how much kit do you REALLY need?

[Dave ward]

Hi all, just a quick post about the amount of kit that its easy to start hording lol i when i 1st started getting some kit together, i didn't realise that alot of it was aimed at survival rather than bushcraft. I started to get that much bits and bobs that my wife was seeing fatwood and metal tins etc coming out of draws all over the house ha ha anyway the point im trying to make is how do you separate your kit to realistic everyday carry and then the survival bushcraft bag for weekends out etc? Just be good for us to share our kit packing order and what we all seem to feel we need every day and what we feel we can leave in that bushcraft bag?

[BJ]

I know exactly what you are saying here, and I have to be a bit ruthless when packing. But aside from the basic kit that goes every time, I pack for each trip. I don't yet have the necessary confidence to keep a list that doesn't change very much. I think I need a lot more trips to get it right. :evilgrin:

[AdrianRose]

I agree with BJ, my kit changes everytime I go out.

I've been practicing bushcraft for 20 odd years and my gear has and continues to evolve to suit my changing needs.

The element of Bushcraft that I just don't get is the current obsession with the "EDC" and "BOB".

For those new to the forum etc,
EDC= Every Day Carry
BOB= Bug Out Bag

I don't carry an EDC because I work 2 miles from my house. I have NO need to carry a key ring containing a torch, knife, fire lighter, tinder, bottle opener, GPS, satellite dish, inflatable Land Rover etc etc.
I do understand that if you work in a more remote area then yes you should be prepared but I am still to meet anyone who actually NEEDS to carry an EDC kit.

With regard to the "BOB", what are we bugging out from. Civil unrest? Zombies? North Koreans? Mad Scousers? (Lol sorry fellas, couldn't resist that one). Seriously tho, I recently watched a "bushcrafter" (who I think is a bit of a joker), do a video on his amazing Bug out kit that was the size of a small satchel that was supposed to support him, his wife and his kids!!

Anyway, back to the point. I do have loads of kit that I don't use "all" the time, but I will use all over it "some" of the time.

Ade.

[paulthefish2009]

I suppose if you break it right down you need a cutting tool and some means of making fire. When I practice bushcraft that's about all I carry. Admittedly I don't often stay out overnight and I am usually not far from home.

[Dave ward]

Great points fellas, your hitting the nail on the head here. I think there's a fine line in some respects with bushcraft and survival gear ie foil blankets as a kind of example, but me personally, i think its VERY easy to get carried away and have to carry on your back more than yurealisticly need. Don't get me wrong, i love getting new gear and seeing what's out there (that's how i ended up with so much ha ha) but as i say, what point do you think....hang on a minute do i really have to lug this around ha ha

[Dave ward]

* you realisticly need.

[Realearner]

* you realisticly need.

For a comfortable trip? Or a need to survive, god how did I get into this situation?

[FishyFolk]

What I need when I am out is the gear that will give me the most amount of comfort + fun that I am willing to haul with me.

What that is, is up to the indiviual. F.eks on an overnight trip, that may involve something to cook in. That may be a
tin that used to contain peas to cook in, or I can use a Zebra billy can. It does not need to be a zebra, but it's nice to have something like that.

Everyone have to do their own hike.

[FishyFolk]

Great points fellas, your hitting the nail on the head here. I think there's a fine line in some respects with bushcraft and survival gear ie foil blankets as a kind of example, but me personally, i think its VERY easy to get carried away and have to carry on your back more than yurealisticly need. Don't get me wrong, i love getting new gear and seeing what's out there (that's how i ended up with so much ha ha) but as i say, what point do you think....hang on a minute do i really have to lug this around ha ha

Everyone hikes their own hike.

And what I need is to have fun. So I bring a flint and steel fire kit. Because It's fun to start a fire that way. But I could just bring a lighter. It's about 100% more efficient, and lighter and less bulky. But just bringing that to start my camp fire, takes some of the fun away from me.

[FishyFolk]

I agree with BJ, my kit changes everytime I go out.

I've been practicing bushcraft for 20 odd years and my gear has and continues to evolve to suit my changing needs.

The element of Bushcraft that I just don't get is the current obsession with the "EDC" and "BOB".

For those new to the forum etc,
EDC= Every Day Carry
BOB= Bug Out Bag

I don't carry an EDC because I work 2 miles from my house. I have NO need to carry a key ring containing a torch, knife, fire lighter, tinder, bottle opener, GPS, satellite dish, inflatable Land Rover etc etc.
I do understand that if you work in a more remote area then yes you should be prepared but I am still to meet anyone who actually NEEDS to carry an EDC kit.

With regard to the "BOB", what are we bugging out from. Civil unrest? Zombies? North Koreans? Mad Scousers? (Lol sorry fellas, couldn't resist that one). Seriously tho, I recently watched a "bushcrafter" (who I think is a bit of a joker), do a video on his amazing Bug out kit that was the size of a small satchel that was supposed to support him, his wife and his kids!!




Anyway, back to the point. I do have loads of kit that I don't use "all" the time, but I will use all over it "some" of the time.

Ade.

The BOB, I call a get home bag. I don't carry it asan EDC. It's something I put together if the situation makes it wise to have one. Like when we cross the mountains into Sweden in Winter, we have a large bag with sleeping bags, and something to heat water on with us, so that we can survive in the car, if the road conditions suddenly get so bad that we are stuck...happens every winter and conditions up there may change within a space of minutes from nice wetaher to being in a blizzard with storm force winds.

But I do not need that to commute to work, or for going shopping. Then a SAK is nice to have if I need to cut some string or peel an apple...And in winter I throw a samll showel in the back in case my car get stuck in the snow...

It's all according to the situation. In the US people will pack a gun for self defence against two legged and four legged predators...in Norway that is unthinkable.

When I was in the Sudan, 3 of us was going to fly into a remote dessert area in a 2 motored airplane. Two of us packed some survival items. I.e Navigation kit, water, I had my Jerven bag, some food, + comms gear....

the 3rd could not fathom why we were hoarding this stuff and scrounging all the kit we could lay our hands on before going...was planning to bring a shift of clothes and his lap top computer. Until the other feller prepping for the trip, who was a former South African air force colonel told him: "We are going to fly in a twin engine aircraft, over the most dangerous dessert in the world in the haboob (sandstorm) season. If we have an emergency landing, I am NOT sharing my food and water with you!

[Silverback]

What you need is ..... What you need and everyones needs differ. There are basics that everyone should have like Dave Cs 5 C's, a first aid kiit et al. Surviving in the bush is different to thriving in the bush. On the next meet I'm taking loads of kit but I'm not wandering about I'm base camping so just like a trapper going up to his cabin or an early pioneer in a wagon:)

[Dave ward]

I think fishyfolk has a good point. It really does depend on the place/situation. I've found that its easy to start pack all the "what if" items we buy as bushcrafters/survivalists, when really 9 times out of 10 your never gonna be THAT far from your car. I personally keep a kit in the car, with things like, 1st aid kit, hat/gloves, lighter/candle, head torch, energy bar for if the car breaks down and get hungry lol then i have a little kit i keep on me everyday when i leave the house, i ride a bike to work so a multi-tool, keyring torch, 1st aid kit and i also keep a lighter in there. I don't smoke but you never know when you need a flame. Then i have my bushcraft kit in a backpack at home, stored away untill i am going out to the woods.

[Dave ward]

Good points sapper, always have the 5 c's!

[Kernowek Scouser]

Buy a shed.

As has been said above, what you carry with you can change from adventure to adventure, as well as evolving over time as your skills improve and your aspirations and intentions develop. Unless you can bring yourself to sell, swap or give away some of the mostly pointless tat less useful gear acquired in a kit buying frenzy, you are going to need somewhere to put it all, preferably out of SWIMBO's sight.

A shed is your friend.

How do you organize the gear in the shed?

That depends on you. I concur with my learned woollyback friend (:D) that EDC survival items are a sop to sneaky 'what if?' thinking. But over time as you head out for your adventures, you may find that you do carry and regularly use the same few bits of kit and if that is the case, it would make sense that the most often used gear, is nearest to the door of your shed. You may want to stow these frequently used items in a pack, but what pack is another thread waiting to happen, so lets not go there here (short answer, it also depends on you).

I would suggest you keep sensible 'hopefully I'll never have to use' bits of kit, with the gear you regularly use. primarily a simple first aid kit as IMHO a FAK IS something you do not want to be without, ditto a safety whistle (a lot of people laugh at me for carrying one whenever I'm off a wandering, but when I bounced down a rock face just before Xmas, although I was able to drag myself back up and start staggering towards help, it was blowing the whistle that alerted folks to my need for assistance) and small torch.

But ultimately, using trial and error, do what works for you.

Good luck,

Atb.

Colin

[Old Guard]

There is a 'discipline' I was taught - LISTS !!!

To ensure you don't carry too much and to ensure you don't leave something important out!!

The trick is to review the list after every trip.

# what did you not use at all.

# What did you miss having with you.

After going through this procedure a few times, you find your kit changing after every trip until you end up with a core kit that never changes and a few different items to add depending on season of the year and the lenght of time you are going to be out.

Don't beat yourself up about having kit all over the house, that's probably normal with most of us (oh God you mean it's just me :ashamed:)

OG

[ian c]

I agree with OG but at the moment i can still carry all the bits an pieces that i want but i do carry some things that dont change, i do have a simple list and then i add to it anything that i want to try out.
As for having kit all over the house my mrs wont let me keep anything camping or bushcraft related in here so that is why i have a garage and it is chock a block with kit that i do not use on a regular basis, but sometimes i have kit that i never use and then its a case of give or sell it on.

[FishyFolk]

There is a 'discipline' I was taught - LISTS !!!

To ensure you don't carry too much and to ensure you don't leave something important out!!

The trick is to review the list after every trip.

# what did you not use at all.

# What did you miss having with you.

After going through this procedure a few times, you find your kit changing after every trip until you end up with a core kit that never changes and a few different items to add depending on season of the year and the lenght of time you are going to be out.

Don't beat yourself up about having kit all over the house, that's probably normal with most of us (oh God you mean it's just me :ashamed:)

OG

I have a huge issue with that kind of thinking. And that is even if I leave something at home on the next trip, because I did not use it on the last trip, nor on the 10 trips before that, the next trip is guaranteed to be the trip that I will wish I did not leave that item at home...lol

What I do is keep two lists. One with stuff that MUST be in the pack when I head out the door fro said trip. Like sleeping bag, hammock (quite essential pice of kit if going hammocking) etc...

And then there is the second list that contains the stuff that I wan't to have with me. Like a book to read, or some kind of new kit I wan't to play with. But that I can do nicely without (the trip will just be a little more boring)

Sometimes the two lists overlap, and nothing is better than when this happens.

[f0rm4t]

Since getting into Bushcraft I've looked at EDC kit and BOB and always thought they're good idea's as long as your'e circumstances are right. I ride a Honda sports bike 25 miles into London Bridge every day, and sit at a desk all day, I live in a 3 bed end of terrace in the outskirts of a town. Pretty normal with no surprises, so a BOB would be a waste of time, space and money for *my* personal environment, but I can see why it makes sense for others. Rune for example.
EDC for me consists of a very small multi-tool on my keys, and I've only ever used the blade on that a few times since adopting the EDC thing ;)

Less is more for me, as I like hiking.
If I'm meeting some of the lads for an over nighter and have the transport, then I go heavy.

Fit for purpose, that's what I always think about :)

[FishyFolk]

Since getting into Bushcraft I've looked at EDC kit and BOB and always thought they're good idea's as long as your'e circumstances are right. I ride a Honda sports bike 25 miles into London Bridge every day, and sit at a desk all day, I live in a 3 bed end of terrace in the outskirts of a town. Pretty normal with no surprises, so a BOB would be a waste of time, space and money for *my* personal environment, but I can see why it makes sense for others. Rune for example.
EDC for me consists of a very small multi-tool on my keys, and I've only ever used the blade on that a few times since adopting the EDC thing ;)

Less is more for me, as I like hiking.
If I'm meeting some of the lads for an over nighter and have the transport, then I go heavy.

Fit for purpose, that's what I always think about :)

What on earth would I need a BOB for?

the next place is not going to be any better than here. What I perhaps would need as a GHB...a get home bag. But only if I am at a distance from home when S.H.T.F. And then It's likely that I would be carrying backpacking gear anyway.

As I see it, it's nice to have the gear. But I just can't see any sudden catastrophe where I would need to keep things packed at all times. It's enough to have some essential camping gear that can be packed if circumstances shift. But I think we'll have advanced warning. And when I go on a trip, I bring things according to need and wan't as I see fitt. Each of hus has to hike our own hike...

Anyway, I am an outdoorsman/bushcrafter, not a prepper or a survivalist.

[Dave ward]

Think the key is to know were your going and what your going for and really do you need items 1. 2 and 3 etc i just think there's such a fine line between bushcraft and survival that new bushcrafters can get mixed up with like i did. Im not saying that you shouldn't prep before going hiking etc always prep.

[OakAshandThorn]

I try to limit how much gear I carry, though there are times I'll go "tool heavy" (I'll take my bucksaw, axe, hatchet, pocket saw etc.) for the fun of it :). Do I really need to take all that stuff? No, I just like to on occasion - it gives me the chance to test out my kit, as well ;).


What on earth would I need a BOB for?

the next place is not going to be any better than here. What I perhaps would need as a GHB...a get home bag. But only if I am at a distance from home when S.H.T.F. And then It's likely that I would be carrying backpacking gear anyway.

As I see it, it's nice to have the gear. But I just can't see any sudden catastrophe where I would need to keep things packed at all times. It's enough to have some essential camping gear that can be packed if circumstances shift. But I think we'll have advanced warning. And when I go on a trip, I bring things according to need and wan't as I see fitt. Each of hus has to hike our own hike...

Anyway, I am an outdoorsman/bushcrafter, not a prepper or a survivalist.
I couldn't agree more T^. What I never understood is why many people in the States religiously carry loads of BOE every time they go in the woods.

[FishyFolk]

Actually as to how much kit you need. The answer is really easy.

You need so much gear that SWMBO is incapable of detecting when something new shows up in the pile :-)

[Tigger004]

I agree with Fishy folk's comment about enjoyment, that's all it's about for me
If I wanted to have a cold uncomfortable night I could get the wife to hose me down and go out in my tee shirt and shorts, I do it to be out there in as much confort as suits me,

[Ehecatl]

Actually as to how much kit you need. The answer is really easy.

You need so much gear that SWMBO is incapable of detecting when something new shows up in the pile :-)

T^ :happy-clapping:

[Dave ward]

Lol yeah keep the buying of equipment stealth as well as the camping :)

[Silverback]

I was once taught and never forgot.....

Any silly **** can rough it.

[rawfish111]

I was once taught and never forgot.....

Any silly **** can rough it.

+1

Also shiny kit T^

Black shiny kit T^T^

[Silverback]

+1

Also shiny kit T^

Black shiny kit T^T^


T^

minesweeping.....you left it now its mine and I'm sweeping it away ;)

[Old Guard]

Actually as to how much kit you need. The answer is really easy.

You need so much gear that SWMBO is incapable of detecting when something new shows up in the pile :-)

How very true :)

[Dave ward]

Well they do say 1 is none 2 is one etc ha ha

[nat110732]

Sorry to hijack this thread but how ya doin mate?I was born in Sneinton and dragged up in Bakersfield!
T^

[Dave ward]

Hi nat110732, im good thanks and you? Its a small world ay! I've lived in Carlton for about 7 years now. Its better than beeston in nottingham ha ha how's bakersfield?

[nat110732]

Indeed a small world..not lived in bakersfield for years now, Im in selston out in the sticks..
Regarging kit, I find that when i take my son with me it vastly increases(if it were up to him we would also lug along a 40mile extension lead to plug the xbox into..) but when its just my own kit its continually assessed..theres always something i could have done without but then you could argue that its better to have something and not need it rather than not have it and need it..confused myself now!!
Cheers
Nat

[Dave ward]

Yeah its sods law that you don't take something and then need it ha ha its great you can get out with your lad a teach him some bushcraft, good times im sure he'll remember :)

[Midge_Fodder]

In my opinion, bushcraft doesn't always involve camping. In fact sometimes I might only be out just to do one thing that's associated to it. It might be a spot of carving or foraging, but sometimes I'm in the woods for 2 weeks or more living on the move. So my pack changes all the time, sometimes its just a bucket, a pen knife and my piece. So yes having a lot of kit is nice, but don't hoard what you won't use. I have no inclination to go to a jungle or a dessert any time soon, so it's no use to me keeping kit for it. However northern woodland, the coast and bleak moors are where I frequent, so that kit is of use to me.

[FishyFolk]

The ammount of kit must always exceed the amount that SWMBO is capable of knowing that you have. This way new purchases will either go unnoticed, or can be claimed as: "Oh, I've had that old thing for ages my dear" :-)

[FishyFolk]

In my opinion, bushcraft doesn't always involve camping. In fact sometimes I might only be out just to do one thing that's associated to it. It might be a spot of carving or foraging, but sometimes I'm in the woods for 2 weeks or more living on the move. So my pack changes all the time, sometimes its just a bucket, a pen knife and my piece. So yes having a lot of kit is nice, but don't hoard what you won't use. I have no inclination to go to a jungle or a dessert any time soon, so it's no use to me keeping kit for it. However northern woodland, the coast and bleak moors are where I frequent, so that kit is of use to me.

I used myu old Ajungilak 4 season bag and Jerven bag in the desserts of the Sudan. And the Jerven bag provided a nice rain/sun cover for me in South and south -east Asia. If you got arctic gear it can be used everywhere, while jungle kit are not so usable in the winter in the Arctic...

[Johnnyboy1971]

Its nice to have loads of kit and to be able to change it out for the various seasons but what do you actually take with you when your out for an overnight or weekend stay.

[TinkyPete]

My Jervens bag certainly gets used everywhere and at all times.

+1 Fishyfolk

As for the rest of my kit, I have loads and use it. I am trying to get to a utopia of a perfect kit for all seasons and a lightweight one :) I know it will take a lifetime and I have to go through a lot of kit to get there. So yes I have loads of kit and yes it get used. Is it too much....Never!!!!!

[TinkyPete]

My Jervens bag certainly gets used everywhere and at all times.

+1 Fishyfolk

As for the rest of my kit, I have loads and use it. I am trying to get to a utopia of a perfect kit for all seasons and a lightweight one :) I know it will take a lifetime and I have to go through a lot of kit to get there. So yes I have loads of kit and yes it get used. Is it too much....Never!!!!!

[-Tim-]

I have one of these-LINK- (http://www.snugpak.com/outdoor/responsepak) a bag to keep my "stuff" in, items such as knife, folding saws (yes two one medium one small) first aid kit, foil blanket, sewing kit some small tools, fire making kit, insect repellent, sharpening kit blah blah blah.

Its not a bug out bag set up for WTSHTF more of a Manbag/toy box, I know where it is and can cherry pick items as and when I want to and when we go camping, canoeing I just grab it and go knowing I have most of my toys at hand and ready to play with :rolleyes:

Cheers
Tim

[FishyFolk]

Its nice to have loads of kit and to be able to change it out for the various seasons but what do you actually take with you when your out for an overnight or weekend stay.

Here is my kit list...just out of my head. I've marked the season specific stuff. I am in a wet, arctic coastal climate where temps may wary between -30 to +5 in winter. But mostly stays beteween -15 and +5. And +5 to +25 in summer. But mostly stay between +10 and +20 in summer. I am kit heavy and the kit I own is also on the sturdy side of things, rather than light. I can't afford UL kit, so I've gone for what will last me when I can.

Sleep system:

TW XL Bivi Hornet hammock with built in mozzie net
DD Snugpak under blanket
Jerven Thermo Hunter bivi bag
Isbjørn Jan Mayen 5 season Sleeping bag (Autumn, Winter and Spring)
No brand 3 season bag summer
CCF sleeping pad

Sharps:
Hultafors felling axe
Biltema bow saw
9" Knivsmed Strømeng Leuku
Enzo trapper knife
Leatherman Supertool III
Opinel #8
SAK

Cook system:
Optimus 111 T stove - winter
Trangia type mets stove with pot stand
Wind screen
Solo cook kit
Zebra billy can
GSI SS kettle
Eagle products frying pan w/ collapsible handle

Clothes:
On the body:

Feet:
Thin wool socks (long)
Thick wool socks (long) - winter
Leather hiking boots or leather ski boots
Gaiters (depending on weather and time of year)

Body and legs
Wool thermal under wear - top and bottom - winter
Cotton T-shirt - summer
Thin high necked fleece jacket (same design as the Norgie)
Traditional Norwegian wind proof cotton smock -( dry, cold winter days only) winter
British forces Gore-tex dessert MTP jacket (in the pack when smock is used)

On the head:
Wool beanie hat in winter
Boonie hat in summer

On the hands:
Norwegian army mittens (Wind proof outer mitten, wool inner mitten winter

In the pack:
British forces Gore-tex dessert MTP jacket (if not on the body)
Thick, home knitted wool sweater - winter
Norwegian army "Anna" softie trousers winter
Norwegian army foot bags/over shoes winter
Medium thick fleece sweater summer
Norwegian Army balaclava winter
Shemagh

Extra clothes in the pack:
A set of Thermal underwear
Beanie hat
1 pair of thick wool socks
1 pair of thin wool socks
1 pair of Norwegian army mittens (wool inner, wind proof outer) winter
1 pair of leather gloves summer

Fire making:
Traditional flint and steel set with char cloth and/or chaga
2-3 Modern type ferro rods in knife sheats etc.
BIC lighter
Matches


Other gear:
1 gazillion lumen ultrafire flash light -August to April only - we have midnight sun
1 gazillion lumen "no-brand" head light -August to April only
1 storm lantern (if I fee like it)
5-6 tea candles
Toilet paper
Washing up kit.

Entertainment:
David vs Goliath type sling
Catapult with steel ball ammo

Fishing rods, reels, lures etc if going to a lake or the beach.

Basic First Aid Kit, containing the usual stuff + some strong pain killers and army compress bandage, surgical strips etc
I know strong pain killers according to some should not be there, but I have a medical condition where I may need them.

In winter I drag it all on my pulk.
In summer I boat or car camp.

It all fits in my 125 litre Norrønna Recon Pack.

[Johnnyboy1971]

That's a pretty comprehensive list, thankyou.
From your location much of your kit is specific to where you are and the environment you live in.
I usually go kit heavy, but I have been working on something a little lighter. I quite like the swag style setup but prefer some modern materials to traditional ones. I still carry a wool blanket for various reasons but this is the kit I used for a weekend away.


I have been having a little play with some bits of kit to make up a swag/bedroll.
I know some people like to use traditional materials but I don't have them and not too good at making stuff.

Here are a few bits I used to good use over the weekend at a recent meet
Bedroll is made up from a US bivvy bag with a Nanok sleeping bag already fitted inside and a folded space blanket under the sleeping bag.
Tarp was folded on top along with ridgeline and some guys.
http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd514/johnnyboy1971/9C12688F-BFB5-44D3-A5AB-6BCB65DE2FDB-907-000001325F726FAF_zps6a17e494.jpg

All rolled up with 5mtrs of climbing rope to carry it with.
http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd514/johnnyboy1971/E889AFF9-AE9A-4978-BFEA-A8F38690AA92-907-000001325BDCB8B4_zps69a7cb80.jpg

Next up was food, cook pot and ditty bag which all fits in a respirator bag with water bottle and mug on top.
http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd514/johnnyboy1971/E93F41CB-10DE-45CE-94BA-A78A9E6E9A0D-907-0000013250602CB3_zpsb6fed45c.jpg
http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd514/johnnyboy1971/9C0345BA-AC83-4DA4-9A53-820CEC32EA46-907-000001325290DB73_zps0fb41e1e.jpg

Was supprised how much you can get in these smallish bags.
http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd514/johnnyboy1971/DC0F1915-599A-4C73-9D56-44BE16C05946-907-000001325520EECE_zps8d951eaa.jpg

all packed up and ready to go
http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd514/johnnyboy1971/E2E93864-7BF4-42B6-A107-DD5EE43D2D91-907-000001324E315A99_zps558cb69b.jpg

And setup for the weekend
http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd514/johnnyboy1971/B05F4F1A-AEBC-4451-B200-B1EB71BAC7C7-907-0000013254D42413_zps6c27fda9.jpg

because it was car camping I did have some spare gear in the car and yes I did use some of it but didn't need to.

I would like like to hear your thoughts on what I could add or change from this set of equipment.

[FishyFolk]

That's a pretty comprehensive list, thankyou.
From your location much of your kit is specific to where you are and the environment you live in.
I usually go kit heavy, but I have been working on something a little lighter. I quite like the swag style setup but prefer some modern materials to traditional ones. I still carry a wool blanket for various reasons but this is the kit I used for a weekend away.


I have been having a little play with some bits of kit to make up a swag/bedroll.
I know some people like to use traditional materials but I don't have them and not too good at making stuff.

Here are a few bits I used to good use over the weekend at a recent meet
Bedroll is made up from a US bivvy bag with a Nanok sleeping bag already fitted inside and a folded space blanket under the sleeping bag.
Tarp was folded on top along with ridgeline and some guys.
http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd514/johnnyboy1971/9C12688F-BFB5-44D3-A5AB-6BCB65DE2FDB-907-000001325F726FAF_zps6a17e494.jpg

All rolled up with 5mtrs of climbing rope to carry it with.
http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd514/johnnyboy1971/E889AFF9-AE9A-4978-BFEA-A8F38690AA92-907-000001325BDCB8B4_zps69a7cb80.jpg

Next up was food, cook pot and ditty bag which all fits in a respirator bag with water bottle and mug on top.
http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd514/johnnyboy1971/E93F41CB-10DE-45CE-94BA-A78A9E6E9A0D-907-0000013250602CB3_zpsb6fed45c.jpg
http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd514/johnnyboy1971/9C0345BA-AC83-4DA4-9A53-820CEC32EA46-907-000001325290DB73_zps0fb41e1e.jpg

Was supprised how much you can get in these smallish bags.
http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd514/johnnyboy1971/DC0F1915-599A-4C73-9D56-44BE16C05946-907-000001325520EECE_zps8d951eaa.jpg

all packed up and ready to go
http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd514/johnnyboy1971/E2E93864-7BF4-42B6-A107-DD5EE43D2D91-907-000001324E315A99_zps558cb69b.jpg

And setup for the weekend
http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd514/johnnyboy1971/B05F4F1A-AEBC-4451-B200-B1EB71BAC7C7-907-0000013254D42413_zps6c27fda9.jpg

because it was car camping I did have some spare gear in the car and yes I did use some of it but didn't need to.

I would like like to hear your thoughts on what I could add or change from this set of equipment.

That is really nice. On summer weekend with good wetaher I could probably get away with something similar. And use my Jerven bag with a fleece inner liner I have.
I just choose to go the comfort route that the hammock represents. I just may get myself a lighter hammock for summer use. Been eying the DD Jungle hammock as it is now available here.

More kit...hmmm, I would perhaps add a small hatchet to make it easier to process fire wood. ANd use a back-pack so thtat therew owuld be room for a change of clothes and food...

Hmmm, maybe I should make one of those "What do I bring" vids...even if its been done to death, lol

[Johnnyboy1971]

Thanks, glad you liked it. In the roll I can fit my folding saw for processing firewood.
Food was in one of the pouches in my bag.
I have a Berghaus Munro which takes my spare clothes and extra food as well as fitting the gas mask bag inside.
It will make the bed roll thicker but I can also add my inflatable mat under the sleeping bag.

Conditions and thoughts of safety dictate what I would carry if it was poor weather.

[alvino78]

The ammount of kit must always exceed the amount that SWMBO is capable of knowing that you have. This way new purchases will either go unnoticed, or can be claimed as: "Oh, I've had that old thing for ages my dear" :-)

T^ exactly

[alvino78]

T^

[midas]

Think its a case of,Better to have it(kit),and not need it !!!Than Need it and not have it.!!!

[FishyFolk]

A lot of the "it's shiny so me want's it" syndrome in my part is due the "need" I feel to improve on what I got. I have a brew kit that works really well. But I keep buying another kettle, a billy can, or a stove for it. I allready have those things and it works. But then I see something and thnk: "thats really nice---gotta 'ave it!"

So now I sit with several brew kits....but it's my original one that I take out...lol. It simply works way better than any other for my needs...

[f0rm4t]

I had a small MultiTool on my key chain I called my EDC.

...It's now in the cupboard. ha.

[ian c]

I have lots of kit and am in the same boat as Rune I always end up taking what I am used to as they all ways work for me, but I do like to try different things (shiny new things)

[midas]

A lot of the "it's shiny so me want's it" syndrome in my part is due the "need" I feel to improve on what I got. I have a brew kit that works really well. But I keep buying another kettle, a billy can, or a stove for it. I allready have those things and it works. But then I see something and thnk: "thats really nice---gotta 'ave it!"

So now I sit with several brew kits....but it's my original one that I take out...lol. It simply works way better than any other for my needs...
Hi Rune,
Its called the "MAGPIE SYNDROME",We all like to collect "Shiny Things."If we used them all the wouldn't be shiny anymore.lol.The would get black from the fire/stove!LOL.

[Silverback]

We buy it....because we can, to some degree because advertising tells us we want it (in some cases), and in others the sheer amount of kit they have is nothing more than willy waving. Some appreciate nice things so they buy stuff, some because they think it will come in handy one day...'nowt as queer as folk'