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!