Not-so-mini kit

D

diletante

Joined
Mar 20, 2002
Messages
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I've triangulating on a set of gear that will always be on my person or within arms reach when I'm hiking.

I've experimented with various pouches and fanny packs to hold this gear, but frankly the one I like best is an Army Surplus Claymore Mine Bag, which I will probably modify or use as the basis of a lightweight nylon shoulder bag. I like the shoulder-bag configuration because--unlike a fanny pack--I can wear it comfortably with my backpack.

Currently my Claymore Bag contains the following:

*Victorinox Outrider
*Silva Waterproof Match Case w/matches (soon this will also contain a Spark-Lite)
*Modified Mini-Fox 40 whistle
*ARC AAA Keychain Light
*Sunto Clipper (luminous)
First Aid/Emergency Kit (I won't go into detail--it's based loosely on Doug Ritter's "Basic Medical Kit." I've left some things out and added other first aid/repair items based on my own purposes and experience along with spares for some of my gear. With the exception of extra food, a map and items included elsewhere in this post, it includes all of the "10 Essentials".)
32 oz. Nalgene Wide Mouth Water Bottle w/Compass Closure
Olicamp Space Saver Mug or Titanium Sierra Cup
100' Kelty Triptease
Six Titanium Tent Pegs OK, I know I could make tent pegs. What can I say, I've got a Titanium addiction
Space Emergency Blanlet
Sunglasses
Gerber yari

*These items are on a lanyard and can be worn around my neck.

I think I can also find room for the following items with some minor modifications to the bag:

Campmor Ultralight Poncho/Shelter (rolled under flap)
Windshirt[b/] (rolled under flap with poncho)
Extra Merino wool shirt

The first modifications I am considering are the addition of straps with separating fastex buckles. I would bar tack a strap to the bottom of the bag and bar tack another to the edge of the flap so I strap items under the flap. I am also considering adding a couple straps between the two compartments. The compartments tend to separate when the bag is slung over my shouler on my side, which creates a space to strap the poncho or one of the shirts. Another option would be an external pocket to take advantage of this space. Eventually I would also like to make the shoulder strap adjustable.

If I ever actually make a Nylon version (or have one made), I'd consider incorporating a clear map case on the flap and adding a torso strap to the bottom. A torso strap would make the bag more stable while running and allow you to reconfigure it as a chest rig.

Does anyone else use a system like this or have any thoughts on this one?
 
I like your idea of using a Claymore bag! Where did you get yours? None of the military surplus stores in my area carry them.

I too, have a "not-so-mini" kit. I use an Eagle Creek Guide Bag, slung across my shoulder much like you do with your Claymore bag. It has multiple compartments (which I love), and is very easy to tote around.

Looking at your contents, I can say that mine are similar. However, instead of the a Naglene bottle, I use a Platypus Water Tank bladder. Holds 2 liters of water, folds flat (i.e.takes up minimal space in the bag), and weighs nothing. You can even boil it, or put hot liquids in it.

Additional items I pack:

20 ft of duct tape
an Esbit stove
some foil
a couple of contractor grade leaf bags (for shelter)
a bandana
an extra pair of socks
beef bullion
Powerbars
a boonie hat
 
Just go to www.omahas.com, click on "Bags" and scroll down. They aren't easy to find. I had one I got in the Army (after using the contents on a range :D) but it wore out. It took me years to find another one.

I'll check out the guide bag. The bag I had before the Claymore Bag was an Eagle Creek, but I don't know which one. I have a large (can't remember the exact volume) Platypus I carry in the back pocket of my rucksack. I've been thinking about replacing the wide mouth bottle with a Nalgene Cantene (better lid IMHO).

I also use an Esbit wing stove, which I could easily move from my backpack to the claymore bag.
 
Hi Dilitante, I use a green canvas camcorder bag for my kit. I also base most of my gear on Doug Ritter. In fact, that's where I really got hooked on survival stuff.

I pack quite a few "nice-to-have" as well as "need-to-have" items in this small, yet spacious bag. This is over and above my EDC and my mini PSK. A larger PSK is also in this bag. This is a long list and yes, I promise, they all fit nicely in this compact bag, viz.:


SURVIVAL/EMERGENCY BAG AND EDC INVENTORY Monday, 05 August 2002

What I always carry with me, consists of the following, i.e. EDC:
1. 1 x Victorinox Swiss Champ, Swiss Army Knife.
2. 1 x CRKT Ryan 7 liner lock Folding Knife w 3.5" drop point blade
3. 1 x White handkerchief
4. 1 x Black Classic Fox 40 whistle (on keyring)
5. 1 x Silva water-filled button compass (on keyring)
6. 1 x Swiss-Tech UtiliKey multi tool on key ring
7. 1 x Photon II Micro Light (white) (on key ring)
8. 1 x Windmill Delta storm, water, dust, and shockproof butane lighter (on key ring with lanyard)
9. 1 x Wasp Lock-back pocket folder
10. 1 x Fisher Space Pen (Chrome Bullet)
11. 1 x Waterman Carene Fountain Pen
12. 2 x lanyards
13. 1 x Large Key Pouch
14. 1 x Spare split ring
15. 2 x Rennies
16. 1 x Tooth pick
17. 1 x Mini PSK with 64 items essential for wilderness survival
18. 1 x Brunton Survival Card set in Wallet
19. 1 x Moleskine Notebook
20. 1 x Lip Ice Lip Balm

In a survival Bag (Canvass Camcorder Bag):-

1. 1 x Large personal survival kit in plastic box 12x8x3.6cm with 153 items essential for wilderness survival.
2. 1 x 13,5cm drop point Fixed blade “Cobra” hunting knife ("Deer Hunter"), 25cm overall length.
3. 1 x Leatherman “Super Tool”
4. 1 x Box (45) Coghlan’s waterproof safety matches in 35mm film container with striker
5. 1 x Box (45) Coghlan’s waterproof safety matches (in box)
6. 1 x Key ring multi tool inox plate with button compass
7. 1 x Pair Latex gloves
8. 1 x Extra Emergency “Space” Blanket (2m x 1.1m x 36g)
9. 1 x Red Bandanna/scarf for signalling.
10. 1 x Trench Lighter
11. 1 x Zippo Lighter
12. 1 x Smooth Arkansas sharpening stone with honing oil.
13. 1 x Marching Compass with mirror
14. 1 x Poyet Courselle Ranger’s lock-back folding knife with 9,5cm drop point blade (21,5cm overall)
15. 6 x spare flints for Zippo/Trench Lighters
16. 1 x 133ml canister of lighter fuel.
17. 1 x Packet Kleenex facial tissues.
18. 1 x Large zip-lock plastic bag.
19. 1 x Small multi-purpose brush for equipment.
20. 1 x (10x) magnifying glass
21. 1 x Pair of tweezers
22. 1 x Pair of scissors
23. 1 x Extra large round sewing needle (for extra heavy work)
24. 12 x Rennies antacid tablets (I suffer from heartburn!!!)
25. 1 x Energy Bar - Strawberry
26. 2 x Emergency ponchos for rain
27. 1 x Comb
28. 1 x roll 56,7 gram black thread
29. 1 x (12 x 25) compact binoculars
30. 6 x Disprins
31. 1 x Magnesium fire lighting tool
32. 1 x portable toothbrush
33. 1 x small cake of soap in plastic container
34. 1 x small packet washing powder
35. 2 x 10-leaf soap books
36. 1 x Small container after-shave lotion
37. 1 x Small container cleansing milk
38. 1 x Travel toothpaste tube
39. 1 x Gent's travel razor for shaving
40. 2 x Insect repellent towelettes
41. 2 x Refreshing towelettes
42. 4 x Ear buds
43. 1 x Bamboo whistle
44. 1 x Small Bic lighter
45. 1 x Prince Pocket Torch (Flame)
46. 1 x Lip Ice Lip Balm
47. 1 x 1 metre paracord

I am working on a small first aid kit to be incorporated. I always carry a more comprehensive First Aid kit in the car, which goes with me when I hike etc.
 
I'm interested in one of the claymore shoulder bags, but couldn't get the link to work. I'd like to replace the buttpack with the claymore bag or something similar that is a little larger so that I can include a couple more items. I'm kinda new at putting these kits together so I'm constantly looking to improve on them. I probably carry way to much stuff for many people and I'm sure that the more experience that I get, the more compact my kit(s) will become.

I have two kits that I carry when I'm hiking. Where I hike determines what I actually have on my person. If I'm going to be hiking in the local park which is a ranch that was donated to the county, I carry a two pocket camera case with shoulder strap that is 7X5X3. Inside of the main pocket where the camera would normally be I carry:

1 contractors grade bag

1 space blanket.

1 mini maglight

1 spark-lite with tender

1 combination whistle, compass, magnifying glass

1 photon style light

1 large kotex

1 15' roll stainless wire

1 30' roll paracord

3 trioxane bars

2 bandaids

1 roll gauze tape

2 biofreeze packets

2 antimicrobial packets

2 2X2s

mini ziplock with 12 advil and 6 benedril

kleenex travel pack

Inside of film pocket I carry:

Film canister with 1-1gal. freezer ziplock bag

film canister with strike anywhere matches

military match container with survival fishing kit

CRKT Apache II linerlock folder with lanyard

1 bottle iodine tablets

1 bottle PA Plus

If I'm going to be hiking in the wilderness, the belt loop on the camera bag is velcro and it gets placed on my pistol belt that carries:

1 military first aid pouch that has been updated and added to so that it meets my needs.

1 military first aid pouch with:

12 PitchWitch fire tender

12 trioxane fuel bars

1 Esbit stove

1 watertight match container w/strike anywhere matches

The belt also supports:

1 Becker C/U-7 knife with altoids mini kit.

1 .45acp SA/DA w/7+1

I put a shoulder strap on a military butt pack and it carries:

food for 4 days including coffee, salt, pepper and a spoon.

1 stainless steel cup

1 pur hiker water filter

1 pair gloves

1 knit watchcap

1 ziplock with TP

1 ziplock with personal hygene, space pen/waterproof paper, extra fire and tender.

1 poncho

extra magazine with 7 rounds .45acp ammo

1 leatherman tool

1 pair morino wool socks

1 emergency sleeping bag

I also carry a 2 quart bota bag full of water.
 
fd9f96b5.jpg


Mine starts with an Outdoor Products fanny pack with bottle (shown). I added a MSR titanium cup around the bottom of the bottle and into the bottle pouch. To the belt, I added a Federal knife pouch (shown) which contains a Victorinox SAK Pioneer with saw. My BK9 rides between the seats of the truck and it can be attached to the belt, post haste.

Inside the pack itself, there's a minikit inside an OtterBox with clear top (shown) and a mini 1st Aid inside a clear Witz container (shown). Also inside the pack, rests leather gloves and a headnet, 50' 550 cord, 100% DEET bug dope, sunscreen, an old USGI stainless steel spoon, Equinox XL SilPoncho, some instant coffee and equal, a couple ounces each of jerky, nuts, and chocolate. There's still room for a few items if the need arises.

Mike
 
I like the shoulder bag configuration. I can put the bag off to a side, bring it 'round front to open it, then reposition it. I sweat less with it as well. I just got the SOE butt pack and converted it to shoulder carry by adding 1" split rings and an Eagle strap. Now I can shoulder it or use it as designed.
SOE ROCKS.
This bag is built like nothing else I have seen. It makes "commercial" stuff look like a toy, much like a Strider folder makes other knives look puny.
Now for the kit: So far: first aid kit, 14 led CCCrane light (On sale now for 59$), Luxeon Star modified Brinkmann Legend light, Strider GB in s30v, sharpener, compass, Platypus h2o bladder (empty), matches,meds...this is a work in progress.

EDIT: not knocking "commercial" stuff...it's just that SOE is amazing quality
 
I like the claymore bag idea, only i don't think the sholder strap adjusts. It's not an issue for me , but maybe for some. i use a USGI butt pack w? canteen and cup in carrier on one side, and Mag pouch on the other.
 
diletante,

re: Nalgene Cantene

A great choice! I also have a Cantene - it's part of my regular backpacking gear. Hooks right up to my MSR MiniWorks filter, just like the regular Nalgene bottles. And it's a lot cheaper than an Andromedary Bag (and functions exactly the same)!!!
 
Diletante...nice bag..good link.
The SOE site will make you drool...their bag is super.
Now that I have it, I am thinking of a couple mods for it, like inside sleeeves or pockets to help organize stuff.

geoff
 
I just checked out the SOE site. Nice! They make custome gear, too, but I'm sure it would be spendy. A Nylon Claymore bag with and adjustable lid Fastex buckles and straps instead of snaps, and maybe a clear map case lid and another pocket or two would be great. I'm sure a custom SOE version would cost a LOT more than $7.95 though ;)

I'm thinking about using a large NATO mess tin to shield my emergency kit in the left pocket from impacts and use for cooking if necessary. Then I could replace my Lexan Nalgene bottle and space saver mug in the right pocket with a Nalgene Canteen, which would free up more room for snacks and gear in the other pocket.

For me the Claymore bag is just right--not too big and not too small and, as someone else pointed out, less sweaty than a waist pack. I also like the way the Claymore bag is sewn. The construction allows it to conform to your hip or side very comfortably.

My only modification to the official issue bag to date is the addition of a sunglass pouch to the left side of the strap. This positions whatever I put in the pouch (sunglasses, cell phone, compass, GPS etc.) in the center of my chest.
 
i reccomend the mess tin to protect your kit, my basic kit is small it all packs inside a single large mess tin and I have made a heavyweight nylon case for it to fit in it works a treat, contains a small solid fuel stove, a load of normal matches sealed in plastic bags, a couple of chocolate bars a tiny mag lite a space blanket, thick medium sized plastic bag, SAK, and some cord and snare wire. no doubt a couple of other things if orgot too. I take a tobacco tin (i dont smoke...) in my pocket with a wire saw, plasters, button compass, scalpel blades, permangante crystals, pain killers, immodium, needles and thread and a couple of other bits. I take the view that it should be small enough to take along most places and the other stuff you guys have listed should form part of my main backpack... thats just me, my first exposure to survival was Lofty Wisemans SAS survivial guide and alot of that rubbed off on me... kinda minimalist.
 
The reason my kit is not so minimalist is it is not just a backup or emergency item, it is an integral part of my backpacking gear. For example, if I don't plan to do any "real cooking" on a trip and only plan to boil water, then I use the Esbit Wing Stove and Olicamp Space saver Mug in my kit to boil water. Aside from providing protection for my kit, a mess tin would permit me to use my kit for "real cooking".

I think the size of the Claymore Bag will keep things from getting out of hand. One of these days I'll try a night in the woods with just the kit to simulate being caught away from my main pack containing my sleeping bag and pad, primary shelter, most of my food and water, etc. etc.

FWIW I sewed some straps w/Fastex buckles to my bag last night. Now I can strap items (poncho, extra shirt, etc.) under the flap and/or to the front of the bag.
 
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