mini-kit for Dad, feedback?

C

candlelight001

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Jun 3, 2008
Messages
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Am giving my dad a mini-PSK for Christmas. He does lots of day hikes, which is what this is primarily for. Backpacking too, but then he has lots more stuff and options. It's a minimalist kit, because that's his general approach and I think he won't take it otherwise. Focussed on minor first aid emergencies, firestarting, getting home, on assumption he gets caught in an unplanned night out.

6- REI stormproof matches and striker
5- Tinder-Quick tabs
1 - Wet-Fire tab
1 - Mini-Bic
1- SAK classic, alox
2 - 3 x 3 Gauze pads
3- little envelopes neosporin
5 - feet duct tape
1 - tube superglue
1 - signal mirror
1 - Tiny suunto compass

I'm assuming/hoping he has food, water, layers, rain gear, flashlight with him already. Although maybe I'm gonna add a tiny button light.

This is all packed in a 3 x 5 seal skinz drybag.

Any thoughts?
 
I realize it's a small kit and easy to get carried away adding stuff but some form of supplemental shelter? A mylar "space blanket" or a large trash bag would go a long way toward staving off hypothermia and would be my first consideration where I live.

It was one below zeroF two nights ago, 50F, pouring and blowing today and 26F and blowing right now.

Great idea, by the way - a really cook gift!:thumbup:
 
The only way I see to get the trash bag in is to take one or both of the gauze pads out... In some ways seems like two gauze pads doesn't get you all that far, could use clothes or something doused in neosporin. Goal of kit is to get him back to car or house, not long term treatment.

Gauze or bag?
 
6- REI stormproof matches and striker
5- Tinder-Quick tabs
1 - Wet-Fire tab
1 - Mini-Bic
1- SAK classic, alox
2 - 3 x 3 Gauze pads
3- little envelopes neosporin
5 - feet duct tape
1 - tube superglue
1 - signal mirror
1 - Tiny suunto compass

I'm assuming/hoping he has food, water, layers, rain gear, flashlight with him already. Although maybe I'm gonna add a tiny button light.

This is all packed in a 3 x 5 seal skinz drybag.

Any thoughts?


I would definitely give up the gauze pads for the trash bag/space blanket. If he is wearing layers, has rain gear, etc he should be able to fashion a bandage. Or...you could toss in a bandanna. Wrap it around the bag if you are looking to add a bandage/compress. Some 550 wrapped around the pouch would be nice as well. Has a million uses. As far as the whistle, you can always tie some of that smaller stuff to the bag. I keep most of my gear in/attached to a CamelBak MULE, I had to get past having everything inside the pockets to make it work...plus I had some help from ROCK6 :) I think the kit looks great otherwise. I take you don't count on him being stranded longer than a few hours.
 
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I agree on the space blanket - a way to carry water would be good (Zip lock bag of non lubricated condom) a bandanna, a drinking tube, water purification tablets.

TF
 
Talfuchre said:
I agree on the space blanket - a way to carry water would be good (Zip lock bag of non lubricated condom) a bandanna, a drinking tube, water purification tablets.

TF
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+1 on the water purification tabs...

I also like the condom idea, cuz you never know when you may run across a tribe of hot amazon's or something. ;):D
 
Does the garbage bag/spaceblanket add value even if he's packed raingear? I'm gonna ask him if he always does, I'm not sure....

Yes, kit is based on him being out for unplanned overnight, not longer. I could make it bigger/for longer, but I'm trying to make it small/light enough that he'll really take it with him always. When he's backpacking he has more stuff with him to improvise with anyway.
 
candlelight001 said:
Does the garbage bag/spaceblanket add value even if he's packed raingear? I'm gonna ask him if he always does, I'm not sure....

Yes, kit is based on him being out for unplanned overnight, not longer. I could make it bigger/for longer, but I'm trying to make it small/light enough that he'll really take it with him always. When he's backpacking he has more stuff with him to improvise with anyway.
Click to expand...

I guess it would depend on the raingear. I keep a full length rain coat in the truck and sometimes have just a small, lightweight jacket. The larger would work great as temporary shelter but the small one would be useless...
 
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