The contents of your cruise vest are of the utmost importance when it comes to spending a long day in the bush. Well-thought-out items packed expertly into your vest can make the difference between a painful or a smooth day in the bush. It’s an art, really. Let’s explore what I personally carry in my own cruise vest that helps me through the day. While I am no expert, this is my second year as a summer student with Tolko Industries, based in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan. My two summers’ worth of stomping through young aspen stands (if you know, you know), have taught me many hard-earned lessons.
First, let’s run through the required attire for a day in the bush. A hardhat (of course), your cruise vest (duh), steel-toe/composite work boots, gloves (when necessary), and safety glasses (not pictured above because my sunglasses were on my head in the moment, oops). Sunglasses count as safety glasses when walking in the bush. If I were on my ATV then I would wear googles and my helmet, and if I were in the OSB mill itself, I would wear the appropriate eyewear. Now, we can move on to what’s inside this integral piece of bush-wear.
In terms of safety equipment, I always carry my Garmin InReach Mini clipped to my upper vest. This allows me to check in with headquarters throughout the day to update them on my whereabouts. Paired to my phone, I can use the Garmin Explore app to text via satellite, which is quite handy in remote locations. Additionally, I carry a mini air horn tucked into my upper pocket to aid in deterring any possible wildlife encounters. Along with my mini air horn, is my bear spray. Being bear-aware is extremely important when you are working in the bush, both alone and with coworkers. Having bear spray and taking a bear-aware course is one of the ways we can keep ourselves, and the wildlife, safe in the bush. Finally, I carry a good old-fashioned whistle. I also have a Nalgene water bottle filled with emergency equipment for any scenario I may find myself in, ranging from a space blanket to items for water purification. I don’t usually carry it on my person; most of the time I have it in my ATV box for when I am out farther than usual. Not pictured is a mini first aid kit, but it comes standard with our kit at the beginning of the summer and is very useful when it comes to cuts and scrapes the bush doles out.
Next, I have navigation equipment and the tools I carry in the bush. I have a trusty compass (set to the correct declination), and my iPad. We are all paperless up here when it comes to maps. With these, I can go anywhere and get anything done. Beyond that, it depends on what I am up to for the day. If I am flagging, I always carry no fewer than 4 rolls of tape with me. Pink is for watercourses, riparian areas, visually sensitive areas, and marking trees that contain nests – to name a few. Orange is for flagging the centerline of new bush roads we are laying out. If I am doing a crossing assessment, I would carry a measuring tape and a clinometer for finding out the slope of an area where a culvert or bridge is to be placed. Additionally, I would carry a diameter at breast height (DBH) tape if there were ever the need for one. Nowadays, we have moved on to using a range finder instead of a measuring tape – very futuristic and helpful, but my coworker usually carries that for us. Next, I have my ATV and truck keys; I tuck these away in a safe pocket to ensure I don’t lose them.
My last section of gear, we can call additional necessities. This includes rain gear – though a good raincoat will only get you so far. There comes a point in a downpour where it just doesn’t matter anymore, and you accept that you are one with the water droplets. But it’s nice for a little while to pretend you are immune to the rain. Sunscreen and bug spray are two things I never leave the truck without. The sun is not your friend. Even though I want to be super tan, I know I will be happier in 30 years after wearing my sunscreen. Bug spray is your best friend, and the more DEET, the better. While something will always find a way to munch you, having bug spray will give you peace of mind and protection from the swarming masses. Additionally, you can carry toilet paper, for those bush emergencies, but I take my chances and leave it behind. I always carry at least two litres of water with me. Staying hydrated is paramount when it comes to having a safe and productive day in the bush. Treat yourself though, have one litre with water and one with electrolytes. Yum. The bush snacks and lunches are the last but not least to mention. Being hangry while in the forest helps no one – so do yourself, and your co-workers, a favour and pack some yummy, protein and calorie dense snacks to keep you going through the day, plus a little treat for all your hard work.
So, there we have it, everything I carry with me whilst on my adventures in the bush. It may look like it weighs a million pounds – because it does, but it helps me get through the day. This is intended as a tour of my own vest, not a how-to for you to follow; tailor your vest to your liking!
