Sunday, January 04, 2026

Trail Tools and equipment

For my reference, some of the tools and equipment for trail work. What to carry in the pack for different primary tools. Checklist format for getting out the door quickly. In general, numbers increase from bottom of pack to top, for a backpack having a bottom zipper.

CHAINSAW - BATTERY - STIHL MSA-220C

  1. Chainsaw body. Separated from bar and chain for easy fit in pack w/o bonking back of head.
  2. Battery (2, AP300S). One stored in special case I made from broken battery holder. The other in special case "Westcoast Saw Leather Battery Pouch - Fits Stihl".
  3. Wedges, plastic (2 minimum, 3 preferred)
  4. Bar and chain. Chainsaw bar (18 inch) with 1 chain on it in plastic scabbard.
  5. Hatchet. For driving wedges and stripping bark and dirt from trees. In some cases, a 4-pound felling axe is appropriate. Prefer to go light unless complex trees anticipated.
  6. Oil. MSR fuel container filled no less than 2/3 with eco-friendly oil. Replaced stupid locking cap with "MSR Replacement Fuel Bottle Cap"
  7. Tourniquet.
  8. First Aid Kit. With customization to include stop-bleed gauze patches and medicine.
  9. Chainsaw chaps, PPE. I used to use chainsaw pants, but they were a bit restricting. Stihl brand.
  10. Water. Varies by day and temperature, of course.
  11. Shirts (2 spare, layered). For end of day on cold days.
  12. Gloves (1 spare). For end of day on cold days.
  13. Safety glasses.
  14. Chain. Minimum 1 spare, prefer 2.
  15. Wallet. Include sawyer certification card.
  16. Round file. For sharpening chain in the field.
  17. Flat file. For removing burrs. Don't expect to be filing rakers in the field.
Supplemental in pack (based on circumstances)
  1. Silky Big Boy. Handsaw for swamp work or backup.
  2. Reading glasses. Generally, not required but handy if filing chain.
  3. Fire Extinguisher (5 pound). Required during fire season.
  4. Food.
  5. Bike pump. If biking in only, of course.
  6. Ear protection. Foam ear plugs and/or headset as courtesy for partner just in case.
  7. Bear protection. Bear spray or whatever you are comfortable with, or not.
  8. Whistle.
Attire
  1. Boots, jeans, long sleeve shirt, jacket, gloves
  2. Helmet (pfanner).
  3. Heart rate monitor.
  4. Cell phone. Have emergency contacts including sawyer partner.
POLESAW - BATTERY - KOBALT

Todo: complete this

HEDGE TRIMMER - BATTERY - STIHL

Todo: complete this