Integrating Technology Into a Long Trip?

xsalmon asks: "I am about to undergo a long trip around the continental United States, via hiking/cycling/walking and other self-propelled means of transportation, to raise money toward AIDS/HIV research. What kind of utilities/devices would you bring to increase safety/security? I'll be hauling enough in my backpack as-is, so any suggestions would have to be lightweight and portable enough. Any ideas?"

safety

[pvt_medic]

I am one of those who beleives that personal safety starts with a 4 and ends with a 5. Of course this may not be the same sentiments of many here, and due to permit issues may not be practical for you.

Other items though that I would say are critical would be: some form of flashing (strobe?) beacon if you are in distress that will make it easy for others to find your locaation, portable radio (ham radio 146.52 if you have a license), cell phone, GPS, and a PDA with appropriate maps. (some of these items can easily be combined (phone, gps and pda) if you have the funds. And the other big one is water purification system.

PS dont forget something for power

Seriously...

[Anonymous Coward]

Not trying to be cruel, just helpful -- if you're planning on raising money through that web page, get someone to proofread the spelling first.

safety/security

[Anonymous Coward]

• GPS
• Cellphone with spare battery and emergency charger
• Travel First Aid Kit
• ASP Baton (but only if you're properly trained and prepared to use it). The surprise psychological impact of seeing one of these sliding out to their full size is usually enough to prevent any need to actually use it.

Plus make sure you also have these:

• Paracord
• SOG or Leatherman multi-tool, plus a *Good* knife
• Tarp or other sheet.
• Lots of strong plastic rubbish bags.

"Technology," eh?

[mnemonic_]

I'm guessing you used that word get your submission accepted, this being slashdot and all. I recommend you bring an LED flashlight, swiss army knife or leatherman and cellphone at the least, as well as a good road atlas and some hiking maps. You don't need a Garmin or other GPS unit... I'm assuming you're sticking to most major roads and can usually ask someone for directions. If no one's around, then use your phone.

I don't recommend bringing much in the way of gadgets because on a trip like that your essential gear will weigh enough. A PDA is absolute excess. Cycling for the journey alone will require a few pounds of tools, several spare tubes and a pump. Add food, water, clothing, sleeping bag+pad, and medical gear and you'll be carrying a lot. Don't underestimate the dangers of nature either; all it takes is some slick pavement to end your trip with a sprained angle. Even on 2-hour hikes at midday, hikers usually bring a sleeping bag+pad, because shit happens and they end up spending the night in the forest. You've got enough on your hands already, cycling and hiking, focus on the essentials because those help you survive.

Re:Are you serious?

[Anonymous Coward]

90 miles per day for 56 days straight is very ambitious, if you haven't toured before. Taking the stops he's planning and the usual unplanned events into account, I'd shoot for perhaps 50 miles per day on average.

Re:A few links

[Marxist Hacker 42]

The key here is that you're going to have two devices regardless- having a PDA that doubles as a cell phone, or a GPS unit that doubles as a PDA, is a good thing either way. Of course, you can't play tetris at night in your tent on a GPS unit- remember he said a LONG trip.

Re:A few links

[Anonymous Coward]

I'm usually game for gadgets and maximum flexibility, so don't think I dismiss the PDA approach because I'm some kind of freak who doesn't want the civilized world to interfere with a beautiful trip back to nature or somesuch. But a 5000 mile trip is serious business and a plastic crank generator isn't. PDAs are built for suit pockets and indoor use, not handlebars in the rain. All I'm saying is, if you're about to go on a cross country cycling tour with cubicle warrior tech, please test your equipment on a shorter trip first.