Which RAT would you take backpacking?

wheatus said:
an izula. do you really need anything else? i am assuming that you are carrying a stove on established trails and not bushwhacking into the backcountry.
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See, I agree. :thumbup:

However, my definition of backpacking might differ from others. When I think "backpacking" I think multi day, go light as you can, trip on hiking trails (AT, PCT) and using a stove to cook etc.....

Ive backpacked alot of miles. ALOT. Through trial and error, and a sore back, Ive figured out an Izula or similar will fill the bill nicely. Combined with a SAK or UL saw, and youre set. On multi day weeklong backpacking adventures, I just dont wanna lug around a ton of steel. If I feel a chopper is nec, Ill pack a 12in 'chete.....

Not to say I dont like the weekend+ bushwacking with the bigger blades, and a less "frill" trip. Those are when the Axes and big dogs come out to play.....
 
j williams said:
See, I agree. :thumbup:

However, my definition of backpacking might differ from others. When I think "backpacking" I think multi day, go light as you can, trip on hiking trails (AT, PCT) and using a stove to cook etc.....

Ive backpacked alot of miles. ALOT. Through trial and error, and a sore back, Ive figured out an Izula or similar will fill the bill nicely. Combined with a SAK or UL saw, and youre set. On multi day weeklong backpacking adventures, I just dont wanna lug around a ton of steel. If I feel a chopper is nec, Ill pack a 12in 'chete.....

Not to say I dont like the weekend+ bushwacking with the bigger blades, and a less "frill" trip. Those are when the Axes and big dogs come out to play.....
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I have mostly done the type of backpacking your talking about, pieces of the AT, and others. Most places I've gone don't allow fires. But I want to be prepared to make shelter/fire in an emergency situation.

I'm thinking Izula and rc-4 and a SAK of some sort.
 
I take my Izula, RC4, and a saw. Thinking about giving the RC4 to the fiance and getting a RC5 or RC6 for myself. But she thinks the RC4 is too thick so that may give me a reason to purchase a "test" RC3 before I get hers...
 
Izula is a given. Any of the others would be welcome except I probably wouldn't make a habit of carrying an RC-5. It seems better suited as a blade kept in a vehicle for emergencies. Just my opinion.
 
hoopster said:
Izula is a given. Any of the others would be welcome except I probably wouldn't make a habit of carrying an RC-5. It seems better suited as a blade kept in a vehicle for emergencies. Just my opinion.
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Nice sheaths hoopster! Which ones do you have left?
 
I must say the HEST is probally my fav RAT knife. It is small but heafty at the same time. It packs a lot of punch for it's size. You can remove the scales to shed some weight.
 
kvwpwr said:
I have mostly done the type of backpacking your talking about, pieces of the AT, and others. Most places I've gone don't allow fires. But I want to be prepared to make shelter/fire in an emergency situation.

I'm thinking Izula and rc-4 and a SAK of some sort.
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At least the Rc4 and if you have a SAK that's enough for a 3 day hike. DAYHIKE Izula is enough. But I still have a larger Rc3 :D
 
So there seems to be a couple of different "camps" here, please excuse the pun. One says you need a full sized knife to be able to build shelters and such, and the other, just some kind of edge to be able to open the bag the Mountain House Chili with Beef comes in.

I'm in the little knife camp (even though I like bringing a bigger RC-3 blade along). Realistically though, why do you need anything more than an Izula on a 7-day backpacking trip up the AT?
 
Rotte said:
So there seems to be a couple of different "camps" here, please excuse the pun. One says you need a full sized knife to be able to build shelters and such, and the other, just some kind of edge to be able to open the bag the Mountain House Chili with Beef comes in.

I'm in the little knife camp (even though I like bringing a bigger RC-3 blade along). Realistically though, why do you need anything more than an Izula on a 7-day backpacking trip up the AT?
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I know a guy who did the entire AT with nothing more than a spyderco delica. Worked fine for him and I know he likes big fires.
 
Exactly my point hoopster. In fact, if I were thinking about a long trip like the AT, I'd be thinking of ways to cut weight. Out goes the RC-3, and the Vic Trekker stays.
 
Depends on the type of trip. If it's back woods, bush wacking style backpacking, an RC4 does the trick quite well. I typically carry more gear on these type of outings because we are usually a few miles from anybody else.

If it's on fancy trails, still pretty close to civilization, I pack as light as I can for comfort and speed, a Mora Clipper does very well.

Just got an Izula in the mail tonight, I have a feeling it will find its way into my pack for each type of trip.
 
TFin04 said:
Depends on the type of trip. If it's back woods, bush wacking style backpacking, an RC4 does the trick quite well. I typically carry more gear on these type of outings because we are usually a few miles from anybody else.

If it's on fancy trails, still pretty close to civilization, I pack as light as I can for comfort and speed, a Mora Clipper does very well.

Just got an Izula in the mail tonight, I have a feeling it will find its way into my pack for each type of trip.
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I used to go up in the NE region, Adirondaks, green mtns., shenandoah. When we went up there we would get pretty far away from civilization so having a decent size knife is comforting. I live in FL now and am looking at going to georgia/s. carolina/north carolina region. I'm not sure what its going to be like or what I'll need without actually going. I think an Izula and an rc4 will be a good combo.
 
Most of my backpacking is above treeline (read: No shelter building, fires, etc) so the Izula has fit most of my backpacking needs more than well enough. Those needs mostly being in cleaning trout for meals.

I have carried my RC-3 along as well, but I didn't think it was really necessary. I've started plenty of fires with just an Izula around, as well.

In more wooded conditions, I do usually carry the RC-3 anyway. It's nice to have a little more blade for fire making, it is more convenient that way. The handle is also more comfortable if you want to do some whittling and carving at camp.
 
The Izula is "The Little Knife That Could."

Every job that it comes upon, I can hear it quietly speaking out, "I think I can, I think I can."
 
I tend to hike in to a spot and do day-trips radiating out from the base-camp. When the in hike is only 10 or 12 miles, the extra weight is worth it to have the tools waiting back at camp when you come back from a day of bushwacking. For through hikes, a small knife is sufficient. Up here in the rockies, a fire is a necessity for most of the year, and the tools that make fire easier come in real handy. Plus a 75# sled is not that tough to pull when you're back country skiing in to a campsite.
 
Because anything you can do with a Spyderco Delica or Izula is easier to do with a Rc4. I have all three. You may not need a bigger knife but it's easier. If you get bored you can split wood. If you can't build fires I still have at least a Rc3. Even if I don't use the knife much I just like having it. It all preference
 
I understand the preference for a more substantial handle, but I have done some substantial carving and game prep with my Izula, without hand fatigue. I have no wrap on my Izula, its all about the hole. I put my pinkie fonger through it and use a pinch grip at the choil.
 
rocketbomb said:
In more wooded conditions, I do usually carry the RC-3 anyway. It's nice to have a little more blade for fire making, it is more convenient that way. The handle is also more comfortable if you want to do some whittling and carving at camp.
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+1

The handle is why I opt for the RC3 over Izula. Much more comfy for extended use.
 
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