degradation, and harassment, and we challenge injustice toward any member of our community.
RESPONSIBILITY. We are personally and collectively responsible for our words and deeds. We stand together to uphold our common ground.
13 UVM Outing Club Leader’s Manual *The asterisked steps listed below need to be taken for any trip to go out. If any steps are negated, the trip will be canceled as safety of participants cannot be assured. There is a “TRIP BINDER” the Outing Club house managers track containing your trip sign up sheet, including trip information and participant contact list. Participants’ names should only appear on the list if they have paid. If they have not paid, their name should be placed on the waiting list. NO PAY = NO PLAY…. ONLY WAIT LIST
TRIPS: Trips are created by the Leaders Committee at the beginning of each semester. Leaders will be assigned to trips based on information provided via the LEADER APPLICATION.
TO CREATE A NEW TRIP: A trip can be created at any time as long as there is enough time to complete the following steps. To create a trip: 1. Leadership team of three members: A leader, Assistant Leader, and an Apprentice. 2. Date and Location of Potential Trip: DETAILED ITINERARY. 3. Contact Outdoor Programs Director and OC House Managers.
TRIP LOGISTICS SHEET: You should begin organizing your trip by completing the “UVM Outing Club Trip Logistics Planner.” This sheet should be filled out as trip planning progresses, brought to your Pre-Trip meeting, and before your trip goes out, this sheet is copied at your pre-trip with Outdoor Programs Director and filed in the Trip Binder along with your med forms, liability releases and other forms discussed later. This can be found on the OC’s webpage, and also in the back of the manual on page __ in the Appendix.
One Month Prior to Trip: 1. LEADERSHIP TEAM DISCUSSIONS: Your leader team needs to meet as a team, to discuss the logistics of your trip…IDEALLY ONE MONTH BEFORE TRIP. At this meeting you need to: Develop detailed and final Trip Itinerary. Begin filling out OC Trip Logistic Planner Discuss the skills each leader has AND might need to work on. Delegate Logistic jobs (i.e. van reservations, P.O.s) Schedule a Pre-Trip Meeting. ***Communication between leaders, the house managers, Club Council, and John Abbott is critical to taking out a good trip. Remember: All of these people are here to help you put out a FUN and SAFE trip***
2. PUBLICITY: YOU NEED PARTICIPANTS!!!!!!! It is ultimately the responsibility of the leader to publicize and get people on the trip. There are a lot of great ways to publicize a trip (not just email) around campus to let the most people know… without a lot of work on your part. Forms of Publicity: Posters, Sheet Signs, OC Email Listserve, Flyers
14 Publicity should include: 1. A full description of the trip. 2. The Leader’s names and phone numbers. 3. The trip date and time. 4. Pre-Trip date and time. 5. Price You can get RA’s to put signs up for you!!! 1. Make a sign and have it OK’ed 2. Ask Student Life front office to distribute flyer to Residential Life Hall’s RA’s. CALL YOUR PARTICIPANTS AND IF NEEDED, THE WAITLIST!
3. CUT-OFF FOR TRIP SIGN UPS: *NO SIGN UPS AFTER THE WEDNESDAY BEFORE YOUR TRIP!
4. TRANSPORTATION: It is necessary to get a 12-passenger van, or minivans for all trips. Here are some Van sources (it is very important that you attempt to get a van from the following vendors in the following order!!:) 1. The Student Government Association (SGA) 656.2053 Go to the SGA office FOUR weeks ahead of time, and make sure you have a Van Certified Driver fill out SGA Van Rental Request Form (in the back of the manual on page __ in the Appendix.) Keys can be picked up by Friday before trip at SGA office. 2. Transportation and Parking Services / Motor Pool van. # 656. 8787. Reserve EARLY, and you need a Van Certified Driver. Keys can be picked up by appointment on campus at parking & transportation office or 1700 Williston Rd. So. Burlington, VT 05403 #863-5500 Driver must be 21. Need PO for Van Rental, faxed to vendor. Three Weeks Out: 1. REQUEST PURCHASE ORDERS FOR FOOD AND TRANSPORTATION: It is the responsibility of the leadership team to make sure that PO requests have been made by the Thursday, two weeks before the Trip goes out (that’s nine days prior to a Saturday trip). PO’s are typically made out for Thrifty Vans, Hannaford’s, and the Onion River Co-op. There is an example PO on pages __ in the Appendix. To request a PO: 1. Organize ALL TRIP information and VENDOR Information. *What the PO is for (i.e. food, van) **Trip Information: Location, Leaders, Total # of People, Dates. ***Vendor Information: Name and Address, Phone, Estimated Cost. 2. Go to the SGA Financial Office and ask Blanka Caha for a PO Request Form. 3. You can pick up the actual Pos on Thursday or Friday before Trip, at SGA.
15 4. After you have used the PO, bring the PO stub (what the check is attached to) with the receipt from the purchase to the SGA Financial Office. Give it to Blanka.
2. SCHEDULE A MEETING WITH Outdoor Programs Director: This is a mandatory meeting that you must schedule if you want your trip to go out. It’s important to contact John (656-2060) two weeks prior to when you want the meeting to make sure you can be scheduled. Leadership teams should come prepared with: 1. Full detailed trip itinerary (including time mangement plan & evacuation routes) 2. Leadership roles, goals, teaching plans, group development and risk management. 3. The “OC LOGISTICS PLANNER” sheet (which should be filled out) 4. Copies of the medical & liability release forms for all participants and leaders on your trip
3. COME TO CLUB COUNCIL MEETING ON MONDAY: Show up before you leave on your trip and present the trip, and update the club as to your status. Two Weeks Out: 1. PRE-TRIP MEETING: The House Managers should be notified of the date and time of your pre-trip meeting as soon as it is known. It should be written in on the dry- erase calendar in the office. When contacting your participants about the pre-trip meeting, be sure to remind them to bring their insurance information for the med forms. This is the first time that the whole group will meet and is the time for you to get acquainted with them, their skill level and each other. Make sure that your leader team is dialed in with all of the House Operations. In your Pre-Trip meeting you should include: 1. Play Name Games and other super fun ice breakers. 2. Discuss all aspects of your trip: *Includes: Route, level of difficulty, leader and participant goals and expectations, times for departure and return, FOOD, clothing, gear, weather possibilities, and pertinent House Ops. 3. Fill out Med Forms, Liability Forms (see the back of the manual on pages __ in the Appendix).and Personal Gear Requests. *Kept in LEADERS FILE DRAWER. ** If Participants have filled out a Med Form before, you can check the OSPREY (top drawer) of the file cabinet and pull their Med Forms. New Liability forms are needed for each trip. ***ALL PARTICIPANTS NEED A PACKING LIST!!!! (found the back of the manual on pages __ in the Appendix.) 4. Optional- Schedule separate packing meeting.
2. GROUP GEAR REQUEST: You must request Group Gear by Tuesday before your trip goes out. Fill out a GROUP GEAR REQUEST FORM and submit it to the Wooden
16 Mailbox GEAR REQUEST BOX, by TUESDAY before your trip. (See the back of the manual on page __ in the Appendix. 3. PERSONAL GEAR REQUEST: All members of your trip need to be given a Personal Packing List which is filed in the LEADERS file cabinet and also found the back of the manual on pages __ in the Appendix. IF members of your trip of YOU need personal gear, they need to fill out a Personal Gear Request Form (the back of the manual on page __ in the Appendix) and submit it to the Wooden Mailbox GEAR REQUEST BOX, by THURSDAY before your trip. Gear will be pulled for them by the House Managers and the participant can either come pick up the gear or it will be placed with the group gear.
House Manager’s Note: IT IS THE LEADERS’ RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK OFF GEAR UPON THE RETURN OF YOUR TRIP. THE COMPLETED FORMS WILL BE KEPT IN THE TRIP BINDER! MAKE SURE YOU PHYSICALLY CHECK IN ALL PERSONAL AND GROUP GEAR AND LEAVE IT IN SEPARATE PILES UPSTAIRS! YOU ARE PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR MISSING GEAR…
4. CANCELING A TRIP: Underenrolled trips need to be canceled by the Tuesday of the week the trip is to go out. To cancel a trip: 1. CONTACT House Managers and OPS. 2. NOTIFY PARTICIPANTS. 3. Cancel all reservations and Pos that have been requested. (WE WILL GET CHARGED IF WE MAKE LAST MINUTE CANCELLATIONS) Two Weeks Out: 1. GET A CODE TO THE HOUSE: To get into the house for a pre-trip meeting it is important to get a key. You need to go to the OC and pick up a code from the House Managers.
2. COPY MEDICAL FORMS, LIABILITY FORMS & LOGISTICS PLANNER: 1 COPY – for you to take on the Trip. 1 COPY – To go to the TRIP BINDER in the OC House. 1 COPY – Outdoor Program Director (these copies must be left in John’s mailbox by Friday afternoon before your trip. In even that Jon is out of town, they must be left in Pat Brown’s mailbox. 3. PICK UP THE PO’S, HOUSE CODE, AND THE GAS CARD: PO’s need to be picked up at SGA (either in the OC mailbox or from Blanka), the Gas Card and House key can be picked up and signed out from a house manager (leave collateral, such as Student ID) while the house is open, and in time to go shopping for food and to pick up the van.
4. FOOD SHOPPING: CHECK THE KITCHEN IN THE OC HOUSE BEFORE YOU GO FOOD SHOPPING! There is typically plenty of grains (pasta, rice), peanut butter, oil, cold and hot drink mixes, and other staples. If you find something you want,
17 be sure to mark it in some way so that another leader team does not plan on using the same food!!! Anything you can’t find there, buy with your purchase orders. Be sure that your meals are nutritious and yummy…. FOOD IS LOVE!
5. CHECK ALL GROUP GEAR INCLUDING MED KIT BEFORE YOUR TRIP.
6. GO ON YOUR TRIP: Have a great time and enjoy the outdoors! Be sure to be conscious of group dynamics and remember to debrief the experience with the group and give them a chance to give feedback on the trip.
7. TRIP EVALUATIONS: Have everyone fill out an evaluation of the trip either in the van or when they return (found on back of the manual on pages __ in the Appendix). Place trip evals in the “TRIPS GONE BY” Binder. This is where they will be for a week or so, and then they will be filed in JAbbotts office. IF you need to use one as a reference, please ask. CHECK IN GEAR- PERSONAL AND GROUP GEAR! DO ALL YOUR DISHES!!! WE WILL HUNT YOU DOWN! WRITE IN OC LOG THAT YOU ARE BACK! TELL US HOW YOUR TRIP WENT!
8. FILL OUT A TRIP REGISTER FORM: Please fill out this sheet to help add to the Outing Club’s resources of knowledge about trips and file it in the Trip Register Binder in the office.
9. GAS AND RETURN THE VAN: Fill the tank of the van and return it. The receipt should go to the SGA Financial Office. Remember: Using these vans is not a right but rather a privilege. Return vans back in time and in as good condition as you received them or the Outing Club will be charged incredible amounts of money.
10. RETURN GAS CARD, TO HOUSE MANAGERS: Return these items to House Managers within 48 hrs of returning from your trip. Remember to bring any receipts.
COME TO CLUB COUNCIL ON MONDAY AFTER THE TRIP AND TELL US ALL ABOUT IT….. Bring some of your participants along
18 APPENDICES!!!!
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 UVM OUTING CLUB Cold Weather Backpacking Equipment
This list is only a general list. You may need different equipment for specific activities, ecosystems or to properly deal with your own body metabolism. You will need to be prepared for whatever possible weather conditions that may occur based on your location and the season. Ask your leader if you have any questions about the list! Fabrics The clothing layers should consist of several different types of fabrics. Cotton should be avoided in cold conditions. Cotton absorbs and retains water, and therefore it will not keep you warm if it gets wet. Also it can be difficult to dry. Polypropylene or other hydrophobic synthetic fabrics move the moisture (sweat) away from your body to the outside of the layer, reducing evaporative cooling and keeping you dry and comfortable. Wool or synthetic pile/fleece fabrics don't absorb water so they keep you warm even if they get wet. Pile also dries very quickly. A wool sweater or pile jacket provides warmth on a chilly evening. Nylon or Nylon/Cotton Windshells reduce convective heat loss. For raingear, coated nylon is lightweight and works well. Waterproof-breathable fabrics are also possible but are expensive. The Layering System Combinations of these types of fabrics creates a layering system. The purpose of a layering system is to be able to mix and match the layers of insulation to match the weather conditions and your activity level to maintain a comfortable body temperature without excess sweating. Typically in the morning and evening when it is colder, you will need many layers on. The inner layer keeps the skin dry and comfortable. The middle layer provides some insulation and protection from the elements. The outer layer provides insulation. The shell layer protects you from wind and rain. A waterproof rain jacket is essential in case of bad weather. The head layer is to reduce heat loss. The feet layer is actually two layers. You should wear a lightweight synthetic liner sock against your foot which helps pass moisture away from your foot. On top of this you wear a wool/nylon blend hiking sock. Having two sock layers means that your socks will slide against each other and then the friction from your boots is between the sock layers rather than against your skin, which leads to blisters. NOTE!!!!: Items with OC at the end can be rented/borrowed from the Outing Club.
Head: _____ Wool/Pile Hat (must cover ears) OC _____ Synthetic Balaclava OC _____ Neck warmer/gaiter
Upper Body: _____ Light Weight or Mid-weight Synthetic Long Undershirt _____ Expedition Weight Synthetic Long Undershirt _____ Heavy Weight Fleece/Pile Jacket or Wool Sweater _____ Wind Jacket - nylon (can be same as rain jacket if waterproof/breathable) OC _____ Winter Parka - synthetic or down filled (Optional)
28 Hands: _____ Synthetic/Wool Glove liners _____ Synthetic/Wool Waterproof Gloves/ Mittens and/or Over-mitts OC
Lower Body: _____ Underwear as needed. _____ Light or Mid-weight Synthetic long underwear bottoms _____ Expedition Weight Synthetic long underwear bottoms
Feet: _____ Hiking Boots: should extend above the ankle and be leather/fabric or all leather with lug soles for traction. Ask about waterproofing and breaking boots in. OC: The Outing Club has mostly winter hiking and mountaineering groups. _____ 2-3 pairs of light synthetic/polypropylene liner socks _____ 2-3 pairs of medium weight wool hiking socks _____ Gaiters (Optional) Nice in mud season and snow. OC _____ vapor barrier liner socks (optional)
Rain Gear: _____ Waterproof Rain Jacket - coated nylon or waterproof/breathable fabric OC _____ Waterproof Rain Pants - coated nylon or waterproof/breathable fabric OC (Could be Winter Jacket and Ski Pants, as long as waterproof & breathable)
Miscellaneous: _____ 2 1-quart water bottles _____ 1 unbreakable cup with handle (travel mugs work great) OC _____ 1 unbreakable bowl OC _____ 1 spoon/fork/spork OC _____ 2 bandannas: multipurpose _____ 1 headlamp or flashlight (replacement alkaline batteries and bulb) OC _____ 1 toilet kit: MINIMAL: toothbrush and toothpaste, sunscreen, lip balm. _____ 1 pocket knife or leatherman _____ 3 heavy plastic garbage bags _____ 1 pair of sunglasses or glacier goggles _____ Prescription glasses (contact lenses are hard to use in back country) _____ Any medications you will need to take during the trip _____ small notebook and pencil (Optional) _____ camera and film (Optional)
Travel Gear: _____ External Frame/Internal Frame Pack with Padded Hipbelt OC _____ Pack Rain Cover (Optional, can use a garbage bag) _____ Sleeping Bag – synthetic or down fill, ask your leader about temp rating OC _____ 1 closed cell foam/ insolite sleeping pad (3/8 in.) 2 in Winter OC
29 Miscellaneous Winter Gear that you can rent/borrow from the OC: _____ Snoeshows OC _____ Crampons OC _____ Hiking Poles OC _____ X-Country Skis, Boots and Poles OC _____ Telemark Skis, Boots and Poles OC
30 3 -SEASON BACKPACKING EQUIPMENT LIST (until 11/1) Required Clothing and Personal Gear _____ 1 polypropylene or wool long underwear bottom *Long underwear made with any percent cotton is not acceptable! _____ 1 pair of wool or fleece pants _____ 1 pair of waterproof rain pants - rubber acceptable, breathable preferred _____ 1 pairs of hiking shorts (no more than 1 cotton pair) _____ 2 polypropylene or wool long underwear tops *Long underwear made with any cotton is not acceptable! _____ 1 heavy wool or fleece sweater (no sweatshirts or other cotton items) _____ 1 light nylon windbreaker jacket (good anti-mosquito layer) _____ 2 T-shirts (polypro if you’ve got ‘em) _____ 1 waterproof rain jacket - rubber acceptable, breathable preferred (no ponchos) _____ 2 pairs of underwear _____ 1 bathing suit _____ 1 pair of hiking boots (above-the-ankle, water-proofed & well broken in!) _____ 1 pair of sneakers or TEVA type sandals (to wear in camp) _____ 2 pairs of liner socks (lightweight wool or polypropylene) _____ 2 pairs of wool hiking socks _____ 1 wool/fleece ski hat _____ 1 baseball cap or sun visor _____ 1 head lamp or small flashlight with extra batteries _____ 1 full size backpack with a padded hip belt (internal or external at least 5000 cu.) _____ 1 sleeping bag (mummy style rated to 30 degrees or lower) * Cotton bags are not acceptable! _____ 1 foam sleeping pad (Ensolite, Thermarest or Ridge Rest) _____ 2 one quart water bottles _____ 1 thermal mug, bowl and spoon _____ 2 cotton bandannas _____ toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, sunscreen, lip balm. No need to bring soap or shampoo!) _____ 3 large garbage bags (to waterproof your clothing and sleeping bag) _____ 1 small pocket knife or Leatherman® tool. ***** If you wear contact lenses you MUST bring a pair of glasses as a back-up!!! Optional Items: Crazy Creek chairs, gaiters, sunglasses, camera, small musical instrument, readings to share, personal journal, Frisbee, waterproof pack cover, hackysack or wool gloves!
31 32 OUTING CLUB General Group Equipment List
Group Name:
Group Leaders:
General Group Gear ______Maps and Guides (you provide) ______Repair Kit ______Itinerary ______Tarp ______Groundsheet ______Tarpline 50’ ______Bear Bag line 75’ ______Bear Bag beener and clip ______Stoves ______Repair Kit Pot Gripper Instruction _____ Fuel Bottles ______Cooking Pots ______Skillet ______Utensils (spatula, spoon) ______Poop Trowel ______Large Stuff Sack (Bear Bag) ______Winter Specific Group Gear _____ Snow Shovels ______Snow Saws ______Snowshoes ______Crampons ______
33 Outing Club Kit Supplies Repair Kit: _____ Duct Tape ______4 AA batteries ______1 lighter (or waterproof matches) ______Needle Nose Plier ______*Speedy Stitcher (needle and thread) ______Fastex backpack buckle (waist) ______Fastex buckle (sternum) ______Backpack strap retainer ______Small coil of P-cord ______2 Pencils ______Coil of bailing wire ______1 Emergency Whistle ______Copy of repair kit contents ______Tarp stakes (optional) ______1 Compass ______1 bear bag carabiner & ring _____
Kitchen Kit: _____ 2 Scrubbies ______1 container Mt. Suds ______2 hand sanitizers ______1 sump screen _____
34 OC First Aid Kit Contents Bag A: Bag G: 10 pairs latex gloves 1 bottle Tylenol 1 bottle Imodium AD Bag B: 4 sugar packets 1 copy Medicine for the Backcountry 1 thermometer 1 list of first aid kit medication 10 thermometer covers 2 soap notes Bag C: Bag H: 2 roll medical tape 10 4x4 gauze bandages 10 2x2 gauze bandages 1 pair trauma sheers 1 tube hydrocortisone 2 spools of thread 1 tube triple antibiotic ointment 1 needle 12 Betadine prep pads 1 pair tweezers 12 alcohol prep pads 1 moleskin, at least 6x6 Band-Aids (various sizes) Bag D: Bag I: 1 triangle bandage 1 candle 2 two-inch gauze rolls 1 lighter 1 Ace bandage 1 whistle 1 automatic pencil Bag E: 1 notepad 3 bottles of Potable Aqua OR 1 bottle of bleach 1 eye dropper ALSO: Bag F: 1 space blanket 4 maxi pads 1 SAM splint 5 tampon 1 60 cc syringe 1 pocket mask Bag G: 1 epic-pen 1 bottle Benadryl 2 large garbage bags 1 bottle aspirin Sun block 1 bottle ibuprofen baby wipes 1 bottle Tums
35 36 37 38 Leave No Trace (LNT): Low-Impact Camping Information “A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise.” - Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac Discussing LNT Principles with Your Group It is important to remember that everyone brings a different environmental point of view to wilderness activities. As a result, everyone will subscribe to Leave No Trace principles at a level that feels comfortable. Some Trekkies will feel these principles should be carried through to the most pristine degree (which some would argue is just this side of not being able to go into the woods at all). Others will say, "Well I've been stuffing my toilet paper under rocks for years. Why should I change now?" How are you, as a TREK leader going to effectively deal with a continuum of environmental belief and practice? Three key points to communicate to your Trekkies: 1. Each principle exists on a spectrum ranging from negative to positive impact. 2. We need to start from where people are and work to move them along that spectrum. 3. LNT principles may be debated philosophically but strict practice is non- negotiable while on TREK!
Basic Leave No Trace Principles: 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare: This is probably the most important principle when helping others prepare for wilderness travel experience. Topics to cover with Trekkies include: The importance of knowing the area you are traveling in and what to expect. The importance of keeping group size to maximums prescribed by the ADK and GMC. The importance of selecting appropriate equipment. The importance of repackaging food. Emphasizing these points will not only help your group become better stewards of the natural environments they travel in, but will also contribute to creating a more comfortable, fun and responsible experience. Good Leadership Practice: Have a thorough first meeting with your group. Cover topics such as managing: personal and group gear, food & kitchen gear and conscientious group travel.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: In popular areas (including the Long Trail and Adirondack High Peaks), it is important to concentrate use in impacted areas. To assure that TREK groups meet this expectation, please: Always stay on trails Plan on arriving early to explore shelter options Leave your site cleaner than you found it.
39 With a group it is always best to use and improve impacted sites. If not using impacted sites you need to be 200 ft away from trails and water. If elevation is above 2500 ft., you must stay in a shelter. 3. Dispose of Waste Properly: Proper disposal of waste protects water sources, minimizes the spread of disease (i.e. Giardia and stomach viruses) and lessens negative visual impact on other visitors. Topics to discuss with your group during TREK are: Pack In/Pack Out, Proper Human & Food Waste Disposal Minimizing Soap and Food Residue in Waste Water Good Leadership Practice: 1. Composting Toilets: If they're available use them! Remember: do not pee in them or put tampons, feminine napkins or other trash in them. 2. Cat holes: Cat holes should be located at least 200 ft. from water, trails and campsites. Holes should be dug 4-8 inches into deep, dry organic soil. This suggested depth assures it is deep enough so animals will not dig it up but shallow enough for soil micro- organisms to do their work. After making your deposit, mix soil with a stick and replace to assure no signs of disturbance. Dry soil and a sunny spot also help the rate of decomposition. Any moisture (i.e. urine) will slow the rate of decomposition. 3. Toilet Paper and Feminine Hygiene Products: Toilet paper and feminine hygiene products should be packed out. Openly discuss this expectation and provide group members with the Ziplocs, toilet paper and the crushed aspirin they will need. It is a good idea to give Trekkies several Ziplocs and a small roll of TP for their own personal use: one Ziploc for the clean items and one for the used items… 4. Ziploc Food Strainers: If you lose your sump screen, a convenient way to make a wastewater strainer is to gather dry leaves and two Ziploc bags. Poke holes in one bag for the water to come through. Put the leaves inside. Pour the wastewater slowly through this bag so that the food particles stick to the leaves and remain in the bag. Make sure that you are pouring into a sump hole as well. Next, place your strainer Ziploc into the other Ziploc (without holes) and save for the next meal clean up! 4. Leave What You Find: This principle was changed to incorporate concerns from the western US concerning cultural artifacts. In addition, teaching topics to consider are: minimizing site alterations (such as building lean-to's, benches or fire rings) and avoid damaging trees and plants. Good Leadership Practice: 1. Leave the site better than you found it by picking up trash or dismantling multiple fire rings (see below) Make one small, central ring for use. 5. Minimize Campfire Impacts: Know and follow fire restrictions. Always carry stoves. Minimize the use of fires.
40 Good Leadership Practice: 1. Dismantle Multiple Fire Rings: Surveys have shown that people will build fires to be the size of the fire ring and bigger in some cases. Please find a central, already impacted area and build one fire ring no bigger than a foot and a half in diameter. Preferably, this spot will have had a prior fire ring and not be close to flammable objects (i.e. fallen trees, shelters, etc.). Do not feel the need to use big rocks. Small and medium rocks work just fine. Take excess rocks and disperse them in the woods nearby. Spread the charred remains of old fire rings. If there's a lot of old coal, disperse it in the woods as well (making ABSOLUTELY certain there's nothing burning in there!) Make it look like there was never a fire ring there. Well done! 2. Mound Fires: An alternative method for building fires that lessens negative impact. A mound fire makes use of mineral soil (6-8 inches deep and 2 feet across) piled on a plastic insulating layer. The fire is then built on top of the soil base. Once the fire is extinguished the soil is scattered in the same area where it was collected, thereby eliminating any fire scar. Dead and downed, small twigs, no bigger than your finger, should be used. 6. Respect Wildlife: Keep wildlife wild. Feed yourselves not wildlife. Consider basic needs of wildlife, Prevent unnecessary pollution. Wildlife and habitat are one and the same! Good Leadership Practice: 1. Hanging Bear Bags: It is important to protect against mice, squirrels and other small furry, hungry creatures in addition to bears. A bear bag should be hung when you first arrive at camp. Fumbling around in the dark is not fun or safe. A bear bag should be hung 10-15 ft off the ground, 4 feet from any tree trunk and 100 yards from sleeping and cooking areas. All food and smelly items (bears can smell 250x's what humans can smell) should be hung. This is a good group building activity. 7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Things to remember: Maximize the sense of solitude for others Show courtesy to other user groups, shelter caretakers and land owners.
41 Backcountry Feminine Hygiene A Trekkie or leader dealing with their period in the woods may sound like a bummer, but doesn't have to be. Here are a few suggestions for making yourself as informed, comfortable and prepared as possible: 1. Be Prepared. Even if you are not expecting to get your period during your trip, bring adequate supplies anyway. Change in diet, strenuous exercise, and spending a lot of time with other women can all affect your cycle. This may prove true even if you are on the pill. Your leaders will not have extra supplies, nor will you have access to a store, so come equipped! 2. The Backcountry Period Kit: We suggest the following system for addressing feminine hygiene in the woods… Equipment: 1 small, dark colored, opaque bag or stuff sack 3 small Ziploc bags 1 travel pack of baby wipes (for cleaning purposes) A generous supply of tampons (tampons are much easier to deal with than pads, but if you have to use pads, go ahead). Tampons without an applicator (like OB) are ideal as they produce the least waste & take up the least space in your pack. Directions: Take tampons (or pads) out of the box and put them all into a zip lock bag. (Why carry around a useless cardboard box all week? The Ziploc will also protect your supply from the rain.) Put the travel pack of baby wipes inside a second zip lock bag. (Keep those vital cleaning supplies moist & protected from the elements.) Keep the third zip lock bag empty to use as a mini-garbage for used supplies -- all dirty baby wipes, used tampons, and tampon wrappers should go into the garbage zip lock. (Kind to the environment and to the group garbage!) If you are a pad user, you may need bigger and/or multiple Ziplocs. If you are concerned about odor, you can put a used tea bag in the garbage zip lock after breakfast on the trail. Put all three bags inside the opaque bag. Voila: you have a self-contained period kit. (Oh, so neat and discreet.) On the trail, you should keep this in an accessible part your pack. 3. The Pee Rag: Many female Trekkies are surprised to learn their male counterparts do not use toilet paper when they pee; many male Trekkies are surprised to learn that their female counterparts do. Since we will not be using toilet paper on the trail, some female Trekkies may prefer to bring an extra bandana (or half a bandana -- just cut it with scissors) that they can use as a pee rag. If you are well hydrated (as you should be), the pee rag will not have much odor at all. Of course "drip dry" is always an option.
42 MSR International Stove Assembly & Use Safety Considerations: Store fuel in approved fuel bottles and use pour spouts or funnels when transferring fuel. Always fill stove with fuel away from cooking area and any source of flame. Start each meal with a full fuel tank. Leave some air space in the tank. An overfilled tank will display erratic pressure that can damage the stove or make it run poorly. Set up your stove in as level a location as possible, protected from wind (use a wind screen and reflector) and away from any flammable materials. Avoid operating stoves near any combustible material like dry grass, duff, nylon tents, or low branches by clearing a 3 ft radius around where you'll be cooking. Make sure all valves are closed when pumping stove to build pressure in the fuel tank. Do not over-pressurize. An over-pressurized stove will bum with a yellow or pulsing flame. On an average, pump a Whisperlite 15-20 times. Never rough house or goof-off around a lit stove or boiling pot. Don't pass boiling water over humans Do not lean over a stove when lighting it and watch loose hair, clothes and polypro around flames. Let stove cool before refueling - this will prevent an accidental ignition. Keep your stove clean and dry, and for pressurized fuel stoves, clean the orifice after each use. You may want to drain fuel back into the storage bottle once it has cooled to avoid contamination of everything else that is in your pack. Assembling the Stove: 1. Fill the fuel bottle to the 2 inch fill line. 2. Screw the pump securely into the fuel bottle. (Remember to not contaminate the fuel via the pump assembly) 3. Pump the plunger 15-20 times if the bottle is full. The less fuel, the more you’ll need to pump. You should feel resistance. 4. Insert the fuel line into the fuel bushing on the pump. 5. Rotate the legs of the stove around to fit in the notches on the fuel reflector. 6. Place the stove on a clean, flat and stable area (away from most of the commotion). 7. Snap the catch arm securely into the slot on the pump body. If you need to force this, the fuel line is probably not totally seated into the fuel bushing. Operating: Before lighting the stove, check to see that: 1. Stove has no leaks. 2. Catch arm is locked and stove arm is properly assembled. 3. Area is clear of flammable material and spilled fuel. Priming: 1. Open the control valve until fuel flows through the jet and fills the priming cup full. 2. Turn the control valve off.
43 3. Check for leaks at the control valve, pump, jet and fuel line. If leaks are found fix them. 4. Light the priming wick/cup. 5. Place the windscreen around the stove, then fold the ends together to keep it securely in place. Turning the stove on: As the priming flame gets smaller, slowly open the control valve. If the stove: 1. Goes out: turn the control valve off. After the stove cools return to “Priming” 2. Burns with erratic yellow flames, but the priming cup flame is still burning: turn the control valve off and pre-heat longer 3. Burns with a blue flame: wait one minute then adjust to the desired setting. Remember: there is a delay between turning the control valve and changes in the amount of flame. 4. To maintain stove performance while cooking, pump the plunger 3-5 times as needed to keep enough pressure in the fuel bottle. Do not overpressurize. Turning the stove off: 1. Turn the control valve off. The flame will take a few seconds to die out. 2. Wait for the stove to cool before disassembly 3. To depressurize the fuel bottle: unlock the catch arm and pull the fuel line out of the pump/ fuel bottle assembly. Away from heat, flame or sparks, hold the fuel bottle upright and away from you. (Stove operating information and diagrams from St. Michael’s College Wilderness Program ”Leader's Notebook" 4th Edition)
MSR Stove Trouble Shooting Maintenance & Repair Check the simple things first! KISS principle applies here: 1. No fuel: Is there any fuel? Is it a clogged jet (shake well) or fuel line? 2. No pressure in the fuel bottle: Low bottle pressure can stem from a bad ”O” ring, a dry pump leather, a bad one way valve in the pump mechanism or from a cracked tank or generator. 3. Stove runs poorly: Check for dirt or water in the fuel. Is the flame spreader offset? Was the stove over or under-primed? 4. Yellow Flames: Stove probably wasn’t primed properly. Clearing the Jet Turn the Control Valve off. Wait for the stove to cool then shake it to clear the Jet. If stove is lit and sputtering, no harm in giving it a few shakes to see if it clears. Cleaning the Jet & Fuel Line 1. If the Shaker Jet needle does not move freely inside the Jet, clean the Jet. Unscrew the Priming Cup. Pull the Generator Tube out of the Mixer Tube. Unscrew the Shaker Jet using the Jet & Cable Tool. Remove the Needle and clean inside the Jet. If the stove is still clogged, go to step 2.
44 2. Scour the Fuel Line: Pull the Cable out of the Fuel Line using the Jet & Cable Tool. Wipe the Cable. Push the Cable in and out of the Fuel Line 20 - 30 times to scour the Generator Tube. Repeat scouring and wiping until clean. Reinstall Cable. 3. Flush the Fuel Line: With the Jet and Needle out, insert the Fuel Line into the Pump's Fuel Tube Bushing. Pump the Plunger to pressurize the Fuel Bottle. Open the Control Valve and run a 1/2 cup of fuel through the Fuel Line and into a fuel container. Repeat flushing until clean. Warning: When flushing keep away from heat, sparks and flame. Do not spill fuel. Reassemble.
Problem Solution Fuel Leak Control Valve Replace torn or damaged Control Valve 0-Ring. Damaged or stripped Pump threads from over tightening the Control Valve or forcing the Control Valve past the Stop-Nut. Send Pump to MSR retailer or MSR Product Service Center for repairs. Pump/ Fuel Replace torn or damaged Fuel Bottle 0-Ring. Bottle Connection Dented or damaged Fuel Bottle threads or use of a non- MSR Fuel Bottle. Replace Fuel Bottle. USE ONLY MSR Fuel Bottles. Fuel Line Replace torn or damaged Fuel Tube 0-Ring. Pump Connection Replace damaged or missing Fuel Tube Bushing. Fuel Line Damaged Pretty much screwed in backcountry! Send stove to MSR retailer or MSR Product Service Center for repairs. Shaker Jet Make sure the Shaker Jet is installed tightly and Control Valve is off. If fuel leaks through Shaker Jet when Control Valve is off, the Pump is damaged from over tightening the Control Valve. Send Pump to MSR retailer or MSR Product Service Center for repairs. Pump Bushing Clean the Check Valve Assembly (See "Pump Maintenance"). Erratic Performance: Erratic Yellow Flames Insufficient priming. (See "Priming"). Over pressurized Fuel Bottle. If stove burns with erratic, yellow flames, Fuel Bottle pressure may be too high. Turn Control Valve down. Using Improper Fuel Use white gas only. Poor quality or old fuel. Filter fuel that looks cloudy or has sediment at bottom of container. Use fresh, clean fuel and store in airtight containers. Incorrect Flame Ring Correct Flame Ring order is: Under Burner Cap Wavy, Flat, Wavy, Flat, Wavy, Flat, Wavy. Weather Conditions Always use Windscreen and Heat Reflector to keep Cooling Generator Tube Generator Tube hot enough to vaporize fuel and to protect stove from wind and weather conditions. Prevent stove and Windscreen from melting into snow or ice.
45 Lack of Oxygen Reduce Fuel Bottle pressure and At Altitude open Windscreen. Reduced Performance: Diminishing Flame or Insufficient Pressure in the Fuel Bottle. Pump the Plunger Slow Boil Times until firm resistance is felt when pumping down on plunger. The less fuel in Fuel Bottle, the more Pump strokes needed to pressurize. Clogged Shaker Jet (See "Burner Maintenance") Persistent/frequent clogging is and/or Fuel Line most often caused by poor quality or old fuel. Change your fuel and thoroughly clean the Jet & Fuel Line. If the Burner Cap becomes bright red and a dull roar is heard, the flame is "burning back" under the Burner Cap rather than through the Flame Rings. Pump the Plunger to keep enough pressure in the Fuel Bottle. If clogged, clean the Shaker Jet. Ensure Flame Rings are installed correctly. MSR Pump Maintenance Leather Pump Cup: (on Pump Plunger) If the Pump will not pressurize the Fuel Bottle, oil and stretch out the Leather Pump Cup. Turn the shaft of the Pump Plunger below the swiveling head and pull the Plunger out (Figure 5). Rub MSR Pump Cup Oil (saliva or other mineral-based oil) into the Pump Cup until soft and pliable. Rotate your finger inside the Pump Cup to expand its diameter. Reassemble. If pumping still does not pressurize the Fuel Bottle, replace the Pump Cup. Check Valve Assembly: If the Pump does not hold pressure in the Fuel Bottle, clean the Check Valve Assembly. Turn the Check Valve Plug counterclockwise. Remove the Check Valve Ball and Spring and wipe with a cloth. Reassemble (Figure 5). O-Rings: To prevent fuel leaks, inspect the Pump-O-Rings regularly for cracks or damage. Remove the Fuel Tube Bushing from the Pump Body. Inspect the Fuel Tube 0-Ring and the Fuel Bottle 0-Ring under the Pump Ring. To avoid a fire, if the 0-Ring is cracked, pitted, or damaged, replace it before using the stove. * This is the number one cause of stove fires and melting pumps resulting!
46 Instructional Guide for Speedy Stitcher: To prepare SS for Use: Unscrew chuck lock to find needles. Pull end of thread from bobbin through hole in handle. Loop thread around tension post as shown in Detail 'A'. Continue thread along handle groove and through ferrule hole as illustrated. Place needle in threaded post making sure that grooves in needle and threaded post are in alignment with each other. Pass thread through eye of needle, then through chuck lock as shown. Screw chuck lock onto threaded post and tighten securely. Detail “A”: When looping thread around tension post, be sure to pass it under the thread coming from hole in handle as shown above, otherwise it will not feed freely.
How To Sew: Push needle through material and draw out enough thread to do the length of work involved, plus about 3" more. Draw thread through material so that the full length of thread is pulled through the hole in which the needle rests. Hold thread in position and pull needle back through the material and start it through a second hole. Push needle as far as it will go, then draw back enough so that the thread forms a loop as shown. Pass all of the thread through this loop. While holding thread taut in one hand, draw needle out with other hand. This forms a lock-stitch in the material. Draw equally hard on the Awl and the loose end of the thread. Before taking another stitch, release more thread between the needle and the material to allow you to move the Awl back and start the next hole. Continue same procedure until finished. After you have finished your stitching, use the following procedure to tie off the thread. On your last stitch, instead of passing thread through the loop, grasp loop and pull out about 3 inches of thread. Cut thread. Then pull Awl and needle out of material. Now you have both ends of thread on same side of material for tying off. Use square knot.
47