It's just like 'Nam!, Thinking about historical recreation hike, but limited resources Options

[Wounded Ronin]

So, I'm currently on Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia, where there's still really dense jungle.

I figure the world is changing for the worse and among other things in the future there will be less jungle.

From a historical perspective, I am considering maybe going out into the jungle for a few days in order to experience exhaustion, getting rained on, getting soggy, being bitten by mosquitoes and ants, and all these kinds of things, which I had read about so much in Vietnam War memoirs. The odds of encountering unexploded WWII ordinance on this particular island are minimal so I probably won't have as much realism in the fear-of-stepping-on-a-mine department.


The problem is that unlike a historical re-enactor in the US I basically don't have access to a lot of the historical gear. The best I can do is simulate like products from limited availability locally.

The good news is that there's Japanese navy biscuits which I believe to be similar to the flavorless historical ration biscuits. There's also canned spaghetti and meatballs, and cans of pork and beans (although no franks and beans), and cans of lima beans, so maybe I can start to re-create the C Ration experience for at least a few days with these elements.

I do have four surplus one liter canteens with covers and iodine, so I should be able to lug around a gallon of water and purify river water, which legitimately does contain micro organisms.

If I wear cotton clothing and bring these food items, in terms of simulating weight and comfort level, how many pounds of equipment should I shoot for, for a representative level of physical strenuousness? Are there any items that I specifically should carry for historical reasons if I can or anything specifically I should avoid carrying for historical reasons?

[pbangarth]

Micro-organisms may use various vectors. You may want to check out what is prevalent in the area before testing your immunity.

[Tanegar]

FYI, I think you are bugfuck nuts for actually wanting the experience of wandering around in the jungle; it's called "the green hell" for a reason.

That said, buon fortuna, and try not to get dead.

[Wounded Ronin]

Micro-organisms may use various vectors. You may want to check out what is prevalent in the area before testing your immunity.

Thanks for the tip. Leptospirosis for one. Some bodies of water have hep A and amoebas. I was actually planning on going to the highlands where there is less of that stuff. I'll have to double check. I've actually done a bunch of research on tropical "fever of unknown origin" so I feel like I have a decent general understanding, but couldn't hurt to double check.

[X-Kalibur]

It's not always about 'Nam, Walter!

[hyzmarca]

I strongly recommend prioritizing not dying over historical realism when choosing your gear.

[Wounded Ronin]

I strongly recommend prioritizing not dying over historical realism when choosing your gear.

I'm really moved by your concern and am glad to hear from you after all this time!

I dunno, wasn't the Vietnam era stuff generally good enough for not dying of exposure or disease? I've read up on the disease related casualty rates in 'Nam and they were quite low compared to the violence related fatality rates.

[CanRay]

I'd suggest refraining from shouting out, "Let's do this whole f***ing village!" or some such. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nyahnyah.gif) Other than that, good luck with trying out the jungle!

I'll stick to mountains and forests myself.

[Wounded Ronin]

I'd suggest refraining from shouting out, "Let's do this whole f***ing village!" or some such. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nyahnyah.gif) Other than that, good luck with trying out the jungle!

I'll stick to mountains and forests myself.

Hah, yeah, that would be *really* bad, seeing as there are literal villages out there.

[hyzmarca]

I'm really moved by your concern and am glad to hear from you after all this time!

I dunno, wasn't the Vietnam era stuff generally good enough for not dying of exposure or disease? I've read up on the disease related casualty rates in 'Nam and they were quite low compared to the violence related fatality rates.

Its certainly better than what they had before, much better, but still not as good as modern stuff. And if you can't find historically accurate equipment its better to get something inaccurate than nothing at all.

[CanRay]

Wish International Shipping was easier. My FLGS/Army Surplus store gets some Vietnam stuff occasionally.

[Tanegar]

Your FLGS is also an Army surplus store? OK, now I'm jealous.

[CanRay]

Your FLGS is also an Army surplus store? OK, now I'm jealous.

Yes, it is completely awesome! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[ShadowDragon8685]

CanRay, we've got to have pics of that place!

[CanRay]

Front of store.

Games.

Army Surplus.

The Website.

[ShadowDragon8685]

That's awesome. Also makes me think of the kind of place a Fixer might work out of.

I mean, when you're running an FLGS/Army Surplus Store, you have the perfect excuse for all kinds of shit and weird people coming in and out of your store.


Also, damn. I've always wanted one of those floppy camo hats.

[GloriousRuse]

For that extra 'nam flavor, be sure to lie dead still not making any noise while you stare at a trail all night long. If anyone comes up it, pantomime trying to wake up the claymore guy.

Then do your hike the next day like you got all the sleep you needed.

[CanRay]

Pity we can't get Adrian Cronauer as a DJ any longer...

[pbangarth]

Well, if we could link to the Ghostbusters Winnipeg thread, maybe we could!

EDIT: Oh, shit. He's not dead yet. Sorry.