Hiking kit

[AntDog]

That they are my friend, that they are.

Looks familiar. Hope you’re enjoying that one, brother! You did such a great job on the etch and strip.

 

[bikerector]

I should have also added the large cold steel rajah. I've beaten the heck out of mine in the backyard and woods and have been really impressed with it for a folding knife, and for the money. I've chopped a lot with it, split wood, dug out the end of drainage pipes, and other sorts of things I don't like to subject nicer knives to. The weight is very reasonable and it easily carries in leg pockets of carpenter pants, cargo pants, and several of the leg pockets of my hiking pants.

The inside of the scales were really sharp on mine and were wicked hot spots. A few minutes with folded up sandpaper to knock the edges off of the plastic made it much, much better. That applies to many of cold steel's budget-ish plastic handled knives, the plastic really could use a debur or chamfer step or something similar.

I've started carrying folding knives a lot more the past few years as they're just a lot easier for me to manage with kids around. I can get the edge put away where ever the knife is, not where the sheath is. Those little boogers just always seem to walk right up to me while I'm cutting stuff, especially food on a cutting board when they're too impatient to wait for me to finish. If it's just me in the woods or backyard though, fixed blades for the win.

Also shinyedges , if you want to try anything I have, just shoot me a PM for a trial run of some things. Save you a little coin while getting to try more blades too.

 

[Elgatodeacero]

In warm times I lean ultralight when I go on foot and don’t plan to stay overnight.

When it’s cold the SDFK is a top shelf choice, especially if you do not carry a hatchet.

This walnut Opinel 8 is 1.6 ounces, and the Mora Floating knife is 2.8 ozs with sheath.

 

[kvaughn]

Wonders why Shinyedges isn't simply using Karate?

I've only blazed a trail a few times.

Leave my gear behind, slice and dice with a sickle, returned to move my gear in, took a break. Repeat.

It was for fun, first. Hiking second.

Oh! I prefer Deer Jerky instead of some kind of 'Trail Mix'. Though, I will take some 'M&M's' as a desert.

You hike with a sickle?

 

[scdub]

My take on knives while “hiking” is different than many here.

I’m of the opinion that the less shelter gear I’m bringing, the larger my knife should be.

To me a knife capable of chopping “unsupported” wood is a survival tool, while small blades are more for fun and backup SD.

If it’s getting cold at night and there’s a possibility I’ll get lost or injured and have to spend a night out, I’ll be carrying either a shelter or a larger fixed blade that will allow me to efficiently build a shelter and chop down a standing dead tree for firewood.

If I’m not in any jeopardy of freezing or getting lost during my hike (on a beach for instance) then whatever pocket knife I’m carrying is fine. Once I’m actually in the woods, alone or with others, I’m prepared to stay relatively warm for a few unexpected nights in the rough.

 

[bdmicarta]

I have done and still do a lot of hiking. I used to do a lot of backpacking but only occasionally these days. My only need for a knife in the past was to open a package of snacks or cut a piece of moleskin.
For a person hiking today I recommend searching the internet for "10 hiking essentials" and equip your pack per that list. A knife is on the list but IMO it is one of the least important items on the list.
When I hiked/backpacked in the past I carried a knife about the size/weight of a Delica. These days I have a LW Tenacious that I bought specifically for hiking. If a person is wanting to carry a more serious knife they could choose from any number of fixed blades in the 3" to 4" blade size. I have a guardian 3 that is 3", and I have a Bark River with just under 4" blade, so I would probably choose one of those.

 

[EngrSorenson]

In warm times I lean ultralight when I go on foot and don’t plan to stay overnight.

When it’s cold the SDFK is a top shelf choice, especially if you do not carry a hatchet.

This walnut Opinel 8 is 1.6 ounces, and the Mora Floating knife is 2.8 ozs with sheath.
View attachment 2688935

A mora flex knife, an Opinel 6 and a SAK compact are sometimes my choices, so I understand where you’re coming from.

 

[Triton]

Some of today's kit for a hike to a waterfall. Food not included and the trangia is in the stanley cup set.View attachment 2688452

I have a small first aid kit in mine as well and one of those space blankets. Also a whistle and pepper spray.

 

[EngrSorenson]

Also a whistle

Easily the most overlooked and underrated piece of equipment. Weighs next to nothing and can save your life.

 

[SwiftDream]

Oh yeah, I see some blades I really like in this thread.


We hike very rugged, steep, rocky trails usually with a good bit of bushwhacking several times a week. We start walking from home as we live in the Sonoran desert right next to 400 square miles of National Forest and wilderness with numerous canyons and mountain peaks. Our routes take us from saguaros to ponderosas. We have backpacked all over the southwest and have thousands of bag nights but we normally day hike these days.


I value navigation skills so those and the necessary tools are essential. Even my two year old iPhone can send text messages via satellite link to anyone now and yes I’ve thoroughly tested it. It also has SOS should I or anyone with me needs a dust off.


We always have full, lightweight rain gear as the elements kill more folks quickly than anything else. My insulation is the Montbel Plasma 1000 down jacket. It cost about the equivalent of a couple mid range knives. It’s a bit spendy but the elements can kill in three hours. These are always in the pack.


Water next and an ultralight mug to make hot drinks and soups as well as a method for sterilizing water if needed. I like the convenience, speed and stealth of a lightweight isopro stove but will switch to a tiny wood fire if need be.


Aside from some trail food and a few odds and ends including a couple mini Bics that’s about it. We like to travel light and fast. I’ve used a plethora of blades. It’s such a personal choice but predominantly I’ve kept them on the smaller side. Most fixed blades always pick up grit in the sheaths and dull the edge. They are the strongest choice but also the heaviest including sheath weight and the bulkiest. I’ve taken folders since I was need high to a pissant.im really not a bushcrater and can make a fire without a knife. I’ve made fire in exceptionally wet conditions with a folder and a Bic. Light food prep is easy with the normal things one takes on the trail. A small knife will cut anything else I need to cut. I’ve gone knife heavy a few times but didn’t find the value. I do value good steel and have a soft spot for carbon steels since that’s what was available in my formative years. I’ve exclusively carried the Spyderco Dragonfly in K390 for a year and a half over approximately 1500k in the wilderness as well as everywhere else urban. I am very impressed with the piece. I used to carry a similar sized Spyderco into foreign countries and it never let me down or left me wanting. It weighs 1.16oz. I fully realize this won’t work for everyone for various reasons. It works well for me.

There are a few things I’ve changed from this photo, doesn’t have 100% in the frame and the stove setup isn’t here for the colder weather hikes but again I do like to travel light for the terrain and age. I simply cannot hump an 80 lb rucksack anymore so rejoice young man in thy youth.

There is a whistle on the sternum strap and my new seat pad is day glow orange.

 

[Hatchet_Jack]

Oh yeah, I see some blades I really like in this thread.


We hike very rugged, steep, rocky trails usually with a good bit of bushwhacking several times a week. We start walking from home as we live in the Sonoran desert right next to 400 square miles of National Forest and wilderness with numerous canyons and mountain peaks. Our routes take us from saguaros to ponderosas. We have backpacked all over the southwest and have thousands of bag nights but we normally day hike these days.


I value navigation skills so those and the necessary tools are essential. Even my two year old iPhone can send text messages via satellite link to anyone now and yes I’ve thoroughly tested it. It also has SOS should I or anyone with me needs a dust off.


We always have full, lightweight rain gear as the elements kill more folks quickly than anything else. My insulation is the Montbel Plasma 1000 down jacket. It cost about the equivalent of a couple mid range knives. It’s a bit spendy but the elements can kill in three hours. These are always in the pack.


Water next and an ultralight mug to make hot drinks and soups as well as a method for sterilizing water if needed. I like the convenience, speed and stealth of a lightweight isopro stove but will switch to a tiny wood fire if need be.


Aside from some trail food and a few odds and ends including a couple mini Bics that’s about it. We like to travel light and fast. I’ve used a plethora of blades. It’s such a personal choice but predominantly I’ve kept them on the smaller side. Most fixed blades always pick up grit in the sheaths and dull the edge. They are the strongest choice but also the heaviest including sheath weight and the bulkiest. I’ve taken folders since I was need high to a pissant.im really not a bushcrater and can make a fire without a knife. I’ve made fire in exceptionally wet conditions with a folder and a Bic. Light food prep is easy with the normal things one takes on the trail. A small knife will cut anything else I need to cut. I’ve gone knife heavy a few times but didn’t find the value. I do value good steel and have a soft spot for carbon steels since that’s what was available in my formative years. I’ve exclusively carried the Spyderco Dragonfly in K390 for a year and a half over approximately 1500k in the wilderness as well as everywhere else urban. I am very impressed with the piece. I used to carry a similar sized Spyderco into foreign countries and it never let me down or left me wanting. It weighs 1.16oz. I fully realize this won’t work for everyone for various reasons. It works well for me.

There are a few things I’ve changed from this photo, doesn’t have 100% in the frame and the stove setup isn’t here for the colder weather hikes but again I do like to travel light for the terrain and age. I simply cannot hump an 80 lb rucksack anymore so rejoice young man in thy youth.

There is a whistle on the sternum strap and my new seat pad is day glow orange.

I like everything except your reliance on an iPhone. They go dead, they break, they freeze etc.

No substitute for a PLB. My wife won’t let me in the bush without one, which is fine because I won’t go without anyhow.

 

[Roamad]

No one has mentioned a saw as an option. A folding saw is lighter than a large fixed blade and often more versatile for bushwhacking, firecraft and shelter building. There are lots of options but when I want to go light, I carry this Stihl-branded folding saw:

 

[Drop bear]

You hike with a sickle?

What is with all these Druid's these days?

 

[Drop bear]

No one has mentioned a saw as an option. A folding saw is lighter than a large fixed blade and often more versatile for bushwhacking, firecraft and shelter building. There are lots of options but when I want to go light, I carry this Stihl-branded folding saw:

I like the really small ones. Basically pocket knives.

Opinel 12?

Or fiskars x something

 

[SwiftDream]

I like everything except your reliance on an iPhone. They go dead, they break, they freeze etc.

No substitute for a PLB. My wife won’t let me in the bush without one, which is fine because I won’t go without anyhow.

I appreciate the discussion on PLBs and such. I don’t truly rely on the iPhone but I do use it mostly for journalistic photography. I can carry more maps on it than I can easily carry paper maps and one extra map got me out of a bind once, but I do have a great and lightweight, waterproof Green Trails map of my ranges that go much further than I can normally walk in the directions we will normally travel. Also I never hike solo so there is always someone who can summon any necessity. Girlfriend just won’t stay home. We have built a relationship around this. I have taught her navigation even without a map or compass and she is very good at finding a route when bushwhacking. But I applaud your sense of hiking safely. I do have an excellent system to protect the phone in extreme temperatures and shock. Another thing I have on it are dozens of reference books, many on plants. I’m just a curious person.

I don’t think anything can or will magically get me out of a situation and rely more upon experience and a gear system. In 58 years of backpacking and hiking I haven’t carried everything and I probably never will but solo travel is different. You should take more saftey and signaling hardware. My first solo overnight was at four years old, a thing my parents were horrified by but I liked it so much that I tried it again soon after and never did stop at their behest. You would be appalled at my original gear list back then. lol

Anyway here are a few more blades that are my favorite for hiking and backpacking. I do have a couple Sebenzas but find them way too heavy for those pursuits though I’ve taken them a few times.

 

[GB940Rookie]

I have been taking the cold steel 4 max on day hikes.

It's a bit heavier than I could absolutely get away with.

But it stores really well in my day pack. Or stashes away out of sight in my pocket.

And still gives me that bigger knife utility.

It has a good edge for a chunky knife.

Chops ok for a folder.(although I am still terrified it will close on me.

I like the 4 max as an outdoor blade. Took it as my only folder on my last camping trip. It’s a beast and a very adequate cutter. The weight is not a problem, but it is noticeable. I have other knives for chopping, but the 4 max will do light chopping quite well.

 

[beeinak]

So many great knives and choices.
Since folks are talking about other items that might be important, I just wanted to mention carrying some surveyors tape. 20’ weighs almost nothing, can be seen from a long way off or from a chopper/plane. Most searches up here are from the air, and I always have some with me off road- just in case.

 

[GB940Rookie]

Light day hike with whittling, maybe cutting some food:



Light bushwhackin’:



Heavy bushwhackin’:



One more pic of the BMe, just because:

My take on knives while “hiking” is different than many here.

I’m of the opinion that the less shelter gear I’m bringing, the larger my knife should be.

To me a knife capable of chopping “unsupported” wood is a survival tool, while small blades are more for fun and backup SD.

If it’s getting cold at night and there’s a possibility I’ll get lost or injured and have to spend a night out, I’ll be carrying either a shelter or a larger fixed blade that will allow me to efficiently build a shelter and chop down a standing dead tree for firewood.

If I’m not in any jeopardy of freezing or getting lost during my hike (on a beach for instance) then whatever pocket knife I’m carrying is fine. Once I’m actually in the woods, alone or with others, I’m prepared to stay relatively warm for a few unexpected nights in the rough.

View attachment 2688938

For those who like capable choppers. Found this at an antique store, way out in the country, almost middle of nowhere.
Think it’s WW2. .25 thick, no distal taper. 11.25 blade. Tapered tang which I thought was interesting. Should make a hell of a chopper and brush cutter. Could also be used as a shovel or light pry bar.
Hey Ant Dog, I’m 30 miles south of Dallas on HWY 45. Know of anyone in our area who could put a handle and a little bit of an edge on this thing for me?

 

[Sharp & Fiery]

I appreciate the discussion on PLBs and such. I don’t truly rely on the iPhone but I do use it mostly for journalistic photography. I can carry more maps on it than I can easily carry paper maps and one extra map got me out of a bind once, but I do have a great and lightweight, waterproof Green Trails map of my ranges that go much further than I can normally walk in the directions we will normally travel. Also I never hike solo so there is always someone who can summon any necessity. Girlfriend just won’t stay home. We have built a relationship around this. I have taught her navigation even without a map or compass and she is very good at finding a route when bushwhacking. But I applaud your sense of hiking safely. I do have an excellent system to protect the phone in extreme temperatures and shock. Another thing I have on it are dozens of reference books, many on plants. I’m just a curious person.

I don’t think anything can or will magically get me out of a situation and rely more upon experience and a gear system. In 58 years of backpacking and hiking I haven’t carried everything and I probably never will but solo travel is different. You should take more saftey and signaling hardware. My first solo overnight was at four years old, a thing my parents were horrified by but I liked it so much that I tried it again soon after and never did stop at their behest. You would be appalled at my original gear list back then. lol

Anyway here are a few more blades that are my favorite for hiking and backpacking. I do have a couple Sebenzas but find them way too heavy for those pursuits though I’ve taken them a few times.

Who made that top KOA knife?

 

[Sam Wilson]

I no longer have the desire to chop a cord or two of wood when I go hiking, my focus the last several years has been to go as light as reasonably possible while still being safe. Interestingly enough, I haven't had to do any real chopping for years, even when building shelter or things around camp. Between this and an SAK with a saw, the bases have been covered, for me. Nothing against choppers, they are certainly fun. Everybody hikes their own hike.







Sam⚔⚔