Deep Wilderness "Dream Team"

1) Hatchet for chopping. I know, I'm old fashion.
2) CRK Mountain II as my sturdy medium sized knife.
3) Dozier K1 as my small knife.
 
For a week long hiking trip I would want to go light, so I think I would take a Vic Hiker and SOG Revolver.


If weight were less of an issue I might replace the Hiker with a multitool or a larger 111mm locking SAK such as the Hunter, and the Revolver with a Foster Fears Survival Knife and a Gerber or Fiskars folding saw. If traveling by vehicle I would also bring a 18” Ontario machete and a Cold Steel SF shovel.





- Frank
 
I carry a Leatherman (about 7 yrs old) and a queen mountain man. I have been in the deep woods of Canada for about 2 weeks and made out just fine. It works for me. I just dont need all that equipment and thinking. I dont get it I guess, since I have been Camping for fairly long periods and just carried the above 2 items. Maybe I'm wrong but it just is not that complex --Is it??
 
xbxb said:
I carry a Leatherman (about 7 yrs old) and a queen mountain man. I have been in the deep woods of Canada for about 2 weeks and made out just fine. It works for me. I just dont need all that equipment and thinking. I dont get it I guess, since I have been Camping for fairly long periods and just carried the above 2 items. Maybe I'm wrong but it just is not that complex --Is it??
Click to expand...


No not really i beleive people assume they cna replace exeperience/expertise with more gear. :(

I have enough sense too know im not nearly on the level as most of the guys who posted here are. But im more adept than most so not all bad.
Im at least trying to learn.

XBXB you get what im saying?
 
It would depend on the environment for the big tool, but this combo would be nice.

1) Medium ax, 14" machete or my Battle Rat.
2) Busse Mud razor (always on my belt)
3) BRK&T Fox River
4) leatherman tool (probably a Charge Ti)
 
razorsdescent said:
No not really i beleive people assume they cna replace exeperience/expertise with more gear. :(
Click to expand...
Gentleperson, assuming that you are not a Scot (Scotland the Brave!) saying "c'na" for cannot, and you mean "can," you may be right or incorrect.

Some people carry gear because they have knowledge or experience of how very, very wrong things can go in human affairs. As the bumper sticker says, "S**t Happens." They also have knowledge of their physical limitations and preferences.

I my case, I assume I may have to cut through a large, dead tree limb or cut green pole-sized wood or/and brambles.

Can I accomplish those tasks with a stout folding knife (that I do not carry backpacking)? Yes, I can and have -- many times. But the effort was MUCH greater over a MUCH longer time than with the saw (for the large wood) or golok (for the poles or brambles).

Can I accomplish those tasks with the North Star I carry? Yes. Been there. Done that -- but again with greater effort over greater time.

Do I even plan on those tasks? Hardly ever. By choice, I carry a tent (90%) and a stove (100%). But, on occasion, I have had the need to do such things. I use the word "need" with careful intent.

In short, I believe I am making a time/effort vs. weight calculation as part of planning to deal with possible eventualities.

I personally feel it is unnecessarily risky to go into "deep woods" for extended periods with only a slip-joint knife unless you are truly a primitive living expert. I have reason to believe that most SAR personnel and veterans would agree.


And, by the way, gear can and does replace knowledge and experience - every day. The compass replaced knowledge of the stars and other natural signs. GPS has replaced the compass for many, and most of the time it works. Cell phones seem to have replaced common sense ("Why do I need first aid stuff. You can always call for help." :rolleyes: ). Makes me nervious to see it happen, but it goes on all the time. Heck, the Mountain Man knife replaces knowledge of how to make a cutting tool from stone or bone.

So you could be right or wrong. Which pretty much sums up the human condition.
 
Well, I suppose it depends upon where you're camping/hiking.

Here in the Carolinas there really is'nt too much "deep woods".
And much of those woods are state or federal lands where you are not allowed to chop down trees or even damage the vegetation.

So I usually camp/hike with just a good locking folder (like a Buck 110 or a Spyderco Military) and a Swiss Army knife.
If I'm fishing, I'll almost always have a multi-tool in my tackle-box.
And I always carry a pistol.

Around here, when you see someone heading in to the woods with an axe or machete or extremely large knife, it's fairly safe to bet that they are either clearing some private land or that they are rather inexperienced.
 
Idealy?

Wetterlings 16" Hunting Axe
Chris Reeves Shadow III
Victorinox OHT


In the real world?

Fiskars 14" hatchet
Ka-Bar 8" Tanto
Victorinox OHT
 
Thomas Linton said:
Gentleperson, assuming that you are not a Scot (Scotland the Brave!) saying "c'na" for cannot, and you mean "can," you may be right or incorrect.

Some people carry gear because they have knowledge or experience of how very, very wrong things can go in human affairs. As the bumper sticker says, "S**t Happens." They also have knowledge of their physical limitations and preferences.

I my case, I assume I may have to cut through a large, dead tree limb or cut green pole-sized wood or/and brambles.

Can I accomplish those tasks with a stout folding knife (that I do not carry backpacking)? Yes, I can and have -- many times. But the effort was MUCH greater over a MUCH longer time than with the saw (for the large wood) or golok (for the poles or brambles).

Can I accomplish those tasks with the North Star I carry? Yes. Been there. Done that -- but again with greater effort over greater time.

Do I even plan on those tasks? Hardly ever. By choice, I carry a tent (90%) and a stove (100%). But, on occasion, I have had the need to do such things. I use the word "need" with careful intent.

In short, I believe I am making a time/effort vs. weight calculation as part of planning to deal with possible eventualities.

I personally feel it is unnecessarily risky to go into "deep woods" for extended periods with only a slip-joint knife unless you are truly a primitive living expert. I have reason to believe that most SAR personnel and veterans would agree.


And, by the way, gear can and does replace knowledge and experience - every day. The compass replaced knowledge of the stars and other natural signs. GPS has replaced the compass for many, and most of the time it works. Cell phones seem to have replaced common sense ("Why do I need first aid stuff. You can always call for help." :rolleyes: ). Makes me nervious to see it happen, but it goes on all the time. Heck, the Mountain Man knife replaces knowledge of how to make a cutting tool from stone or bone.

So you could be right or wrong. Which pretty much sums up the human condition.
Click to expand...


I get what your saying thats y i posted my list:D

But GPS is worthless if you cantutilize it. Same with a knife or flint&steel. Some people would be no better off with a compass. its a puzzle. but knowledge is the solution.
 
xbxb said:
I carry a Leatherman (about 7 yrs old) and a queen mountain man. I have been in the deep woods of Canada for about 2 weeks and made out just fine. It works for me. I just dont need all that equipment and thinking. I dont get it I guess, since I have been Camping for fairly long periods and just carried the above 2 items. Maybe I'm wrong but it just is not that complex --Is it??
Click to expand...

IMO, (and really it's just my opinion), you'd be a little better prepared in the deep woods if you trade the weight of that Leatherman for a Pocket Chainsaw, Sawvivor, folding saw, Bark River Mini-Axe, a 12-inch machete/golok or something of that sort. To my thinking, you're better off with a tool that can chop or saw wood rather than a pair of pliers/screwdriver/can opener/bottle opener/file/etc. I've carried my Leatherman into the deep woods of Canada but I've re-thought carrying it in the future. I just don't run into much use for it beyond using the pliers to grip a hot pot and a bandana works just as well. (Planning to switch out the Leatherman with a Queen Mountain Man! :thumbup: )

Imagine - it's late evening and a cold front is moving in... you've got one last stream to cross before your campsite. You're a bit fatigued from backpacking those last 14km... you make one mis-step and suddenly you're on your back with your pack fully submerged in the clear cold snow-melt rushing down off the mountain. Your pack's been around a few years - not quite as water-resistant as when you first bought it. You get into camp and your gear is pretty wet. And so are you. And the temperature is dropping fast. You start to shiver. It begins to rain, making lighting a fire difficult.

I've never been in such a situation. And I never plan to be in such a situation with just a lockback folding knife. ;)
 
Thomas Linton states the case VERY well! My selection is based upon my experiences over the years and much trial and error. I've carried more than my current selection, and I've carried less. It is through this trial and error that I am able to recognize the suitability of the combo I've selected once I hit on it. My "Dream Team" fits MY needs. Yours should fit you. That's what this thread is all about...what is YOUR selection.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top