Here are some good options for emergency whistles.

I got a nice surprise in the mail today!

Backpacker magazine shows you how to build a plastic footprint for your tent–a skill taken from the Jan/Feb 2007 issue. Associate editor Jason Stevenson explains the nine steps to create a footprint, including how to cut webbing and punch grommets. Learn more Skills at www.backpacker.com.

Here are a few things you probably already have lying around that you can use to reduce your pack weight. Have others ideas? Please share!