#81795 - 01/02/07 04:28 AM
Maxpedition Proteus based kit
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Member
Registered: 04/09/06
Posts: 105
Loc: Richardson, TX
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This is my design for a minimal bail out kit based on a Maxpedition Proteus fanny pack. My thinking was that I'd be able to clip this to whatever else I was carrying, and I'd instantly have the minimum necessary for emergencies. Please feel free to comment on my choices. A lot of this is from things I saw here. Some of the stuff in here is tested, others I'm experimenting with. What am I missing? Should I have something different? The Proteus is filling up with all this, and there is still stuff I'd like to add. I'm thinking of moving up to a Countycomm EOD bag, but the Proteus is a really convenient size. OUTSIDE 1X 50 FT 550 Paracord 1x REI reflective armband 1x Sharpie marker 1x Fischer pen LEFT POCKET 1x External Sheath with Leatherman Surge multitool 1x Gerber Gator II pocket knife 1x Mosquito headnet 1x Leatherman bit set 1x Leatherman File blade & Bosch Progressor wood saw blade RIGHT POCKET 1x Plastic Bag, heavy duty, 24"x18"x48" 1x Aluminum Foil, heavy duty, 3 ft 1x Duct tape, flat pack 1x O.P.Sak ziplock bag, 12"x15" FRONT POCKET 1x Aloksak ziploc bag, 12"x12" 1x Rite-in-rain pad 1x Grease pencil section 1x Eyeglass repair kit 1x Aluminum wire, 5ft 1x Map compass 1x Bic lighter 1x Superglue container 1x Red/reflective engineers tape, 10 ft 1x Braided nylon line, 40 lb test, 10 ft 1x Coghlan's survival mirror 1x LED light (orange with clip) 1x Pro-knot knot card 1x Fresnel lens, 3"x5" 3x Packets, bug repellent 3x Packets, sunscreen 4x Fruit leathers 1x Hydration drink mix 1x Husky mini-screwdriver set (from Home Depot) MAIN POCKET * keyring with stuff 1x AMK Heatsheet emergency blanket 1x Mylar emergency sleeping bag 1x Emergency poncho 1x Orange safety vest 1x 1 liter platypus bottle 3x Teflon tubing 1x REI waterproof matches & striker 1x Map scale 1x Foot warmers 1x Coleman dehydrated towel 10x Coghlan's fire tinders in plastic container 1x Varco wire saw in plastic container 1x Brunton storm proof lighter w paracord lanyard 1x Light My Fire swedish fire steel 1x LED light (orange with clip) 1x Cyclops ATOM LED head light 1x Potable Aqua tablets (50?) 1x Potable Aqua neutralizer tablets 1x Kobalt saw blade handle (from Lowes) 1x Blu-mol Xtreme demolition recip saw metal blade 9" 1x Skil "The Ugly" recip saw pruning blade 9" 1x Remgrit recip saw abrasive blade 8" 4x lightweight tent stakes 8x cable ties 7" 1x tube petroleum jelly 2x packs of MRE toilet paper KEYRING 1x Leatherman Micra 1x Fox 40 whistle 1x P-38 can opener 1x Photon II LED light 1x Compass/thermometer 2x Pill containers (for prescription meds) 1x Uncle Bill's "Sliver Gripper" tweezers COMMENTS 1. One thing I'm missing in this kit is any first aid supplies. Need to do, though my fall back plan is to use the large first aid kit in the truck. 2. The petroleum jelly has two functions. First, my skin dries and cracks in dry weather, so I need something to protect my hands. I stock petroleum jelly instead of a cream because it is also usable as a tinder fuel. 3. I use reciperocating saw blades instead of a regular camp saw. Much lighter and much more flexible. I also have the Bosch "Progressor" saw blades for use with the Leatherman multitool. 4. The large plastic bag is intended for use as a transpiration bag, but has other functions as well. The teflon tube can be used to extract water from the bag. 5. I need extra 2016 and 2032 batteries in this kit. 6. How to accommodate contact lenses? Really need laser corrective surgery. 7. The Coleman dehydrated towel has a number of uses, including a makeshift head cover. SUPPLIERS http://www.minimus.biz/http://www.coghlans.com/http://www.watchfuleyedesigns.com/http://www.amkdealer.com/default.asphttp://www.platypushydration.com/http://www.cyclopssolutions.com/http://www.light-my-fire.se/http://www.brunton.com/http://www.rei.com/http://www.countycomm.com/http://www.coleman.com/coleman/home.asp
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John Beadles, N5OOM Richardson, TX
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#81796 - 01/02/07 06:37 AM
Re: Maxpedition Proteus based kit
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Addict
Registered: 11/11/03
Posts: 572
Loc: Nevada
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Good choices and nice job, thanks for posting. Looks to be well thought out. Not sure how urban or wilderness the kit is. Only questions are water , some kind of food and small FAK. I have the CC bag and used to EDC the Proteus, I think you be better served with the Proteus. You can add a small GP pouch to the front of the Proteus for more space. Think you could loose the tent stakes and carry more wire & 550 cord. Nice to include the inhaler and have backup fire starting. Signal mirror ?
Dave
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#81797 - 01/02/07 07:40 AM
Re: Maxpedition Proteus based kit
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Cranky Geek
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 09/08/05
Posts: 4642
Loc: Vermont
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Radioshack has a similiar screw driver that is smaller, but the body can also be used with an awl blade. It doesn't give you quite the range of bits, but it takes up less space and manages any pair of glasses and non-torx tiny electronics I've ever seen. As limited as your space is, I might suggest seeing what bits you need and don't need for the leatherman as well not carrying the spare saw blade for it- you already carry a better saw. In the same vein, I might also delete the wire saw. I say that as someone who carries a bunch of tools in my kit as well.
I might also suggest picking between the heatsheet and the mylar bag. For the bulk, the heatsheet is probably a better choice.
Swap the tent stakes for some nails with the tips filed dull- works just as well, and a little smaller without the hook. And with a file and rock, they turn back into nails.
How much more space did you want to add? Maybe the Emdom Baby UtiliShingle on the front might give you enough space, if you have a small FAK in mind. The other shingles would give you more space, but more bulk- call the dice and throw 'em.
_________________________
-IronRaven
When a man dare not speak without malice for fear of giving insult, that is when truth starts to die. Truth is the truest freedom.
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#81798 - 01/02/07 11:41 AM
Re: Maxpedition Proteus based kit
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Old Hand
Registered: 03/18/06
Posts: 1032
Loc: The Netherlands
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I think it's a great kit! I would try to get a AMK emergency bivvy to replace the mylar sleeping-bag. I agree that a large FAK wouldn't be nessisary, since you would use your truck-FAK. However, a Triangular-bandage and/or field-dressing would be a usefull addition. How about a folding-wing stove and solid fuel tablets? I'm thinking of moving up to a Countycomm EOD bag If you ask me: Don't! The kit looks really good and I think you've covered the basics, wich you wanted it to do. Did I say that I really like this kit?? <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
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''It's time for Plan B...'' ''We have a Plan B?'' ''No, but it's time for one.'' -Stargate SG-1
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#81799 - 01/02/07 02:49 PM
Re: Maxpedition Proteus based kit
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Registered: 04/24/06
Posts: 398
Loc: Tennessee
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I like it. Looking through it right quick, I myself would maybe modify the following:
Narrow down the number of tools to save room and weight. Narrow down the number of bags/vests/blankets if you can. Add a small sharpening stone. Substitute stainless steel wire for aluminum wire. Double the amount of matches. Add a fishing kit. Maybe an inexpensive folding wing emergency stove w/ fuel tablets packed inside a small mess tin if you wanted as previously suggested.
_________________________
Me, a vegetarian? My set of teeth came with canines.
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#81800 - 01/02/07 03:08 PM
Re: Maxpedition Proteus based kit
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Addict
Registered: 03/01/04
Posts: 478
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That paracord hanging on the outside is gonna snag on everything.
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#81801 - 01/02/07 06:36 PM
Re: Maxpedition Proteus based kit
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Old Hand
Registered: 09/12/05
Posts: 817
Loc: MA
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Excellent write-up. The Proteus is a great bag.
_________________________
It's not that life is so short, it's that you're dead for so long.
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#81802 - 01/02/07 09:47 PM
Re: Maxpedition Proteus based kit
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Newbie
Registered: 11/26/04
Posts: 44
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First looks like a good kit, with the additon of one of those AMK Pocket Medics, a cravat and field dressing would round this kit out for under $10 and not much more added If you are concerned with contact lenses I would say go with glasses. If somehing happens and you are in a situation with poor hygiene that would make you prone for eye infections. I saw many a preventive health poster in the Army talking about not wearing contacts in the field and they showed what looked like some nasty eye infections. But on the other hand glasses get broken, lost, knocked off, etc. Just one of those things you have to live with.
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#81803 - 01/02/07 09:56 PM
Re: Maxpedition Proteus based kit
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Addict
Registered: 06/08/05
Posts: 503
Loc: Quebec City, Canada
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Nice kit, congrats!
I would consider adding a cheap pair of gloves. If you end up hauling downed trees, pulling debris, changing tires, things like that... protecting your hands if very important IMHO.
_________________________
----- "The only easy day was yesterday."
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#81805 - 01/03/07 05:29 AM
Re: Maxpedition Proteus based kit
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Member
Registered: 04/09/06
Posts: 105
Loc: Richardson, TX
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Hm... good observation. Having taken an orienteering class way back, I remember what you are talking about. I'll have to resolve that somehow.
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John Beadles, N5OOM Richardson, TX
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#81806 - 01/03/07 05:32 AM
Re: Maxpedition Proteus based kit
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Member
Registered: 04/09/06
Posts: 105
Loc: Richardson, TX
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What I'd really like to do is get some more transpiration bags in there, as one isn't really enough. I'd like an AMK bivy, but really don't see any way that will fit. Hm. I'll have to get one and see how big it is. If I can swap things around, and vacuum pack the transpiration bag, maybe it'll fit.
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John Beadles, N5OOM Richardson, TX
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#81807 - 01/03/07 05:48 AM
Re: Maxpedition Proteus based kit
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Member
Registered: 04/09/06
Posts: 105
Loc: Richardson, TX
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I'll check into the RS screwdriver. I like the Husky unit since the bits fit in the handle, but could probably do without, or maybe combine with the eyeglass kit.
I agree I tend to be tool heavy. The Surge is a new addition I'm trying, but could probably remove the Micra. I could probably ditch the extra saber saw blade, and the abrasive recip saw blade, but the recip saw blades pack in the very bottom and take almost no room. Same with the tent pegs. They go on the very bottom, and only take maybe 1/8" of height. Things that take substantial depth are a problem. I was keeping the wire saw so I'd have something I could attach paracord to and throw over a limb, but that could go.
I don't really like the plastic container that the tinders are in - it's just awkward. Also, I think the potable aqua bottles will go and be replaced with clorine dioxide tabs, which will fit in the back pocket.
What I'd like to have are 3-4 transpiration bags, and those definitely won't fit. I'm thinking about getting a vacuum packer, which should help. Odds are I'll keep both the heatsheet and sleeping bag. My thinking is if I had to build a debris shelter, the bag would go in the center and the heatsheet on top. Or maybe use the heat sheet as a fire reflector, or some such. I think it just adds flexibility to have both.
I just added the orange safety vest, just to have a larger passive signal. I watched one of the discovery channel shows about the guy and his kid skiing at a resort in Turkey and getting lost, thinking that he had no passive signal that could be left out. It occurred to me that a debris shelter would make really good camoflauge, not what I'd want in an emergency. I have the surveyors tape, but that's awfully small.
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John Beadles, N5OOM Richardson, TX
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#81808 - 01/03/07 05:58 AM
Re: Maxpedition Proteus based kit
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Member
Registered: 04/09/06
Posts: 105
Loc: Richardson, TX
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In all fairness, the tools are a sop to being urban, while I'd expect everything else to be wilderness. The two instances I'd expect to be using this would be while I'm out on a car trip and either breaking down in the summer or getting snowed in somewhere unexpectedly. There are certain limited instances where I might be away from the truck and have something stupid happen. In the truck I have a 72hr kit for amateur radio deployments, including food, a small amount of water and a jetboil.
I can defintely add wire, but there's no real place to put food. Maybe some chicken broth cubes, using the aluminum foil as a cup.
I could ditch the tent pegs, but since they go all the way on the bottom of the main pocket, they really don't take up any practical space. I've tried adding a pouch to the front, but really don't like the way it fits. I can add more 550 cord, but will have to fit it so it doesn't snag. The signal mirror is a standard for all of Doug's kit requirements, so I stuck one in there.
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John Beadles, N5OOM Richardson, TX
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#81809 - 01/03/07 06:33 AM
Re: Maxpedition Proteus based kit
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Enthusiast
Registered: 12/23/05
Posts: 203
Loc: San Francisco Bay Area, USA
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A signal mirror is also a first aid item. I have used mine when I cut my face on a branch while hiking alone. It allowed me to evaluate the wound and treat it. Might also be useful for those who wear contacts. They always seem to be looking into a mirror and poking around in their eyes.
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"We are not allowed to stop thinking"
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#81811 - 01/03/07 11:32 AM
Re: Maxpedition Proteus based kit
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Old Hand
Registered: 03/18/06
Posts: 1032
Loc: The Netherlands
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Ow, and also some safety-pins, a small candle and a sewing-kit.
You could also vacuum-pack the bivvy and remove the space-bag. Hopefully this will give you enough room. If not, I would remove the orange vest, since you also have a reflective band.
Are those transpiration-bags really worth the space they take in and do you really need more than 1 of them? (just a question)
Edited by JIM (01/03/07 11:51 AM)
_________________________
''It's time for Plan B...'' ''We have a Plan B?'' ''No, but it's time for one.'' -Stargate SG-1
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#81812 - 01/03/07 03:28 PM
Re: Maxpedition Proteus based kit
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Cranky Geek
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 09/08/05
Posts: 4642
Loc: Vermont
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I would keep the reciprocating saw blades, it was the triple redundancy I was thinking of. A kit this size is a "grams matter" kind of thing.
As for the wire saw, the reason why I was thinking it might not be worth the bulk is that many of them kink and snap VERY easily. Try this technique before you need it. Also, were you planning on standing under the branch while you sawed through it?
You can get small zipper bags from the hardware store or walmart- re-enforce them with duct or book tape, and they are great for storing things.
The reason I was asking about the mylar bag and the heatsheet is because they are both a little bit bulky- pulling one would give you space for a small first aid module.
Is the keychain your EDC? I thought it was, that is why I didn't comment on the micra.
_________________________
-IronRaven
When a man dare not speak without malice for fear of giving insult, that is when truth starts to die. Truth is the truest freedom.
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#81813 - 01/03/07 08:54 PM
Re: Maxpedition Proteus based kit
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newbie
Registered: 08/25/06
Posts: 44
Loc: Southeast US
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I agree with "aloha" on the canteen, cup, and stove (with a few trioxane bars or fuel tabs). You might look into trading the "bottled" water preification tabs for some Katadyn MP-1 Purification tabs. They have one of the best reputations on the market right now for purifying water the best and they come in a flat blister pack that makes for easy packing. I put mine in a heavy duty Ziplock Freezer bag (qt. size) just to ensure they will be ok when I need them.
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bassnbear
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#81815 - 01/04/07 04:40 AM
Re: Maxpedition Proteus based kit
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Member
Registered: 04/09/06
Posts: 105
Loc: Richardson, TX
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It's interesting in that I haven't found weight to be a problem. I am defintely bulk limited, and the wire saw is bulky. Still, I have tried the wire saw, and found it to be very agressive about cutting even green wood. I'm thinking about trees like the oak trees in my yard, that have branches under the canopy that die out, but are too high to reach. You're right, I should actually try to do it. I should be able to stand off to the side to do the cut, and I have pruned them before, so I'm familiar with how the branches fall.
I think I have room in the left side pocket for a small FAK without dropping the the sack. The keyrings isn't an EDC per se - I don't really feel like carrying one everywhere, so I stashed keyrings like that where ever I am. There's one in the truck, one in that kit, one in my work backpack and one in my ham admin bag. The micra was there before I put the surge in, but now that I have the surge I wonder if the micra can go away.
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John Beadles, N5OOM Richardson, TX
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#81816 - 01/04/07 04:47 AM
Re: Maxpedition Proteus based kit
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Member
Registered: 04/09/06
Posts: 105
Loc: Richardson, TX
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Safety pins and sewing kit, good idea. The bivy, I'll just have to try one and see. I don't think the reflective band is big enough, certainly not air visible. The safety vest is a sop to that. I'd rather have something like a bright orange sil tarp, something that'd be bigger but pack smaller, but never seen one.
I think the transpiration bags are essential, to be honest. I'm here in Texas, where there aren't that many creeks, and if I got stuck in the summer I'd be quickly in trouble. I've done the Hotter than Hell 100mi bike ride in 109 degree heat and finished in good order, and am confident that I'd want a lot of water. I really need to experiment with the transpiration bags to see how much water I'd get with them.
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John Beadles, N5OOM Richardson, TX
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#81817 - 01/04/07 04:55 AM
Re: Maxpedition Proteus based kit
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Member
Registered: 04/09/06
Posts: 105
Loc: Richardson, TX
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I don't think I'd do canteens, but I do have a couple of 48 oz nalgene bottles and a Snow Peak cup in the truck 72 hr kit. What I'd need is some way to carry them on my body. Of course, I also have the Jetboil in there. What I don't have is something packable to carry it all in.
In any case, neither the canteens or nalgenes are packable on the proteus proper - they're just too big. Could put one on a countycomm bag.
_________________________
John Beadles, N5OOM Richardson, TX
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#81818 - 01/04/07 08:18 AM
Re: Maxpedition Proteus based kit
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Cranky Geek
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 09/08/05
Posts: 4642
Loc: Vermont
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I've got a CC bag- a 32oz nalgene fits, but it takes up most of the bag. You'd loose gear trying that.
Are you planning on carrying this by the handle, around the waist or over the shoulder? Another possibility is using the molle straps on the back to anchor a pouch for one of the small bladders, say a 50 ounce bladder in an Emdom SUV pouch or something similiar, which will ride fairly flat, particularly if turned sideways and annex clipped into place.
Or you could just add one of the cheapie water bottle carriers from coglan's- they adapt to fit anything, and they cost more to ship than to buy.
_________________________
-IronRaven
When a man dare not speak without malice for fear of giving insult, that is when truth starts to die. Truth is the truest freedom.
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#81821 - 01/07/07 01:12 AM
Re: Maxpedition Proteus based kit
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Enthusiast
Registered: 03/12/06
Posts: 285
Loc: NY USA
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Max Proteus has waist straps, the CC knockoff does not.
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#81822 - 01/07/07 03:21 AM
Re: Maxpedition Proteus based kit
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Registered: 12/11/06
Posts: 1
Loc: TEXAS
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Great idea.............I too keep the essentials handy on a daily basis. Mine varies somewhat from yours in that I always keep a weapon & ammo packed, med. supplies, and such. Being from Texas also, I need to have more prep. for water than possibly some others might. I don't like the buttpack carry very well, I prefer the shoulder bag from the same folks that made your bag.............and I like to carry on my left side rather than my right ( I am right handed). I use a cane for extended walking, and it has numerous other benefits as you might imagine. Remember............."the more you know....the less you need. Good luck....................Mike
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Guest worker hell !!!!! "Remember the Alamo"
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#81823 - 01/07/07 03:32 AM
Re: Maxpedition Proteus based kit
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Cranky Geek
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 09/08/05
Posts: 4642
Loc: Vermont
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Waist straps aren't needed if you supply your own belt. The CountyComm EOD bag has MOLLE straps, and they work just fine on belts of all sized. It isn't knock off of the Proteus, by the way, it isn't even close, nor was it intended to be, in the same sense that the Civic is is not a knock off of the Focus (or the other way around).
_________________________
-IronRaven
When a man dare not speak without malice for fear of giving insult, that is when truth starts to die. Truth is the truest freedom.
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#81825 - 01/08/07 03:42 PM
Re: Maxpedition Proteus based kit
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Namu (Giant Tree)
Addict
Registered: 09/16/05
Posts: 664
Loc: Florida, USA
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That paracord hanging on the outside is gonna snag on everything. What about putting the paracord in a stuff sack...like a Granite Gear....wouldn't be as susceptable to snaggage. Haven't tried it with my Proteus, but it is something to consider.
_________________________
Ors, MAE, MT-BC Memento mori Vulnerant omnes, ultima necat (They all wound, the last kills)
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