Trimming Down My Kit

   On a recent outing,Trip Report, I decided to "Trim Down My Kit". Most of the time when I go out I take way too much crap and end up not using half of it. I make a mental note of what I use the most and what I can live without. When I repack for my next trip I leave out the stuff I don't need. I also like to try new stuff as well, so sometimes I just trade one thing for another and still end up with way too much crap.

This time was different. I really want to get down too a ''core" kit so to say. Something I can leave packed and ready too go at a moments notice. Also I would like it to pull double duty as an over night kit, as well as a day kit. Maybe just switch out the pack to accommodate for more clothing or food. I have been using my kit for a few years now and I'm starting to feel like I have narrowed it down to a good all around kit. Sure its not perfect and is going to need some more tweking, but I think if I stick with the plan and stay on tract, My back will thank me!

This is everything I took with me on my last outing, except a few items. More on that later. I was very comfortable for 3 day 2 night trip.

So lets break down the Kit and talk about it a little

The pack is a Frost River Summit Expedtion Pack
Frost River Pack

It did A pretty good job of holding everything I needed and was comfortable. Also is a pair of leather gloves I let ride on the outside of the pack and always take them with me. To me a pair of good leather gloves are indispensable in camp.







The Kitchen

-Donk Grill, Packs easily and maks cooking over the fire a snap!
-Kuksa, Never leave home without it, has been on every trip since the day I got it and always will be.
-Boy Scout Cook Set, This thing is everything you need to do any camp cooking possible.

Shelter

- BCUSA 10x10 tarp
- BCUSA MEST tarp
- Trek Lite Hammock with rope kit
- Diy Poncho Liner Under Quilt
- MSS heavy sleeping bag
- Heavy Duty Emergency Blanket

All of this fits into an Army Surplus stuff sack and is attached to the outside of the pack on top of the lid. This stuff would take up a lot of room in the pack so its nice to be able to attach it all on the outside.





Clothing

-Current Army Issue waffle top and bottoms
-Heavy Wool socks
-Balaclava

Most of my outings, I'm not far from my truck so i keep a change of clothes in the truck. This is what I change into when  going to sleep.



Tools

-Axe
-Saw
-Fixed blade knife (not shown)
-Multi Tool
-Sharpener

My Axe is always different, I have a few that I really like to take in the woods so I rotate the herd.


Fire, Cordage and Misc

-Ferro Rod
-Fire Kit with flint and striker,Fat wood,Jute Twine,Surefire,and Vaseline cotton balls
-Gorilla tape
-WD40, don't knock it till you try it
-Nite Ize Beaners, I use the big one to hang my pack or hang stuff on my pack, the small ones I use on my tarp to make doors
-Spool of bank line. I need to break this down, I don't need too carry this whole spool
Also seen in the picture are hoo-ahhs wipes, these are the greatest things since sliced bread!

-Paracord
-Head lamp
-CRKT Spork































First Aid

This is a first aid kit I put together, it also has some water purification tablets in it. Also seen in this picture is my poncho.

Things not shown
-food
-fixed blade knife
-folding chair
-camera gear

Overall I'm pleased on how this trip went with (to me) such little amount of gear.

thanks for looking!

Boy Scout Cook Set Revisited!

A wile back,(few years ago) I was at an Antique store and came across An old Boy Scout Cook Set. Now most of the time I just ignore these cook sets because they seem to be everywhere! This one was different thou. I picked it up and right away I could tell this thing was heavy. Not your normal all aluminum BSCS, no this thing had some heft to it! After inspecting it and being very happy with my find, I purchased it. I want to say $20 or less! It was a deal!

I got it home and inspected it some more. The frying pan is made out of steel and the pot, pot lid, bowl and cup are made out of very thick aluminum! Man this thing is built like a tank! Not the greatest for saving weight but will hold up forever! Also you can put the pan directly on open flames and don't have to worry about it. I think the steel also makes for a better non stick surface, but I could be wrong. So far in my limited tested I have found some sticking occurs, but not that bad and clean up has been easy. On the cool factor scale this thing scores a 10 out of 10!

I took this thing out a couple of times and played with it. I have used it as a dutch oven even. Put my food in the pan, bowl on top, lock the handle in place and set it in the fire with coals on top and bottom. Worked awesome! Made bannok this way as well. The frying pan is really good. Well seasoned, it almost works like cast iron. The pot itself is a good size for one person. Holds enough water to make a couple cups of coffee or some ramen noodles. The bowl also makes for a good, well, bowl! I have use it to eat out of several times.

My last outing, link, I decided to take this thing out again. I got away from it for a wile and wanted to give it another try. Most of the time I take my canteen cup with stove and my Moras pot. Both of these have served me well but I have been missing a frying pan for a long time. Sometimes I like to eat other stuff besides dehydrated food. After this last outing, I think I am going to make this thing a permanent part of my kit. I feel in love all over again. These pictures shows some awesome bacon and corn beef hash cooking up for breakfast! Man it was good!

This last picture is a comparison of the cook sets I mentioned.

Thanks for looking.