Don't know that you'll have much luck fitting in a Datrex water pack without tossing other essentials. The water pouch will take up quite a bit of room in that little M-1.


How about upgrading the already-carried plastic sandwich bag containing your first aid items, to something a little more heavy-duty, with modestly more bulk, e.g. Gerber bag, Ziploc quart-size freezer bag, Ziploc Zip 'n Steam. The plastic bags provided in the produce or meat departments of the supermarket are fairly large, strong, water-tight – when rolled/folded, take next to no space. Hold water well if you loosely knot the top after filling.

Maybe this is cheating on your requirement not to increase pouch-size, but have you considered carrying the Leatherman on your belt in a separate pouch? Something like the TAD S2. Would free-up some space; probably wouldn't notice if next to your already-worn cell phone holster; you wear a jacket, so would cover-up nicely (assuming doesn't violate concealed weapon laws).

The M-1 is cool gear, but you're losing interior storage space to the design/construction of the M-1. The 1000-Denier material, divided compartments, and front flap (with cramped zippered-storage) and quick release snap are great, but all that takes up room. How about a similar-size pouch, but a little simpler in design and construction, e.g. lighter fabric, one large compartment, etc.

xbanker, thanks for the advice. I will definitely experiment with a more heavy-duty plastic bag that would serve also as a water container. After all, I could always move the first-aid gear into my pockets to free up the bag for water.

I tried carrying the knife on my belt in a pouch. People noticed. In the work culture I inhabit, carrying a knife is very uncool, so I returned it to my M-1.

You're right about the design weaknesses of the M-1 pouch. Can you recommend another product?

You might take a look on the Nite-Ize website under "Mobile Accessories," and the ebags.com website.

And with the zillions of MP3 and digital camera pouches available in every conceivable shape, size and color, might find something there. Even though many come with a shoulder strap, most are also designed for belt-carry. The secondary advantage to such cases is that they look less "tactical" and might fit in more with your day-to-day environment.

One thing that occured to me this morning, maybe a small bottle of eye drops? If you wear contacts, you know that if something happens, there'll be dust and everything just to make things difficult. Alternately, carry a contact lens case, prefilled with saline. You can have some solution/eye drops and spare glasses in your larger bag. This allows you to take out the troublesome contact, or rinse it and put it back in. Walking/driving with 1 contact in is kind of a hassle, but doable.

As far as the chemlights go this is something I've been trying get implimented at my work:

Getting red chemlights to set by all accessible exits should the power go out and the exit signs don't work. Everybody knows that the glow of red means exit in a building.

A word on light in the urban environment. I EDC a small light on my keychain, an LED EMT style light in my other pocket, an LED mini mag in my messenger bag as well as a headlamp. If you've been caught at night (or during the day if there aren't any windows) in a building, during a blackout as many times as I (or most city dwellers) have, that light is the difference between getting out of the exit and cracking your head on something you've walked passed a hundred times but never noticed before.

Once it gets really dark, your eyes adjust and it doesn't take much light to see quite well. A Photon Freedom works for a short while and a 1xAAA LED such as the Peak Matterhorn provides a lot of light in the dark for walking down a hallway. Both are easy to EDC, but so many folks can't be bothered.

Some have mentionned work gloves and nitrile gloves. Since space is an issue, I would consider thin leather dress gloves. Another idea would be to carry police search gloves. Here's a primer on it:

Police Search Gloves Guide

Frankie

The pack he is using would not hold many of the things you suggested. Google "Maxpedition M1" and you'll see that most of us think of something bigger when we think of waistpack.

Great idea btw...I was contemplating selling mine because I haven't used it like I thought I would...I may be rethinking that and setting mine up in a similar fashion. Thanks for the idea!

What are you using the water for? If it's for drinking, the Datrex is probably not worth the space...that amount of water won't get you far. If it's for flushing wounds...that's a different story. You might consider povidone iodine wipes (don't remember if that had been suggested). Can't wait to get home and see how much I can stuff in that thing!

Do you carry any items in your briefcase? I carry the following items on my person:

keychain w/
photon
mini bic lighter
cheap multi tool
howler whistle
braided 550 cord
keychain screwdriver that you can get at any auto shop

I carry a folding knife, small LED and a mini sharpee in my other pocket and a bandana in my back pocket.

In my canvas briefcase I carry:

(2) chemlights
(2) Marathon bars
head lamp
mini mag light
SAK
e-blanket
e-poncho
10 dollars in ones
2 dollars in quarters
mini bic
extra batteries
modified DR PSP
small FAK
leather gloves
wool glove inserts
neck gaiter
baby wipes
hand sanitizer
lip balm
maps of city and surrounding areas
write in the rain notepad
32 oz Nalgene bottle