View Full Version : Unusual bit of kit
Brainflex
31-12-2004, 16:23
Anyone carry anything unusual regularly when out ?
I carry a Cold Steel SF shovel,great for digging (obviously) knocking things in,with one edge sharpened as an axe/machete and other small uses.
I carry a fold up coat hanger to dry me jacket :)
dchinell
31-12-2004, 17:07
Small and medium binder clips. Great for, well, clipping stuff.
I also carry a medium-weight carabiner with a four-foot loop of paracord on it. This rides on my pack shoulder strap. First thing into camp, the cord wraps around a tree and the biner goes through the end of the loop. Off comes the pack and it hooks onto the carabiner. Instant cupboard.
I like to download odd bits of reading material onto my Palm before heading out, just in case a rainy day needs something to pass the time.
There's a bandanna available through BSA shops that has some forty-odd knots on it. That and a few bits of paracord will keep me occupied for hours.
Bear
arctic hobo
31-12-2004, 17:25
A seat belt cutter - cuts tough skins like magic
RovingArcher
31-12-2004, 17:27
I've been wanting a similar shovel, but it would probably have a home in the vehicle with an axe and bow saw. Never thought about carrying a folding hanger with me.
If you had asked me a few months ago, I would have said a cell phone was unusual, but now I carry one, so it's not anymore. :lol:
I guess that the only item I carry with me that many would consider unusual from their point of view (to me it's part of life), would be my offering pouch. I made up a mixture of herbs that I carry in a small leather pouch. The herb is used as an offering to the Earth, prior to my taking those things I need that the Earth offers to me each day.
nice touch Rovingarcher :biggthump
i often carry corn or oats or sage for that RA..
im not sure if its unusual but i carry some plastic bags for putting foraged goodies and any rubish in!
also a pack of cards for fun and a bandana as it has loads of uses!!
Nice on RA. I similarly carry a small hip flask of whiskey. I always offer some to the woods in appreciation. Do the same when I go on water.
Also goes down when you meet people too as an offering of friendship...
Nice on RA. I similarly carry a small hip flask of whiskey. I always offer some to the woods in appreciation. Do the same when I go on water...
I hope you filter it first? :o):
RovingArcher
31-12-2004, 20:21
I hope you filter it first? :o):
:lol: good one.
When I'm backpacking, I carry a little insulated "cozy" to put my pot of food in to keep it warm. I can leave rice and noodle dishes set and cook themselves in the cozy and 15 minutes later they will still be too hot to eat without burning your mouth. Saves simmering fuel. Also makes a good "pot holder" for eating out of the pot so I don't burn my hands.
I also take a small spatula to scrape out the last little bit of food out of my pot. Makes clean up a lot easier.
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images9/cozy1b.jpg
Martyn & RA, I'm going to assume the clean version as this is a family site...
FILTER SINGLE MALT WHISKEY!!!!! YOU PAIR OF PHILISTINES!!!!!:o):
RovingArcher
01-01-2005, 00:16
:nana: :lol:
I make nearly all my own gear,[ how else can you really get what you want], so I imagine most would consider it unuasul if not unconventional.
Congrats on yer 1st post mate! Welcome to the camp and Happy New Year!
Welcome Woodrat
happy new year
maverick
01-01-2005, 12:39
My strange but main peace of kit is a pair of Felco Secateurs it has a carbon steel blade, very sharp! It works well with a fire steel the blades can be replaced easily which makes it a life long tool. I use the curved cutting anvil to lift billy cans from the fire and if I seperate the handles It becomes a great carving tool. It even comes with a lovely leather holster.
I have built a debri shelter using only the secateurs I also carved my wife a love spoon from a peace of hazel(I am Welsh you know!) which hangs proudly on my living room wall.
Happy new Year all :wave:
Danceswithhelicopters
01-01-2005, 16:48
A bit of kit made in Australia by 'Sea to Summit'. A waterproof hanging toilet roll dispenser. Effing marvellous. Hangs on tree, keeps the rain out and no more damp paper-A bit of a problem in Scotland.
PS dchinell-Where do you get that 40 knot bandana??
beachlover
01-01-2005, 22:24
I take a wooden chopping board about 9" x 6". Ideal for prepping food and a surface for carving without hitting rock or stone and a general flat surface.
My concession to comfort, age and a dry bum is a freebie folding sit mat from a camping or walking magazine.
My final item is a rosary purchased in Bogota that has been with me for 20 years and to more countries and through more difficult times than I can remember.
Does anyone else carry charms or keepsakes? Come on own up!
My final item is a rosary purchased in Bogota that has been with me for 20 years and to more countries and through more difficult times than I can remember.
Does anyone else carry charms or keepsakes? Come on own up!
Can't say I keep a 'charm' or talisman etc (St. Christopher, rabbits foot, ...), but as my opinel has been thru so much with me, and has kept me safe, fed, warm etc, I guess you could call it my lucky charm...and it's goes everywhere with me...
Happy New Year all !!. I want to first exspress my sense of honor and wonder to be among all of you!! I have to say that to a degree I feel like the novice among the masters.!! I am looking forward to learning lots of great stuff from you all, and maybe showing you a few tricks from a non-conformist yank.!! One of the things I carry is a homemade fish spear/harpoon point made from stainlss steel rod. works "smashingly" if anyone is interested I will send pics and instuct., easy and cheap and quick to make.
Welcome Aboard woodrat!!
i'v been thinking of making something like that for a while.. a small spear head i could carry in my pack and fit to a wooden shaft at need!
i would like to see a picture!!
I feel like the novice among the masters dont worrie you will soon realise most everyone heres nutts!! :wink:
Nightfall
03-01-2005, 00:25
As far as charms go, I wear either a amber or jade bead. The amber one has been with me for many years. Alot of miles have been covered with it.
arctic hobo
03-01-2005, 12:31
I carved a wooden ring and cut old viking/norse patterns into the top, and a tiny piece of amber set in the middle. It's not a charm I suppose, but to me it is somethig special. I wish I had a digicam, it's the one piece of carving I'm rather proud of.
I always wear 2 bracelets that mean a lot to me. One is in the shape of a snake and was given to me by some locals on a tiny island in Indonesia. When they heard I was going to be living in the forest they said I needed some protection from snakes and gave me this as a charm. I've worn it since and strangely enough I've never been bitten by a snake ;) The other was given to me by my wife the first time we tried to get married (a long story!) I've worn that one ever since too.
george
maybe its time for a lucky charm/ items thread!
Squidders
03-01-2005, 22:40
I keep in my pack thick cheapie gardening gloves so I can pick hot pots up and not worry about thorns or nettles.
Mycil foot powder is probably a common one but great stuff often gets taken out with me.
I'm never seen without a krab of some description as they are invaluable for anything from abseiling to hanging your bag up with.
That's about it really, nothing that interesting.
Great Pebble
03-01-2005, 23:33
Maybe not a charm exactly but, a Leatherman. Currently my Wave, soon to be a Charge, previously PSTII and PST before that. Get very edgey if I don't have it on me or at least know exactly where it is. Been a few panics over the years when it's gone "walkies".
another piece I carry is a small handsaw made from reciprocating saw shaft I cut off and welded a peace of 1/2 in. steel round stock to form ergonomic sort of "t" shaped handle. I can not say its real light, but its really versitile and compact. the real plus is you can get 20 or more styles, lenghts, and types of blades to litaraly cut anything!!. was easy to make, took about hour to fabricate, then wrapped handle with old bicicyle innertube to give it some cushion. works excellent!!.