- Joined
- Sep 30, 2009
- Messages
- 2,351
I was in Missouri again this weekend to take my son to his waterpolo practice. We had to run through some tough storms on the way down to St. Louis but Sunday turned out to be just picture perfect in the morning. He practices from 8 until noon on Sunday, which gives me a few hours to explore as there is really no reason for me to sit at the pool (and the coaches actually like it if the parents don't stay). I went back to a local State Park called Mastodon State Park, which I have now been to several times and took a new trail that I had not been on before.
The Trail....
As I said, it was a beautiful day, the leaves were just about perfect and the trail was very easy going. It meandered through the woods, crossing a stream at several points.
Off the bridge over one of the stream crossings....
Along the way, the stream widened and became deeper...
A cool fungus on the side of the trail......
I usually have several blades with me in the woods but I was traveling light on this one with only my Spyderco Manix 2 XL along....
I also had along me newly re-done pocket kit along (so I guess I did have more than one knife). The idea for this concept came from Jeff (JDS1) and a discussion I had with him at a Gathering. I have noticed that over the years, I began to carry less and less equipment on my fishing expeditions. I went from a backpack full of lures, gear and tools to a very small shoulder bag, scarcely larger then a digital camera case. I use this alone for 90% of the time I fish and have never in that time even thought of going back to my larger setup, never really needed to. This idea is along the same lines. Jeff mentioned that most of the time he went for a hike he carried very little gear except for a small pocket kit of essentials. This is my kit or at least the current version. It easily fits in a back pocket and would be supplemented by what I normally EDC which is a Fenix LD12 light, bandanna and folding of small fixed blade.
The case...
The contents......
The kit contains
(2) Fire starter packets
(1) Pack Matches
(1) Fire Steel & Striker
(6') Orange Duct Tape
(15') Paracord
(1) SOG Crosscut Multi-tool
(1) JK Tin Knife (w/micarta handle and kydex sheath)
(1) Fenix E01 Light
(1) Orion pealess whistle
(1) Combo thermometer/compass
This is not intended to be a be all end all type survival kit but would provide options if I was lost, stranded or injured. It also provides a few basic tools to help out on a couple hour walk. I do not even notice it and I find that not having to deal with a bag and a bunch of stuff I really won't need or use to enhance my experience. I would still carry some extra items if I was going to be out for even a full day but this is perfect for occasions like this hike.
The Trail....
As I said, it was a beautiful day, the leaves were just about perfect and the trail was very easy going. It meandered through the woods, crossing a stream at several points.
Off the bridge over one of the stream crossings....
Along the way, the stream widened and became deeper...
A cool fungus on the side of the trail......
I usually have several blades with me in the woods but I was traveling light on this one with only my Spyderco Manix 2 XL along....
I also had along me newly re-done pocket kit along (so I guess I did have more than one knife). The idea for this concept came from Jeff (JDS1) and a discussion I had with him at a Gathering. I have noticed that over the years, I began to carry less and less equipment on my fishing expeditions. I went from a backpack full of lures, gear and tools to a very small shoulder bag, scarcely larger then a digital camera case. I use this alone for 90% of the time I fish and have never in that time even thought of going back to my larger setup, never really needed to. This idea is along the same lines. Jeff mentioned that most of the time he went for a hike he carried very little gear except for a small pocket kit of essentials. This is my kit or at least the current version. It easily fits in a back pocket and would be supplemented by what I normally EDC which is a Fenix LD12 light, bandanna and folding of small fixed blade.
The case...
The contents......
The kit contains
(2) Fire starter packets
(1) Pack Matches
(1) Fire Steel & Striker
(6') Orange Duct Tape
(15') Paracord
(1) SOG Crosscut Multi-tool
(1) JK Tin Knife (w/micarta handle and kydex sheath)
(1) Fenix E01 Light
(1) Orion pealess whistle
(1) Combo thermometer/compass
This is not intended to be a be all end all type survival kit but would provide options if I was lost, stranded or injured. It also provides a few basic tools to help out on a couple hour walk. I do not even notice it and I find that not having to deal with a bag and a bunch of stuff I really won't need or use to enhance my experience. I would still carry some extra items if I was going to be out for even a full day but this is perfect for occasions like this hike.
