Which RAT would you take backpacking?

i also enjoy backpacking, and prefer to take as little weight as possible, im ordering an rc-4 with the orange g-10 handles asap, and probably an izula for short day to weekend trips.
 
For backpacking I would probably go for a RC-4 or 6. I'm watching Bear Grylls on youtube and he batons the crap out of his knife, and I would imagine the 4/6 would be most effective.
 
Really, anything with a sharp edge is goi g to work. Nothing is really goig t outdothat pathfinder you had, unless you want to get into chopping down trees and splitting
 
Bolt-action bultema said:
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.
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I'll have to try this, cause I love my Izula, but can't work with it for too long or I get hand cramps.... RC-3 scales make all the difference.

To answer the topic, I prefer the RC-3 these days, having carried my TAK for years. I love the Izula, but for a multi day hike I go with the RC-3 and a SAK with a decent saw (108mm GAK or Safari Pathfinder). A hatchet is pretty handy this time of year in the NE area (Green/White Mountains), but if I was to want to shed weight, the hatchet would be one of the first things to go.

Keep in mind, 99% of the folks that we read about them getting rescued while out hiking THOUGHT they were prepared, only to find that when it came down to it, they weren't. I would rather have a little more blade/weight, between the Izula, the HEST, and the RC-3, the difference in weight isnt enough to worry about. (IMHO).
 
I am a very avid backpacker and hiker and personally since I have gotten my RC-3 I have fallen in love with it. It is a great very capable tool. I will now carry it with me on all of my backpacking trips no matter the lenght. As it was stated before I would rather carry the extra weight then get caught without. Mine has handled everything from spreading peanut butter to battoning to make kindiling to start a fire. Plus when it comes down to it it really isn't that heavy. Personally I pair mine with a SAK Farmer.
 
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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Because of different styles.

For one, I don't think he mentioned his hikes were going to be on prepared trails in the OP.

Second, he asked what we would carry on a hike.
Since I don't hike prepared trails (if I do it's for exercise alone, and I call it a "walk"), so around me, a long knife/machete/kukri is pretty much required as those damned thorns that range from .5" to 3" long and can cut you without touching you (it seems) are everywhere and have to be cleared to pass. You do not want to go where I "hike" with just a SAK or short blade.

Hence my recommendation to at least have a machete if he wants to stay light.
 
I prefer to have several knives with me while hiking. I also have several skinning knives in my packback while hunting. I am not too worried about weight but as I get older, I am sure I will pack lighter.

Darin
 
penenpitsu said:
For backpacking I would probably go for a RC-4 or 6. I'm watching Bear Grylls on youtube and he batons the crap out of his knife, and I would imagine the 4/6 would be most effective.
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They let him do that at the Holiday Inn?
 
^^^^^hehehe ;)



Bottom Line, use what works. Not everyone is the same or hikes in the same area. If one knife did it all for everyone, there wouldnt be thousands to choose from. Some get by with a SAK on multi week treks, some cary a full size Axe and Hunting knife, some carry one small knife, some carry 5 large knives. Just like guns. Some carry, some dont.

Jeez grandad got by just fine for 75 years with just a slippy, and he hunted and fished, and hiked and camped most of his life. Staying gone sometimes a week or 2 at a time....

I like the RC3 and the Izula as far as RATs go... That junglas is sweet, and will find a home in my pack sometimes im sure. For RATs on backpacking trips, either an
RC3 or Izula, paired with a SAK and a UL saw... Than works for ME. What works for you nobody can tell you. Youre gonna have to go through some steel, and through experimentation, and trials, figure out what works for you. Just as many of us have done.

It makes no sense to me in these kinds of threads when everyone gets pissy when someone doesnt do as they do, or as Bear Girls does, or as other "gurus" do. We are all differant. I dont give 2 Sh*ts what anyone else carries. I carry what I like, and what works for me. Wheather its a RAT, a Gossman, or whatever.....

Much respect....

J
 
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j williams said:
^^^^^hehehe ;)



Bottom Line, use what works. Not everyone is the same or hikes in the same area. If one knife did it all for everyone, there wouldnt be thousands to choose from. Some get by with a SAK on multi week treks, some cary a full size Axe and Hunting knife, some carry one small knife, some carry 5 large knives. Just like guns. Some carry, some dont.

Jeez grandad got by just fine for 75 years with just a slippy, and he hunted and fished, and hiked and camped most of his life. Staying gone sometimes a week or 2 at a time....

I like the RC3 and the Izula as far as RATs go... That junglas is sweet, and will find a home in my pack sometimes im sure. For RATs on backpacking trips, either an
RC3 or Izula, paired with a SAK and a UL saw... Than works for ME. What works for you nobody can tell you. Youre gonna have to go through some steel, and through experimentation, and trials, figure out what works for you. Just as many of us have done.

It makes no sense to me in these kinds of threads when everyone gets pissy when someone doesnt do as they do, or as Bear Girls does, or as other "gurus" do. We are all differant. I dont give 2 Sh*ts what anyone else carries. I carry what I like, and what works for me. Wheather its a RAT, a Gossman, or whatever.....

Much respect....

J
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I do carry what works for me(which changes on my situation). But it's nice to "talk shop". After all this is a discussion forum.
 
I can't walk very well anyway, so I'll be backpacking from the Jeep to the tent site. I'll take the RC-5! :D
 
kvwpwr said:
I do carry what works for me(which changes on my situation). But it's nice to "talk shop". After all this is a discussion forum.
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Theres a differance between "chest thumping" and Discussion. :thumbup: I dont think you fell into this catagory by starting this thread, It just always amazes me at peoples reactions that something they use might work better for them then someone else. No disrespect to anyone, just stating my opinion.

Oh, and Ive been around here awhile, I know what BF is.:thumbup:
 
My hands are to big for the Izula. I sold it, picked up an RC4 to pair it with the RC6. The only time I was exposed to an RC3 it was the older Ontario version, and the handle was a bit small for me, but I hear that the RAT Cutlery version has a bit bigger of a handle. The RC3 should work, but I like a 4" blade if it is going to be my only one, I say go for the RC4.
 
It does have a bigger handle....

You should try one!

RC4 is a great knife in a great size.
 
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