BOB (Bug Out Belt)

DaleW

DaleW

Joined
Dec 22, 2006
Messages
2,194
Here's my latest effort to get the most coverage in a compact PSK.

I started with a Fallkniven F1 and added an On/Scene Tactical kydex sheath with a firesteel holder. It has the Light My Fire Army model firesteel.

It is hung on a BDU belt with an aircraft buckle and Velcro strip from my favorite local surplus store.

I added a Nalgene bottle with a Brunton compass in the top and a LowePro mesh bottle holder to hang it on the belt.

I got a water resistant zippered pouch from Outdoor Research to add storage to the kit. Inside is a lanyard with a Silva Companion compass, SAK Stayglow Classic knife, Inova Microlight LED flashlight, signl mirror, ACR whistle, ultralight model firesteel, and a spy capsule with Tinder Quick tabs. There is also a mylar blanket that is orange on side for arial signals. The waterproof Aloksak bag has the following contents:

First aid:
Misc Bandaids
2x2 gauze
Gauze roll
Antibiotic ointment
Hydrocortizone ointment
Asprin
Ibuprofen
Moleskin
Precision tweezers

General PSK:
Plastic vial with Tinder Quick tabs
Mini Bic butane lighter
Esbit fuel tab
3 "no blow out" birthday candles
8' 24ga snare wire
4 assorted fishhooks with leaders
Twist-on lead weights
Plastic bobbin with 30# Sprecta line
Frog gig tine/spearhead
Foam earplug frog gig cover and fishing bobber
EZE Lap diamond sharpener
Hotel freebie sewing kit
Single edge razor blades
Mini Sharpie felt tip marker
1 Flat pack duct tape
6 Katadyn Micropur water treatment tablets (1 per liter)
6' flourescent pink surveyor's tape
24' small diameter braided seine twine
4 pieces hard candy
P38 can opener

So that's it. A strong knife, a canteen, water treatment, shelter, signal devices, small game and fishing tools, spare cutting tools, several fire starting methods and tinder, some light first aid supplies and even a little food.
 
Batmaannn !!! :D

I got a (Spec Ops Brand) Pack Rat with a shoulder strap, which works as a belt. The Pack Rat has enough capacity for a similar basics kit to yours, can be carried easily in different modes or used as an insert in a backpack (or briefcase). It's divided up real well inside so you don't have to fumble to find any particular item.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
Batmaannn !!! :D

I got a (Spec Ops Brand) Pack Rat with a shoulder strap, which works as a belt. The Pack Rat has enough capacity for a similar basics kit to yours, can be carried easily in different modes or used as an insert in a backpack (or briefcase). It's divided up real well inside so you don't have to fumble to find any particular item.
Click to expand...


I've fiddled with a lot of items like the Pack Rat and it looks like a good product. My objective was to put together the smallest, lightest, but most comprehensive kit that I could, designed with hiking in mind.

I could drop this kit in my day pack as is. For multi-day trips, I would probably ditch the Nalgene and substitute a lighter and smaller one liter Platypus bladder. The real emphasis was on getting as much as possible into that Outdoor Research pouch, so I can just drop that kit into whatever pack I'm using at the time. If I have that pouch, I know I have the basics covered. The knife can be swapped out for a lighter mora or an SAK 111mm like a Trekker or an Outrider.
 
Good show, DaleW. I prefer a wide belt too, especially in warm weather. The belt is good for butt carry of a jacket that is otherwise too easily left behind. You can add pouches depending on the nature of the outing without having to repack. Add a game vest (large pouch:D) and the options grow. I detest shoulder straps when unnecessary. It defeats the purpose if you make a small PSK then carry more stuff than likely needed, so adding pouches (and sheaths:D) only when warranted doesn't leave me feeling over burdened.:thumbup: Regards, ss.
 
Kraz said:
Nice kit Dale! What's it weigh?
Click to expand...

Knife, sheath, firesteel: 10.7oz/285g
Water bottle and holster 9.5oz/270g <--- that was a surpise!
PSK pouch and contents: 15.7oz/445g
Belt: 5.3oz/150g
Total: 41.2oz (~2.6blbs)/1150g

Weight is where it all unwinds. For example, my Golite Dawn pack is 16oz/436g and a one liter Aquafina water bottle (recycled drinking water bottle) is just 1.8oz/45g. The 2700 cubic inch (44 liter) pack and the water bottle weigh just four ounces more than the Nalgene/belt combo, it's much times easier to carry, and has room for all my essentials. I would carry 2 bottles if I used the pack.
 
Interesting data Dale - thanks. My guess would have been that the belt was more convenient than the pack, perhaps because I live in a hot climate where something covering your back can feel pretty oppressive in the heat.

I never really thought of Nalgene bottles as heavy but you've opened my eyes with this comparison. :thumbup:
 
That's a real neat idea! It would be much more convinient than a pack full o' gear. Nice and light.
 
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