A little excessive?

evbouret said:
I am not trying to target anyone in particular, but does anyone else on here think that some people are a bit excessive? I can understand a small ferro rod on your keychain and a pocket knife. But some people here carry multiple knives, fishing hooks, water purification tablets, condoms for water etc... around at all times. Under what circumstances would you need to make a fire, purify water, or catch fish while dropping your kids off at the pool or buying groceries.

I understand the concept of the BOB. But under what circumstances would you possibly have to require grabbing a bag full of ammunition and 7 different knives without having a few minutes to pack a bag. You that live in flood zones, I understand your need.

I hunt and hike once or twice a week and always have a bark river woodland, machete, emergency blanket, iodine and some means to start a fire (usually 2 bic lighters). On hikes over 3 or 4 hours into the bush I'll throw a small 6x8 silnylon tarp. Those that hunt, hike, fish, go logging, shrooming or are exposed to the outdoors away from any help should all carry the bare minimum to at least spend one night. But when you're driving around in your truck do you really need a 3 knives? Educate me, this is coming from someone who spends a lot of time deep in the jungle and has only used a rusty ontario machete and a naturally well patina'd 3.5" blade.

Im not trying to be harsh or combative...but if I'm in the wrong can somebody educate me?
Click to expand...


I've never understood why some people spend so much time worrying about the preparations that others take or the items others carry. Why are some people so obsessed with how other indivduals choose to equip themselves? What psychological need is served by constantly comparing your own daily carry to that of others, and telling those others they are somehow "excessive" or otherwise differently prepared simply because their choices differ from yours?
 
I think the OP is a creature of his environment.
Note his examples are of urban activities. He also lives in Hawaii. I don't know how cold it gets in the winter, but it's possible that a tarp and poncho is all the shelter he'd ever need.

Granted a wilderness survival kit has limited application in an urban environment.
However, I personally have an hour drive to get to work, all but the last 10 minutes is a very rural two lane road. If I had a problem, it could easily be the better part of a day before anyone even drove by. I carry a gun for protection. Not just badguys. Ever seen a croc that is lounging int he sun, his snout a little over the centerline of the road, and his tail OFF the road? I have, almost ran him over on that very road. What if I have a flat and it shows up? I don't care how close I am, I won't make it back intot he car before it gets to me. Surprise shot? Maybe.

FAK -- why not have a FAK? I've been a machinist/welder/sheetmetal worker for quite some time. When you do metalwork, you get cut, a lot. More mundane? Ever be taking off a flat tire, and find out the guy at the tire shop had his impact ratchet set at 5 billion PSI? The nut lets loose just before the lug snaps, and the lug wrench pinces your hand between itself and the road, opening a gash? BTDT, glad I had a FAK int he car.

Water? I live in FL, if you have to wait any appreciable time in the summer for something, you WILL get thirsty.

Multiple knives? Other than a wilderness setting, I usually only have a multitool and folder. Reason being, the knives on a multitool suck balls and I never use them. I have the MT for the tools. If I need a knife, I use my Mule.
 
ka guys lets not let this troll piss in our wheatys he isnt even answering his own post lets let the troll die and not get any enjoyment from us. and the most simple answer is in my sig line.........:thumbup::D
to all my fellow w&s forumites do what you love and what you like
those who matter wont mind
and those who mind dont matterdr.seuss
 
When I first reading this forum I thought just the same as you. I read about members buying $100 bags just to put gear in, another $200 worth of in it gear that they would probally never use. Then after some time here I started to relized that the better prepared I am the less of chance I have of having a bad day. Today I have a BOB, A CAR KIT, and PSK or EDC. I carry muti items because of what others have said things break, get dull, stop working usually at the most inconvenient time. I closing I would say was you started thinking about survival and being prepared in any sitution urban,rural, or wilderness. welcome and never stop asking
 
Interesting, I’ve thought the same. But then I pull the junk out of my pocket and have to laugh. You would think I was a blade freak afraid of the dark. I’ve separated my key chain into car keys, house keys and miscellaneous stuff of the day. I carry the keys for the vehicle I’m driving, either a car, truck or motorbike. The motorbike is the only key ring with extra stuff on it, a flashlight and 4” crescent wrench. House keys have a little flashlight and the miscellaneous key ring has a pick holder for playing guitar, a flashlight and a small Swiss Army knife used mostly to maintain my fingernails for finger picking the guitar along with the odd attachment depending on what my plans are. If I’m going away for a few days it could be anything from a sharpening crock stick to a ferro rod or match safe or all.

I have always carried a Victorinox Climber or Spartan. I use the can opener, the bottle opener, the blades, trim cigars with the scissors, occasionally use the awl to poke a hole in stuff, the screw driver gets used and the tweezers come in handy now and then, I couldn’t tell you how many of these I’ve owned. I have retired the original Boy Scout Knife and SAK that I carried so long I can’t tell you when or where I bought it but its at least 25 years old, I had changed out the red plastic with white bone and I started freaking out when ever I misplaced it, so I spent $20.00 and bought a new one, I’ll pull it out for a wedding now and then or use it around the house, I guess it’s semi-retired :) how’s that for peculiar. For quick blade stuff I have a Ken Onion Leek that is right there when I need it, it’s a tool, a cell phone and if I’m not sitting at my bench at work, because I could be fired, a .380 pistol and usually my Zippo but today I have my Brunton. My jungle is concrete and the Hospital I work at is located in Overtown, not the best area of Miami, I have 70 mile round trip a day so there is extra stuff in my car suitable for the environment I’m traveling through. It would be kind of silly to carry a pocket shovel or a briefcase reloading bench in my day to day travels, it’d be cool though. Out on the sea I have a whole crate of stuff I bring but that is an entirely different situation.

I agree “Be Prepared” knowing that in the most general terms we can only hope to be prepared and try to cover that with the most adaptable tools, a good knife and lighter will, in most cases, suffice, I think the one thing we will always need and have everywhere and at all times is our knowledge, and the wider and deeper that it is the better prepared we will be in any situation and the fewer tools we will need to rely on. The stuff is fun but it will never replace a quick and educated mind.
 
I tend to agree that some people take it to an extreme...I don't care what anyone wants to pack around and I don't tell anyone what to carry.

But in exchange for supporting the freedom of other people to do whatever they want, I expect the same privelege. And sometimes that will be expressed by me thinking their decision to lug ten pounds of gear to the grocery store is ridiculous.

On a normal day I carry a fixed blade, a Victorinox Farmer, and a 1AA flashlight. In my 4runner I keep more stuff...I have a Maxpedition Jumbo in there with enough gear to get me home from anywhere I am likely to be.

I also have a bag that I carry when I need to haul around books etc...that has its own layer of gear, like a leatherman tool and a Surefire P6 Defender. But even then I am packing less gear than some people (claim to) edc.

If you want to pack ten pounds of gear everywhere with you, go for it, I support your right to do so. But I reserve the right to think it's dumb.
 
O.P.>>

I won't lie and say I carry all this stuff all the time. I don't. I have no reason to (that's not saying everyone is like me, though. Situations vary!). In winter I make sure I always have a couple pairs of thermals, some gloves, an extra jacket and toboggan in my car; in case I get to make the walk to a gas station (if my cell phone doesn't have signal).
My commute to work doesn't take me into any "dangerous" territory where it'd be necessary for me to go into any kind of survival "mode" other than walking a mile or so (if that much, thank God).

On my person is usually only my wallet (with a little cash depending on where I am), cell phone, & Trekker SAK. I don't even carry a lighter. Not even a BIC mini. I used to carry an Altoids tin PSK...had everything I'd need to get through a couple days in it, then I just stopped carrying it. It's now a part of my field kit (which goes with me anytime I'm in the woods for any reason, it has a Mora Triflex (which is my back-up knife) and several ways to make fire in it. My main knives usually vary between a CS Kuk Machete and my RAT7, then I still my SAK in my pocket. So yeah I guess I do carry three knives sometimes...it's the condom principle: Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.).

My car is a different story: jumper cables, jack, lug wrench, flash light, coolant/antifreeze, brake fluid, trans fluid, oil (all in case of a leak, so I can limp it to a station). Just the regular car stuff in case of a breakdown. I plan on adding a First Aid kit when money allows...(never know when you might need one of those)

If I go on a long commute or trip I'll pack my maxi-kit, too (winter kit includes a bag of extra clothing for me, the wife and rugrat. Summer includes extra food and water). Because then I go through some long stretches of nothing-but-woods and you never can tell what'll happen when you're in an out-of-the-way spot.

That said: different strokes for different folks, know what I mean?
 
Seriously though I usually have 1 knife.

I don't see that having stuff like a knife, flashlight, first aid kit, fire and space blanket in your truck is excessive.

I also like to have in my truck a tow chain and a come a long in winter.

I don't think any of that stuff is that far out.

Now all the knives we all have here and other gear is not what we continually carry. It what we COLLECT. There's a difference.
 
Foilist said:
Yes, there is some excessiveness, but keep in mind that survival/bushcraft/edc/etc. is more than a matter of preparedness for a lot of people here - it's also a HOBBY that people do for fun and for the love of gizmos and gadgets.
Click to expand...
:thumbup: I agree ;)
 
Ahhhh, fooey..... this guy is NOT a troll IMO. Look at his other posts. Definately not troll material. Just an honest question.

I have never subsribed to using an "altoids" type PSK. I see them as carrying 5% of everything you need. I would rather have 75% of my most often used items. If I carry a wad of cordage, a fixed blade knife, multitool, firestarter and a canteen/cup combo.... I'm way ahead in the survival game.... but I do not frequent the city and don't have to commute to work... so I am not exposed to as many dangers I suppose.

I do have a BOB of sorts... clothing, tools, food, water, shelter..... for my whole family. I also keep our pop-up trailer well stocked and could be hooked up and on the road in a 1/2hr, realistically.

I do see many setups as excessive by my standards..... but as Sharp Phil has stated... who am I to push my choices on others? However, I still do on occasion and have learnt many things in the process. At times, my choices have been validated.... and at times I have been forced to change my approach..... ITS ALL GOOD.

Sharp Phil and Don R.....

I think we often question the motives of others in an attempt to validate our own.



But I could be wrong.....

Rick
 
misanthropist said:
I tend to agree that some people take it to an extreme...
Click to expand...


misanthropist said:
If you want to pack ten pounds of gear everywhere with you, go for it, I support your right to do so. But I reserve the right to think it's dumb.
Click to expand...


I don't think many here really do anything that extreme and the entire argument is an anti-preparedness argument aided by setting up a ridiculous example of EDC as the typical survivalist going about his day in the city.

A full BOB in the trunk isn't a big deal unless you have a very small trunk. You might not need it, but then again you might. If you have one you have to store it somewhere, so why not the trunk? Small things like multitools and flashlights don't take up much room in a car and could be useful.
 
Magnussen said:
I think we often question the motives of others in an attempt to validate our own.



But I could be wrong.....

Rick
Click to expand...


Actually, you're a lot closer to right than you think you are...

For some reason Rick your picture reminds me of "Tank" Abbott...maybe it's the grimace...::takes off running:: :D
 
I guess this depends on the meaning of the phrase "why do you need...?"


Literally, it is a question about why something is needed for a specific outcome.


On the other hand, in modern American usage it is often an idiom meaning something different, something along the lines of "You are an idiot for doing something I don't think you need to do!"


The meaning would be discerned from the vocal inflection, but in text that is difficult to determine.


The poster might be using the phrase in the literal sense, but some of the phrasing making the concept of preparedness look ridiculous seems to imply the second meaning.
 
With all these differing replies I'm not sure how to answer. I wouldn't consider myself a troll, I'm not trying to gets you guys amped up. I understand there are special circumstances where it is nice to be carrying a psk, hence the reason I carry a headlamp, lighter and pocket knife at the bare minimum when I go fishing, hunting or hiking. I just see some people on here who I couldn't imagine needing a survival kit on a half mile hike. But what do I know, I'm just a troll?

I spend a fair bit of time outdoors, at least a dozen hours a week. Keep in mind, I'm outdoors in Hawai'i where it's warm enough to spend a night without much. Me and my friends enjoy bushcraft and use our blades hard. I've never needed more than a small knife and my 12" machete. I guess all you guys that have collections of 200 blades and a dozen machetes need a good reason to put them to use...so power to you. I'm just kind of amazed by the number of shiny unused knives I see on here hacked into a tree stump in a fist grip for a photo.
 
I didn't think you were a troll, but you are pretty condescending aren't you?
 
evbouret said:
I'm just kind of amazed by the number of shiny unused knives I see on here hacked into a tree stump in a fist grip for a photo.
Click to expand...

I may be the only one, but I usually take photos of a knife once I first get my hands on it because a) I'm excited and b) the knife is in its most photogenic state. THEN I mercilessly beat on it. :D
 
I agree that most people in this forum take it to an extreme. You guys are a bunch of freaks! :D
 
Benjamin Liu said:
I don't think many here really do anything that extreme and the entire argument is an anti-preparedness argument aided by setting up a ridiculous example of EDC as the typical survivalist going about his day in the city.

A full BOB in the trunk isn't a big deal unless you have a very small trunk. You might not need it, but then again you might. If you have one you have to store it somewhere, so why not the trunk? Small things like multitools and flashlights don't take up much room in a car and could be useful.
Click to expand...

I have seen a COUPLE of people here claim massive EDCs which literally weigh in around 10 pounds.

In general I don't find the EDCs people list here as excessive...most people here seem to carry about what I do. A folder, maybe a fixed blade, and one or two things the size of a keychain.

But I have seen some ridiculous claims...there was a thread a while ago that was called something like "what should I carry to Toledo christmas lights display?"

Most people had pretty reasonable suggestions but some of the stuff in there was just silly.

So I am not opposed at all to survivalism, or to preparedness - you will find my posts are mainly on survivalist sites. But I have seen some ridiculous claims of EDC.

Whether those people are even carrying the stuff, I have no idea. But personally, if I carry something for a year and never come close to using it, and it's a pain in the ass, I will probably stop.

Call me a sheeple if you like!
 
evbouret said:
I'm just kind of amazed by the number of shiny unused knives I see on here hacked into a tree stump in a fist grip for a photo.
Click to expand...

Personally, I'm amazed at how many people seem to spend their time worrying about what other people own, or what they do, or how they use what they choose to buy.

Maybe you should spend more time worrying about your own kit and less time obsessing over what other people do.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top