Newly Assembled Winter Kit (lotsa pics!)

Hey siguy, theres a small army navy store near my house. we should hang out sometime and play with knives and such. Is that what normal kids do these days? i know i do haha
 
SpookyPistolero said:
I always enjoy your posts Codger! I'm just curious, are you recommending the butt pack-turned-shoulder bag as the main winter-kit pack? Or in addition to another pack?
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As a main pack if you are traveling light. Miss Alice is just way to big for my needs. I can roll a poncho and liner and alot of stuff tied to teh top and bottom of the butt pack. If it swings and bangs too much because of the weight, attach it to Y harness and carry it higher on your back.

Keep in mind that I am not saying these are better than the newer purpose built packs. They are just cheap, adaptable, usually easy to find, and a lot more durable than a school bag or cheap nylon backpack. You can even play with stacking one on top of another if you need more capacity, and work out a system of suspension straps that suits you. The ALICE strap systems with padded shoulder straps are often found seperate from the packs and also cheap.

For me, a main winter pack involves carrying more food, water, a heavier sleeping bag and insulated pad, and generally a lot more stuff than I carry in summer. I was jusr mentioning the U.S.G.I. butt pack as an alternative to Simon's lightweight book bag.

Thanks for the kudos on my posts guys, but they really aren't worth more than what you pay for them. They are just Codger's opinions, seldom more valid than anyone else's.

I do hope I present alternatives that get you thinking creatively though. I am not a high dollar gear guy by any means, and never have been. I still carry older carbon steel knives.

I do enjoy seeing all that great Maxipdition stuff though, and reading reviews and seeing how guys pack them and what they include. I always get good ideas on how to low-tech the hi-tech stuff. I have a tad of concern that the noobs (younger, inexperienced friends) might think that pursuing outdoor activities is beyond their reach because of the cost of the really good equipment.

Codger :thumbup:

PS: Cold weather clothing? If you are close to Mil-Surp store, check out the quilted cold weather flyers pants. I love 'em! I have three pair and can wear them under most of my outdoor and work clothes. Paid $8-10 a pair in excellent shape. Oh! And old helmet liners! Wool lined, ear and chin flaps!
 
Codger you are right, those flyers pants are NICE! Surplus gear is good stuff. Even thos Arctic Parkas with the fur hoods are an amazing deal....
 
it is the 5x7' sold at ben's backwoods. i figure the length on mine is closer to 6'3" or 6'4". i'd like to pick up a larger basic tarp, maybe a 10x10. i would really like to get a siltarp though, since they are so much lighter and smaller packing...someday...

TJ, i do the same thing, but i gather it isn't the most normal thing.... send me an email, maybe we can hang out sometime...
 
Thanks for the clarification, Codger. I know what you mean about the potential to put people off, thinking that you have to spend a lot to do this stuff. Milsurp is still some of my favorite gear. Something I've always liked about this 'bushcraft' kind of culture is the notion of doing more with less. Or more to the point, doing it with your brain instead of your wallet. :thumbup:
 
codger, thanks for that link, but sadly it confirms my fears...the closest milsurp place is about an hour's car drive away. it wouldn't be such an issue but i drive a bicycle...
 
There are online suppliers, but you don't get to chicken eye and coon finger the stuff first. It can be hard to tell from a picture if it is the real deal or new made Pacific Rim repro stuff. Try searching eBay if no one on the forums has what you want. Wanted to Buy or trade in gear might do it. Could be a dozen members who have upgraded from old Mil-surp gear and would love to have you sharpen knives for them. Put on that thinking hat! :thumbup:
 
siguy said:
codger, thanks for that link, but sadly it confirms my fears...the closest milsurp place is about an hour's car drive away. it wouldn't be such an issue but i drive a bicycle...
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It's a 1 1/2 hour trip for you, but there is also a milsurp place in Mystic near the aquarium, and another one in New London, a stone's throw away. The Mystic one is a bit touristy, but still has some decent stuff. The New London one is the real deal (if it's still there). keep them in mind if you ever pass that way on a trip. Better yet, arrange a little road trip with a like-minded friend who drives.
 
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