Well we all have our PSKs but question is how do you guys use them?

SO far I see some interesting results...

What if you don't EDC your PSK, but instead carry all the PSK items (except for the saw and sparklite) in an EDC bag?

I have two PSKs, basically identical, one that lives in my car, the other in a pocket at the top of my BOB (I pull it out if I'm going into the woods, and stuff it in my pocket). But I carry more stuff in my pack-rat on a day-to-day basis.

I kinda do the same thing.

I have only one camera bag PSK. Although it is more for the backcountry, it comes in handy at the office too (flashlight, band-aids). The PSK basically lives in my messenger bag, and I take it out and put it in a different bag when I go hiking or on misc trips.


Bee <img src="/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

Ha ha, I am realizing more and more, I am using my messenger bag psk like Grandma used to use her purse. She could pull anything out of that bag for any problem in any occasion.

My question is, when did purses quit being the practical items everyone carried and become only feminine fashion statements? I suppose such an accouterment was not proper form for gentlemen's attire in classic Victorian dress. All I can say is I never liked having to stuff my pockets with all the junk I needed in a day, but that shoulder bag sure has made my life a lot easier.

If we're talking about something like the Doug Ritter PSP, then I voted as I would use it, only in a serious situation. Serious is well on its way to becoming an emergency.

On the other hand, if we're talking more along the lines of, say, a Personal Convenience Pak, that would be something you build to suit your own daily/emergency needs. You stuff these items into briefcase, knapsack, shoulder bag, or whatever. Then I'd have to change my vote to "anytime I need something."

It depends on whether you carry a kit or pack strictly for physical survival, emergencies, or for everyday convenience. Or all of the above.

-- Craig

It's great that backpacks have become standard for students. I'm well past being a student, but can still carry a backpack full of stuff without worrying if it looks funny. Padded with some foam, they make great laptop bags, with plenty of pockets left over for PSK type things.

Craig, I feel that the amount of space and energy required, plus the "hassle" of carrying a PSK greatly justifies the "use at will" thing.

My camera bag PSK is a little too big to my taste to EDC on my person, so I carry it in a bag. When it's in my Samsonite messenger bag, it makes it fatter and cumbersome (compared to when I only have my leather binder).

So I choose to use the flashlight, band-aids, lighter and different things anytime I need them. Besides, it keeps me accustomed (sp?) to what's in my PSK so I always know what's on hand. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />


Bee

I figure if I reserve it for use in an emergency, when the time comes it'll probably have expired, gone flat, or I'll have forgotten how to use it, or whatever. You need to practice and test. Using it for every day stuff at need is one way to do that. Plus if you are putting in the work of carrying it you might as well get some benefit from it.

What elements of a PSK are, in fact, useful daily is a separate issue. I'd normally have water so I wouldn't use water purification, for example, but my flashlight, compass, knife etc get used all the time.

Yeah, you be right. I've been carrying a Caoch brief bag now for about 15 years. I can get all sort of *stuff* in it, and nobody looks twice.

It all bepends upon: (1) how you act; (2) how you look. In that order. I have gone all sorts of places and done all sorts of things I should not have been able to do by following those rules. We shpuld start a sport: Exteme Camo

A sound philosophy. Wouldn't work as well for me, though. I tend to be absent-minded. If I were to use something from my kit, I generally have to write myself a note to replace it, and put the note in my wallet.

I use a system adapted to my own quirks. The medical supplies I'm liable to need or to have to grab quickly, I keep on top. Other stuff I keep stored in the bottom. Stuff I use all the time I try to keep on my person. Stuff I might need I keep in my kit.

My night vision is getting crappy. So is my near vision. I wear bifocals and I'm MR. MYOPIC. Maybe that should be my new online handle. I'm 44 and I can tell that in 40 years or maybe sooner I won't allow myself to drive at night anymore. I carry more LEDS and incandescents on my person than any sane person should. But then again, I like to see where I'm going and what I'm doing.

Am I making any sense? We're having a heat wave of sorts here in PA and my chronic daily headaches have been a wee bit worse lately. Nothing like starting your day with two Fioricet tablets and a cup of coffee.

-- Craig (AKA Mr. Myopic - I'd rather be Mr. Incredible, but I'll take what I can get.)

Craig, I get myopic. I did Lasik vision corrective 'surgery' 5 years ago, and it was great. But, alass, it did not last. Back to reading glasses. But I am a great afficianado of various magnifying devices.