Mentor's PSK Thread

[Mentor]

I intend to use this thread as a space to talk about my new PSK, share some thoughts on its purpose and contents, and in-action reviews. Enjoy!

- Mike

UPDATED NOV 16 - SEE PAGE 2

PART I - DESIGN

Hi all,

Well, I have been doing a lot of thinking about my PSK setup lately, and I decided to set about creating a new kit - hopefully the last one I will make for the foreseeable future.

This is intended to be a fairly comprehensive kit that can be attached to my day pack or hiking pack, or included with my fishing gear.

One of the main issues I wanted to address with this kit is the tension between a ‘just in case’ set of survival gear and a group of handy items that are intended to see regular use. In the past, I have packed the former and the latter together in ways that made easy access a bit of a hassle. I think everyone will agree that it’s important to have a PSK that you can and do use regularly. This means opening your kit up in all sorts of situations, from warm, sunny days to cold, rainy ones, misty mornings, nights, and in the middle of snowstorms. Having a kit that can be easily accessed and re-packed without making a mess of things is important.

Major considerations for this PSK:

Thorough
Not too heavy / bulky
Organized and easy to access
Weatherproof

It will be carried as an attachment to another pack, and so it should always be accompanied by my Kewl canteen and / or water bladder, belt knife, and multitool.

So, here goes. Comments most welcome!

For the PSK pack, I opted for a Mountain Equipment Co-Op (MEC) Bon Vivant. It’s a 420-denier nylon shoulder bag with a detachable and adjustable strap, plus a wide belt loop. The dimensions are listed as 6 x 14 x 23cm. It has a top-access main pouch, a side access zippered pouch, a buckled pouch on the front, and a small zipper pouch on top.

The bulk of my survival gear will go in the main pouch. I decided to put it in a case that can be removed without detaching the PSK from my pack. A Pelican 1050 micro case fits in the main pouch perfectly. It also has a clear top and good clasps, and it is waterproof and tough as nails. I can set it on the ground, open it and rummage through it, and repack it easily. Items can be set on the open lid if I find it necessary to dig around in the kit. The shoulder strap for the PSK is detached and folded up at the bottom of this pouch. If need be, I can rig the kit up as a stand-alone shoulder-slung mini-pack (handy for short spins the the canoe). The case contains my fire kit, a flashlight (Sun eco-twister), hand sanitizer, space blanket (still in the package. I figure that in a survival situation, I will look at that picture and draw some comfort from the fact that I won’t feel quite as rough as that poor chap in the front of the canoe), duct tape, a Fox 40 whistle, and a few large garbage bags.

As regards fire ...

I think I have this base covered nicely! The kit contains a mag block and fire steel, with a JK Nessie tin knife as a striker. It also includes some matches and a mini-bic. I also found a nice plastic container (originally for holding push pins) and packed it full of PJCB’s. This little container is perfect, as it is wide and flat, which allows for easy access to the cotton balls. I often see PJCB’s stored in tubular containers that can be difficult (and messy!) to access. An elastic band attaches the PJCB container to some folded newsprint, which can be used as tinder, and as a base to catch magnesium scrapings.

The zippered side pouch contains my first aid materials and a spare fixed blade - in this case, my Becker Necker. If I have to use this blade, it means that I have probably already lost my EDC scandi and my belt knife. I shudder to think of such a situation!

The first aid kit is in a large ziploc bag. It contains an assortment of band-aids, sterile pads, gauze, medical tape, water purification tablets, pain meds, cold & flu tablets, and antihistamines. I like being able to access my first aid stuff without having to remove the PSK or dig through its other contents.

The top pouch contains my compass. I like to keep this handy, especially during the winter when I’m snowshoeing through deep powder, the sun is hidden by clouds or snow, and everything looks the same (my idea of a perfect outing!).

The front pouch expands nicely, which makes it perfect for storing my bandana and a toque. Those of you down south may chuckle at the idea of including a toque in a PSK during the summer, but it actually dropped down to 7 Celsius overnight when I was up on Blue Mountain a few weekends ago! In the winter, when I am wearing the toque regularly, I will add something more practical to the kit instead.

All for now - Now I have to get out and use it!

- Mike

 

[Mentor]

PART II - AFTER A FEW DAYS IN THE WOODS ...

Well, I had the opportunity to take this kit out for a few days of hiking, camping, and canoeing in Quebec this past week.

I didn’t take any in-use pictures, unfortunately, but I do have some thoughts on how things worked out:

The kit needs cordage: I had some 550 paracord with me in my pack, but that’s no excuse not to include some in my PSK. I think I will add some jute twine to the front pouch, since it’s durable, flammable, and biodegradable (thanks, kgd, for that idea!).

Waterproof cases are awesome: We left from Ottawa. I has some work to take care of there on Wednesday morning, and was walking from the bus depot downtown when the sky just opened up. It was a crazy deluge. You couldn’t even feel the individual drops - just a constant soaking. My pack was trail-ready, so It only took me a few seconds to pull out my hat and rain coat, and pull the rain cover over my gear. It isn’t wide enough to fit over my PSK case, so it was downright soaked by the time I made it to my destination. Upon inspection, the first aid kit (in the ziploc bag) and my main kit (in the Pelican case) were totally dry. Thumbs up to the Pelican! My toque and Becker Necker did get a bit damp, though, and I think I may wrap them both in ziploc bags in the future - no sense in pulling out a cold, damp toque.

Re: ease of access: This was one of my primary concerns, and I think that the kit met my expectations in this regard. On a number of occasions, I was able to leave the PSK pack attached to my pack while I extracted the Pelican case and made use of its contents. Being able to place contents in the lid of the case while I rummaged through it was nice. All things considered, packing and unpacking was straightforward. This bodes well for the winter or for those times I need to use my kit in inclement weather.

JK Tin Knives make great strikers: This little Nessie-style tin knife made a terrific striker for my ferro rod. It was sharp enough to easily whittle a few flakes of magnesium onto some newsprint, which I then dumped onto a PJCB. After a few strikes, it went up nicely. This is a nice, compact combo, and I like having something a bit meatier than a hacksaw blade to grip.

Flat PJCB containers rule: You guys have to try this! The flat little pin case that I used to hold my PJCBs worked perfectly. It fit nicely into my kit and it was easy to open the lid, retrieve a PJCB, then put things away again - no messy fumbling for that cotton ball at the bottom of the container. I’ll be using this in the future. I suppose an Altoids tin would work just as well, though it is a bit bigger.

I’m of two minds on the flashlight: On the one hand, it is reasonably bright, and I can be confident that it will never run out of batteries! On the other hand, it’s a bit bulky, and I don’t really like to take time out of my nighttime fire-building to give it a few twists. Tough call. I’m thinking that I may opt for a compact head lamp instead, though this raises the issue of batteries. What do you think?


The process of refinement continues. I hope to be able to take a few more multi-day trips before the end of the summer, and I’ll update this thread (with more pics, I promise!) to share some thoughts. By mid-fall, I should have a very respectable and well-tested kit.

Thanks for looking, and all the best,

Mike

PS Comments and suggestions most welcome!

 

[Fonly]

All of that sounds good, that is the type of kit I would reccomend when doing a course.

I would trade out the light, go for a Princtentec Fuel, and just an extra set of batteries. It has great run times, can't think of it off hand, but they are good.

Other than that, it all looks good. I might trade of the JK for a SAK, but thats a personaly preference, I like the tweezers and extra knife for digging out splinters and things, but over its good.

The Priencton tec has max of 34 lumens, and runs for 50 hours on high, 110 hours on medium, 165 hours on low and 120 hours on strobe.

 

[kgd]

Very cool thread Mentor. I have two lock'n'lock containers that fitvery nicely in my maxpedition falcon II that serves as a fire/shelter/water and FAK. I'll try to post pictures tomorrow, but the light just isn't working for me at the moment.

One of the things that really hit me as of my post earlier this weekend is the necessity of having a good PSK and bug-out-bag for those emergencies that crop. I had my little drama exercise that happened to me, but in the end, what I got thinking is how much time spent would have occurred had I not had a bag pre-loaded with all the goodies I need to respond to an emergency.

Its always a bit intimidating posting up a PSK because invariably somebody will come up with something that you missed. Then again, thats why we do these things so we can learn. I didn't spot any essentials missing in yours. In my own kit, I add added a packet of hot chocolate, chicken broth crystals and a couple packets of sugar. The packets are just comfort food to calm the mind, the sugar is part of my FAK for potential diabetic situations that my wilderness first aid taught me about.

Great post!

p.s. for light - I just have one of those key chain LED lights that doubles as a laser. It was given to me as schlag at a meeting and I get the warm fuzzies thinking the Dean of Science from Guatmela City University gave it to me

 

[Mentor]

Thanks for the thoughts, gents!

I'm glad that I left a bit of spare room in my kit at the outset, as I knew you guys would throw some good ideas my way.

Ken, I was away this weekend, and I didn't see your posting about your AWOL watercraft preparedness adventure. I'm glad everything turned out OK! Your experience is a great illustration of the value of having a good kit close to hand :thumbup: It reminded me to add a pair of leather work gloves to my pack. They won't fit in my PSK, but they are definitely assets in an emergency. Point well taken re: adding a bit of food to the kit as well. There's room for some sugar packets, tea, and perhaps an instant oatmeal or two at the bottom of my Pelican case, and all of that compresses well.

Fonly, I'll definitely look at the light you mentioned. If I was in a prolonged (as in several weeks) emergency situation, I would probably be thankful for the Sun's ability to operate without batteries. In a more short-term situation, though, a brighter, more compact and less labour-intensive light source makes great sense. Also, I agree about the SAK. I have one without scales that I just tossed in my kit. The little nessie stays, though!

All the best,

- Mike

 

[TheGame]

Great kit! I love to see what others put in their kits so I can fine tune my own. Definitely one of the best assets of the WS&S people! :thumbup:

 

[Fonly]

The little nessie stays, though!
- Mike

Sounds good to me!:thumbup:

For what its worth, on one set of batteries with the FUEL, 165 hours of use translates into 82.5 days of use, thats two hours a day, I dont even use a light that much in one night, maybe on a search, but thats much different.

 

[go2ndAmend]

I understand your concept, but for me personally, a PSK should not be a DUK (daily use kit). For me, a PSK is something I bring along which has all that I need to be able to survive for a reasonable period in whatever element I am in. I have a summer and winter PSK. I completely agree with the concept that you should be very familiar with each and every item in your PSK and know how to use them. However, they should only be opened and used in an emergency. I like the piece of mind I have by knowing that my PSK always carries the basics I need since I don't ever rob it for daily use. Anyway, this is just my thought. Everyone has their own philosophy about PSK's. I really like your PSK and you obviously know how to use it, which is the most important thing.

 

[Rockywolf]

How about tossing in a small piece of fatwood and a Bic lighter? Where did you get the bag? :thumbup:

 

[Mistwalker]

Nice kit. I have a couple of Pelican boxes I use for my camera and other stuff. I still have some concerns about them in "rough" environments in water after the test I did on mine. However in the case's defense it was a rough test of sudden temp change, then being held in place bouncing on rocks in some very cold water. you can see it here... http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=620646

also you could save a little weight and space if you like by cutting that mag block down a little. I think if you ever had to use it you would probably like one of the AMK heatsheets E blankets better than that Caughlans (sp?)

I like Kens idea also, some herb ox bullion is on my next shopping list. I have learned that I like the packets better that the cubes.

 

[koyote]

I carry a dynamo light and one of the countycomm $2 miniLEDs. they have replacable batteries if you ever get that far, even though they cost very little. they take up next to no room, too.

 

[nc527]

for a light, why not check out county comms 1 aa maratech with high med and low settings with max lumen 185

 

[Joezilla]

what do you have for cordage?

 

[KuRUpTD]

for a light, why not check out county comms 1 aa maratech with high med and low settings with max lumen 185

+1 or even the AAA version if space is an issue.

nicely thought out kit.

 

[Mentor]

Lots of great feedback here, thanks!

go2ndAmend, you raise an interesting point, and it is an issue I have thought long and hard about in the past - is a PSK to be kept intact for an emergency, or can / should one make use of it more regularly. It’s a tough call. For me, it’s a matter of not wanting to carry around two first aid kits and two fire kits, so my PSK sees regular use. But I can definitely see the other side of that argument.

Rockywolf, there’s a mini-bic in there. I’ll definitely add some fatwood, though. Good call. The bag is from Mountain Equipment Co-op.

mistwalker, thanks for that review link! Very cool test. l was actually surprised to see that the lid didn’t open, what with all the banging around rocks. Good idea re: cutting the mag block down, too. I think I might add a dedicated ferro-rod, lose the combo, and add a cut-down piece of mag block.

Koyote, I’m looking into revising my lighting situation. It’s priority #1 with this kit. Once I get a new main light, I’ll see if there’s space left for a mini-LED. That would be a good addition to the kit.

Modzilla, I have a bundle of jute twine that was added after this trip, plus a length of 550 that serves as the cord for my Becker Necker.

Again, thanks for all the good ideas. It was tempting to pack the case with a flask of whisky, a few flares, and a harmonica, but this route seems more practical.

All the best,

- Mike

 

[texastonydobbs]

Great PSK ,thanks for sharing

 

[Don Rearic]

Mike,

I think it's great that you went another way instead of Maxpedition or Spec-Ops Brand stuff and went with Mountain Equipment Co-op. I found them online and they remind me of the more simple Dana Design Messenger Bag and some Sun Brand stuff...perhaps some Jansport stuff from about a decade ago that was much more simple and better than it is now.

Can you show the other compartments on the bag and use a bit more light/flash? Also, have you examined by hand the slightly larger version of this bag and then the one above that one? I cannot remember what the one above this one is but the larger of the three of this type is the Carryall.

The kit looks solid as well.

 

[kgd]

I understand your concept, but for me personally, a PSK should not be a DUK (daily use kit). For me, a PSK is something I bring along which has all that I need to be able to survive for a reasonable period in whatever element I am in. I have a summer and winter PSK. I completely agree with the concept that you should be very familiar with each and every item in your PSK and know how to use them. However, they should only be opened and used in an emergency. I like the piece of mind I have by knowing that my PSK always carries the basics I need since I don't ever rob it for daily use. Anyway, this is just my thought. Everyone has their own philosophy about PSK's. I really like your PSK and you obviously know how to use it, which is the most important thing.

I'm the complete opposite. I like dipping into and refurbishing my kit through use. This keeps the contents rotated and it keeps me thinking about what I need to improve it. For example, I use item X from the kit and find that its not so great and decide to upgrade it, or I think it is fantastic and next time around I buy two replacements. Thats just how I am, its not so much a spare set of things, but my set of things.

 

[koyote]

I understand your concept, but for me personally, a PSK should not be a DUK (daily use kit). For me, a PSK is something I bring along which has all that I need to be able to survive for a reasonable period in whatever element I am in. I have a summer and winter PSK. I completely agree with the concept that you should be very familiar with each and every item in your PSK and know how to use them. However, they should only be opened and used in an emergency. I like the piece of mind I have by knowing that my PSK always carries the basics I need since I don't ever rob it for daily use. Anyway, this is just my thought. Everyone has their own philosophy about PSK's. I really like your PSK and you obviously know how to use it, which is the most important thing.

I'm the complete opposite. I like dipping into and refurbishing my kit through use. This keeps the contents rotated and it keeps me thinking about what I need to improve it. For example, I use item X from the kit and find that its not so great and decide to upgrade it, or I think it is fantastic and next time around I buy two replacements. Thats just how I am, its not so much a spare set of things, but my set of things.

This is on my mind a lot. I have some bags that are prepacked for emergencies, but in general, my PSK isn't even a PSK- it's my EDC stuff.

I struggle with this because there's some part of me that likes the idea of the P.S.K. as a special container (I love containers, bags, especially) full of stuff designed to survive any specific emergency- much like having my LISP library on my thumb drive.


But the truth is that I've done everything from unplanned overnights to 2 week road trips with my EDC stuff.

Just about the only things I really have that are ... "PSK" specific are the emergency blankets, compass, and extra firemaking methods.

I once did a layoever in Sigonella, Sicily. I dumped my bag and flight suit in the barracks and got the VP squadron to give me a telephone muster and a 48 (functionally a 72 hour pass) and I took off. I had a backpack at that time that I've never found again, it was the first Remington branded thing that wasn't ammo that I evenrbought. Basic khaki colored pack, canvas, tiable zippers, with main and ONE supplmentary pockets. In it I had a tiny dictionary, a pocket computer (you'd think of it as a calculator, but it was a real computer and I did weird stuff with it), a big fat paperback Kipling collection, my first aid kit, a swiss army knife, a water bottle, socks, scivvies, and a spare Tshirt. I had 3 lighters and a carton of smokes (I smoked at the time and it's a universal currency. Offering a cigarette to the guy at the next barstool opens more social doors in the Med than money does).

That was a snapshot of my regular European EDC PSK - basically what I took with me anywhere and everywhere from Spain to Sweden. Clothing might change a bit, and I might add my SOG Government in the right country, but I was Good To Go.


Oh yeah, almost always had some choice traveller's pharmaceuticals in the FAK (diarrhea sucks), a black watchcap, and my Ukranian leather coat. That thing was magic, it must have had asbestos for a lining. almost as thin as an Ike and warmer than a peacoat.

Also, I had SAK or multi-plier on my belt with a mini-maglite all the time back then, in or out of uniform.

Now, I've been consciously trying to get back to that single guy ideal of a EDCPSK- there's a few things I know to add now that I didn't worry about so much then. BUt, really- if I'd tossed a pair of space blankets in that remington pack, I could have done fine through most anything.

 

[HikingMano]

Great thread Mentor, thanks for sharing your kit and your insights :thumbup:

Take a look at the Fenix E01 if you don't mind a AAA sized LED light.