Which RAT would you take backpacking?

I don't have an RC-4 (yet), but it would be my choice as all around most useful. Most of my folders and one of my handier fixed blades sport 4" blades, and I find it a good,comfortable working length. If I know I'm going to have to take down a lot of firewood, I'll bring a folding saw and a kukri or tomahawk. In spring or summer, I'll do without the saw, but I've learned it's a lot easier to saw through frozen wood than it is to chop it.

Having recently put hands on an Izula, I'd be inclined to clip one of those to my pack, coat, or belt as a second knife.
 
recently I have been taking my RC 5 for chopping and heavier work and my H.E.S.T. (and Leatherman Charge) for smaller projects. It also depends on what kind of weight you want to deal with. These two don't bother me at all, though.
 
kvwpwr said:
What RAT would you take backpacking?
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Keeping in line with the original question, I would carry the RC-4 over my RC-3. If I had the RC-6, I would carry it over the RC-4. The reason I would carry a bigger knife over the smaller one, is because for backpacking, I could easily use the bigger blade for what little firewood I would need, and any other chore that needed to be done around camp. Now if I was going bushwhacking or being dropped off in the middle of no where, I would take the smaller blade partnered with either a machete or axe.

With all that being said, I'm not the one that worries about saving 12 ounces. If I need to drop some weight, it will be that extra shirt or that book versus any of my "tools".
 
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hoopster said:
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.
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I did the whole AT with a SAK Tinker and it was overkill. Both times I did the PCT, it was with a Vic Classic. For the CDT, however, I did carry a small fixed blade. Right now I'm trying to decide what to carry when we do the PCT this summer. Maybe the Izula, but probably a Murray Carter or Barkie.

Even for months at a time, on these long trails a SAK is more than enough. Long-distance hiking, weekend car camping, weekend backpacking, hunting, etc are all unique activities. No one blade is optimum for each style.

ETA: +1 this:
j williams said:
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.
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my backpacking and fishing trips always include my HEST and my EDC which is an RC4.
 
Possibly the RC4. It may be taking over for my fallkniven. I do think I'll probably be packing my izula regardless of the other choice. It's use to weight ratio is just to high :)
 
I would go with the RC-6 because I like to have a relatively large knife on me for a range of tasks.
 
As stated before I take my RC-4 and Izula with me. I love this combination, but I have been thinking about purchasing a RC-6 and trying it out. And then giving the RC-4 to the lady, but I think she would rather have a RC-3...

Decisions, decisions.
 
My style of backpacking includes staying in a hotel at night, and getting up to a hot breakfast. :D So weight of the knife wouldn't be much of an issue for me. Go for what you like to use the most.
 
carried the izula and hest for last backpacking/camping trip in dec. had other larger knives but sorry, have to admit, they were not rc blades. if i owned a 5 or 6 woulda had that for sure. but i got LOTS of great blades and cant really afford duplicating even when im digging the product and the company.
 
Backpacking advice. I would take two knives. One to keep sharp for fine work/eating/ and the other for rough camp work. Two knives come in handy if you lose one too.

Also bring a firestarter, lighter fluid (works wonders with spark starters!) and small file for sharpening (stones are too finicky) Naturally the DPx H•E•S•T is the knife for me and I always carry a pack of single sided razors for surgery, slivers, ultra fine cuts.

A lot of people like a heavy camp knife or a machete for camp beds. So that technically makes it four knifes with the razors. Oh yeah..food, sleeping bag etc but I don't use tents or sleeping bags. Just a tarp slash groundcover and a synthetic blacket with layered clothing. Lite, flexible and you can actually see the stars and predators at night.
 
Vege-Taco said:
My style of backpacking includes staying in a hotel at night, and getting up to a hot breakfast. :D So weight of the knife wouldn't be much of an issue for me. Go for what you like to use the most.
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LOLOL... you related to that Bear guy?

I tend to switch off between the HEST and Izula, plus I alwats have my RC-3 when headed into the woods. Always have a SAK and a decent folder on me too..... But at the very least I am going to have the RC-3 with me.
 
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