In April of 2010 (
http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.ph...true#Post199996) I took on a new job that involves commuting by train. I sought the forum's advice on what I could carry.
To recap, I live in the far suburbs and often take the commuter rail to work in the city center. I'm limited in the weight and bulk of what I can carry. I'm most concerned about a transportation disruption that leaves me stuck on the train overnight or otherwise unable to get home.
The kit has evolved a little bit since I first posted here, this is the current list:
- one liter Nalgene, full of fresh water
- sesame bars **
- spare CR123A battery in a plastic wrapper, suitable for my primary EDC flashlight (which is a 4Sevens Quark 123 R5)
- 4Sevens Prism kit to turn the Quark into a headlamp
- iTP A3 EOS Upgrade 1xAAA flashlight on a neck lanyard
- Fenix E01 1xAAA flashlight on a neck lanyard
- Countycomm "split pea" lighter
- A couple of large paperclips
- eight Potable Aqua chlorine dioxide tablets
- Fox 40 Micro whistle in blaze orange
- A small amount of duct tape
- Sawyer sunblock with bug repellant spray
- Dust mask
- bandanna
- mechanics gloves
- Heatsheets 2 person emergency blanket
- emergency poncho
- large contractor bag
- Countycommm "ETFR" small radio with earbuds
- Leatherman Wave (pre-2004) **
- screwdriver with bits in hollow handle **
- Preon 2 S3 Ti **
- cable ties **
- small FAK including Patrol Officer's Pocket Trauma Kit
- sync/charge cables and AC power cube for my iPhone **
- 2 Ah lithium polymer battery with cables to charge my iPhone or many other devices
- earplugs **
- facial tissue **
** indicates something I carry for work that can be pressed into service for emergencies
I don't go outside without my Ritter MiniGrip, iPhone, earbuds, Quark 123, Fisher bullet, wallet, or keys. My key ring has a 4Sevens flat whistle, a Leatherman PS4 and a 4Sevens ReVO on it. I'm very thoughtful about my footwear and outerwear, especially when I'm commuting on the train. In cold weather I always have a hat, gloves and a wool Buff. I keep a small umbrella in my bag at all times, and I'll carry a better one if I'm expecting rain.
It may be excessive to carry two flashlights on my person and three flashlights in my bag. I could get rid of the E01 but it's a perfect spare battery carrier and doesn't weigh much or take up too much space. I figure that I could lend out or give away flashlights if I needed to.
Beyond that, where can I save weight or space? What should I add that I don't already carry?