OT: Gear and Tools Used by SURVIVORS!

Casinostocks said:
According to my USPS notification, I should be receiving my Nathan Carothers Light Chopper which I landed yesterday by mid next week. I scored one with TeroTuf and dangler sheath :thumbup:

Next week will be a picture heavy one as I also should be receiving my LT Wright Overland machete. With all these new toys to play with, I am hereby giving permission to Survive! to try to enjoy
their June mini break :D

Is this the correct thread to share other makers' tools with Survivors! or is there a different one if this is just for gear and other tools? (not knives).
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I was closely behind you and managed to snatch the last Light Chopper on sale that day [emoji28] All the effort to wake up at 3am for this has been worth it.

I also opt for the TeroTuf handle but did not pick up a sheath. It is currently on it way to see my favorite sheath maker Eric Lind @ Mashed Cat. Hence, it is still a long way from home. I guess I won't get to see it at least for another month. Meanwhile, I look forward to see the pictures of yours in action!

Cheers!
 
Wow what dedication Donscpoo. I had to rub my eyes when you wrote 3 AM to recheck to see if I read it correctly and then I realized that are like what, a couple of Continents away?! Great acquisition for you Mate :thumbup:
 
Yeah. Singapore is exactly 12 hours away. I always missed it as I was not using my alarm clock to wake me up. This time I was determined enough to set one at 2.45am LOL


Don
 
donscpoo said:
I was closely behind you and managed to snatch the last Light Chopper on sale that day [emoji28] All the effort to wake up at 3am for this has been worth it.

I also opt for the TeroTuf handle but did not pick up a sheath. It is currently on it way to see my favorite sheath maker Eric Lind @ Mashed Cat. Hence, it is still a long way from home. I guess I won't get to see it at least for another month. Meanwhile, I look forward to see the pictures of yours in action!

Cheers!
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Congrats to you and CS on the light chopper scores! I drive within a few blocks of Eric's place about once a week. It's interesting to think that a light chopper that I'll likely drive past will be half way around the world. You are going to have a great combination of sheath and steel from two excellent makers.

Cheers sir!
 
Hard Knocks said:
Congrats to you and CS on the light chopper scores! I drive within a few blocks of Eric's place about once a week. It's interesting to think that a light chopper that I'll likely drive past will be half way around the world. You are going to have a great combination of sheath and steel from two excellent makers.

Cheers sir!
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Thanks. It is amazing how Internet has changed our way of life. Without Internet, it won't be possible. I will never know the light chopper exist and will never know Eric makes such outstanding kydex sheath. Back in the 80s, my friend has to fax and mail bank draft to USA to make payment.
 
Ok SURVIVORS!, thoughts on 5.11 vs Maxpedition backpacks? Features? Materials? Quality? Any other considerations?
 
I'll take a 5.11 12 or 24 (have both) over comparably-sized Maxp any day. The structure of the 5.11 is better. Jury is still out on longevity, but I've used both my 5.11's reasonably hard (EDC, decent load) and they've held together over months of use. The layout of the 5.11 seems better thought out, and the materials are equally heavy duty. I've got Maxp Condor, Jumbo Fatboy, Malaga, and don't use any of them anymore. Had a 5.11 12 that was about perfect, but had to move up to the 24 to carry a HP laptop in it. The only thing I would even think of changing would be the shoulder straps. But not necessarily to the Maxp style, because they're not my favorite either. More like the Kelty MAP 3500, if I could design it myself. The MAP3500 is the best small pack I've found, but even it isn't as good as the 5.11 24, if you need to carry a laptop, IMO.
 
JustinFournier said:
Arc'teryx or Hazard 4. Glad to be of assistance.
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Have an Arc'teryx Altra 65 in Carbon Copy which is the 2015 edition. If one wants to go serious backcountry backpacking, although Arc'teryx is very pricey (not too pricey for those who play with Survive! GSOs and all these other high grade toys) in the realm of backpacks, it is made to last a lifetime. The 75 and the 85 were just too much for me as I don't think it is a great idea to pack like 60+ lbs.!!!

That said, I think Silver is looking for something not as hardcore, correct? If you want a 1-2 days BOB or something, you may want to go with 5.11. I never owned any but they look to be constructed better. Personally though, I would NEVER bug out first, because that is a recipe and scenario for getting shot before anyone else by a RLEO :D
 
Ok let me add a third layer.

Arc'teryx first.

Hazard 4 second. Very tactical but so is Maxpedition and 5.11.

Last choice:

Used grocery bags.
 
5.11 makes good stuff but it's pretty heavy.
Maxpedition is solid but they have the same issue.
Check out what Hill People Gear has to offer first. They're built like tanks, and they're American made. I personally want to pick up their Connor pack soon.
 
LOL@Justin!

Arc'teryx used to make an edition for military and LE but it has been discontinued. It has lots of molle and the good stuff that some of you people armed to your teeth would love! That said, they are not made in the U.S.and that particular model (the model name which I have forgotten) goes for a premium on the Auction Site and used are not that much cheaper either. When I bought mine through REI, had a 20% off coupon which helped to ease the pain but yeah, very pricey.
 
Thanks for the input, boys! I really love the sub 25L size for a pack for my uses and arc'teryx and hazard 4 are put of my price range............. gotta save money for GSO's!

For some reason I was surprised 5.11 rush bags were made in Asia, I thought they were more US based. The price of the rush 12 is awesome!

Maxpedition is having a sale on their website for certain colors of falcon II's and that really has me interested. More expensive, but US made.

I do not need a new pack right now, but I always enjoy the discussion!

Also, I already have some paper grocery bags, so I have that covered.
 
Look into grey ghost gear and their lite lok. Pretty crazy lighter then 500 cordora but just as durable. Nice gear so far.

I got my maxpedition pack and it was 3-4 years old and been a truck bag hauled in and out pretty frequently from the previous owners words. I really couldn't tell it was like he just broke in the fabric on it. I carry it often in my truck with about 15 lbs of gear. (Mainly fishing, fire, water, blade) it's pretty dang tough. I've taken it on about 60 miles worth of trail time and lugged some crap just to stress it. It held up very well. It is 'tactical' but very dependable.
 
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Any in coyote (khaki). I find it to be more yuppie friendly and less militant looking, yet still blends nicely with most environments.

Edit: that's a steal! If you buy it and don't like it hit me up.
 
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For those of you who live in more of a rural setting with miles to drive to a main town, having a pack ready at all times in your vehicle is an absolute necessity. There are plenty of very good options with both Maxpedition, 5.11 and the other makes some have mentioned in the low $100 range for a vehicle bag. These other yuppie bags are for 3+ to 7 days backcountry backpacking ;)
 
Casinostocks said:
LOL@Justin!

Arc'teryx used to make an edition for military and LE but it has been discontinued. It has lots of molle and the good stuff that some of you people armed to your teeth would love! That said, they are not made in the U.S.and that particular model (the model name which I have forgotten) goes for a premium on the Auction Site and used are not that much cheaper either. When I bought mine through REI, had a 20% off coupon which helped to ease the pain but yeah, very pricey.
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I'm not sure which you mean.

There was an ILBE 80L with the Assault pack that latches onto it for the marines, that was designed by Arc'teryx but made by Propper in the US. I have a brand new one still. I would sell it to Silver for a good deal but its still more expensive than some small cheap ones.

Then from the LEAF line, there was the Khard which is amazing, but way expensive. It is the one that folds out flat with all the hook and loop pouches. I have one of those too in 30L.

Finally there is the Khyber line. They are more traditional packs, but also big and pricey.

The drybags are out of this world expensive like $1000+

There are tons of models in civilian colours that are priced well on sale online. Way better quality than lots of the competition.

Hazard 4 has great stuff in the $100-$200 range and can be had on sale. I have a black Sidewinder in like new condition I could do for like $100ish as well.

Silver,

What is the price range you are after?
 
Silver, I was in the market for a backpack last month and Alpha One Niner Evade backpack caught my attention. It is designed with the inputs gathered from the EDC forum. It seems to have most bases covered for different type of usages. Worth taking a look.

I did not pick it because I m after something lighter with a suspended mashed backing. The weather here in SIngapore is summer all year round so it more cooling if air can flow through between my back and the backpack. I will be interested if any one has a good pack to recommend too.



Don
 
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