"If I had to start from scratch..."

SpookyPistolero

SpookyPistolero

Joined
Dec 13, 2005
Messages
6,105
I was thinking, this afternoon, about what kit I'd purchase if I had to do it all over again. Start from scratch, that is. I didn't have any kind of budget in mind, and I didn't have 'the best of the best' in mind. There are cheaper options than the items posted, and there are more expensive options. All of these are what I actually carry and use the most these days.

- German 'Mountain' Rucksack (only around $10, but a good canvas pack)
- US GI canteen/cup/stove w/ pouch (~$15)
- Open Country 2-Quart Billy (aluminum, quite handy, less than $10)
- Couple hundred feet of paracord ($15)
- Mora #2 ($10)
- 19" Wetterlings ($50, quite handy and functional enough!)
- Vic Farmer ($15)
- LMF Army firesteel ($12)
- Wool blanket ($12 at harbor freight)
- Nylon tarp ($40)
- Lightweight LED headlamp ($10 at wally world)
- Closed cell foam pad ($8)
- "Bushcraft" by Mors Kochanski ($10)

There are various other 'essentials' I would also purchase, but would likely have had most of them laying around the house anyway (bandanna, first aid kit, jute twine, matches, bic lighter, wool watch cap, etc).

My total from the above puts me near $220 (probably a shade more with shipping and stuff). But I know how easy it is to buy a lot more (possibly cruddy) gear for at least that much money, only to find it doesn't 'fit' or function properly.

I've used the listed gear for a long time and have thoroughly enjoyed it and have not been left wanting. That's not to say you can't do it for less, and it's not to say that there aren't tweaks some people may prefer. This is just the summation of a quick thought.

Would of course be interested to hear what others would do, knowing what they know now!
 
That's pretty good Spooky and not too different than my thoughts. I guess if you had to have an axe/hatchet, a Wetterlings would be a solid and economical choice. A $10 dollar base compass would be another good addition. Forgot to add that I don't think Open Country makes their 2 quart pot with the handle and bail. I know Hollowdweller has one also...it's a great pot; they need to bring it back!

ROCK6
 
I started out with most of what you said. Using it again is would be ok but I tell ya I really like what I have now instead lol.

Bryan
 
SpookyPistolero said:
I was thinking, this afternoon, about what kit I'd purchase if I had to do it all over again. Start from scratch, that is. I didn't have any kind of budget in mind, and I didn't have 'the best of the best' in mind. There are cheaper options than the items posted, and there are more expensive options. All of these are what I actually carry and use the most these days.

- German 'Mountain' Rucksack (only around $10, but a good canvas pack)
- US GI canteen/cup/stove w/ pouch (~$15)
- Open Country 2-Quart Billy (aluminum, quite handy, less than $10)
- Couple hundred feet of paracord ($15)
- Mora #2 ($10)
- 19" Wetterlings ($50, quite handy and functional enough!)
- Vic Farmer ($15)
- LMF Army firesteel ($12)
- Wool blanket ($12 at harbor freight)
- Nylon tarp ($40)
- Lightweight LED headlamp ($10 at wally world)
- Closed cell foam pad ($8)
- "Bushcraft" by Mors Kochanski ($10)

There are various other 'essentials' I would also purchase, but would likely have had most of them laying around the house anyway (bandanna, first aid kit, jute twine, matches, bic lighter, wool watch cap, etc).

My total from the above puts me near $220 (probably a shade more with shipping and stuff). But I know how easy it is to buy a lot more (possibly cruddy) gear for at least that much money, only to find it doesn't 'fit' or function properly.

I've used the listed gear for a long time and have thoroughly enjoyed it and have not been left wanting. That's not to say you can't do it for less, and it's not to say that there aren't tweaks some people may prefer. This is just the summation of a quick thought.

Would of course be interested to hear what others would do, knowing what they know now!
Click to expand...

Wow, Spooky, that kit is pretty close to what I actually use, right down to the German rucksack.:D There are a few items that are different — for instance I generally don't carry an axe, but carry a 14 inch bolo instead (better for me, in my location). Other than that, it's scary close.
 
Funny that others have such similar tastes!

ROCK6 said:
That's pretty good Spooky and not too different than my thoughts. I guess if you had to have an axe/hatchet, a Wetterlings would be a solid and economical choice. A $10 dollar base compass would be another good addition. Forgot to add that I don't think Open Country makes their 2 quart pot with the handle and bail. I know Hollowdweller has one also...it's a great pot; they need to bring it back!

ROCK6
Click to expand...

I do know which you're talking about, because I wish I had one! I actually misspoke, I meant their kettle:

401067Lrg.jpg


http://www.rei.com/product/401067
 
Spooky - the only problem I see with your ideas is that much of your more inexpensive gear takes knowing how to use it. I know my Mora is less forgiving than my Bark Rivers - but now that I am better with a blade I am fine with it.

However, I love the idea of what you are talking about.

TF
 
SpookyPistolero said:
Funny that others have such similar tastes!
I do know which you're talking about, because I wish I had one! I actually misspoke, I meant their kettle:
Click to expand...

Yeah, we have that version of kettle (we use the four quart for the family trips) but the billy can was much better for solo or two-person trips:

OpenCountryKettle-1.jpg


OpenCountryKettle-2.jpg


It's the same thing as Open Country's coffee pot, just without the bail (I think). It really was the perfect backpacking pot...forgot to add that the bail was notched to stand straight up on it's own for fold down.

ROCK6
 
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I like Spooky's list because it pretty much matches my own. It's a list that anyone can throw together for not too much money, and be able to get out in the bush.

There was a time that I could afford fancier, more costly equipment, but now I live on a Social Security pension and if I didn't buy inexpensive gear like that (that still performs well) I couldn't afford to get out. Personally, I think it's a great list: yeah, there might be better gear for some, but the stuff on his list will get you through.
 
Great thread Spooky, perfect and inexpensive ideas for people that are just starting out.
 
Spooky,

It would be interesting to see what it weighs. Looks like good light components that show you don't need the newest ultralight gear and materials to enjoy bushcrafting.

B
 
Good list spooky...i see some items i can pickup...namely that ruck! :thumbup:

another decent pack would be a swedish military backpack w/ frame...usually NIB for $20
 
i just hit up google w/ "german mountain rucksack" and got alot of info...i dont want to post anything hear d/t deal spotting..grrr...but that should get you the info you are hunting.
 
Knowing what I know now?

(I still haven't a clue what "best of the best" is...most of my stuff is el-cheapo and makeshift anyways...but it works)
Not my ideal setup, but it'll get me started.



Knife:

Mora Triflex (12 bucks depending)

--add sharpening stone for about $18. Wet-dry sandpaper and a paint stir stick I can get for free.


Hatchet:

Fiskars hatchet (20 bucks)

Packs:
Milsurp Alice pack (10-30 bucks depending, we'll say $20)

Shelter:

10 X 10 square of 4 mil plastic sheating, preferably black. (25ft x 10ft roll for 10 bucks)
Four heavy duty extra large lawn bags (free to 10 bucks)


Water:

GI canteen, but if in a pinch for funds I'd just wrap a 1 litre soda bottle in duct tape and call it a day, tape some cordage to the cap and then to the bottle and you have a way to keep from losing your lid. (free-10 bucks depending)

Coffee cans: One 1/2lb size, one 1lb size. You can boil and cook whatever you need to with a little preparation to the can. Flip it upside-down and you have a skillet. (Usually scored for free)

Blankets, etc...

Wool blankets (3 at 20 bucks ea.= 60bucks)

Fire:

.0000 steel wool (5 bucks)
Bic Mini (.89 cents, if that much)
Bicycle tire (FREE)
PJ and Cottonballs (free)

Boyscout flint ($4--if that much-- at my local dept. store)

Coghlan's Magnesium bar (7 bucks)


~$150 if you buy EVERYTHING on the list.
 
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Bensbackwoods also has a decent starter kit...will need to add some extras but w/ that kit and a tarp and blanket you could be pretty good for at least 2 seasons...possibly 3
 
When I was a kid, back in the '50's, there were tons of camping books and outdoor magazines that had plans for making your own gear, or utilizing what was available and re-purposing it. It wasn't great gear, not like the "store-bought" stuff we all lusted after, but it was serviceable. Good enough, in fact, that thousands of us could equip ourselves well enough to go into the great outdoors and have a really, really good time. I'm sure there are others on the forum who are old enough to remember those times fondly, and perhaps made some of this gear themselves.

The best thing about all this gear was that it was either super cheap... or free. Despite the fact that it was incredibly cheap, it was — for the most part — good, tough gear. Back then I had the advantage of being a Marine brat, and could often con my dad into bringing home surplus gear. Even that, by today's standards, was probably less than optimal, but it served me — and a few other kids — very well.

One of the things I like about this thread is it kind of has the same flavor as those earlier "make it or scrounge it" days. There are some really good suggestions on how to get out and enjoy ourselves without breaking the bank.

I think that we often get caught up in the latest and greatest nowadays, without really taking a look at what's available for less.

I'm going to see if I can find some of those early books of mine, and maybe post some things if possible.

In the meantime, thanks, Spooky, for starting this thread. Keep the ideas coming, guys.
 
dawsonbob said:
I think that we often get caught up in the latest and greatest nowadays, without really taking a look at what's available for less.

I'm going to see if I can find some of those early books of mine, and maybe post some things if possible.

In the meantime, thanks, Spooky, for starting this thread. Keep the ideas coming, guys.
Click to expand...

Please do! That sounds like a wealth of knowledge!
 
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