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Siwash Style
Posted by Brian Richardson on Feb 12 2006
1. Have you done this before? What was it like?
I can say it was early on and my habitual part of growing up in the mountains here in Alaska. On track as a kid I’d rove the mountains (not just a mile or so or hill country we are talking multi-miles and a number of ridges) and it used to drive my Mom & Dad a little nuts at first wondering my whereabouts.
Dad knew my love of guns, knives, camping, & fort building. Mom was very well acquainted with my keenness for lighters matches, and campfires. When the two of them put their heads together they would make a lookout off the front or back decks for smoke rings in the distance and know I was fine hoping I did not light up the hillside. I was in my usual element, however and they somehow realized (& trusted) I was making well turned-out little encampments cleverly cooking my fresh fish & game on manageable Indian fires.
Like a few remarked in other posts weather and season was often favorable.
Growing older definitely has not changed this desire to keep it light & simple and head out into the wilderness… But the equipment today even in most modest, primitive means cannot be compared with a sheet of leaky canvas and old school clothing. In a romantic, symbolic sense – yes - but even hauling “canvas” would be seen as not very practical today.
Almost certainly since my early teens its been Bivy sacks of different shape/ form/materials, tarp-type shelters and tents of waterproof nylon, Down snowsuit in waders or raingear (works great!), or just kicking back on the favorable nights. More or less depends on location, season, while also benefiting from pleasant conditions, and so on.
With all of todays stuff (equipment and food selections)… I see no call for (w/ a bit of gear preparation and weather forecasting) absolutely, totally roughing it with nothing. Sure it can be done, but at an expense that can far exceed expenditure - particularly in Alaska.
2. Do you normally go out from camp prepared to stay out overnight?
If necessity in some way “baptizes” me into it - yes – habitually equipped! I put it this way as a responsible, professional river guide and for my personal outdoor time (that comes after everybody else’s fully guided season) when it’s often colder, wetter, or freezing out with amped up solo experiences and more likely exposure to nasty conditions.
3. What gear do you recommend for this?
This one I realize you are seeking some specifics – BUT – That might take a forum in itself when it comes down to the multitude of dynamics, settings, and seasons one can be into… not to mention features and reasons for various gear or food selection. I feel that the simplest explanation is to be on the most familiar terms you can possibly be on with what you are doing. Suit up most fittingly in the highest quality you can go with, and then run with it… preparing in thought process and choices for the worst… shedding it and carrying it when it’s favorable.
4. Pros and cons?
To a certain extent it is what you will agree to or to what you will not accept when it comes to all the trade-offs of creature comforts. With all the Gear and food selections nowadays – I see mostly CONS to the “Siwash” method. On the PROS side --- I do feel that knowing the resourceful techniques are something any outdoorsman in Alaska should try to be well versed on and test their ingenuity before depending/committing themselves on these skills in a remote situation.
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