The load out- a guide and example (pic heavy)

[Wilderbeast]

Hi all,

I've decided to write a thread about putting together your personal load out. As an example I've used my personal load out. I would never claim for this guide to be law, my load out is at times extravagant and unnecessary, it is however what works for me. Most importantly it is a basis for which a complete beginner could base their load out around.

My load out is based around the unpredictability of camping in Great Britain. We often do not know the fire rules, the availability of trees or even fresh drinking water. I therefore pack with this in mind, making me sure I am ready for most situations.

The titles for the sections have been taken from the book BUSHCRAFT by Ray Mears. What inspired me to write this guide was this section from the book:


" You may find it daunting to put together an outfit, even if you have a list of equipment complied by an expert...

1. Something to carry your outfit in

This is my Pack the Lowe Alpine Sting. It is also known as the "Dutch patrol pack". It has two detachable side pockets and also an extra pouch that I added to the front using the MOLLE attachments. All in all this has a capacity of around 70L which is more than enough for any outing I need, and gives ample space for spare clothes and food for the trip.

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo134/5hogarth/Loadout%20thread/DSCF0390.jpg

This is a picture of the adjustable back system, for me this is essential if you intend to do any amount of walking. For a while I used an army surplus PLCE Bergen. It was too large for me and uncomfortable, I'm far happier with this one. Always choose a pack which suits your needs. Too big is probably better than too small, however only marginally so as if there is too much spare space, you may be tempted to fill it with unnecessary items.

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo134/5hogarth/Loadout%20thread/DSCF0391.jpg

2. Something to sleep under

Personally I sleep under a tarp, that's because I like being fairly close to the woods and nature, and the tarp allows me to take all this in. Many people prefer to use tents which is of course their choice. For some climates a tent is a must, they also offer more privacy than a tarp.

Mine is a DD standard tarp, just the right size for me; whether I'm on the ground or in my hammock.

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo134/5hogarth/Loadout%20thread/DSCF0393.jpg

Depending on my length of trip I may also take another smaller tarp for my living area. This allows me to store food and also dry (or keep dry) firewood, if in an area where making a natural shelter is unacceptable.

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo134/5hogarth/Loadout%20thread/DSCF0394.jpg

3. Something to sleep in

To me the sleeping bag is the most important piece of equipment. If I have a poor night sleep I can feel miserable and demoralized, a good night sleep and it allows me to really enjoy myself.

My preference is down, as it is light and packs down relatively small as well. I keep mine in a dry sack as it is important to note that wet down is ineffective, a consideration you must take into account depending on your climate of travel.

Mine is a mountain equipment classic 500.

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo134/5hogarth/Loadout%20thread/DSCF0395.jpg

and here in dry bag

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo134/5hogarth/Loadout%20thread/DSCF0398.jpg

The other two items I "sleep in" are my Hammock or my Bivvy bag.

The hammock is a love it or hate it convenience. I love them however I can never be sure of finding a pitch spot, also they can be slightly less effective in stormy conditions as they don't allow you to adopt the fetal position!!

Anyway mine is a nomad tropical XXL hammock.

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo134/5hogarth/Loadout%20thread/DSCF0397.jpg

The bivvy bag is a great piece of equipment as, in good weather, it can exclude the need for any sort of cover. It's also a useful item for floor dwellers with down sleeping bags as it keeps their bags dry and effective.

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo134/5hogarth/Loadout%20thread/DSCF0433.jpg

and here rolled up

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo134/5hogarth/Loadout%20thread/DSCF0434.jpg

4. Something to sleep on

A simple topic this one but very important. Without something to separate you from the ground, your heat will be absorbed by the ground and not used to warm you. I've slept without any insulation and it made for a very, very uncomfortable night.

My preference is for the classic sleeping mat. They're inexpensive and lightweight. The other option of course is a self inflating mattress, I tried them and never really got on with them but again it's an "each to their own thing".

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo134/5hogarth/Loadout%20thread/DSCF0399.jpg

5. Navigational equipment

This is an interesting topic as it is fairly dependent on what type of trip you are taking. Camping 50 yards away from a car park or other people doesn't require a sextant or any other gizmo!! If I could afford a GPS I'd probably buy one but I never really find them necessary, I seem to get by! I also have my phone with me which thinking about it actually could provide GPS in an emergency situation.

I use a standard Silva compass, and a button compass for emergencies.

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo134/5hogarth/Loadout%20thread/DSCF0400.jpg

6. Something to cook over

I've quite happily cooked over nothing but an open fire for a fair few days however, as I previously stated it is hard to guarantee the legality of an open fire in Britain so for back up I take a Trangia burner and (very recently) a honey stove (before I used a hex burner). This is good for me as it takes up very little space and most importantly I enjoy using it. It is also functional as it allows the use of a wood burning stove which can give the glow of a real fire without using too much material or breaking too many rules.

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo134/5hogarth/Loadout%20thread/DSCF0401.jpg

Here is the burner and stove set up with burner

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo134/5hogarth/Loadout%20thread/DSCF0403.jpg

7. Something to cook in

Probably the hardest thing to substitute for a natural alternative is the cooking pot. They're also a relatively inexpensive piece of kit. I've used billy cans made from biscuit jars and the like however recently I've upgraded to something a little more versatile.

I use two items; a Tatonka 1.6l billy (which is a large capacity for one person). I also use a gelert kettle because I'm a bit OCD about boiling water in an actual kettle, I also find it gives a lovely homely feeling to a camp.

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo134/5hogarth/Loadout%20thread/DSCF0405.jpg

Shown here is everything unpacked, also included is my millbank bag which is part of my water purification system (a must if you are taking water from an unknown source).

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo134/5hogarth/Loadout%20thread/DSCF0407.jpg

8. Something to carry water in

Nice easy section this! If there is no water source where you are staying you must take some , simple! I use two water bottles and have improvised by filling a dry bag with water (holds about 10L) reasons for this are self explanatory so I won't go into it. It's also not a section where much consideration needs to be taken over selection.

Top left is Dutch water bottle, bottom left is British water bottle and on the right is a dry bag.

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo134/5hogarth/Loadout%20thread/DSCF0409.jpg

9. A mug

A big mug is useful as, if packing light, you've got a boil in the bag pot and also a drinking utensil in one pot. I use a Dutch army mug that goes with my bottle.

The black stuff on the edges is insulation tape to stop you burning your lips when hot.

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo134/5hogarth/Loadout%20thread/DSCF0411.jpg

10. Eating utensils

The advantage of plastic is that it doesn't scratch pots when cooking and is light, however I've tried eating a lovely steak with a spork, it didn't really work! I take a KFS set and a spork because they don't weigh a lot and they make my life easier!

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo134/5hogarth/Loadout%20thread/DSCF0412.jpg

11. Medical kit

Hopefully something you will never have to use but a must all the same. I use a small pre made first aid kit and also carry two first field dressings just in case something went horribly wrong when using the axe! Keep it on your belt, that way you won't leave it behind when you most need it. remember a first aid kit doesn't just have to be for emergencies, in mine I have savlon and blister plasters to make my life a bit more comfortable.

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo134/5hogarth/Loadout%20thread/DSCF0415.jpg

From Left to right:
Top row: antiseptic wipes and long length of plaster
Middle row: Gauze, scissors and savlon
Bottom row: Bandage, safety pins and blister plasters

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo134/5hogarth/Loadout%20thread/DSCF0417.jpg

12. Illumination at night

Well it's nice to be able to see is it not?!

Convention seems to be to carry at least one night lighting item. Certainly an item that has become very popular with the bushcrafting fraternity is the head torch. They're not that expensive anymore and they allow you to get on with other tasks with no hindrance, particularly useful if you intend to cook, read or enter a hammock after dark!

I also carry a maglite as it has candle mode which I can use as a lamp, and a little lED dongle for hanging on my tarp so I can find my camp at night if needs be.

My head torch is a Petzl and it has never let me down, cost me £15 off ebay.

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo134/5hogarth/Loadout%20thread/DSCF0418.jpg

13. Wash kit

I always carry a pretty full wash kit because I'm a bit of a clean freak! I suppose the utter minimum is a tooth brush and paste plus a bar of soap. The rest is luxury but there's nothing wrong with making life comfortable for yourself.

From left to right: razor, shaving oil, shower gel/soap, tissues, tooth brush, tooth paste, deodorant.
Bottom line: Mirror and tick removal kit.

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo134/5hogarth/Loadout%20thread/DSCF0421.jpg

Possibles- odds and ends to make life comfortable

O.k so in this section I've just included the rest of the stuff in my bag.

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo134/5hogarth/Loadout%20thread/DSCF0424.jpg

Top is laplander saw.
Next is gransfors small forest axe
Bottom line L to R: Knife, "modern fire pouch", dragons breath fire pouch, sharpening set and leatherman Core.

The "modern fire pouch", which is also known as the "It's natures time of the month and doesn't want to play pouch". Contains some things I can use to start a fire or light a stove. All fires must start with something dry so I use a tin sealed with vaseline crammed full of wax impregnated paper which I'm mad about. The paper lights from a spark and burns long enough for damp twigs to dry out and catch.
Also in the pouch is a firesteel, some matches for the Trangia and, for when life really sucks, a turbo flame lighter.

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo134/5hogarth/Loadout%20thread/DSCF0427.jpg

In the dragons breath kit is a flint and steel and some tinder, a completely unnecessary item but it's so much fun to use that I have to take it.

The sharpening kit consists of three items:

From Left to Right:

Cut down 1000 grit water stone, strop with buffing compund and a falkniven DC3.

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo134/5hogarth/Loadout%20thread/DSCF0429.jpg

The water stone is mainly used for the axe but on a short trip the strop gets the most use as it just touches up the edge.

I think it's important to carry something to sharpen your tools with, especially since it weighs so little in this size. A sharp tool is a safer than a blunt tool at the end of the day.

Last luxury item is a chopping board. a complete luxury but very useful. It's wafer thin and flexible, slides down the back of the pack and weighs next to nothing. It just seems intelligent to have somewhere sterile and clean to prep food, and since it weighs nothing I might as well!

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo134/5hogarth/Loadout%20thread/DSCF0431.jpg



O.k well that concludes my guide and the somewhat show and tell of my kit. Remember kit choice is a very personal thing, never let anyone tell you they have what's best for you, however take a look at others and see if it provides some inspiration.

Also it is important to note that this kit was collected over a period of time, after working out what's best for me, it may not be what's best for you. However what I hope is that it is a skeleton base for a beginner to base their kit around, and of outside interest to those with their own load out already.

Enjoy yourself and have fun.

Cheers,
Will

[drewdunnrespect]

good going will what a brilliaqnt idea and i think it shoulld be made a sticky cos it is as you say a guide for beginners

drew

[SimonM]

A very good guide...thanks for taking the time.

What type of food do you take along? Fresh or boil in the bag?

Simon

[Wilderbeast]

A very good guide...thanks for taking the time.

What type of food do you take along? Fresh or boil in the bag?

Simon

It depends on the trip to be honest, however where possible I try and take fresh or at least what I would consider "proper" food, bacon etc tends to keep fairly well. I have used boil in the bag rat packs and they're fine but it gets a little boring after a while. I'm particularly fond of the look what we found chillie and their rabbit in champagne sauce. Again though for me part of the fun is the cooking!

[southey]

Really nice guide there chap, great stuff.

[Melonfish]

cracking guide! defo a good one for the beginners and experienced alike ;)

[man_of_tanith]

Great guide this Will
wish there had been one of these lurking about when i started buying kit i would of saved a fortune :)
interesting that you take a kettle i have toyed with the idea but never done it myself but i think i might give it a go.
do you find packing the billy an issue as i have one and find it a bit bulky.
also just wondered if you pack spare clothing as you dont seem to have listed it?
Sam

[DV...]

Thank you, that has helped me out too :)

[sgw1]

Always interesting to see other peoples kit Will, thanks. You seem to be well set up.

What weight do you reckon?

How about the "extras"... spare batteries, repair kit, phone, maps, wet weather gear...etc...etc

I seem to be able to get my basic kit weight down ok but blow it by the time I add all the "other" bits.

[Wilderbeast]

Not sure how heavy it is to be honest but I'm used to carrying heavy loads (this one is certainly lighter than my old one!)

Didn't address clothing because it's just too variable, however 9/10 I pack a gortex army jacket just in case!

[Loenja]

great nice layout

[The Big Lebowski]

Just found this and thanks to the OP! :)

The only thing i dont have from above is a secondary tarp, chopping board and kettle... and for the sake of the weight, they are now on the list!

Cheers for that, TBL.

[SimonD]

This thread is awesome. As a complete noob it's really helping me get my kit together, ta wilderbeast,

Si.

[Nat]

Just seen this Wil, great thread and like as been said, wish there was something like this when i first started out.

[scrogger]

Good thread Will. I like your approach and well written and informative for new and old alike.

And its nice to be nosey and see what others carry !!!!

Thanks for taking the time to write it up.

Andy

[Knightfisher8]

excellent thank you

[dannyhunter]

thats just what i needed to look at as a newbie. cheers

[shogun]

i...am..new..too..bushcraft...&..wild..camping...thanx..for.. the..info...atb..Allan

[PaulSanderson]

cheers for the write up! do you put your hammock, tarp, bivi etc in your side pouches?? the reason i ask is i am a floor dweller and put my sleeping sytem in the side pouches of my bergen. im soon to be a tree dweller and was wondering if my xmas prezzie hammock & tarp would fit. many thanks...

[Wilderbeast]

cheers for the write up! do you put your hammock, tarp, bivi etc in your side pouches?? the reason i ask is i am a floor dweller and put my sleeping sytem in the side pouches of my bergen. im soon to be a tree dweller and was wondering if my xmas prezzie hammock & tarp would fit. many thanks...

Hard to say mate, really hard to say too many variables! Mine does for two principle reasons, firstly my side pouches are mahousive, only a tadge smaller than the PLCE ones, the other reason is that my sleeping bag (by far and away the largest component of the sleeping system) packs down very small as it's down! I would say it all hinges on how big your kip bag is, going to be trial and error I think!

[PaulSanderson]

hi there,

my standard bushbag is my old issue shortback bergen, which i sometimes zip my PLCE sidepouches on. i was thinking of putting my sleeping system in the pouches...

[DanBow]

as so many other have already said, thanks for the list. As a newbie with NO idea of what I might need this is invaluable.

I might, at the age of 37, write a letter to Santa.

[luckylee]

what a great and informative thing you have done, nice one will, thats great..

[Neumo]

Nice list. I have seen those thin roll up chopping boards in fancy kitchen shops but I like the idea of taking one out in the field, as I always end up balancing part of my lunch/dinner on something.. Must look ot for a 6" x 8" sized one. 2nd tarp is a good idea as well; I had one set high above my fire at the moot, that worked well, so I could sit round a smallish fire without getting rained on.

[DanBow]

on the subject of tarps, I notice you have a 3 x 3. Is that a general do anything size and is it a specific type of fabric?

[Chinook220]

best piece of advice i would like to offer is spend as much time as you possibly can choosing and buying a sleeping bag. British army 90 bag is a good start (a little bulky) but youll never be cold. Same goes for a backpack, doesn't matter how good the rest of your kit is if your sore and aching because your pack doesn't fit, or rubs. unless your unlucky enough to have carried to much weight in a bad/ill-fitting pack you will never understand how quickly it will drain your moral and enthusiasm. after all we do this for enjoyment.

regards chinook

[Partickpebbles]

What a great thread for newbies! Thanks for that! I am hoping for the DD starter kit for Christmas, and now i see what else i Need!

[Karl2353]

Great guide mate! I especially like the plastic chopping board idea. Thanks!

[norfolkjohn]

GREAT !!!! as a newbie found this very interesting & a pleasure to read.
I am getting my own kit together and as you say its a personal thing,will shortly be going to my first group meeting.
And hopefully get to go on some courses.

[darrenleroy]

This is now in my bookmarks and will be used as a reminder. I've gone the Hobo Stove route because I'm always in the woods with plenty of fuel but like the small packing size of the Honey Stove. I guess flexibility is the key.

[Emdiesse]

Fantastic thread, I love the idea of a 'modern fire pouch' and the wax impregnated paper sounds like just the item I was missing on my last excursion!

[backwoodsman]

great , very well done to you sir.

[leealanr]

I enjoyed this, well put together and informative.

I also always take a kettle (trangia or kelly depending on foot, canoe or car). They save on fuel and water and just "add" something.

bivi bags are great, I have used my Goretex bag in Austrian Motorway service areas in winter, Scottish mountains, lowland and all kinds of other locations, I never travel without one.

would like to see the waxed paper in action, have been thinking of melting some candles down, or heating vaseline and then impregnating cotton balls, but paper looks just as good.
being in the desert another fire starter included in my kit is always a magnifying glass.

Now getting older, I am a lot more of a wus and use an Exped inflatable down mat to sleep on. Packs up a lot smaller than any of my thermarests, which I like a lot as well.

Thanks for the great thread, good to see lots of others ideas as well.

Alan L.

[Sparrowhawk]

Fantastic thread Beast! I really appreciate the time and effort you put in. It's one of those subjects you always either think "I'm too shy to ask" or "everyone will do it their own way anyway". So Thanks a lot.
Just out of curiosity how do you cook the bacon you take on your trips? Didn't see a frying pan in your kit.
And actually this goes for everyone: How do you cook using the least amount of cooking tackle?

All the best,

Josh

[Smith28]

.
And actually this goes for everyone: How do you cook using the least amount of cooking tackle?


Light my fire grandads fire fork (http://www.lightmyfireusa.com/firefork.html) is pretty cool. Small and portable too. Or just a metal crusader cup.

[beenn]

Just out of curiosity how do you cook the bacon you take on your trips? Didn't see a frying pan in your kit.

In the photo it looks like the lid off the billy can doubles as a frying pan :)

[Wilderbeast]

In the photo it looks like the lid off the billy can doubles as a frying pan :)

Correct! Or I use a method called Planking....look it up :D

[treefrog]

Following on from the great start on this subject from Wilderbeast, I thought i'd add my kit. As earlier there is no right and wrong, just personal preference. Having carried my share of heavy loads in the past, I've looked at ways of lightening my kit. My outdoor background includes mountaineering, so packing big loads up steep hills stops being fun the older I get.
I've been lucky to have links with the outdoor trade for many years and have been able to acquire my kit without too much expense (what?…that old thing, I've had it ages dear….:)). Anyway as i wait in for a delivery, here's my contribution to losing weight.

1. Something to carry your outfit in
Previously I've used 70 litre Berghaus Roc in canvas but it is heavy compared to modern rucksacks. It's included here inspired by the canvas Crusader thread.
I like simple designs and now use a 50 litre Pod Thin Ice in dyneema, which has a starting weight of around >1kg. I've never got on with side pockets (handy though they are) and don't like the 'wideload' feeling in the woods and hills. If it won't go in the pack, it won't go.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i399/treefrog3/DSCN1569.jpg

2. Something to sleep under
As I spend a lot of time above the tree line most of the time I use a GoLite SL3 tent, which I can still rig as a tarp in the woods with it's top hanging loop. The other option is an Aus hoochie (or two) if I need an admin area in wet weather.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i399/treefrog3/DSCN1567.jpg

3. Something to sleep in
Down bags for me too. The weight/warmth ratio is excellent and in the many years of sleeping out doors I've never had a bag too wet to sleep in. With proper care a down bag is fine. This one is a Rab Alpine 300 which is swapped for a Rab Alpine 600 in winter. I use a Rab Survival Zone bivi bag as a waterproof cover for the sleeping bag and have used it to sleep out under the stars on summer nights.
Drybags are the way forward for carrying them.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i399/treefrog3/DSCN1572.jpg

4. Something to sleep on
I like the 3/4 self inflating mat Alpkit used to make. It's compact enough to fit inside the rucksack to stop it snagging or getting wet. In winter can be upgraded to a downmat 7dlx.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i399/treefrog3/DSCN1571.jpg

5. Navigational equipment
My favourite compass is the Silva type 4. I've replaced the one on the right with a more modern one (centre) as I don't have much call for mils these days and the perspex has become cloudy with use.
The GPS is a Garmin Oregon 300, great for confirming what you should already know ;)

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i399/treefrog3/DSCN1553.jpg

6. Something to cook over
A great little cooking unit from Evernew. The Ti DX, uses meths or as a small wood burner. Nests inside a Ti pot.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i399/treefrog3/DSCN1555.jpg

7. Something to cook in
Titanium again to keep the weight down. The Vargo Ti-lite pot has a potcosy to reduce fuel consumption and fits inside the larger Snow Peak 900 pot if i need to take more than one pot. The frypan lid i have lined with non-stick tinfoil to make cooking/cleaning easier.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i399/treefrog3/DSCN1559.jpg

8. Something to carry water in.
I like hydrating on the move, so use camelback rather than water bottles. Water filtering comes from a travel tap bottle, and a roll up water bottle for keeping water around the campsite.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i399/treefrog3/DSCN1566.jpg

9. A mug
A good little optional brewkit for the top pocket includes (yes more Ti :)) a MSR mug and Vargo Decagon meths burner with Vargo meths bottle.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i399/treefrog3/DSCN1561-2.jpg

10. Eating utensils
I've not really liked the lightmyfire spork and prefer the Guyot MicroBites plastic knife (spatula) and fork combo. Cooking and serving is easier with these. If eating something other than packet food there's a Ti KFS set. This one was from Alpkit, though they stopped stocking it.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i399/treefrog3/DSCN1562-1.jpg

11. Medical kit
For the mountains i carry a really simple kit, plasters, painkillers, ambulance dressing, and ducktape. Everything else needs a helicopter :)
For lower level and general campsite i take a more comprehensive kit. If i take an axe, i will take Israeli dressings. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMRklQkfDLE easy to apply yourself and gives good compression.

12. Illumination at night
Petzl Myo with lithium batteries for extended use and cold weather. Petzl e-lite lives in my pack for emergency lighting. Black Diamond Orbit LED Lamp for campsite use.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i399/treefrog3/DSCN1550.jpg

13. Wash kit
Simple wash kit with small hotel soap in a dish , alcohol based hand cleaner and lipsalve. (Can lubricate kit, waterproof a leaking zip with it too if needed)
Toilet set with light weight plastic trowel, paper, lighter and handwipes. Trowel is durable enough to dig a fire pit too.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i399/treefrog3/DSCN1551.jpg

Possibles- odds and ends to make life comfortable
A selection of other tools depending on where I'm off to. Small tin contains tinder kit (Hamaro wax paper etc) and lighters.
The knives are Puma Whitehunter, F1 and Mora 510 carbon. The Mora usually makes it for the weight saving :)

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i399/treefrog3/DSCN1564.jpg

[Smith28]

Thanks Treefrog, I found that really useful! Lots of titanium bits and pieces there, nice! :P

[Qwerty]

A big thank you to the OP and other contributors for putting together such detailed posts about their gear. As a relative newbie this kind of advice is gold dust!

[Realbark]

As has been said the chopping board is a cracking idea! Nice post!

[treefrog]

As has been said the chopping board is a cracking idea! Nice post!

Morrisons had a set of '4 coloured coded preparation mats' for blue for fish, red for raw meat, yellow for cooked meat and green for veg, for the princely sum of £1.99, (I think they've gone up to £2.50 though) for use as lightweight chopping mats.

[sccadmin]

Thought I'd post my example as well :-)

Bergen - Karrimor Sabre 60 - 100:

http://www.survivalcoursecomparison.c o.uk/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/bug-out-kit/Sabre%2060-100.jpg

I choose this bergen for a couple of reasons, 1 it has the adjustable back which I liked the thought of 2, it actually has quite a range in size from 60 way up to 130 + with side pouches etc. It is really comfy to use. I forgot to get a picture before I put it away, hence the perfect image! I do like the back system, it did live up to the hype!

Kit:

http://www.survivalcoursecomparison.c o.uk/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/bug-out-kit/Kit Laid Out.jpg

Starting top left and moving left to right

Black compression sac - Snugpac Softie Autumn - 1400g
Blue pouch - Wash kit (see below for detail) - 220g
Black pouch - Possibles kit (see below for detail) - 500g
Nato canteen, standard and crusader mug (full) - 1650g
Orange bag - Thermarest Lite 3 Short - 525g
Knife & sheath - Mora with custom Sheath - 180g
Blue towel - Lifeventure - 230g
Plastic bag underneath towel - Tatonka Alcohol Burner (fullish meths) - 160g
Leatherman - Skeletool - 130g
Flat black pouch - Honey Stove - 450g
Pile of clothes:
Waterproof trousers - Some cheap brand - 250g
Spare warm trousers - Some walking brand - 510g
Waterproof jacket - NorthFace - 380g
Woolen Jumper - Swanndri - 740g
Green pouch - DD Tarp 3mx3m - 790g
Black pouch - Hennessy Hammock Ultralite - 900g
Brew kit - Morrisons coffee with whitener and sugar, tea bags and separate whitener, hot chocolate - 200g
Pouch with mesh - Fire kit (see below for detail) - 390g

The softie autumn does me from March to Nov but I do run quite hot and don't feel the cold as bad as some.

Crusdaer mug doubles as cooking pot with hanger in possibles pouch.

Termarest is small in length but I don't find that an issue warmth wise or comfort wise.

I might chuck the Leatherman but it can be useful and doubles as a redundancy for the mora.

Honey Stoves rock, even if they do get fiddly when they warp, I find they boil 1/4 liter for a brew in less the 5 mins and extra bonus is they can take many fuel sources. I carry spare Hammaro tinder card in the pouch too.

Tatonka alcohol burner is a backup for if I can't find twigs to feed Honey Stove.

Spent a lot on the waterproof jacket to get the size / weight down but still have it do a good job, not so much on the trousers as I don't tend to use them much.

Swanndri's I love around the fire, I hate wearing my waterproof around burning embers!

DD Tarp I use to extend my living area and work under when conditions are bad.

Fire Pouch:

http://www.survivalcoursecomparison.c o.uk/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/bug-out-kit/Fire%20Pouch.jpg

The pouch itself is the pouch from the Lifeventure towel with a zip lock bag to keep everything waterproof.

Starting top left:
Rubber tire - As emergency tinder, works same as inner tube

Hammaro tinder card - Starts from a spark and gives a great heart to the fire

Lite My Fire fire lighters - As emergency tinder or for Honey Stove for emergency brew (important for recovery from hypothermia threat, can make all the difference)

Traditional flint and steel - A luxury because I enjoy using it with natural tinders and testing myself

Hacksaw blade - As a spare sticker from my fire steel (fire steel as part of my EDC, see below)

Matches - in a box and in a camera film case dipped in wax for extra security from water.

Jet flame lighter - For emergency tinder ignition.

This usually does it for me but I might add in char cloth, cotton wool, Vaseline etc. I tend to stick with fire steel and Hammaro for day to day requirements.

Wash kit:

http://www.survivalcoursecomparison.c o.uk/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/bug-out-kit/Wash%20Kit.jpg

Yellow pouch - small first aid kit with plasters etc (mainly a blister kit)

Vaseline - for chapped anything and as a good firelighting extra

Imodium - for my number 1 bug out illness!

Tooth brush

TCP hand sanitizer - I'm going to change to alcohol gel to get the added bonus of additional fire lighting material when this foam runs out.

Soap leaves - dissolve really easily in the palm of your hand, provide a manageable lather and don't make a mess.

Toothpaste

Possibles kit:

http://www.survivalcoursecomparison.c o.uk/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/bug-out-kit/Possibles%20Kit.jpg

Midge net - 101 uses

Romer - because I'm bad at estimating grid references

Spork - light and effective

Silver space blanket - good for shelter building use

Spare boot laces

Crusader mug hanger - for use over the fire

Crusader mug lid - improves boil time

Paracord - in donut, lots

DC3 Sharpener - a sharp knife is a safe knife

Pencil sharpener - sharpens pencils but also produces good dry tinder from sticks

Whistle - for emergency use and to give to my daughter so I feel more comfortable when she wanders off

Rite in the rain notepad

Pencils

Lighter

Head torch batteries

Head torch

Collapsible hand saw

I do have the obligatory Gransfors Small Forest Axe but rarely take it out due to the illegality and I can pretty much do everything I'd ever need to with the saw.

I've got rid of loads of guff from this kit recently, this is what I actually use.

Weight excluding bergen - 10865g or 10.9 Kg

Weight including bergen - 14825g or 14.8 Kg

In my Every Day Carry (EDC) I have:

http://www.survivalcoursecomparison.c o.uk/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/bug-out-kit/EDC.jpg

Camping SAK (Swiss Army Knife)

Fire steel

(These I have attached on a Wegner quick release keyring and chain which I keep attached to my belt loop and in my pocket)

Paracord bracelet

Timex Expedition watch

Zippo

Cash & credit card holder

Phone (v.important, I hope to replace with a SPOT Personal Tracker at some point)

When I'm out I'll also carry on me:

Compass

Map

Pack size is my main issue, the sleeping bag, thermarest, swanndri all take up too much room. I'd like to be able to move down a pack size or two, new down sleeping bag next I think.

I've also just ordered a Nanok SF Reversible jacket which might replace the Swanndri for the really cold months and serve as an extension to the sleeping bag.

And my good lady wife just ordered a Platypus Insulator Hydration Pack Big Zip 2 litre and Aquaguard Eliminator In-Line Hydration filter to go with it (30th b'day pressie), that should sort water but there's also chemicals in the first aid kit. I think I'll get the Aquaguard lifestraw to keep about my person for emergency water.

Thanks for looking :-)

[Smith28]

Cheers Sccadmin,

Another fantastically helpful post! :)

[kINGPIN]

I love this thread.

I have different loadouts in different packs for different occasions. This is the loadout I am taking for a wild camp in the hills in a few days time.

http://thesecretcamper.blogspot.com/2011/05/lightweight-backpacking-loadout.html

http://thesecretcamper.blogspot.com/2011/05/my-journey-into-realms-of-lightweight.html

[Tengu]

I think thats a great list

[yomperalex]

I love these threads, good kit lists

Alex

[Twodogs]

Greetings folks :)

Im off to Norway in just over a week to do a bit of hiking around the Nordmarka area in Oslo so heres my kit for the trip ,

My pack for this trip is my new shiny lowe alpine salient 70 lts of joy ,
http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv120/CLB-Twodogs/Nordmarka%202011/003.jpg
http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv120/CLB-Twodogs/Nordmarka%202011/002.jpg

Something to sleep under my Helsport lavvulight ,

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv120/CLB-Twodogs/Nordmarka%202011/011.jpg

Sleeping on and in , Jerven thermo xl, poncho liner and multimat adventure mat all this folds flat into my pack ,
http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv120/CLB-Twodogs/Nordmarka%202011/021.jpg

Cooking as the fire bans in place now in Norway is going to be cooking on meths that will be brought in country,
Trangia trangle , trangia burner , Egor .8 litre kettle , kuksa spoon ,windsheld and mora
http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv120/CLB-Twodogs/Nordmarka%202011/007.jpg
Food mainly Turmat rations brought on my last trip plus loads of brew kit lunch time snacks will be brought in Norway ,
http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv120/CLB-Twodogs/Nordmarka%202011/005.jpg
All the cooking kit and food pack into a PLCE side pouch with all the zips and straps removed to save weight ,
http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv120/CLB-Twodogs/Nordmarka%202011/004.jpg
This keeps all the cooking kit and food nice and tight and were I want them right at the top of the pack ,
http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv120/CLB-Twodogs/Nordmarka%202011/022.jpg
Water , I use a 4 litre orblieb bag plus a 5 litre orblieb folding bucket thats ideal for collecting water from lakes and streams , water proof pack liner and a lightweight pack cover this I use to cover my bergen when it goes though airline baggage to give it a bit of protection as I only leave the grab handle exposed ,
http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv120/CLB-Twodogs/Nordmarka%202011/016.jpg
Bits and bobs ,I carry a small pouch with a insect head net , insect repelant , head torch with fresh battery fitted but one removed in transit and a spare lighter ,
http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv120/CLB-Twodogs/Nordmarka%202011/012.jpg
Wash kit ,
small pine tar soap , tooth brush , half a small tube of tooth paste , towel , FOOT POWDER ( this is a must ) pack of tissues and pain killers .
http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv120/CLB-Twodogs/Nordmarka%202011/010.jpg
Spare clothes for the return trip ,
as lightweight as possable with an extra bag packed for dirty washing as and when, all packed in another pag to keep it tight .
http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv120/CLB-Twodogs/Nordmarka%202011/015.jpg
Bit of warm kit , swanndri shirt , merkat pelt hat and my Arktis waterproof smock that I will be wearing .
http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv120/CLB-Twodogs/Nordmarka%202011/019.jpg
Admin and more bits and bobs ,
passport, local cash, boarding passes and tickets , notebook with any local train timings needed ,local map , compass , GPS set to local grid system , UCO micro candle lantern ( Cheers Gordy :)) spare candles , piece of cordage for attaching lantern to lavvu pole :) pair of steiners , sunglasses ,
http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv120/CLB-Twodogs/Nordmarka%202011/018.jpg

Thats all folks

Twodogs

[MartinK9]

Nice kit load Cliff. :)

[mousey]

I don't know if many people will look at this thread again including the chap who started it [almost a year a go looking at the dates] but the insulation tape on the metal mug to help prevent burning lips when drinking hot fuilds is a cracking idea. Also the chopping board, as already praised by a few, I think in a good one too.

Picking up little ideas like those makes browsing older/ miscellanous threads worthwhile.

[Smith28]

I don't know if many people will look at this thread again including the chap who started it [almost a year a go looking at the dates] but the insulation tape on the metal mug to help prevent burning lips when drinking hot fuilds is a cracking idea. Also the chopping board, as already praised by a few, I think in a good one too.

Picking up little ideas like those makes browsing older/ miscellanous threads worthwhile.

Totally agreed dude. I'm subbed to this thread and others like it for that very reason - just in case anyone has any other bright ideas to chip in.

[Wilderbeast]

I still check back from time to time ;)

[Recon369]

I have to disagree about the fire stiker as un-neccesary, it is a survival essential. 3 forms of fire making, survival rule of 3. Every year here in the mountains (Canada & US) they pull out casualties that got into trouble by not taking needed gear with them.

[Oarsnpaddle]

I have to disagree about the fire stiker as un-neccesary, it is a survival essential. 3 forms of fire making, survival rule of 3. Every year here in the mountains (Canada & US) they pull out casualties that got into trouble by not taking needed gear with them.

Shouldn't three lighters and some dry paper do the trick?

Yes, I do carry a fire striker, but more because I use it light my stove(s) than anything else. I also carry three-five small non-refillable lighters as well as a jet lighter (I smoke hand rolled cigarettes - a working lighter is a must).

[beenn]

Shouldn't three lighters and some dry paper do the trick?

Yes, I do carry a fire striker, but more because I use it light my stove(s) than anything else. I also carry three-five small non-refillable lighters as well as a jet lighter (I smoke hand rolled cigarettes - a working lighter is a must).

Gas can freeze, plastic on lighter can break, flint on lighter can go, electric lighters only last so long etc.

A fire striker just strikes, everytime.

[Oarsnpaddle]

Gas can freeze, plastic on lighter can break, flint on lighter can go, electric lighters only last so long etc.

Hence you carry at least one on your person, and if it's that cold, you carry two. My jet lighter is not an electric lighter. It uses a piezo for ignition.



A fire striker just strikes, everytime.

Yes, hence my use of it to light my stoves. However, to light a fire, it's not enough to just get some sparks. You need tinder and whatnot to catch the spark and whatnot. A lighter is much easier.

Yes, I know, it's the wrong forum to sing the praise of lighters, but since I smoke I'm very much aware of how to handle a lighter and keep it working in cold and wet conditions. My firestriker will continue to be used solely for lighting my stoves - yes, that includeds my gas stoves.

[beenn]

Hence you carry at least one on your person, and if it's that cold, you carry two. My jet lighter is not an electric lighter. It uses a piezo for ignition.




Yes, hence my use of it to light my stoves. However, to light a fire, it's not enough to just get some sparks. You need tinder and whatnot to catch the spark and whatnot. A lighter is much easier.

Yes, I know, it's the wrong forum to sing the praise of lighters, but since I smoke I'm very much aware of how to handle a lighter and keep it working in cold and wet conditions. My firestriker will continue to be used solely for lighting my stoves - yes, that includeds my gas stoves.

Each to their own.

[England Ram]

Great thread guys, again, as a newbie to all this, this type of thing is invaluable to see where I am already on track, or needing to change tac:-)

[Recon369]

I was thinking more of:

1. Life boat matches
2. Bic Lighter
3. Flint Striker

I also Carry regular wood strike anywhere matches with my stove and use a zippo for my cigs.

[realearner]

Being a newbie to bushcraft I have read this thread with the utmost interest. Loved the start and it is very well put together and informative, and stresses that all kit is personal..
As for fire lighting, as far as I can tell you need to carry three different styles of lighting, and different types of tinder. If natural tinder is readily available use that first.
Anyway as for the basic kit at the start of the thread, thank you for the info, and it will help me with my kit.