The right combination for backpacking

Bogdan Ristivojevic · Jun 2, 2001

Can you describe youur tool/knife combination for backpacking.

In my country there is a problem with finding a right equipment. So we must find our way with available equipment.I will first write something on equipmet which I curently own and plan to cary ond backpacking trip.

As i mentioned in previous post I got a spanish copy of brown bear cleaver/skiner combo.

I newer saw a letherman or any other brand name pocket tool in my country. We can by just a cheap chinese rip-offs which are good only for showing in office. Fortunatly we have a Wenger distributor and I have a bigest Wenger tool available a 6" long wengergrip. It is a BIG SAK with pliers like biger wariant of agrussel multitool. It is on the heavy side but it have a full 4" saw and a 4" linerlock knife. I am still trying to find a photo of it to post on forum.

I have a douts about axe. Should I cary one besides Brown bear combo. I can split wood with brown bear cleaver/skiner but maby I need something more.(Missing a hamer)

) I looked for sutable axe in the stores but didn't find anything worth mentioning in right size. The closest thing to good solution was a Sandwick carpenters axe with abot 12" handle. It is suprisingly cheap at abot 20$

What are you thinking about my combination.
Thanks to you all for yours responses.

By the way HM thanks for welcome to the forum

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Bogdan Ristivojevic
Beograd
Yugoslavia

Bogdan Ristivojevic · Jun 2, 2001

I find a pictures of wengergrip

and

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Bogdan Ristivojevic
Beograd
Yugoslavia

[This message has been edited by Bogdan Ristivojevic (edited 06-02-2001).]

Bogdan Ristivojevic · Jun 2, 2001

I find a pictures of wengergrip

and

It has a slot for 0.25" screwdrivers bits as you can see on the smaler picture
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Bogdan Ristivojevic
Beograd
Yugoslavia

[This message has been edited by Bogdan Ristivojevic (edited 06-02-2001).]

DancesWithKnives · Jun 2, 2001

It sounds like you have your basic tool/knife requirements covered. At my age I've become a real "gearhead" and like to buy all the cool toys I can afford. However, I remember a lot of fantastic backpacking trips that I did as a student with very little cash and pretty primitive gear. You are way ahead of where I was at that time, so I'd simply say GO FOR IT!

Have a terrific time,

DPD.

tknife · Jun 3, 2001

That is one super duty SAK! With that and the Brown Bear combo, you're probably set. I am unsure as to the terrain in your country though. Stay away from the Chinese rip offs though, just order over the internet if possible.

Bogdan Ristivojevic · Jun 3, 2001

DPD thet is not all knives/tools that I have That is the part i plan to cary. If i cary all I have I will finished draging around about 20 pounds of steel

[This message has been edited by Bogdan Ristivojevic (edited 06-03-2001).]

Bogdan Ristivojevic · Jun 3, 2001

I know that Wengergrip is a great SAK. I got it about 3 years ago and using it since. At one time I beat the back of that knife with cub to split some wood to start fire. No damage at all on the blade or on the lock. The saw is great too. Only thing that I am missing on that knife is can oppener.

SALTY · Jun 3, 2001

Well, there's backpacking ... and then there's backpacking. In the true sense of the word "backpacking" one travels by foot and brings everything they need (short of what is made from raw materials) in/on the pack. So with that caveat, I'll give you my two cents

True Backpacking: 6" plus fixed blade (Busse Natural Outlaw or Steel Heart), Leatherman multi-tool (Supertool or Wave) and either a large SAK or similar lightweight folder whose decent length thin blades are great for the finer cutting needed in some food prep chores where the large fixed blade would be too cumbersome.

"Convenience backpacking" (where one is basically day-tripping between camps with little or no need to do the chopping, digging and other rough work of the large fixed. Smaller fixed blade more suitable for food prep and slicing/less suitable for chopping, digging and such: CUDA Talon (just a beautifully functional little knife and a Multi-tool as aforementioned. May bring along a Busse Badger Attack or a Chris Reeve Shadow IV or similar just because I'm a gearhead, not so much that it would actually be needed.

This topic what touched upon here: http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/001277.html

[This message has been edited by Nimrod (edited 06-03-2001).]

matthew rapaport · Jun 4, 2001

I'd make that distinction slightly differently. Minimal impact vs. minimal carry. In minimal impact backpacking, the goal is to carry everything you need with you, even fuel for cooking. Typically you will also find yourself in a national park or some other place where you must over-night at fixed locations (camp sites) and otherwise mostly stick to well-worn trails. Even where you can strike out on your own, cutting standing wood, even dead standing wood, is frowned upon and so there is no need for a chopping tool. The saw on that SAK is more than adequate, and you might want to supplement with a small and somewhat thin utility knife.

If, on the other hand, you are traveling with minimal equipment and will have to find food, fuel, possibly make shelter, etc., then you will want something that can chop; either a small hatchet, or a larger heavier fixed blade knife suplemented with the SAK and/or a small fixed blade utility knife for finer work.

Roj Avon · Jun 4, 2001

I ditto what most of the other backpackers have said. You seem to have it pretty well covered. While I would look into having my favorite multi-tool imported the ones you have will certainly do the job.

The only thing you won't find as often here in the States anymore with most backpackers is a hatchet. As has been mentioned, fire building is pretty much out of favor for most types of backpacking. The mini campstove is the flame of choice. (However, I do carry a "Pocket Chain Saw" in case I need wood and scavaging won't do the job.)

Erik W · Jun 8, 2001

I prefer minimal impact ventures. Since I am located in Colorado, that means minimal impact ventures at altitude. Weight is a concern, and I prefer to keep it as low as possible. Subsequently, unless I'm forced to go car camping with friends

, large (heavy) blades are not found in my gear.

I typically rely on a Leatherman Wave and a Benchmade Mini-AFCK. This season I'll more than likely swap the Mini-AFCK for my new Dozier Pro Guide.

My idea of high impact backpacking involves the addition of a pocket chain saw.

Bring all you need, and leave no trace.