Hi all. I'm asking for input on various items I'm thinking of adding or changing in my kit. They are as follows:

Flashlights - I carry two of Pelican's Super Sabrelite (with a spare 'lamp module' and extra batteries for each) and am very satisfied with them. They 'throw' light quite a distance, but for around the campfire are a little too much and ya'all know the LED types are tougher and last longer. I carry some smaller LED types (I like the Princeton Tec Attitude), but I'm looking for something a little brighter and more robust. I was thinking of adding the new LED Sabrelite until I noticed the 'Recoil 2410.' It uses 4 AA's, it's waterproof to 500 feet and it's made in the US. I like the idea of it using AA's since I carry so many of them anyway (and I might change what I carry so everything uses AA's). Then it's only one type of battery to carry. Anyone have one? What do ya think of it?

Gloves - I carry a few pairs of plain leather work gloves, but I'm looking into gloves made from Kevlar. They're billed as having "outstanding cut resistance combined with intermittent heat resistance", just what ya want for 'emergencies'. Anyone try them yet? What do ya think of them?

Knives - I'm looking to add another knife to my gear. I'm looking for a tough fixed blade of 'normal' looks - nothing Rambo-esk. I've looked at BK&T's BK2 and BK10 and Cold Steel's SRK and Master Hunter. I really like the looks of Ontario's TAK 1 (though the 'Rat 3' and 'Rat 7' look cool too!). It comes in either 1095 steel or D2 steel, with micarta handles. Has anyone heard good or bad things about these knifes? Opinions on the steel types? I'm leaning towards the D2 knife with a plain (non-serrated) blade. I've already added a DMT Diafold (coarse/fine) to each of my bags.

Shelter - I carry a Eureka Backpacker tent, which is great for when it's raining and/or 'buggie', but it's hard to heat when it's cold. I also carry a few tarps and have thought about using them (with a fire by the opening) but remember the bugs making sleep almost impossible (though it was warm at that time!?). I do remember seeing a sleeping bag somewhere that had fine netting over the opening, but haven't seen it lately. I guess I could just carry the tent when it's warm and the tarps when it's cold. I'm just looking for suggestions on this one.

Storage - Has anyone ever tried 'Gamma Seal lids?' They're the ones that snap onto a 5 gallon bucket and allow you to screw the lid on and off repeatedly. I thought about getting a few for 'storage buckets.'

Also, I just found a small hardware store nearby that carries the real 'strike anywhere' matches, so I bought eight boxes! The guy behind the counter looked at me a little 'thoughtfully', but didn't say anything. I'm going to seal them up so they don't absorb any moisture.

Thanks - Dave

Knives: Have SRK will fit most hand's, tough good steel.You may have to rework the edge thinner. Master Hunter in AUS 8 easy to sharpen ,hold's an edge well , rust resitance . Both handles will be affected by DEET. TAK in 1095 cut's like the dickens <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> My fav for the last 3 year's on survival trip's to an offshore Maine island to the swamps in the Florida Panhandle and LA. which are no longer there <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Gamma seal work's. Go with leather won't melt when handling flameing log's <img src="/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> http:///www.campmor.com Tarps ]http://www.actiongear.com] Sugpak jungle sleeping Bag Hawaii to the swamps and hiills of North Carolina , just add a silk liner or wear L J for 3 season . Matches -sort them out by the biggest tip and seal with varnish. Have Scripto lighter's big adjustable flame

The BK7 (BOB) has served me well for the money. Also have the small (BOB) CS Pendelton Hunter. I have a few friends that have chosen the SRK, another great bang for your buck knife. I'd suggest Bladeforums as a place to ask for advice on the different steels?

You may have gotten a look buying the strike anywhere matches due to the fact that the white phosphorus tips are can be used in making crystal meth. Some places have stopped carrying them for this reason. Hang on to them!

Disclaimer, I'm no expert!

Personally, I actually have moved to kevlar gloves in my EDC kit, but I think you need to think it through.

First thing, many Kevlar gloves are knit gloves. While they are cut resistant, they do not have a close enough knit to be as protective as you probably will want. Stuff can poke through the knit.

Second thing is many "Kevlar" gloves for police work and such only have specific parts that are Kevlar (or otherwise armored) and have vulnerable spots.

Personally, I use a layered approach in my kit. I carry the following Kevlar knit gloves and then a pair of Turtleskin Full Coverage Gloves (Warwick Mills).

The Turtleskin gloves are also a Aramid glove, but they are very thin and woven VERY tightly so they are puncture resistaint. However, as they are very thin, they don't have a padding effect.

Thus, I use the knit gloves as a liner to the Turtleskin gloves. If I won't need as much protection I can just wear the Turtleskins.

The Turtleskin full coverage gloves are just that. The whole glove is made out of the Turtleskin material. Pay close attention to the coverage area of these gloves. Despite their thiness, they are fairly stiff because the material is woven so tightly.

Also, sizing is a bit tricky with them. While the sizing chart shows I should take a large pair, it is roomy enough to wear a liner under it. I actually purchased a medium pair and have both in my kit. The large to wear with a liner, and the medium to wear without the liner. Wearing the large w/o a liner decreases dexterity because the material is a bit loose and stiff.

Oh, and as with other knit gloves, I've found that it is best to purchase knit gloves a size small for a tigher fit. For example, I use medium knit gloves instead of large.

The knit gloves do seem to provide decent insulative properties. So, I figure they 1) double as environmental protection, and 2) I think the combo of Turtleskin + knit gloves would provide good hot material handling protection.

Note that the knit gloves do have some elastic threads to maintain a close fit. I assume these would melt in a hot condition, but I don't think it would be significaint (just a guess).

-john

The gamma seals work good. I would get the heavest duty NEW bucket I could because once you put it on you will never get it off. (the adapter peace stays, the lid screws off easy) I say new bucket because if you leave your stuff in there long enough it will smell like whatever used to be in the bucket. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the detailed post – useful information.

Dan

I cannot find them matches anywhere!!!!!!!!!!!!

What kind of kit is this? EDC? Bugout? Home?

-john

If in the market for a new knife, please consider this to be a plug for Bark River products or Falkniven knives. Bark River [Mike Stewart is the owner and contact person] just came out with a 5.5" utility blade that looks great. I am geting one. Also look at their Goloks.