Whats in your pouch?

I tend to favor what Rick posted. Keep things smaller while not going to excessive. If its only suppose to get you through the night then no need to go crazy. I also carry 2 containers of water with the intention to go through at least one during hike. A small baggie of (homemade) trail mix for that mid hike hunger with a Cliff bar as back up in pack for if I realize its way late and need the fuel for my body.
 
Rick Marchand said:
That's good, bud. I can get by without cordage too but still count it as something that is difficult to improvise in a pinch.
Click to expand...

It's more then just getting by without it actually. I've never needed it for anything that I can think of yet it's one of those things people think is a must for survival. I've had the same 50ft of paracord banging around my daypack for the past 10 years since I first put my current kit together. Haven't used any of it in that time but still carry it "just in case." Now that I think about it, most of my gear goes unused when I'm out and about. Most of it's "just in case" gear. Hmm...time to re-assess. Again. :rolleyes: :D
 
That's cool, Shotgun. Your style of woods roaming doesn't need it obviously. Lighten your load if you wish. I still think it is important. What types of shelters do you use?
 
I had a darn squirrel chew through a $300 light weight tent because I left food in it.

What was shitty ... he chewed a hole the size of a basket ball when he only needed one the size of a baseball.

I was about 10 miles in the backcountry and had set up a base camp so I could go out during the day to explore Native American sites.

When we got back to camp my brother in law said .... "Hey, that squirrel has a PowerBar!"

I'll always carry P-Cord, two little carabiners and a bag for the food so I can hang it in a tree.

That food is survival and I miss that tent!
 
I carry an altoids tin. It s carried in a compact camera pouch one my belt I don't consider it a survival kit. It has survival items in it fire steel small tube with 2 hooks splitshot spiderwire needle with large eye. little brass wire, zippo tender sticks duck tape first aid stuff . I work maintenance I have used 1st aid stuff often, sewn a button back on my pants, it is sealed with black tape and wrapped with paracord I have tied pipes up, used the tape on a bare wire I use it more at work than outside. I carry a knife, lighter, wear a paracord braclet, and carry a heat sheet in a back pocket. If I go to woods roaming I have a generic fatboy jumbo loaded with basic gear or a daypack that that has enough stuff to be some what comfortable for a few days
Roy
 
Rick Marchand said:
My PSK (Practical, Sensible, Knowledge-based)

All this stuff can easily be stowed in your pockets. If you want to use a bag/pouch, make sure it is secure and comfortable to wear all the time. This should be with you ALWAYS. The best(and necessary) compliments to this kit are Knowledge and Experience. I have made suggestions based on my personal dirt time in all the seasons and weather conditions of the places I frequent. Your own experience is the best teacher. Test your gear in the worst conditions so you can eat cake in the best.

Rick
Click to expand...

I like your common sense approach
 
My “PSK” augments my EDC. I have considered a flat space blanket as another addition, but shelter is less of a concern in my current location. Water is really the biggest concern, so I’ve opted for both the Aqua Mira straw filter and a folding water container plus several purification tablets. This isn't a true "PSK" as I don't have it in a pocket but on my ITOV; more mission specific than normal...

AStanKits.jpg

AStanNewKit.jpg

AStanNewKitLayout.jpg


My current EDC (again, specific for my current location and activities):

EDCPartI.jpg

EDCPartII.jpg


Rick brings up a very useful item: zinc oxide! I have two small tins, mostly for sun protection, but it has several other uses as well. I’ve always carried a small role of dental floss…very handy; however, I’ve been packing along synthetic sinew instead. It’s wider and can be separated into 5 or 6 smaller strands which are still stronger than typical upholster thread.

ROCK6
 
ROCK6 said:
... however, I’ve been packing along synthetic sinew instead. It’s wider and can be separated into 5 or 6 smaller strands which are still stronger than typical upholster thread.
ROCK6
Click to expand...
DERP!:eek:.... I've got rolls of sythetic sinew and do you believe it has never once dawned on me to pack it?........ wow... just, wow.:o

BTW you "current EDC" has (7) knives in it... and some probably have multiple blades in them. There is a reason you are a member of Blade Forums.:D:thumbup:
 
In the tins I've put together for my family I just have the basics

DSC_8274.jpg



But I have other kits that are more extensive. When I'm in the woods and have a fixed blade on my belt I can lighten it by removing the water key and replacing the heavier knife with a smaller skeletonized knife.

DSC_0629.jpg


DSC_0627.jpg
 
Geez, I am either not doing enough or I dont have enough. I am going to post what I carry everyday. Its in my truck when I am, or on me if I am in any way going to hike. Maxpedition bag.
knifepics2010.jpg

knifepics2011.jpg

I have a GOG Tigershark thats used if I am staying overnight. Just goofing around its the next 2. A Wayne Short custom or one that I make. Thats the redwood handled one. I have a emergency blanket, poncho, Sanitizer, M&P 40, ammo and spare clip, bandaids, in the white container, sardines and trail mix.The containers up top have a fishing kit in one and PJCB in the other.My bag has a Fletcher knife and striker on it. Not pictured are the 2 power bars that my kids confiscated and a mess kit and canteen that my wife said smelled funny and took to throw in the dishwasher. I can stay overnight with this. I have. With minimal effort you wont rough it by any means. Its not the Hilton or even a Holiday Inn. It does work. Just my .02
 
dsgibbs1 said:
Geez, I am either not doing enough or I dont have enough...
Click to expand...

I only carry the more extensive kits when I have my daughter or someone else I am responsible for along. When it's just me I lighten my load considerably.
 
I hear ya Mistwalker. I keep my pistol, knife and phone on me at all times of the day. The knives I rotate out as I see the need. With the family I take alot more. Hell, I live half a mile from the Roanoke Canal trail. I always go for hikes. Sometimes with whats in my pocket and a bottle of water. While I like looking at what yall sometimes show.
 
Wow, are you people seriously saying that you are carrying 5 to 7 knives as a survival kit? I can see a machete and a small knife for fine work but beyond that, you completely misunderstand the concept.
 
No. If what I posted was taken that way I am sorry. My knives are rotated out as I feel. I have several that I use and carry. I always carry a fixed blade knife, always. The pistol is always there also. The rest are just there if I want them. I posted what I did to show what I can carry if I so choose. Some may carry that many, I just dont.
 
My woods bumming kit is a Maxpedition 12x5 bottle holder with a SS cup and a Kleen Kanteen bottle. In the front pouch I keep an emergency blanket and asilva match container with matches and striker and a Vic soldier. I also keep fatwood, cotton balls, and several kinds of cordage. I have had one real experience where I really needed paracord. We were caught in the mountains in a severe thunderstorm and had to get shelter from the cold rain. A small rolled up piece of painters plastic and a little cord kept us from freezing to death. Now I never leave without some cordage. On the side I have a Max fatty organizer with meds and an Epi pen. Being a diabetic, I need to keep insulin and some form of sugar. (For all the diabetics out there, a small tube of cake icing is wonderful. It tastes much better than glucose gel and workss faster.) I keep an Izula on the sheath and a TOPS Spirit Hunter on my belt. It's alot more than a pouch on a sheath, but some of us are kinda needy....
 
blt-2-drg said:
I've been finishing up my survival knife and looking for content idea's and/or opinions. This is my camping knife with pouch attached that could sustain me for a night if im lost. Its more fun putting it together than anything but its could possibly save my life someday. Contents include:

SYKCO 511 w/kydex sheath & ESEE pouch
ESEE tin (1 side is polished for signaling & 1 side has 10 strips of duct tape)
mini keychain led light
2 bandaids
4 aleve
2g Celox
.9g antibiotic ointment
needle
spool of thread (want to replace this with floss or something similar)
8 matches
2" glow stick
large safety pin
firesteel
2 2" sheets of 120 grit plumbers sandpaper
3ft of duct tape
2 tinder
DMT 1x2 diamond sharpening sheet
Brunton compass
8x10 sheet of tinfoil
4 Katadyn water purification tablets
small fishing kit
spool of wire
ESEE AH-1 arrowhead
Swiss-Tech mini pliers/screwdriver
P38
2 ESEE survival cards
8x11 Aloksak
14ft of 550 paracord

And, i actually have a little bit of room left. I also have 12 more feet of paracord woven together i can attach to the outside of the pouch.
Click to expand...


I'd stuff an AMK Heet Sheet in there, and maybe a couple of MRE hot beverage bags (water collection and storage). It would be worth iteven if you had to ditch a couple of other things.
 
Rick Marchand said:
I am very curious as to how many folks have had a BIC lighter break. I have never had it happen and really can't recall ever hearing of one breaking from friends. I have found BICs at the side of the road that were clearly there for a few seasons. Completely rusted caps, gouged bodies that were half if not mostly buried. With a little cleaning they light right up. Zippos have failed me repeatedly... maybe my "zip-fu" is weak but I don't trust those things as far as I can throw them... and from experience, that is about 5 skips across the pond on a calm day.:thumbup:

In my opinion, a lil'bit of everything can quickly add up to a whole bunch of nuthin'. The concept of a typical "Altoids PSK" eludes my idea of practicality. That is not so say that I haven't seen some good tin kits but for the most part those few did not follow conventional "altoids" philosophy. I can only comment from a wilderness survival perspective. The urban crew's needs might be different from mine.

My PSK (Practical, Sensible, Knowledge-based)

Water - I really don't think you should be traveling anywhere in the woods without a water container... preferably one that you can boil in. Stainless bottles are hardly a specialty item anymore. GET ONE. If you are just in love with your plastic Madagascar Collector Sippy Bottle, find a soup can that fits under it but be sure to burn the liner out ahead of time.
Fire - BICs... one in your pocket and one in your pack/bag. Firesteels are awesome. Prepared jute and steel wool in a plastic baggie... fine steel wool catches even the weakest sparks from traditional F&S and burns HOT. It is much easier to dry than plant fiber. You can use PCBs here too as long as they are sealed properly.
Cordage - A few hanks of paracord and jute go a long way. My secret cordage weapon is dental floss. Break open a few dispensers and pocket the rolls. It is just as strong as 50lb Spiderwire, cheap and you can carry a lot in a little space. I have a mirror in my shower that has hung by the same length of dental floss since 1998. Okay, maybe I don't shower much, but my wife does.:p
First aid - Zinc Oxide. It's an antiseptic, antibacterial, UV blocking, funky foot fighting, crotch rot, burn soothing wonder cream, IMO. Throw in a couple bandaids if you are the type of person that limps when they get a paper cut... I think they still make the Hanna Montana ones. On a serious note. I would consider making a few duct tape cards. Get an old credit card and wrap about 10ft of duct tape around it. Great for making bandaids and relieving hotspots on your feet/hands. A large bandana is also very useful.
Shelter - Of course, it starts with your clothing but a GI poncho is gravy on a rainy day.
Navigation/Signaling and Other Stuff - I also keep a few items that I would have a hard time making in the woods. Flashlight, dogtag signal mirror/reflector, whistle, a couple small ziploc bags, a folder or multitool.

All this stuff can easily be stowed in your pockets. If you want to use a bag/pouch, make sure it is secure and comfortable to wear all the time. This should be with you ALWAYS. The best(and necessary) compliments to this kit are Knowledge and Experience. I have made suggestions based on my personal dirt time in all the seasons and weather conditions of the places I frequent. Your own experience is the best teacher. Test your gear in the worst conditions so you can eat cake in the best.

Rick
Click to expand...

Good stuff. I think that I have most of this covered although I didn't know about the Zinc Oxide. The slam about my prized Madagascar sippy cup kind of hurt though. Hey, I'm trying.
:D
To the O.P. A simple pin on bubble compass saved my bacon a few years back. Nothing fancy, but it worked.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top