What do you do in the outdoors??

runningboar

runningboar

Joined
May 27, 2006
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I have read lots of posts on this forum on what you should always have with you and what works best in a survival situation. What comes to mind is the SAK vs multi tool debate, for my purposes the multitool is the clear winner, pulling thorns out of me and my dogs, taking hot stuff out of the fire, fixing the other gear I have with me, so on and so on. You might say that I am on a controlled survival trip at least twice a month, I like to canoe, from 15 minutes after I put my canoe in the river till 5 to 8 hours later when I get to the take out point I am alone and anything that happens or anything I need I have to make do with what I have, my favorite river winds miles from houses or roads and there is no cell phone coverage so I am super critical of the gear I choose. I also hunt small game and large, again, I choose my gear very carefully anything from a rifle to a rain coat that fails could be disastrous.

Anyway the purpose for this post is to ask what do you do in the field, how much do you get a chance to get out and how long do you stay out in the out of doors. Thanks, Chris

Some pictures from last sunday.

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This time of year I deer hunt so that takes up alot of my time outdoors. In the off season me and a buddy head to the mountains and practice our woodsman skills. Nice pics, thanks for sharing.:)
Scott
 
Lovely photos.

I usually practice various skills because I plan to one day try and live in the wild. This is where a lot of my minimalism attitude stems from, because if I'm going to be trekking across entire countries, I don't want a lot of gear to weigh me down. Also, if I make up a set of gear for North East Ohio, I have no idea how well that gear will work in say, Montana or California. My recent Batoning With An Opinel thread shows how I try to work around limitations in what I choose to bring to expand the versatility I can get out of a tool. I practice making fires through friction, crafting tools and shelters, making cordage, tracking small game and the occaisonal deer and just studying how nature operates in general. I also like to do a lot of nature photography, I'd love to make that my profession. Problem is I hate carrying cameras with me....extra bulk and weight I don't need...same reason you rarely see me with a fixed blade.
 
Vivi,

I hear you about weight I am trying to shave ounces every chance I get also, although I am very rarely without a good fixed blade knife. I think it is important to know how to get by with as little as possible but I also like to be as comfortable as possible without killing myself carying a bunch of extra weight.

As an example, a few years ago me and the wife were on a 15 mile canoe trip when a spring thunderstorm rolled in. With the rain whipping sideways across the river and visibility zero I pulled my canoe over to the side of the river flipped it up on it's side propped up by a couple of sticks me and my wife huddled under it shivering waiting for the rain to pass.
I now carry a 10x8 silnylon tarp and a roll of twine, sure it added a few ounces to my pack but when I need to I can whip up a shelter with my canoe on its side and the tarp over it, can take out my trangia and heat a cup of tea and enjoy a rain storm. :D Chris
 
Chris, lovely pictures man. Thanks for sharing buddy. Looks like ya got yourself a nice little canoe there and a good buddy riding with ya.. What kind of knife is that around your neck? Looks nice.

As for my activities in the outdoors, I deer hunt, hunt small game, trout fish, canoe, run, and various field training exercises with the Army. As you, I am never without a strong and sturdy knife that can do multiple things. I usually, well always, have more than one knife on me for a plethora of reasons.


Oh yea, how much did you buy that canoe for if ya dont mind me asking.... I am looking into getting one.
 
I do alot of outdoor hiking with friends (one also being a member here at bladeforums). We find trails and dont stop till the entire thing has been done. We also take camping trips that range from a few days to a few weeks. I spend alot of time practicing My survival / bushcraft stills, when im on my own, from building a shelter to making fire with the bow drill. I havent started canoeing yet, but i just moved and theres a big river right in my back yard, so ill be picking up a canoe soon.
 
Recon,

The knife is a Blackhawk kalista I have been using it for a couple of months and like it very much.

The dog is a Mountain cur and trees squirrels and coons.





I have 2 canoes, one is a wally world lead sled that is nicknamed the green monster. It weighs a ton and handles like a pig but is indestructable, I use it for pond fishing and frog gigging, I paid 300 dollars for it brand new. Here is a pic of the green monster loaded to the gunwales.


The canoe I use most of the time is a 16' We No Nah prospector made of royalex. I am in love with this boat, it is a bit heavier than some at 64 pounds but it handles like a dream and I can carry 800 pounds in her. The initial stability is a little tippy but the secondary is awesome.

If you are looking to buy a canoe go paddle a few and see which you like the best, canoes are rather expensive and it pays to do a bit of research, I paid 1300 for the wenonah.

Are you active duty? If so where are you stationed? Chris
 
I'd like to know the make, model and weight of that canoe as well.

My time outdoors is usually spent either hunting or downing a few trees a year for firewood. This year I think I'm going to hike out into the wilderness and camp out overnight to go bow hunting.
 
Never mind...just see that you posted info on the canoe...those Old Town's look like nice boats.
 
rt,
I am at work right now and can't post a pic of the wenonah, I will be able to later when I get off and go home, I would not suggest anyone buy the rogue river as a serious canoe.

My prospector as I said weighs 64 pounds it has 4" of rocker which makes it turn very well but not as stable as some boats, it is primarily designed for light to moderate white water and carrying heavy loads. It is not the best tandem canoe to solo but I do solo it sitting in the bow facing the stern. I hunt and fish out of this canoe, obviously:rolleyes: , for someone that is not used to canoes it may not be the best canoe to start with.

Old Town does makes some very nice boats but they make some dogs too, if there is a place that rents canoes paddle a few of the model you are looking at before buying if possible. Chris
 
Chris, I had initially thought that canoes were costly. But I didnt know much about them so I thought I would ask. And no, I am not on active just yet. I am in Army ROTC at the moment. I am signing an 8 year contract, longer than the required 5 years, so I am guaranteed to get the branch of my choice. The branches I have narrowed it down to are; Quartermaster, Adjutant Generals Corps, Field Artillery, and Air Defense Artillery. I am working hard to see that I graduate at the top of my class. I am also doing Ranger Challenge which is a blast, and with all the branches I listed, you can be Airborne and Ranger certified. Thanks for the info. The knife canoe and dog are beautiful. Godspeed.


HOOOAH!!!
 
Good luck Recon and I hope everything works out for you, it sounds like you have your priorities straight.:thumbup:


I am a SFC in the Active Army stationed at Ft Bragg, NC, I have been in the Army for almost 16 years now, so I can't fault you in your choice of career.:D

I am the really good lucking guy on the far left.



If you need anything or ever find your way to Ft Bragg drop me an email.

Chris
 
Godspeed Chris! May God keep you safe and all those in our fine Military. I chose to become an officer because I already have a Bachelors degree, i am only 22, and thought while getting a Masters, I would do ROTC and get my commission. I love ROTC and I love the Army as well. Ranger Challenge is a blast man!! Is your email on your profile? I will definitely get ya an email sometime man. Sgt. First Class, right?

I hear that a butter bar liet.'s best friend is his platoon Sgt. They teach us to listen to the Platoon Sgt. because your life and success as an officer depends on it. I hope I get placed in a platoon that has some fine soldiers, and an even better Platoon Sgt.

Whats your MOS, or did you already say?
 
I am a 25S, Satellite systems operator/repair, Signal Corps, and yes my email is on my profile. I am a Sergeant First Class and a Platoon SGT I have 27 soldiers in my platoon, my platoon leader just got promoted to CPT and is leaving in a few weeks, I will miss him he is a good Officer and will make a good commander. My new Lt seems good and has a little experience I have worked with him before so it is all good. Chris
 
Awesome. Uh oh!!! the Signal Corps!!!!!!! Lots of my fellow cadets are wanting to branch Signal Corps. Is the picture about of you in Iraq? I hear they are sending alot of the Singal boys over there.... Looks like you have been there and back. God bless.
 
That picture was actually on the way into Iraq, still in Kuwait, we stopped the convoy for lunch and a friend of mine took the pic. I have spent over 3 years in SWA, Iraq, Kuwait, and Egypt. The Signal Corps does get beat up a bit as far as deploying, depending on the unit you are in of course, just don't seem to be enough of us to go around. I spent 4 years in 3ID down at Ft Stewart, there is only one Signal Battalion for the entire division, seemed like I was gone all the time, it is better here at Bragg though.:thumbup:
 
runningboar said:
That picture was actually on the way into Iraq, still in Kuwait, we stopped the convoy for lunch and a friend of mine took the pic. I have spent over 3 years in SWA, Iraq, Kuwait, and Egypt. The Signal Corps does get beat up a bit as far as deploying, depending on the unit you are in of course, just don't seem to be enough of us to go around. I spent 4 years in 3ID down at Ft Stewart, there is only one Signal Battalion for the entire division, seemed like I was gone all the time, it is better here at Bragg though.:thumbup:
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Amen to that!!! Its always better to be anywhere stateside, IMO. (or so I would think:p ) Did you happen to know any AG corps or QM guys?
 
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