Showing posts with label packing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label packing. Show all posts

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Gear Check


I just watched a nutnfancy gear check video on Youtube and thought I'd do an edc gear check on myself.  Personally I think I would get an "A" from old Nutn.  This load out is what I carry pretty much every day (i.e. I did not set this up so I could make this post).  The only thing I am missing is my lip balm, which I let my daughter use the other day and did not get back.

Flashlight - This is by far my most used item.  I doubt a day goes by that I don't use a light (particularly this one) multiple times.  The one pictured is my current favorite.  It's the Olight S15R Baton.  I prefer lights that have batteries that are easily purchased and so shy away from CR123's and the like.  The battery has a great run time and is rechargeable, but can easily be replaced with a standard AA.  The things I dig on this light are it's pocket clip (which is very strong and can be clipped to a hat bill), it's modes (several options from 1/2 a lumen up to 280 lumens), it's size (small enough for daily comfort yet big enough to be useful), and that you can lock out the on/off button so it will not be accidentally switched on in my pocket.

I honestly don't understand why anyone would not carry a flashlight when they are so light and useful.

Knife - The two things I have with me all day, every day, even when I'm sleeping, are my flashlight and knife.  The Spyderco Delica 4 is one of my favorites.  It weighs next to nothing and has an incredibly useful blade shape and size.  This gets used for everything from cutting strings off my clothing to cutting up cheese for my salad.

Multi-tool - For it's size, weight, and capabilities the Leatherman Squirt PS4 cannot be beat.  I've tried carrying bigger, more capable multi-tools but find I get tired of them weighing down my pants.  This little tool has pliers, a knife blade, scissors, screw drivers, and a file.  I mainly use it for the pliers and scissors.

Watch - I have worn a watch daily for probably thirty plus years.  I've tried other options but keep coming back to the Timex Ironman series.  Many folks use their phones to keep time but I find the simplicity of looking at my wrist easier.  I mainly use it to tell time, especially the indiglo feature at night.  I am very near sighted and this watch is what allows me to know what time it is in the middle of the night.

Handkerchief - There are two main reasons I carry a hanky daily.  One is because I have allergies and if no kleenex is available then my hanky is right there.  The other is for the possibility of wound care.  I have used my handkerchief (clean one) to help myself and others when there is blood flowing.  This is extremely helpful.

Firearm - I don't always carry a second magazine (although I should) but happened to have one today.  The gun pictured is my Glock 42 with a Crimson Trace laser, and a Pearce +1 grip extension.  This is Glock's .380 ACP.  I generally either have this or my 43 (Glock's single stack 9mm).  Many will scoff at the small firearms for their lower capacity of ammunition (6 plus one standard) but I honestly can't bring myself to carry one of my larger guns.  It is very hard to beat the 42 and 43 for concealability and comfort.  Since picking up these firearms, I went from carrying 25-50% of the time to virtually never not carrying.  I hope that I will never have to use a firearm to defend myself or anyone else.

Phone - Although not pictured (but taking the picture), I also almost always have my iPhone.  This is another important daily safety item.

There you have it.  What do you carry every day?  Are you prepared for the things that will or may happen?

~Rhyno

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Backpacking Check List

I recently returned from a weekend backpacking trip in the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas.  It was absolutely beautiful and very relaxing.  For this trip we decided to shorten our hike and stay in the same spot for two nights.  We backpacked from the highway to Quail Valley - only about 1.7 miles or so.  Because of the short hike I was not very weight conscious and therefore pretty much loaded down my pack.  I had originally thought to use my smaller pack but, darn it, I can't seem to be able to leave any gear behind.  I am hoping to head back there this summer and try an ultra-light trip of 12 miles of the Butterfield Hiking Trail.  Here's my packing list from this last trip...

ü  Bible, journal, pen
ü  Headlamp & flashlight and extra batteries
ü  Tent & ground cloth
ü  (Or) Hammock w/fly
ü  Clothing:
  • T-shirt (2)
  • Light & heavy poly shirt
  • Light/mid poly pants
  • Under wear
  • Nylon pants
  • Wind top
  • Rain gear/poncho
  • Gloves
  • Socks
  • Hiking boots
  • Camp shoes!
  • Warm hat or hoodie
  • Brimmed and/or rain hat
  • Bandana
ü  Bedding: Sleeping bag, pillow, sleeping pad
ü  1st Aid Kit
ü  Toiletries: glasses, medications, toothbrush, d.o., sunscreen, bug spray, etc.
ü  Baby wipes (great for cleaning your hands or whatever)
ü  Camp chair*
ü  Meals:
  • Food: plan & pack for your individual desires
  • Stove
  • Fuel
  • Spatula, spoons, forks, etc…
  • Pots/pan
  • Plastic bowl
  • Snacks
ü  Drink:
  • Thermal mug/cup
  • 2 liters of H2O
  • Water purification – filter/iodine/Potable Aqua
  • Hot cocoa/coffee/cider
ü  Knife (large & small)/multi-tool/machete/axe
ü  Sharpener*
ü  WD-40*
ü  Map & compass (and/or GPS)
ü  Fire starter – i.e. matches, lighter, tinder
ü  Toilet paper & wet wipes
ü  Shovel/trowel*
ü  Nylon cord
ü  Camera*
ü  $$ for road trip*
ü  Game to play* (card, board, Frisbee, football)
ü   Ear plugs (sleeping/shooting)*
ü   Trekking pole(s)*
ü   Firearm & ammo*
ü   Knee pads*
ü   Leather work gloves (a must for around the fire)
ü   Cell phone & car charger
ü   Blaze orange (esp. during hunting season)
ü   Small hiking pack/Ribz
ü  Safety whistle
ü  Walkie talkies & batteries*
ü   Field guides/star identifier
ü  Change of clothes to leave in car
*optional items

Get out there and enjoy God and His creation.

~Rhyno