Bear Mountain Hike

What I didn't bring and learned I needed.  We had a very wet & cold overnight hike at bear Mountain this weekend. Being my first event of this type I was a little under prepared. Thankfully Antonio and Brownie had enough foresight to bring the following.

1. A folding bow saw. This was truly indispensable for cutting green wood. Even the dead stuff was soaked pretty good. 
2. Sleeping pad. The bottom of the tent was freezing & damp, I think a water resistant sleeping pad would have made a huge difference. A synthetic rather than down sleeping bag would have been a much wiser choice when you know the rain is coming. Synthetic keeps you warm when wet, down although lighter is useless when soaked.
3. Fire starter. Cotton balls covered in Vasoline is a great homemade solution - thanks Antonio.
4. A tarp. Having a communal shelter over the fire made a huge difference. 4 people hanging out in a 2.5 person tent for 5 hours would have been brutal if not impossible.
5. A little more water. I ran out on the hike back, my 3 liters should have been 4.
6. Gloves. Cold & rain is tough on the digits.
7. Waterproof matches for obvious reasons.

A few pictures from my phone. I need to bring a proper camera next hike, maybe flip video too.