View Full Version : Kit carring systems
Shambling Shaman
09-05-2006, 19:58
Have got a maxpedition Monsoon which I use for most stuff but have taken to carrying my shelter kit (Hennessy Hammock with Hex fly) in a Jumbo VersiPack.
What other unusual / combos do you use?
gregorach
10-05-2006, 10:37
Well, I'm working on a system using a PLCE belt and pouches for water / brew kit, FAK and emergency kit / possibles pouch... Still trying to make it play nicely with my Sabre 45 pack - I'm working on a fairly radical new solution which I will post once I'm happy with it, but basically involves replacing the existing belt with a PLCE belt in such a way that it can be easily detached. I'm hoping that the combo of Sabre 45, side pouches and yoke, and detachable "bat belt" will work as the ultimate modular system.
Ogri the trog
10-05-2006, 10:51
Hmmm,
Provoking a bit og though there Gregorach,
I've got an old set of '58 webbing and would like to encorporate a more "friendly" big pack to it. And of course some better method of attaching extras to the belt.
Looking forward to seeing your ideas when your happy with your rig.
ATB
Ogri the trog
I have a Cyclops Crusader rucksack (somewhat modded and now almost 20 years old). I carry my knife in a sholder holster (inverted carry under the left armpit) with a thumb switch LED mini-maglite + pouch (containing firestarter, spare batteries and lint) on the right side to balance it all up.
I made the holster myself (I'll put some pictures up if you like) and it works very well in hiding the knife and keeping it accessible whilst not becoming a hindrance to the hip belt / chest strap arrangement for the Crusader. I used to use a neck knife but my current one (a Benchmade 10500 Rant Bowie Pardue) is over 16oz and would be a pain in the neck (pardon the pun).
I'd certainly like to see gregorach's pics when they're ready.
And Ogri, I can't stop staring at your avatar....sorry : )
gregorach
10-05-2006, 12:58
I'd certainly like to see gregorach's pics when they're ready.
Well, since people seem interested I'll try and post some pics of what I've got and some of my thoughts on the matter when I get back home tonight.
RAPPLEBY2000
10-05-2006, 17:27
I use a snugpack rocket pack with side pouches for my main load.
a converted OG PLCE Medics sidepouch which i have aranged so it sits ontop of the main pack like an extra top pocket.
i use a combination of bought and home made Arktis pouches which i pick and choose for each event.
i have aranged it so i can use the pouches as a full webbing set or single ones, also they will fit on my rucksack belt and instead of side pouches if i want!
i to need to send in some photos! :rolleyes:
Shambling Shaman
10-05-2006, 20:12
PLCE Medics sidepouch which i have aranged so it sits ontop of the main pack like an extra top pocket.
I used/use one of these as a brew/food bag - Jetboil, spear canister, boil in the bag food X3, cooking oil, salt pepper, KFS, tea coffee, carnation milk in a tube!!,
You get the idea it was well liked by the kidds I used to take out.
I see a modular theme - PLACE, MOLLE, MALICE. I do like the grab and go idea - Am I the only one or do others have this problem ie if I have a big pack I have to fill it?
I find my Maxpedition Mega Rolly-poly a handy.
gregorach
10-05-2006, 20:54
Am I the only one or do others have this problem ie if I have a big pack I have to fill it?
Not so much that you have to fill it, but it's certainly a lot more tempting to add in that extra bit of kit that just might come in handy if it looks like you've got the space.
Anyway, I've put up this thread (http://www.bushcraftuk.com/community/showthread.php?t=12789) about my modified Sabre 45 / PLCE system... I'll be interested to hear what people think. :)
RAPPLEBY2000
10-05-2006, 22:50
big bag fill it? :rolleyes:
OH YEAH! thats me!
wierd but it's just that way! i guess it's a throw back from times when you carried all your possesions! i think we are all horders of some description.
for 8 months of a outdoor activity instructor course i used a PLCE bergen(125l), which was fine, i was convinced it was normal and sensible......untill.
i did a 3 day expedition in the lakes, even though i had (in my opinion) gone lightweight to an amazing amount, to a silly amount, one of my course mates spent the same time less kit, and a 40l bag????? :confused:
How? (to be fair they weight almost the same)
well, over the last few years i have come to respect a couple of "ultralight" ideas,
i already had a tiny 1st aid kit, wash kit, dehydrated food, good sleeping bag, etc etc....
but one thing continued even when i'd get my kit almost perfect,
i'd manage to squeeze in one more thing,
like a book, or extra socks, or a spare water bottle, or a spare....well you can see where it's going.
after a fair bit of consideration i eventually came to the desision:
i am hardly ever going to have the will power NOT to fill my 125l bergen when there's all that lovely space to use.
so i bought a smaller bag!
snugpak Rocket pack (40l) jetpack pockets(15l eachmaking a sensible 70l).
ok, :rolleyes: yes it's a bit funny but it helps me no end,
i physically cannot fit everything i used to into my snugpak, but then i didn't need all that stuff anyway!
so now....
i use the main sack for:( i have adapted my snugpak rocketpak)
sleeping bag/bivibag
spare clothes
warm jacket
and food(i can get a days food worth in an A4 size envelope).
in the top pocket:
notebook, pen,diary, money, keys, torch, spare batteries.
inside top poocket
a tiny wash kit, tiny towel, any medication.
side pouches:
waterproofs in one, hat, gloves,scarf in the other
then on my belt:
1st aid pouch: ist aid box, saftey pins and 1 small FFD.
waterbottle pouch: 58 bottle, cup, metal mug with lid, cooker, spoon, milbank bag.
butt pouch basha kit, work/hot gloves, coke can burner, bottles of meths, drinks kit, lighter, tissues spare paracord.
waterbottle pouch: 58 bottle.
tool pouch: gerber multitool, sharpener, lighter, flint, minicompas/whistle, colins gem, food for free, Aide memoiure (book i've made on useful facts)waterproof notebook, saber saw.
also i use an MoD survival knife in a home made/adapted pouch, with 2 sharpeners.
ok thats rucksack and webbing pouches.
the top medic pouch i usually carry my fireligting demo kit in.
thats my stay for a week at a bushcraft campsite kit,
if i were hillwalking my list would be very different,
hardly any metal items,
no webbing pouches,
i would fit it all in my rucksack,
prehaps using the medic pouch for kit to get some of the weight above my shoulders (I'm able to because of my adaption).
after 20 years of scouts,
survival,
camping,
TA,
survivalism,
hillwalking,
survival,
ultralightweight,
bushcraft,
and more recently hammock camping....................... ..
..........(breaks into song).......................
****************************** ****************************** ****************************** ****************************** ****************************** *************************" i still cannot find what i'm looking for!" :rolleyes: :lmao:************************ ****************************** ****************************** ****************************** ****************************** **********
Shambling Shaman
11-05-2006, 06:04
Yes - I to have got a smaller pack and have 1/2 the spare stuf I carry. Allways carrie 3L of water.
On my ML trainining I had the biggest pack and the heavyest not supprizing as I had 3L box of wine & 6 cans of beer!! not all mine, just had the space so carried it for others (idiot).
Talking of heavy kit - I went on one trip where a guy was complaining of a heavy pack. Once we reached base camp, I discovered that he was carrying 8 litres of water (for a 2 day trip), and two large glass jars (1 filled with coffee and the other with whitener).
:eek:
On another trip that I was leading in the Lake District (bunch of school kids), 1 of the lads became very upset with his pack. I found a full (cold) hot water bottle in his rucksack. His mother had packed it. Since it was summer and we weren't camping (and he had no way of heating the water save for leaving it out in the sun), I'm not sure what he intended on using it for.
:confused:
I regularly carried 50-60+lbs packs. Not anymore - that's why I modded my crusader (100l) to a more manageable size (it's more like 50l now).
Shambling Shaman
11-05-2006, 15:13
As a member of my local mountain rescue team I find it hard to get out of the just in case mind set - On any walk out of the house I normal carry what would be needed for a comfortable one night stop-over? but I do have a habit of wandering off.
That said and back to topic Modular is the way to go if you can hit the happy medium.
(a) not so many pouches that thay weigh more than your main pack
(b) You cant remember were any thing is.
and
(c) If you are required to out run some wild beast (or be first to the bar) pouches and or contence are not flying off every witch way.
Could you use something like this (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/WW2-SWEDISH-BANDOLIER_W0QQitemZ6627873320Q QcategoryZ4721QQrdZ1QQcmdZView Item) to carry nik naks in? I like the look of it, but it's not really how I do it, but it could be a useful idea for someone making their own.
Shambling Shaman
11-05-2006, 16:41
Spamel
You are a star - how oh how did this slip under my pouch radar?????????
I'm not too sure how big it will be, it must be worn around the waist or diagonally across the body, so that gives it some sense of size. I knew someone here would like it, I was searching for a swedish smock to see how many were on ebay, I may buy one later in the year, and saw it. I quite like it as a bit of kit, but don't think I'd use it. Are you going to bid on it? If you do, hopefully no one else here will bid against you!
Shambling Shaman
11-05-2006, 17:39
I might - will let it go and see what the biding gos up to.
I come on here and always get totally side tracked!! I see a thread and start looking for similar items on ebay. The Viper Modular Vest System is the next one I've found! It's in green and looks just as good as a set of webbing, only thing is each item is sold seperatley, so the cost may add up!
I have one of those Swedish pouched belts and used to use it a lot travelling in India. Brilliant and lots of useful pockets approx 5"x5". A complete change of silk clothes will fit into just two pouches,money in another,fags and ods and sods in the rest + bananas and vegatable samosas! Would love to chop it up BUT it is such a nice piece of kit I haven't the heart. A bit like a possibles pouch but lots of!
I have ideas of incorporating it into my webbing but they have not progressed any further than just thinking about it.
Shambling Shaman
12-05-2006, 06:01
Excessive Kit? Has any one followed thist regime of packing.
Pack you pack - go and enjoy make list of every thing you used.
Return - unpack three piles one pile what you used / one pile stuff you have to have but did not use (first aid kit ect).
And the pile you did not use.
Next trip only pack the first two piles...............
Great willpower.....I might start with some thing easer first like giving up coffee :eek:
Excessive Kit? Has any one followed thist regime of packing.
Pack you pack - go and enjoy make list of every thing you used.
Return - unpack three piles one pile what you used / one pile stuff you have to have but did not use (first aid kit ect).
And the pile you did not use.
Next trip only pack the first two piles...............
Great willpower.....I might start with some thing easer first like giving up coffee :eek:
Yup, I've used a smiliar technique before and it can be very helpful for the pack horse hiker. The other way is to list everything that goes in and mark it off when it gets used. After a few trips everything that ends up with a score (or is truly essential) stays, the rest goes.
But giving up coffee?!?! Are you insane? I'd rather carry all my gear in a rucksack made out of toilet paper.
I used/use one of these as a brew/food bag - Jetboil, spear canister, boil in the bag food X3, cooking oil, salt pepper, KFS, tea coffee, carnation milk in a tube!!
I don't suppose I could have a picture of this - just to see how you get it all in there?
I'm actually liking that bandolier the more I look at it! It could give the desired Tuskan Raider look, as they used this very bandolier, and a british version also in leather!!
I've also found them on sale here (http://www.springfields.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=9 04&tsl_session_id=0cc9383c544aa11 8d4a67f4d5a1da1dc) but they cost £25!!
I'm still looking for a cheap version, but I'll leave the eBay one for if you want to bid on it, seeings how you have a pouch addiction!
The best I`ve seen was a friend of mine appearing some 24 hours later than the rest of us at a previously arranged RV toting an Ikea carry bag (blue, tarp material...) as a backpack...full with wine glass and coffee ware :)
The same guy appeared a few years later with a briefcase-type arrangement, that people use on airplanes...the cloud of dust caused by the wheels on the case following him reduced us to helpless tears of laughter...and we were really out there in the bush...
On both occasions, he seemed to be completely oblivious to the absurdity of the situation...
Marko
Shambling Shaman
12-05-2006, 20:29
Spamel you did see it first so your call if you want it go for it..........
Batfink - I will reasemble the Brew kit and post the photo ASAP tue /wed as Im on holiday at the mo.... :lmao:
beamdune
14-05-2006, 21:00
I know the auction has finished but for anyone tempted by a bandolier here's what it looks like in action
http://www.partsofsw.com/Ep_1/pretusk.htm
Shambling Shaman
18-05-2006, 07:03
I don't suppose I could have a picture of this - just to see how you get it all in there?
ok cant figer how to show potos here - have put them on gallery under kit (brewkit1 & brewkit2
this it the bewkit two contaners are missing but you can see were they belong. the wayfairers are in the middle compartment.
Nice one! Impressive layout - have you got in patented, or can I thief your idea? ;)
Shambling Shaman
19-05-2006, 14:15
Nice one! Impressive layout - have you got in patented, or can I thief your idea? ;)
You go for it - it a british med place pouch it has little net bag that velcrow in place, and you can fit s***loads in it :)
rappleby 2000, nice load out, but i think you are carrying a lot, remember the K.I.S.S system, the first thing i learned as a young paratrooper was,,,,,,,,,,, live out of your bergen, fight out of your webbing, survive/e+e out of your smock, and at all times improvise, ps, lets chat about the basha hammock ,
rappleby 2000, nice load out, but i think you are carrying a lot, remember the K.I.S.S system, the first thing i learned as a young paratrooper was,,,,,,,,,,, live out of your bergen, fight out of your webbing, survive/e+e out of your smock, and at all times improvise, ps, lets chat about the basha hammock ,
pps, i am not criticising, what works for one dont work for another, please dont get pissed off, lol
Ogri the trog
19-05-2006, 20:08
..... the first thing i learned as a young paratrooper was,,,,,,,,,,, live out of your bergen, fight out of your webbing, survive/e+e out of your smock, and at all times improvise, ps, lets chat about the basha hammock ,
Interesting thoughts there Hilltop,
Excuse my Ex RAF brain, but I feel obliged to ask, and indeed for the benefit of the other members; whereabouts you would pack things like firelighting equipment, water, shelter etc. I'm in a constant state of doubt as to what I should pack where, and if a different situation should dictate if things ouhgt to go from pack to pocket or vice-versa.
I'm trying to cut down on the amount I carry, but I really can't afford to go buying the latest lightest gear. Sayint that, most of my camping is with the family from a home-base or a vehicle. I like to see other folks ideas as to what is essential and what can be improvised.
Always good to see Ex forces folks on here, we can all swing the lamp at some time or other.
ATB
Ogri the trog
Shambling Shaman
19-05-2006, 20:39
Im ex RAF and the two best things I relocated were my gortex bivi bag and my kitcarry smock from my EoD days. Im shore it is pos to carry every thing in it for a night out.
ogri, as ex forces you will know that everyone carried the same kit but fine tuned and customised. try to think what gear you have, and then look at it all and ask what DONT i need, its amazing how much crap we carry that other gear can do the same job of,,,,,,,,, i once lost a leatherman tool in belize, after the shock of how much i was out of pocket, i started looking at other kit and how to get it to do all the jobs the multi tool did, its all about your mind set, a pal of mine hides cashes all over the peak district, all he ever carries is, doss bag, poncho, therma rest swiss army knife, golock, all his food is already out there,,,,,,,,,,,,,its all about thinking hard, not working hard, lol, hope this helps, :D
wingstoo
20-05-2006, 16:24
Hilltop,
What does your mate use for stashing his kit in, I have thought about setting up stashes and wondered what others used for the container.
LS
he uses the square plastic waterproof shamooly(?) rocket flare boxes, the gray ones, he buys them from anchor surplus in ripley derbys, but he and i both have blagged them free from fishing boats on the quayside in bridlington, lol, the fishermen seemed happy to get shut of them, lol.
they have a screw top with a rubber seal, the opening is about 7-8 inches round so you can get big stuff in them,
ludlowsurvivors,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,you got me thinking, i just looked and have 2 of them in the shed, i will take a pic and try and post it so you can see them, ,,,,,,,,ps they are £3.50 each from anchor surplus,
wingstoo
20-05-2006, 17:29
Hilltop,
I know exactly what you mean, I have four of them in the shed with about 20 days of ration packs in them, got the last four from a local surplus store for £10.
I have made a couple of stash tubes using 110mm drain pipe and screw on, water-proof caps at each end, can do them any length up to 3mtrs, but 600mm is about enough for an entire 24/36hr kit...
LS
just posted some pics in the kit section if anyone wants to see what they look like,
RAPPLEBY2000
20-05-2006, 20:47
Hilltop,
rappleby 2000, nice load out, but i think you are carrying a lot, remember the K.I.S.S system, the first thing i learned as a young paratrooper was,,,,,,,,,,, live out of your bergen, fight out of your webbing, survive/e+e out of your smock, and at all times improvise, ps, lets chat about the basha hammock ,
no offence taken, but i have two answers to it!
1) I also have trained in the army so i fully understand the concept and used that idea for a long time, with a survival tin, wire saw hidden in my draw string etc, but to be honest i've never been anywhere or done anything since that would require such precautions. the kit stage thing has it's place in areas where you might have to suddenly leave your kit!
2) the pouches i use are Arktis and pop together to form full PLCE type webbing or just single pouches.
when deep into the wilderness i might carry my tool pouch on my trouser belt which i could live from quite happily as long as my water bottle pouch is nearby.
yup i agree it's heavy kit but, i'm from the comfortable gear end of the bushcraft scale!
but i also said:
thats my stay for a week at a bushcraft campsite kit,
if i were hillwalking my list would be very different,
hardly any metal items,
no webbing pouches,
i would fit it all in my rucksack,
prehaps using the medic pouch for kit to get some of the weight above my shoulders
for a really basic "Hardcore" kit i could really slim it down but the kit i used to carry was far more than i carry now!
like said its a personal thing, if it works for you great, lol, for over nights upto 3 days if it dont fit in my medium alice it dont go, !!!!!!, lol lol lol, any trip over 3days its time for more kit, but it depends on the area too, some stuff is great for the peak district in may, but useless for dartmoor in october, :D
RAPPLEBY2000
21-05-2006, 12:59
many years ago, as a optomistic teenager i read the SAS survival handbook alot,
afetr some months i decided i could probably go in to the wood with just a knife and "SURVIVE",
i did such camps a couple of times as a scout, and did terribly! :(
including one camp that ended in heat exaustion, dehydration and 2 days in bed vomiting!
problem being more knowledge than sense! 9plus a "Rambo" attitude of lets tough it! also a lack of actual experience!
now it's changed loads of experience, knowledge and proper kit!
point is i don't like roughing it! :o there i said it! :lmao:
RAPPLEBY2000,
There is absolutely nothing wrong with not wanting to rough it mate, anyone can be uncomfortable. As long as your willing to carry the kit and it doesn't become so heavy that it makes your time less enjoyable thats fine. :D
Brian
brian, you location hillsbourgh northern ireland , or hillsbourgh nova scotia, or nearer me in sheffield? lol
RAPPLEBY2000
21-05-2006, 17:57
It's weird really i teach bushcraft at "Woodlandsurvivalcrafts" and usually take the kit i mentioned earlier.
i have my 7ftx3ft home and punters often ask why don't i sleep in a natrual shelter...erm....because i don't need to
i've already done the getting twigs in my hair and rain on the sleeping bag bit! :lmao: but punters just assume because they are doing it the instructers also have to...not true! :rolleyes:
"fact is if it works use it",
"if it's stupid and it work's it isn't stupid"
and "if you're roughing it you're doing something wrong"!
and has anyone else noticed Ray mears he's usually in a fancy man made shelter!(i like his style! :lmao: ).
Hilltop,
I'm in Northern Irelad mate :D
Brian