#85911 - 02/18/07 06:21 AM
Put a new kit together today. (pictures)
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Veteran
Registered: 03/02/03
Posts: 1428
Loc: NJ, USA
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I have my backpack with all my gear and such for weekend trips and beyond, but I wanted to put together something more for dayhikes/survival practice in areas I am familiar with. So, I went out today and got some gear together. I had to start from scratch since I'm away from home right now (doing the college thing). First the pictures: Now the list: Eddie Bauer Bag 2 Lexan water bottles (came with bag) Steel Cup Leatherman Blast 50ft paracord 7 ranger bands 2 Steel quick links Inside: Motorola Talkabout T6500 Princeton Tec Quest headlamp with LED bulb Buck Diamondback Guide Fixed Blade Three Ziploc Freezer bags (contents of each bag listed below) Bag 1: Small metal candy tin filled with cotton/Vaseline balls Six spare Lithium AA batteries Two Spare bulbs for headlamp Rite-in-Rain Pad Fischer Bullet Space Pen Doan Flint/Magnesium Bar Stick style diamond knife sharpener Industrial formula Sharpie 7 Yellow Zip-ties DR Pocket survival Pak supplemented with -2 gaff hooks -Victorinox Classic SD -4 eye hooks -6 Katadyn MP1 Tabs Bag 2: Silva Guide Model 426 Compass Under Armor Gloves Charmin (Toilet Paper) To-Go Pack Adventure Medical Kits pocket medic supplemented with: -Nitrile Gloves -Benadryl Liqui-gels -Imodium A-D -Aspirin tabs -roll of gauze -medical tape -Lip Balm with SPF 15 Bag 3: Emergency Poncho 2 Garbage Bags (55 gallon size) 2 bright blue bandannas 3 coffee filters 2 Snickers Marathon Bars PowerBar Gel Jelly Belly Sport Beans Items I want to add, but couldn't find today: Heatsheets Emergency Bivvy Small GPS (that uses AA batteries) Spare pair of socks (when hiking) Keep in mind, this supplements my normal EDC, so I've already got some basics covered (Knife/Fire/Light/Whistle/Bandanna/ect). Also, interestingly enough, it cost me around $300 to assemble this kit using all store bought items (Though there is a bag of stuff left over from the items that had to be bought in bulk like the gloves, cotton, hooks, other radio, ect.) Amazing how fast stuff adds up. Makes me wonder what my backpack with more (and generally higher quality) gear cost me to assemble. <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />
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#85912 - 02/18/07 06:37 AM
Re: Put a new kit together today. (pictures)
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Geezer
Registered: 09/30/01
Posts: 5695
Loc: Former AFB in CA, recouping fr...
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"...Makes me wonder what my backpack with more (and generally higher quality) gear cost me to assemble..."
Trust me, you do not want to know...
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OBG
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#85913 - 02/18/07 01:12 PM
Re: Put a new kit together today. (pictures)
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Old Hand
Registered: 03/18/06
Posts: 1032
Loc: The Netherlands
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Looks like a pretty good kit, but why do you carry 2 spare bulbs for a LED-headlamp?
_________________________
''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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#85914 - 02/18/07 01:52 PM
Re: Put a new kit together today. (pictures)
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I am not a P.P.o.W.
Old Hand
Registered: 05/16/05
Posts: 1058
Loc: Finger Lakes of NY State
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You are right on that. It down right scared me when I added my EDC, BOB, big kit, and long tearm supplies up.
_________________________
Our most important survival tool is our brain, and for many, that tool is way underused! SBRaider Head Cat Herder
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#85916 - 02/18/07 02:31 PM
Re: Put a new kit together today. (pictures)
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Journeyman
Registered: 01/28/07
Posts: 70
Loc: Chesapeake Beach, MD
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Very cool kit. A few questions?
1. What are the details on the steel cup and where did you get it?
2. Is the expectation with the talkabout radio that you'd be with someone else with the other one, or that you'd be likely to reach someone with them? I have a pair of them also but never considered including them in any of my kits. (Mostly because they recharge from a special charger and the batteries would probably be dead when I needed them.)
3. [This is a general question, and should probably be asked in its own topic...) I noticed you have an AMK med kit and a DR PSP kit inside the Ziploc bags. I also see the emergency poncho inside its OEM sleeve, toilet paper in the Charmin packaging, etc. Where do you fall on the -- keeping things in original packaging vs. taking things out of their packaging and combining them to save weight and bulk -- scale?
4. Where will you put the heatsheet, the GPS and the socks when you get them? (Is there enough spare room in there?)
5. How does it feel to carry it -- does it drag on you or fit relatively well?
6. (This is a general question -- not specific to Paul810) And since most of the kit is for incidental/survival use, is it better to have it packed into a separately carry-able fanny pack, or in a single "drop-in-the-bottom-of the day pack" kit that will rest alongside more water, food, a towel, sunglasses, camera, kids' stuff, bug repellent -- the usual things you need to reach for frequently when hiking/walking...
Thanks for sharing the deets on the kit -- again, very cool.
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#85917 - 02/18/07 06:19 PM
Re: Put a new kit together today. (pictures)
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Old Hand
Registered: 12/14/05
Posts: 988
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Nicely done. Can I assume you carry a jacket ( warm and/ or waterproof) elsewhere?
I'd add a map of wherever you are, & more water treatment tabs. Also a signal mirror, 20' of flagging tape and a fleece or wool cap. No cell phone?
Why did you buy all new? Try ebay or goodwill for nearly new gear. Much cheaper.
teacher
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#85918 - 02/18/07 07:20 PM
Re: Put a new kit together today. (pictures)
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Cranky Geek
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 09/08/05
Posts: 4642
Loc: Vermont
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Echo that, OGB. My dad asked me once about my "morbid hobby", and I replied by asking him how much he spends on golf gear every year.
Wow. This really isn't healthy.
_________________________
-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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#85920 - 02/18/07 08:20 PM
Re: Put a new kit together today. (pictures)
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Enthusiast
Registered: 12/16/06
Posts: 203
Loc: somewhere out there...
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I see a lot of you carrying these...any special reason? I mean...is it the novelty or true function? re: the carrying of spare bulbs for LEDs. I do this in a few lights. For instace, while I changed over two of my 3D mag lites to MaxStar5 - 5 Watt Luxeon TLE-6K2 LEDs (from batteryjunction.com), I also have Mag drop in LED replacements as my spares in the cap should something ever happen (probably physically) to the primary bulbs. But, in other areas I have different LED lights.
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...got YAK???
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#85921 - 02/18/07 09:48 PM
Re: Put a new kit together today. (pictures)
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Veteran
Registered: 03/31/06
Posts: 1355
Loc: United Kingdom.
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Looks fairly comprehensive. Might I suggest adding a small bottle of bug repellant and sun block? Food wise, snickers are fine, as are mar's bars and m&m's. Caffine pills might come in handy as well. I know from personal experiance that things rub together in any bag. This causes a degree of wear & tear. Leaving them in their packaging helps to reduce this.
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I don't do dumb & helpless.
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#85922 - 02/19/07 12:37 AM
Re: Put a new kit together today. (pictures)
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Geezer
Registered: 09/30/01
Posts: 5695
Loc: Former AFB in CA, recouping fr...
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I prefer granola type bars. They can't really get stale, worst that happens is that they get broken up, which makes them easier to eat anyway, you just tear the wrapper open at one end and shake them into your mouth...
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OBG
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#85923 - 02/19/07 01:18 AM
Re: Put a new kit together today. (pictures)
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Veteran
Registered: 03/02/03
Posts: 1428
Loc: NJ, USA
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1. What are the details on the steel cup and where did you get it?
--It's a normal single walled steel camp cup (16 ounces I think?), just big enough that the bottle nests inside it. I removed the obsessively large handle it came with and I will replace with a smaller handle made from wire.
2. Is the expectation with the talkabout radio that you'd be with someone else with the other one, or that you'd be likely to reach someone with them? I have a pair of them also but never considered including them in any of my kits. (Mostly because they recharge from a special charger and the batteries would probably be dead when I needed them.)
--Generally, when I go out with other people we all carry them. I also like it because it gives weather reports. Plus there is always the possibility you might be able to talk to someone on the other end, so before I head out (and I leave my information about where I am going), I will also write down that I have a GMRS/FRS radio and the channel it is on. It might help to narrow down a search if need be.
3. [This is a general question, and should probably be asked in its own topic...) I noticed you have an AMK med kit and a DR PSP kit inside the Ziploc bags. I also see the emergency poncho inside its OEM sleeve, toilet paper in the Charmin packaging, etc. Where do you fall on the -- keeping things in original packaging vs. taking things out of their packaging and combining them to save weight and bulk -- scale?
--The medical kit and survival kit I left in there original packaging because it is more weatherproof than the ziplock bags (and it keeps all that small stuff together), and if something happens to me and someone needs to take my supplies for some reason everything is easily identifiable and there is some degree of instructions. The charmin I left in its original packaging because toilet paper is pretty easily shredded and squished, and it provides some weather protection. Nothing worse than soggy shredded toilet paper. <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
4. Where will you put the heatsheet, the GPS and the socks when you get them? (Is there enough spare room in there?)
--To the left and right of each bag there is enough room that I can squeeze more stuff in. The socks would just lay on top where the radio is (I'll take that out and clip it on my belt.)
5. How does it feel to carry it -- does it drag on you or fit relatively well?
--It's a little odd, as I'm not used to having weight on my waist without shoulder straps, but it seems fine. I wont really know until I wear it for a day.
6. (This is a general question -- not specific to Paul810) And since most of the kit is for incidental/survival use, is it better to have it packed into a separately carry-able fanny pack, or in a single "drop-in-the-bottom-of the day pack" kit that will rest alongside more water, food, a towel, sunglasses, camera, kids' stuff, bug repellent -- the usual things you need to reach for frequently when hiking/walking...
--My kit isn't just for emergency survival use (though there survival specific gear). That is pretty much all my gear for an overnight if the weather is nice enough. It would work fine for longer trips as well with some clothes, food, and a bivvy bag, which I can tailor to the individual trip.
Nicely done. Can I assume you carry a jacket ( warm and/ or waterproof) elsewhere?
--Of course. Layered clothing, a full brim hat, and sunglasses.
I'd add a map of wherever you are, & more water treatment tabs.
--For maps, I usually add some that are specific to the area I'm traveling in. Generally this gear will only be used in areas I'm already familiar with. As to water purification, the bulk of my water purification is done through boiling. The tabs are pretty much for emergencies/on the go purification. I will probably end up adding more, but I used the rest that was in the pack to restock the gear in my truck.
Also a signal mirror, 20' of flagging tape and a fleece or wool cap. --signal mirror is in the kit (and the compass has a mirror) and I have the cap. I will add some flagging tape, (as it would have come in handy in the past now that I think about it).
No cell phone?
--That's in my EDC gear.
Why did you buy all new? Try ebay or goodwill for nearly new gear. Much cheaper.
--It was a bit of an experiment. I wanted to see how difficult it would be to put together a kit in one day from local stores and see what it would cost. I plan on teaching some survival techniques to college kids when the weather gets nicer and I wanted the bulk of my gear to be stuff that can be bought locally in case they want to assemble a kit. Plus, as I use stuff I like being able to go out and replace it easily. I find that sometimes I don?t like using certain gear because it is impossible to replace without buying it off the internet.
nice..but i would say ditch the Snickers bar and take a lot more real food..you will be hungry and weak a lot faster than you will need a space pen and TP.
--I can always add more/carry more. That?s just some basic energy stuff. Usually food is the last thing I put in before I leave.
I see a lot of you carrying these...any special reason? I mean...is it the novelty or true function?
--It?s a good water/weatherproof pen and it takes up very little room. I always carry a pen and paper on me, I?ve used it quite a few times in the past. Usually to jot down directions, notes, ect or even burn if I have to. Sometimes I?ll sit down at night and write down what I?ve seen and done that day and make notes on my experiences or mistakes. For me it?s kind of a comfort item.
Might I suggest adding a small bottle of bug repellant and sun block? Food wise, snickers are fine, as are mar's bars and m&m's.
--Interestingly enough, I haven?t used either in years. I always wear long pants and a hat so I never get burnt and I find fire/smoke is better at keeping bug away than bug spray. Sometimes it seemed as if the bug spray attracted bugs. Oh, and the Snickers bars aren?t the regular candy bars. They are Marathon bars, which is snickers new protein bar (similar to a Powerbar). Just for clarification.
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#85924 - 02/19/07 01:36 AM
Re: Put a new kit together today. (pictures)
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Member
Registered: 10/05/03
Posts: 115
Loc: phx. az. u.s.a
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hey paul thats a nice setup...i have always liked the buttpack and waterbottle combo....i was thinking it might be a good idea to put the modified D.R. survival pack in your pocket rather than your buttpack just incase you become seperated from your main kit...never have all your eggs in the same basket. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.. this is the same survival theme of the S.A.S ,you have your survival tin in your pocket ,belt kit around your waist and your rucksack...vince g. 11b inf...
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#85925 - 02/19/07 01:41 AM
Re: Put a new kit together today. (pictures)
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Addict
Registered: 11/30/05
Posts: 598
Loc: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
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Like the set up.
FYI: I've found a pair of heavy suspenders (non-elastic ones like construction workers will sometimes put on their tool belts) hooked on the fanny pack come in pretty handy (keeps from pulling your pants down).
They also provide a platform for attaching stuff like mini maglight holsters, etc.
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peace, samhain autumnwood
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#85926 - 02/19/07 01:54 AM
Re: Put a new kit together today. (pictures)
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Veteran
Registered: 03/02/03
Posts: 1428
Loc: NJ, USA
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FYI: I've found a pair of heavy suspenders (non-elastic ones like construction workers will sometimes put on their tool belts) hooked on the fanny pack come in pretty handy (keeps from pulling your pants down). I was thinking about that. The US military uses a similar setup (suspenders, belt, gear bags). It would definately help to evenly distribute the weight.
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#85927 - 02/19/07 03:44 AM
Re: Put a new kit together today. (pictures)
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Geezer
Registered: 09/30/01
Posts: 5695
Loc: Former AFB in CA, recouping fr...
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Seems to me that you might as well have a small daypack if you start doing all that. But then I don't really like fannypacks anyway. To each his own...
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OBG
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#85929 - 02/19/07 03:54 AM
Re: Put a new kit together today. (pictures)
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Geezer
Registered: 09/30/01
Posts: 5695
Loc: Former AFB in CA, recouping fr...
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"... can still carry a daypack with more gear if I wish..."
That's not a bad idea...
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OBG
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#85930 - 02/19/07 04:01 AM
Re: Put a new kit together today. (pictures)
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Addict
Registered: 01/27/07
Posts: 510
Loc: on the road 10-11 months out o...
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Use the ones the carpenters use. I was in the army and now I work construction. The ones the construction workers use are sooooooooo much more cofortable.
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Depend on yourself, help those who are not able, and teach those that are.
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#85931 - 02/19/07 04:06 AM
Re: Put a new kit together today. (pictures)
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Geezer
Registered: 09/30/01
Posts: 5695
Loc: Former AFB in CA, recouping fr...
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'Specially if you are going to wear a pack on top of the suspenders...
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OBG
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#85932 - 02/19/07 06:39 AM
Re: Put a new kit together today. (pictures)
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Paranoid?
Veteran
Registered: 10/30/05
Posts: 1341
Loc: Virginia, US
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I use a Maxpedition Devil Dog as my small BOB and due to the fact that It's probably loaded more heavily than intended and the fact that I suffer fom no butt, I use an Combat H-Harness (or H-Suspenders) to hold it up. This setup has the bonus of adding attachment points to the back so I can add my ThermoBak, backpack or other pouches to it, as well as the front so I can clip on other items.
Any time I go hiking I take it with me. It gets the odd look or two from other hikers with traditional backpacks or buttpacks with no suspenders.
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"Learn survival skills when your life doesn't depend on it."
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#85933 - 02/19/07 03:11 PM
Re: Put a new kit together today. (pictures)
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Member
Registered: 12/22/06
Posts: 170
Loc: harrisburg, pa
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Before everyone harps on this guy for using snickers bars let me point out they are snickers MARATHON bars. They are significantly different. I've had them. Not only are they quite tasty (which to me is pretty important) but also have extremely high nutritive value. They provide excellent long term energy and good caloric/protein intake. Here's the nutritional info: http://www.snickersmarathon.com/nutrition.aspPlus, they're not anything really like the chocolate bars you see in stores so they hold together much better too.
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Owner, Messina's Front Line Survival Gear - visit our website at www.flsgear.com! Blog: flsgear.wordpress.com Twitter: twitter.com/flsgear Facebook: http://on.fb.me/foPFgx
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#85934 - 02/19/07 03:19 PM
Re: Put a new kit together today. (pictures)
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Geezer
Registered: 09/30/01
Posts: 5695
Loc: Former AFB in CA, recouping fr...
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"...so they hold together much better..."
Thanks, never heard of them, I had a mental pic of a squished gooey chocolate mess in a wrapper...
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OBG
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#85935 - 02/20/07 12:20 AM
Re: Put a new kit together today. (pictures)
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Cranky Geek
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 09/08/05
Posts: 4642
Loc: Vermont
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Ah, someone else who has a ditch kit for every day, and an empty or emptiable rucksack for those times when things are likely to go screwy.
I like what I see, but I would suggest trying any aftermarket handle for that cup BEFORE you leave the dorm/home. You might be suprised how unreliable coat hangers are after a while. I would also say look for a can that fits over it, and using a side-cutting can opener, make yourself a pot lid for your cup.
Also, no socks?
_________________________
-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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#85936 - 02/20/07 12:29 AM
Re: Put a new kit together today. (pictures)
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Cranky Geek
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 09/08/05
Posts: 4642
Loc: Vermont
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Looking at that, they almost seem like an update on the old WWII D-bar . ANyone tried these in a high tempurature enviroment? And how big are they?
_________________________
-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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#85938 - 02/20/07 01:23 AM
Re: Put a new kit together today. (pictures)
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Cranky Geek
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 09/08/05
Posts: 4642
Loc: Vermont
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I took my homework down to the laundry room and stood gaurd, the brought my wool gear back to the dorm room to let dry on the bungie cords I had strung on the bed springs of my roommate's bunk. Our beds stacked in the dorm I spent most of my time, and I always got the lower bunk, so I took advantage of the space.
I also invested in a five dollar drying rack that folded up and stashed in my closet when not in use. I used to rent it too my roommate for fifty cents per load he did on it- considering the driers took about two bucks to dry what the rack did in a day, it was a good deal for everyone.
_________________________
-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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