What would you carry up a mountain?

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barsoomian

Joined
Sep 16, 2009
Messages
35
Hey Guys,

I am going to "walk" up Kilimanjaro next year and am planning to take my Stretch2 zdp189 and possibly my RC3 with me. I imagine i would be using them for general utility tasks around camp so maybe a fixed blade would be overkill.
I'd actually prefer to take a cheap knife due to the possiblity of theft or loss.
But not somthing that wont hold up to outdoor tasks either. Not sure what really fits the bill. Spyderco Salt maybe?

What would you reccomend taking on a long hike up a mountain?

Thanks
 
I'm not so sure about the stretch. Personally, I wouldn't bring such a nice folder up Kilimanjaro. The RC-3 is a good choice though.

My choice would be RC-4 plus a SAK or multi-tool.
 
Ah Swiss Army Knife. That sounds like a good idea along with a multitool.
I'd rather not take the RAT or the Stretch. :)
 
I've been hiking up through the Tetons (actually up IN them) and through Yellowstone, and never needed more than my Benchmade Griptilian 551S.
 
When climbing, I carry a Boker RESCOM clipped to my harness. It's small, light, and shreds cord/webbing. The fact that I can't stab my partner on crowded ledges is a plus. My partner carries a Kershaw ET on his harness. He likes the carabiner clip and it's very easy to operate with gloves on making it great for ice/alpine.

RESCOM on the left
2700247624_c5baa8e8f1_o.jpg


When I'm not climbing, I'll just throw an EDC into the pack (RAM, OD-1, ZT0500, etc). If I'm concerned with weight, I take my Delica. The Delica is lightweight and rugged.

I rarely take a fixed blade. The exception is when I know I'll be bushwacking. In all other circumstances, a folder like the ZT0500 is more than I'll ever need.
 
Tell us more about your trip. Makes a difference whether you are jumping off from a pro base camp or going DIY all the way. I'm a little vague on what climbing Kilmanjaro entails, too. My impression is more of a tough walk than a climb, maybe two days up and two back?
 
barsoomian said:
Hey Guys,
I am going to "walk" up Kilimanjaro next year and am planning to take my Stretch2 zdp189 and possibly my RC3 with me. I imagine i would be using them for general utility tasks around camp so maybe a fixed blade would be overkill.
I'd actually prefer to take a cheap knife due to the possiblity of theft or loss.
But not somthing that wont hold up to outdoor tasks either. Not sure what really fits the bill. Spyderco Salt maybe?
What would you reccomend taking on a long hike up a mountain?
Thanks
Click to expand...

A close friend just did it 2 weeks ago and I bought him a SAK Outrider as a present. I made him a lanyard for his belt and he said that the only thing that saved him dropping the knife or loosing it was that lanyard. He said he used most of the tools on the knife especially the scissors......He was the only one with a pocket knife....:confused:

He said that it was not what he expected and much of the gear they purchased from a well known SA retailer was useless.
If you message me I will put you in touch with him. It would be worth your while to hear about it from someone who has just returned.

Based on the pics and his story I probably would not bother with a fixed blade. Instead I would rather carry 2 SAK's. If you loose them....not the end of the world.
If you have not been to Tanzania before prepare yourself. The whole place is like Alex on a bad day with AK 47's........and water on the mountain seems to be a big issue.

You could easily buy 2 nice SAK's for around R500-600 from the Sharp Edge in Sandton. I would be happy to make you the lanyards for them or any other knife as a present.
Steven
 
I don't think you need two knives when you are climbing a mountain.

I used to backpack with a Swiss Army knife. I never felt under equipped.
 
I forgot to mention that I prefer a somewhat longer blade than most SAKs have. The reason is because for many food prep tasks, a longer blade is useful. Try spreading cream cheese on a bagel with a small slipjoint and you'll see what I mean. Afterward when you try to get food out from the inner workings of the knife, you'll be happy you have something with simple, open construction (like a lockback or framelock with standoffs).
 
In the Mountians I would have my Busse CGFBM and one of my Strider SmF's with me.
 
I'd go swiss army knife (huntsman or outrider). If I had to take a fixed blade it would be the RAT Izula. Small, lightweight but tough enough to do big knife chores.
 
Cold Steel Spartan, big, strong, deep cutter and a good compromise between too pricey and "if I lose it, sh*t happens"
 
I'm not sure how cold it is up there, but seriously think about getting something you can operate with gloves on. Mornings are cold on almost any mountain, and taking your gloves is at best uncomfortable, and at worst, dangerous.
 
Racism / Bigotry / etc

Keep it off our site. Period.

This infraction can be issued as a warning. It does not expire. It is worth 30 points towards your total..and also my nim cub II.

Red text is from our FAQ page here at BFC. This post was out of line.
 
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wow dustburn really lol. i am new here and not nearly as knowledgeable as most but i had to comment on dust's post.
 
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