Level's of security.

F

Fonly

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Sep 24, 2006
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Well, the other day I started reading an article from Neil Andrews "level's of gear" in other words, what things that should be on you at all times. then things like possible kits,fanny packs (level two). Then full out BOB (level three).

So, First what I wanted to ask, and see (if you want to show pictures) What your "level's" I.e. whats on your belt, what is in you next level up, and so on consist of. Also, if you think weither or not you have the right things on your first level, which brings me to my next question.

What things should be on Level one of your gear?
Things like a whistle, mirror, compass, three ways to get a fire going (the more the better) a knife, and light weight saw (as in a SAK saw, or pocket chainsaw) Some tinfoil that you can cook, and boil water with. Flashlight, things for food and water procurement (snare wire, small fishing kit, bags for water) A bandana to filter large stuff out of water. and then of course shelter ( metal blanket, some more wire, some string or light weight rope). And lastly some type of medical kit, a few bandaids, gauss, tape, burn ointment (FAK could go in a small pouch in a pocket)

Also, what is your take on a survival vest, fitted correctly? Right placement of gear, not heavey things, what level of securty is in that?

So what do you guys think of my thinking, is that enough for a level one kit?
(something on your belt, in pockets or worn in some style that it cant be removed by a fall, or in a fall in a river).

Ill have some pictures up of my "Level one" in a few minutes.
 
Ok, well here is what I have for "level one"

First is my FAK.
p4150077pl9.jpg


Here it is all ready to go in my front right cargo pocket.
p4150078ky9.jpg


Now, my shoulder rig kit, which I'm wondering about changing into a light weight vest set-up.
p4150082jq8.jpg


Then both together ready for work ;)
p4150079st9.jpg


And then of course whats on my belt, and in my front right anf left pockets. (the wrapped up hunk of digi camo holds enough tinder for three0four fires)
p4150085xx9.jpg
 
That's definitely a thorough level one! I don't like having to do rough hiking when my pockets are full/bulky, and all my packs have hip straps that usually negate much in the way of a belt pouch. That leaves a meager amount in the pockets or a bit around the neck.

I'll usually have a small pouch on my neck with basic firemaking components in miniature form. In my pocket I've got my SAK, and on my belt will be a main 4" fixed blade. There is either a firesteel or magnesium firestarter along with a ceramic rod on the sheath.

Past that, it pretty much stays in the pack. It's not that I'm against the 'level' system, it's a very safe way to do things. I just have a hard time with excess redundancies in my gear, and a bigger problem figuring out how to account for storage of the layers. Wearing a vest is the only other alternative to suit my preferences.
 
I agree, and thats why the only "big" thing I have in my pockets are the FAK, but I think its kinda a necessity to have some form of fak on your person. I like the fak that I have because its so light, and very compacked.

I'll look for the link to his page, it has a more indepth look at the form of carry.

What do you guys think of a vest type kit though?
 
OK, my EDC Level 1: AAA Arc, Mini Bic with 30' of 50lb test spyder wire and 4' of gorilla tape around it, Leatherman P4 Squirt, Airweight with Crimson Trace/Kimber, Spyderco Manix Waved. Usually in the woods I replace the Manix with a little Delica and add a Howler and replace the 1911 with a custom SW 586 .357.

Picture005.jpg


Picture006.jpg
 
I think the vest type kit has many merits, since you can carry a surprising amount of gear and spread the weight out evenly, distrubuted comfortably over your shoulders. It's also a simple means of having the gear organized, sometimes harder to do in a pack. The vest is also almost certain to be on you (no sense in taking it off for some other mundane task the way a pack might).

I'm really beginning to favor the drog-leg pouch as a means to carry such things, however. If you can keep the pack fairly close to your leg (small thickness) then the weight will be less of an issue, and it's one less thing your back has to support. I've used this from time to time as a place to keep my blade.
 
Level II: Ok, I spare you some details here and just give you the gist of it. Lately I've been trying to modulate my equipment so I can choose what is appropriate for the environment I'm in and what type of activity I'm conducting. Just grab the kits I need and go.

Camelback Issued: The two pouch one with the MOLLE attachments with:
GI poncho liner/Poncho
Raincoat
canteen cup
Firekit
water kit: Pump, tabs, and a 3 liter bladder
Fixed blade: Depends on the mood, usually an Fallkniven A1 at the moment
2 X field stripped MRE's
Camelback bladder filled
550 cord
4 Bungee's
.22 pistol


NAR Personal Trauma based Med kit Military issued:
Israeli Bandages x 2
Decompression needle
CAT tourniquet x 2
Petroleoum bandage
Quick Clot
Chitosan Bandage
Gloves
Shears
Trauma Gauze
Basic Meds: Vicotin, Excedrin, Anti-shi! pills, General Antibiotic

Basic overnight equipment bag: IR Strobe, White strobe, Sewing kit, DEET, Headnet, Gerber extendable saw, Leatherman Ti with tool kit, more 550 cord, Spider wire 50 lb, Gorilla tape, Pencil,

Survival Kit:
Pretty standard

Please forgive me I know I've forgotten a lot. Usually while out running I carry the Medical and survival. If I go out for more than a night I take the overnight bag in addition to normal stuff.

Picture.jpg
 
Fonly said:
Ok, well here is what I have for "level one"

First is my FAK.
p4150077pl9.jpg


Here it is all ready to go in my front right cargo pocket.
p4150078ky9.jpg


Now, my shoulder rig kit, which I'm wondering about changing into a light weight vest set-up.
p4150082jq8.jpg


Then both together ready for work ;)
p4150079st9.jpg


And then of course whats on my belt, and in my front right anf left pockets. (the wrapped up hunk of digi camo holds enough tinder for three0four fires)
p4150085xx9.jpg
Click to expand...

I deleted this. Thought it was funny at the time, not now.
 
Level 1 (carry on your person every single day):
Wristwatch
Cash
Credit card
Knife
Bic lighter (or similar lighter)
Multi-tool or SAK
Cellphone is optional but very useful.
 
Yup, layering our gear is a good, common sense approach to preparedness. Like allenC, my EDC is my first level of preparedness gear.

Pocket carry-
Folding utility knife
pocket watch
bic lighter
chapstick
silk bandana
55gal. industrial grade drum liner
sunglasses

wallet carry-
folding knife
BSA hotspark
tinder

When I leave the house, depending on the time of year, I'll either have a multi pocket travelers vest with additional gear, or a shoulder bag, also with gear that enhances my EDC, adding better shelter options, food gathering/sewing kit, SAK, FAK, TP, OTC meds and water purification tabs, sparklite firestarting kit, coffee filters, an additional bandana, cordage and a poncho.

There is also a GHB behind the seat of my truck and my BOB lives in a closet at the entrance of our home. There is also one at the rear exit of our home, just in case the front exit isn't available to us.
 
Yeah, just so this is knowen, this is my wilderness level one, I carry the bottom pic edc.
 
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