offcamber's INCH Bag and contents

[offcamber]

Howdy fellow ZS'ers!

Every now and again a fellow member will ask me to post up the contents to my INCH bag.

For years now I have repeatedly promised to do it, but never get around to it, shame on me.

Well, I took a bunch of pics of my gear for insurance/theft purposes and decided it was a good time to go full bore and finally post my kit contents up.

I've learned a lot from the folks here on the board, so maybe some of my ideas on a decent INCH will help future members tune, tweak, and build up there preps as well.

Before we start I want to thank all who bought, sold, and traded me stuff in Bartertown, as well of those who posted amazing deals in the Bug Out Deal thread. Without those tools available, I doubt I would have gotten very far, lol.

So lets get to it!

Purpose: To me, every prep/bag etc. should be built around a plan. In this case, mine was to build a bag that suited my needs if I ever had to leave my BIL permanently. I also wanted the various components of the bag to work in an E&E, offer multiple firearm/ammo carry options, and save my sorry ass from the elements at the same time. A tall order for sure, but I have finally got my kit dialed to where it comes pretty close to doing all that I require from it.

Lets take a look at the kit. This is me donning the rig. The two primary components are the chest rig and pack:


My bug-out plan involves using civvy style clothing with camo as a secondary if required (more on this later).

My biggest issue was incorporating firearms carry into the equation. I can't stand drop leg holsters, and I also can't stand shit flopping all around my pack, legs etc when hiking. I settled on a chest rig carry position for my pistol. My rifle can be mounted in one of two ways, docked and locked on the left side of the pack body via a Kifaru universal gunbearer, or quickly accessible via a strong side carry with a Kifaru combat gunbearer.

Ammo is carried in the chest rig for easy access.



Now lets take a look at the pack and chest rig components.

We'll start with the pack:




The pack itself Is a Mystery Ranch NICE 6500 in multicam with a Coyote Brown harness.

Additional components include:
1. Two Kifaru Long Pockets (mounted on the left and right sides)
2. Kifaru Universal Gunbearer on left side pack body
3. Kifaru Combat Gunbearer on right side waistbelt
4. Grey Ghost Gear 7.5X10 utility pouch mounted on left side waistbelt
5. Tactical Tailor modular hydration pouch
6. Outdoor Research Airpurge drysack/compression sack in Coyote Brown (for sleeping pad)

Now the Chest Rig and its components:



The chest rig itself is a S.O. Tech Hellcat MK2 in multicam with the optional hidden pistol holster/module.

The rest (from left to right):
1. Grey Ghost Gear grenade pouch
2. Tactical Tailor strobe pouch
3. Emdom USA FAK pouch
4. Zulu Nylon Gear mega admin pouch
5. Tactical Assault Gear Utility Pouch
6. USGI double pistol mag pouch with buckle closure

So now let's get into the nitty gritty. When I started this project I was primarily focused on a pack only bugout. As I read more and more threads asking what happens if you have to ditch your pack, or what about an E&E. That really got me thinking about incorporating second line gear into my preps.

I have never been a big fan of chest rigs, but I quickly realized that they have their place. It helps you retain weapons, ammo, medical supplies, and basic survival equipment in a situation where you may have to dump your pack. MY MR pack also has a scout pack built into the top lid.

Basically, in a bad situation, I can drop the pack completely and have the basics on my body, or if time allows, quickly disconnect the scout pack and haul ass.

The Kifaru side pockets also allow for quick detach as well.



Lets take a look at what's in the chest rig and scout pack:

First up is the chest rig:


1. Petzl Taktikka headlamp
2. USGI strobe

Med Kit:




Decent collection of med stuff, not the best but works for me. Some key points:
1. Izzy bandage
2. Gauze
3. Collection of various bandaids, butterfly stitches
4. Tape
5. Moleskin
6. Emergency blanket
7. gloves
8. Cold compress
9. Ace bandage
10. Triangular bandage

Admin Pouch:




1. Leatherman Surge
2. CRKT M21 knife
3. Shoelaces
4. EMT scissors
5. County Comm small widgy bar
6. Write in the Rain Pad
7. Sharpie (w/ duct tape) and Inka collapsible pen
8. Water purification tabs
9. Fire Striker
10. Can opener
11. Foxx emergency whistle
12. Fenix L2D Q5 flashlight
13. Tinder Quick firestarters
14. Compass
15. Strike anywhere matches and tube.
16. County Comm monocular
17. Generic glow stick

The small pouch on the front right side houses my comm radio: a Wouxun KG-UV2D but I forgot to take a pic.. dammit!

Utility Pouch:




1. Bandana
2. Hot Hands
3. Hand Sanitizer
4. Tissues
5. SOF T torniquette
6. Snares
7. Nato Matches
8. Small CRKT backup knife
9. Small backup multitool
10. County Comm Signal mirror
11. Compact scissors
12. County Comm compact folding jigsaw/saw blade
13. NduR survival straw
14. spending cash
15. County Comm pea lighter

Ammunition:


1. 6 USGI mags in 5.56
2. 4 1911 Mags in .45acp

Now lets have a look at what's in the scout pack:



1. OR Gore Tex Alpine Bivvy
2. Survival Solutions OPSEC Poncho - multicam
3. Tru-spec Boonie Cap
4. 782 Gear Shemaughlava
5. OD shemagh
6. Gerber LMF II knife
7. Guyot Designs SS Nalgene
8. MSR Hydration Bag
9. USGI Fleece cap
10. Waterproof snow gloves
11. 100 ft paracord

To me between whats in the chest rig and whats in the scout pack, I should be GTG in a "ditch the pack" scenario. At least to get by long enough to reclaim my pack, lol.

Now we will get into the bulk of the goodies in the pack. For this section, some things may be redundant, as I broke them down into categories. Some of the stuff in the chest rig or scout pack may be showed again for simplicity.

All pack Modules removed:


Cooking:


1. MSR pot/lid
2. MSR pot handle
3. CRKT Spork
4. Trailstove wood burning cook stove
5. Snow Peak Titanium Nest cup. Not shown.. it may be lost, I'm not sure why it isn't with my kit right now. dammit!

Water/ Storage/ Purification


1. Guyot SS Nalgene
2. MSR Miniworks H20 filter
3. MSR Hydration Bag
4. Blackhawk 2L hydration pouch/bladder
5. USGI canteen
6. NduR survival straw
7. Water purification tabs

Sharps:


1. CRKT M21 knife
2. CRKT M16 knife
3. Gerber LMFII knife
4. Leatherman Surge multitool
5. M4 Serbertool - mini multitool

Fire/ Firestarting


1. Fire Striker
2. Tinder Quick firestarters
3. County Comm Pea Lighter
4. Bic
5. Nato matches
6. Strike anywhere matches in tube

Wet Weather Gear


1. USGI Gen 3 Multicam Parka - Gore Tex
2. USGI Woodland Gore Tex Pants
3. Survival Solutions OPSEC Poncho
4. Tru Spec Boonie Cap
5. OR Gaiters.. not shown because I forgot to put them in the pic. dammit!

BTW, I absolutely love the OPSEC poncho, I think everyone should have one. The thing can be used as a survival shelter, as well as being large enough to cover your whole pack.. its got lots of snaps for securing to your person in various fashions as well:



Shelter/Sleeping


1. OR Alipne Bivvy - Gore Tex
2. Bushcraft Outfitters Multicam Tarp
3. Kifaru Woobie
4. North Face Cats Meow 20 degree bag / Greyghost stuff sack
5. Thermarest/ OR dry compression sack

Firearm Maintanence:



1. Emdom USA Kit Mat - with all the basics for cleaning firearms (don't feel like listing it all, lol).

Hygene and Meds:


1. Soap, toothbrush, TP, basic meds, hand moisturizer, lip balm, vaseline, tooth repair kit etc.. all the comfort stuff.

Electronics, gear repair etc:


1. Solio charger
2. Silva Tech 4 AA and AAA solar charger
3. 8 AA and 8 AAA rechargeable batteries
4. Sewing kit
5. Fishing kit
6. Snap repair kit
7. Quick Stitch
8. Buckles for pack repair
9. Duct Tape
10. Electrical tape

Clothing (packs into an OR drysack):




1. Propper Multicam M65 Field Jacket
2. Tru Spec multicam BDU top and bottoms
3. Mt Hardwear fleece jacket
4. Top/bottom Duofold long underwear
5. Socks and skivvies
6. Wool military sweater
7. Poly T-shirts (short and long sleeved)
8 Pair of cargo Shorts

Food:


You get the idea, lol.. too lazy to list all the foodstuffs.

Battlebelt:


The belt itself is a padded Tactical Tailor modular belt

Components:
1. GGG pistol mag pouch
2. GGG triple M16 mag pouch
3. GGG dump pouch
4. GGG grenade pouch
5. GGG 7.5X10 utility pouch
6. London Bridge Tactical holster
7. Tactical Assault Gear double knife/multitool pouch

The battle belt is packed empty and is only used when scouting, patroling camp or maybe have to go to town. It can be configured as needed from existing gear. It can also be warn in conjunction with the chest rig if required.

My 5.11 Tactical Sabre Jacket covers the belt quite nicely but allows access quickly if needed.




Last but not least. During any bug-out I plan on wearing civvy style colors/clothes, but I do have full camo packed as an option.

Here are some full loadout pics, lol:


Anyway, thanks for looking, let me know if you have any questions/suggestions. Its appreciated.

[Manimal2878]

How much does all that way?

How well do those solar chargers work? Could you clip them to your pack and have a charged battery at the end of the day?

[Das Sheep]

It looks really awesome if a bit heavy. I suppose INCH bags are going to typically be heavy though.

[Boondock]

You need more coffee.

[On Point]

Nice kit! How much ammo you going to carry & do you have a designated pouch for it? And IMO, if that's your INCH bag, add more food. Otherwise, great kit, I love the quality of your gear.

[aus.templar]

I love all the multicam... very sexy.
I'm going the civvie earth-tones + multicam set as well. Currently my Go Bag (which is both my BOB and INCH) is a multicam bag, though I'm considering swapping that out for a tan or dull green if I can find one I like.

[offcamber]

How much does all that way?

How well do those solar chargers work? Could you clip them to your pack and have a charged battery at the end of the day?

It weighs a decent amount but during outings with it it is very manageable for me based on my size and fitness levels. My BOB weighs 3 times less, but this is an INCH afterall, lol. You are carrying everything you think might be of value to prolong your life in an upended situation.

The worst of it is water, ammo and firearms.. that stuff adds up fast. I am lucky to live in an area where surface water is prevalent so I can eliminate weight by not filling every water bottle/canteen/bladder in my pack at all times.

I have spent a lot of time trying to eliminate weight in areas like no tent (sylnylon tarp), lightweight clothing, ditching the bows to my bivvy, no camp axe/machete/saw, no tent stakes, no fuel based camp stoves and fuel canisters, and adding in lightweight aluminum or titanium products where I can.

I have also cut out stuff like nails, zip ties, full rolls of tape, heavy waterproof canisters (ie pelican style cases). Pack weight is an ongoing battle of needs vs wants.

As far as the chargers are concerned, you can lash them to packs and charge during hiking.. I find they work better when you are at camp and laying in the sun for 6+ hours though. The Solio charges things like GPS, phones, and compatible comm equipment. The Silva works well for charging things that take batteries like headlamps, flashlights etc..

Let me know if you have any more questions!

[offcamber]

Nice kit! How much ammo you going to carry & do you have a designated pouch for it? And IMO, if that's your INCH bag, add more food. Otherwise, great kit, I love the quality of your gear.

I plan on carrying 6 USGI 5.56 mags (30 rds), and 4 1911 .45acp mags. The USGI mags are carried in the tailored slots on the chest rig. The four 1911 mags are carried in a modular HSGI pouch attached to said rig. Thanks!

[offcamber]

You need more coffee.

Lol, I think you are right.

[Das Sheep]

More honest assessment:

I think you do need more coffee. I have the little instant tubes in mine, and I use them when normal camping. I would also suggest getting two or three bags of senna tea. They add nothing, weight wise, but they will, um, 'Move' you. Great if your diet is mostly meat (say if you had to bug out in the colder months, and could only get fish and small game), since meat does not seem to go through folks as fast. Being 'backed up' sucks almost as much as the opposite, and can really be pretty painful.

I think you also need more TP. I have some of those little camp toilet paper rolls, and I have brought one camping once, it does not go far. I would suggest maybe two normal rolls of TP. If you seal them separately in food saver bags it will keep them from getting wet and ruined if you need to ford a stream or something.

Virginia does have a lot of game, but its probably unwise to rely on hunting in an INCH situation. I would suggest some fishing gear with auto fishers or a trotline. Trotlines are really great since you usually can not spot it until you get close, and you could lay it and collect your fish from it at night, so if you are in a dangerous INCH situation, you can avoid detection while still getting enough food to live with. Autofishers are also not big and hard to spot if you paint them with some earth tones, but probably not going to get you as much fish as a trotline. The great thing, I think, about fishing, is that its typically more sure than hunting. I saw you have some fishing gear, though it did not look like a whole lot. Sorry if I am mistaken.
Also in the theme of INCH fishing here is an repellent article about various means of fishing without a fishingpool. It includes trotlines, yo-yo's and more.
http://www.outdoorlife.com/articles/fis ... ee-fishing

First Aid: Have you considered a bottle of liquid bandage? I love liquid bandage for hiking or moving a lot since it flexes with your skin and keeps the wound sealed up and water proof way better than a normal bandage. You can get smaller bottles (spray on or with a brush applicator) that fit great in an ifak and have enough liquid bandage for a dozen applications or so. Many also have antiseptics and minor pain relievers in the mix. Its also great for dealing with cuts on joints, or on your fingers (gloves make it hard to wear normal bandages and not mess with up with gloves), or the like.
Here is a youtube video of some dude using new skin, one of the brush on liquid bandages.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXnc6kRJ9Jo


PPE: I think you should get some safety glasses. It really sucks if you are shooting a gun in prone or have someone (maybe someone in your bug out group) shooting a gun near you and dust etc gets in your eyes. Maybe some foamies as well if you are with others. Knee pads and maybe elbow pads are also great if you are carrying gear at a decent pace and suddenly need to get low quickly. Its not so bad, maybe, in soft ground, but over asphalt the like you can bang your knee's and elbows up. Even a light bump to a knee can really slow you down majorly and I really suggest knee pads. Getting low over anything quickly without pads when your carrying that much is probably going to suck big time for your knee's.

I know all my suggestions add weight, so I am sorry for that. And I know you probably don't want to add any. But I just thought I would offer them up. Anyway your kit seems over all pretty solid, and it does look really pretty.

A+ bug out porn.

[offcamber]

I think you also need more TP. I have some of those little camp toilet paper rolls, and I have brought one camping once, it does not go far.

I would suggest some fishing gear with auto fishers or a trotline.

First Aid: Have you considered a bottle of liquid bandage?

PPE: I think you should get some safety glasses.

Knee pads and maybe elbow pads are also great if you are carrying gear at a decent pace and suddenly need to get low quickly.

Hey Das Sheep, thanks for your input, a lot of good points you made there..

On the TP front, I've done a lot of backpacking where there was none to be had.. I figure the stuff I've got will be transitional until a point of none at all, lol. You kinda get used to snow, pinecones, leaves etc. after a while. Actually you never really get used to it.. it just is what it is.

I'm definitely going to look more into your fishing recommendations. My kit is pretty basic. I think I have some speedhooks in all my crap here somewhere. They don't weigh much, so I should at least add that to supplement my kit for now.

I have never used liquid bandage before, I will definitely look into it.

As far as safety glasses go, I actually wear glasses, I just had them off in the pics.. I originally had some ballistic goggles in the kit, but chucked them for weight. I might revisit the idea.

I also have some Alta kneepads around here somewhere, but they are really bulky and kinda a pain in the ass to wear for any length of time..

Thanks for the suggestions, keep them coming! Its the ideas/learning part of this I really enjoy the most.

[The Machinist]

That is a very impressive kit on display there sir. Thank you for sharing. I do like your poncho and will be checking out the web for one. I also have been looking at Gore Tex ECWCS parka and pants since last fall. How do you rate them for function and feel? Would you recommend going with Gen III or is Gen I or Gen II a good start? Thanks again for your excellent post.

[ineffableone]

Thanks for sharing, looks like a really good INCH.

Loving you used the MR 6500, and very cool how you added the extra pockets from Kifaru. The 6500 was the pack I was first looking at getting, but ended up opting for the Crew Cab. Though still plan to eventually get a 6500 too.

I totally here ya about balancing the weight with the gear you feel you want and need for an INCH pack. Even with all the gear I loaded into mine, I ended up packing several smaller bags and a tote with extra gear in case I can bring it in a vehicle or other transportation.

[offcamber]

That is a very impressive kit on display there sir. Thank you for sharing. I do like your poncho and will be checking out the web for one. I also have been looking at Gore Tex ECWCS parka and pants since last fall. How do you rate them for function and feel? Would you recommend going with Gen III or is Gen I or Gen II a good start? Thanks again for your excellent post.

Thanks Machinist!

The Gen III parka is a whole lot lighter and more packable than the previous generations. The new stuff is ripstop and almost feels like a lightweight windbreaker. They also removed the arm pockets and broad waist pockets and added slash pockets so there is no real pocket storage to speak of though.

Weight wise, I'm definitely happier.

I have not updated to the Gen III pants, so I'm not sure how they compare physically.

I had really good luck with my GEN II gear and still use the parka frequently. Prices have come down a lot on the woodland and acu stuff so you really can't go wrong either way.

[Badger24]

You need more coffee.

I found that Costco has good deals on the Starbucks Via coffee packets. Otherwise I think your ready, nice posting btw.

[The Machinist]

Thank you for the 411 on the differences between the Gen II and III sir. I like both camo patterns but I also like having useful pockets as well. Decisions, Decisions.... It is interesting to know about the weight difference as well. I never took that into consideration until you mentioned it but when the parka will probably be stowed most of the time in my AO, it makes sense to go with Gen III. If you have an idea and don't mind giving your opinion, what is a good price to pay for a Gen III parka? One more quick question, how well insulated if any are the Gen II and Gen III parkas? Thanks!

[moab]

This is a long ass critique. But it's only because I love your load out so much. And because I'm an INCH guy too:

Great pics and write up. And great load out. You can tell you put a lot of time and thinking into your INCH loadout.

I'm trying to do (about finished) the same thing you have already done. Actually this is my second attempt. My original INCH load out is around here somewhere. But it came in way to heavy for me. So I've had to re-analyze what I was taking. And spend more money on lighter weight gear. The old adage applies "buy once, cry once". It took me awhile to learn that lesson. One I'm happy to see you have learned from the get go. Or so it seems.

(You really need to weigh it. If for nothing else everyone elses reference. When reading this they may want to put together a similar load out. But might end up to far on the heavy side for what they can carry. It also gives us some input into how to heavy this loadout may be. Where you might save some weight. Or where some extra weight may be feasible.)

1) My first loadout had a lot of pouches. They take up a lot of weight. I would reconsider as many of them as you can. But more specifically I would look at the war belt and the chest rig. Do you really need both? It seems like they overlap a lot. I think your strategy is that you can wear one under your jacket while in town(?). While the other is more visible(?). I think you should consider consolidating your gear into one form of chest rig or war belt. They both sort of serve the same purpose. And why take along more web gear than you absolutely have to? Especially ones that sometimes run empty. You could be making room for more essential items like food or ammo.

2) Again sort of another "pouch" issue. But have you considered loading your pack up a little more and ditching some of your pouches. I think that pack has some more room at the top. I don't think you would be sacraficing to much to add more inside of it. In exchange for another pouch or two. Say that big pouch on your pack waistbelt. That does not look to comfortable.

3) I really like how you've loaded the AR. I think everyone with an inch bag should have a means of packing their long gun. I would also consider some form of concealment though. Say a scabbard or a simple multicam bag. At least make it look like tent poles or something. I also didn't notice any kind of sling. A nice one or two point sling will keep the weight off your arms when carrying it. I also love that your pack lid serves as a patrol pack. And that you've outfitted yourself with a "patrol" or EDC loadout for when your not with your pack. That should be part of every INCH bag IMHO.

4) Love the fact that your outfitted with multicam. A very wide ranging camo IMHO. And if your rocking four different camo or non camo colors your never going to fit in anywhere. At least with one camo pattern you can blend into at least some environments. Whereas mixing - one part of you is always going to stand out. I only wish that the BDU's and the ECWCS jacket came in a lighter less bulky weight. I have the same problem. And I can't fit another multicam jacket besides the 3xl ECWCS. Someone smart is going to make hiking weight multicam clothing at some point. And I'll be there with my wallet open.

5) What is the USGI strobe for? Assuming it's an INCH pack - rescue does not seem like it would be on the menu. I question whether you need this in an INCH pack.

6) First aid kit. I'd ditch the tape and maybe add a little more duct tape. Duct tape is better IMHO, you can make pretty much any bandage out of it. I'd also ditch the bandaids for the same reason. I'd also ditch the cold compress. That's a boo boo item so it's up to you. Who knows you may have a bad knee. I have bad...well...I carry metemucil for a similar reason. LOL!

I might consider some bug spray. And some anti-biotics and pain killers for use and for trade. They're worth more than their weight in gold. And you can carry a lot more of them than gold.

7) IMHO you have to many knives. Ditch the folders. And keep the fixed blade and the larger leatherman (although I think you could use a lighter weight leatherman and get away with it. I have the Surge and that thing is a beast!). I don't see the need for that additional weight of the two folders. I'd also ditch the little multitool. And keep the surge in your patrol pack.

8) Is that flashlight the Fenix E21? If so it rocks. And I love that choice. It runs 11 hours on two AA's. Can double as a weapon light. And is just a really nice placement weight wise, power wise and intensity. (Ah. I just read where it's the Fenix L2D Q5. Don't know that lights specs. But if it's anything like the E21 good on ya!)

9) I'd trade your metal medic scissors for the flat sheet metal medic shears (can't think of the technical name for them but you get my drift.) They just seem to cut so much more. And stay together when doing that far longer. YMMV.

10) What kind of compass is that? Do you have a backup? Even a button compass (or two) will do.

11) You need a couple more Bic lighters IMHO. At least for an INCH bag.

12) Your really light on food gathering tools. I would put more snares, but better yet, some metal traps like conibears or duke foothold traps in depending on your AO. Same with fishing gear as previously mentioned. I would consider hightest braided fishing line. I carry 300yds of 50lb test. And it takes up no room and no weight.

13) I could get away with fewer mags. But I'm a weight cutting whore.

14) Love the shemagh. It doubles as a towel. Like nothing else. Can dry around your neck. Very versatile piece of gear. I also love the OPSEC poncho. Those have been on my radar for some time. Glad to hear a positive recommendation. HAve you used it a lot?

15) Does that wood stove stow flat? That looks like it takes up a lot of room if it doesn't. I'd consider a smaller wood stove. Love the idea of a wood stove though. I make them. And keep mine in a fabric pouch to keep the black off of everything. But I guess that's what the pouch is by it eh?

16) I'd swap out the extra usgi canteen for a 2 liter platypus bottle. To go in your patrol pack. REALLY small and lightweight. And will take up WAY less room than the canteen. Unless it serves another purpose I'm not aware of.

17) Not sure if this is really an issue. As tent vs tarp is really an AO thing. And I think in your AO you'll be happy with a tarp. But there is a lot of bulk in your shelter system. I'm not sure I wouldn't swap out some of it for a tent. Or at least swap out the woobie and bag for one 0 degree sleeping bag. Or if you really need the woobie. I'd consider a lightweight down jacket before I would consider a woobie. I have one that weighs about 8-10 oz's. And is a HEATER. And probably packs down just as small if not smaller.

18) Firearm Maintenance. Oh ya it's an AR. LOL! (Joking. I'll back off into my corner and cradle my AK now.) Not sure you need that big roll out bag for it. Seems like a little overkill. I'd consider a light weight string pouch or something. Maybe even ziplock to keep the smell out of everything else.

19) I agree with you on the toilet paper. I went to great lengths to smash mine down and vacu seal it. A waste of time. As once you use it it's open. And once it's gone your using your hand, a rag, leaves, rocks, what have you.

20) Not sure what the ratings are on your solar chargers. But you should check out the reviews here http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Solar-Cha ... ws/Ratings" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; And take a look at the Bear Grylls and the Instapark 10. You might be able to kill two birds with one stone here. Less tech stuff to go bad. And you might save some room.

21) Ditch the field jacket. You already have a 3-4 layer jacket system. Why the M65? It's not waterproof and it doesn't provide much in terms of insulation. I'd stick with your fleece as softshell and your ECWCS as your hard shell. I loved my M65 when I was in the Corps. But unless your mechanized. It's wasted weight IMHO.

22) I think your food looks just about right. And ya, more coffee. You can ALWAYS use more coffee. I also pack Trader Joes mango black tea. Tastes great, little to no weight, lots of caffeine. Can be a real morale booster once your coffee runs out. I would also consider more dried food though. Like jerky or mountain house. Or dried fruit or veggies.

23) What are your boots? They look good.

24) I'd though in a camp shoe. PReferably flip flops. Lightweight. You need to dry off your feet on a daily basis. That's hard to do just sitting or laying down the whole time. At least with camp flip flops you can move around some without getting your feet dirty or wet again.

A really kick ass loadout, offcamber. I'm envious. Hopefully I'll have my pics up soon. My loadout list is done. But I still have a few things on my purchase list. You put a lot of thought into this. And it shows. Keep up the good work. And keep us up to date as you improve and manage this beast. You've done a great job IMHO.

Patrick

[moab]

I just read your post about the Gen III parka. Can you tell me where you purchased yours? I have GEN 2 parkas and they are rather bulky. I like the description you gave of the Gen III being lighter weight. Can you elaborate on the differences between the Gen II and the Gen III? How much smaller is it? How much less does it weigh?

[offcamber]

If you have an idea and don't mind giving your opinion, what is a good price to pay for a Gen III parka? One more quick question, how well insulated if any are the Gen II and Gen III parkas? Thanks!

I got a really good deal on ebay on mine.. somebody mis-listed it and I was the only bidder. I think I paid $65, lol. Honestly though, they can be had for around $100-$115 if you aren't in a hurry and wait for a good auction.

There is pretty much no insulation to be had on the Gen III's. It has a Gore-tex liner, but the outer material is so thin it really just feels like a windbreaker. I just tend to layer accordingly depending on temps/rain/wind etc.. My Gen II feels stout in comparison. It also feels like it may be more durable in the long run since the Gen III's are so light. I guess only time will tell, lol.

[moab]

If you have an idea and don't mind giving your opinion, what is a good price to pay for a Gen III parka? One more quick question, how well insulated if any are the Gen II and Gen III parkas? Thanks!

I got a really good deal on ebay on mine.. somebody mis-listed it and I was the only bidder. I think I paid $65, lol. Honestly though, they can be had for around $100-$115 if you aren't in a hurry and wait for a good auction.

There is pretty much no insulation to be had on the Gen III's. It has a Gore-tex liner, but the outer material is so thin it really just feels like a windbreaker. I just tend to layer accordingly depending on temps/rain/wind etc.. My Gen II feels stout in comparison. It also feels like it may be more durable in the long run since the Gen III's are so light. I guess only time will tell, lol.

If the size difference was great enough I would opt for the Gen III. The Gen II takes up a lot of room. But as my go to jacket I make the sacrifice. I could be swayed very easily in the direction of the Gen III if it's as packable as you say and hardy enough to at least hold up say 75% as well as the Gen II.

[Mags]

This kit is BOMB! Great kit and post! lots time, effort, thought, philosophy and $$$ there. Well done! Two small remarks...... Dump that crap Rem Oil. Look into Slip or Frog for those weapons especially for an inch kit. Other one was I don't recall seeing a hatchet/axe, (or head,) or saw. I like real tools for shelter building etc especially again in an "Inch Kit."

That's it, I'd have to go through it again and nit pick to find things. Very kewl, well done! Thanks for posting!

[offcamber]

I just read your post about the Gen III parka. Can you tell me where you purchased yours? I have GEN 2 parkas and they are rather bulky. I like the description you gave of the Gen III being lighter weight. Can you elaborate on the differences between the Gen II and the Gen III? How much smaller is it? How much less does it weigh?

Hey moab, I picked mine up on ebay.. if you keep an eye out you can usually pick them up for a decent price.

As far as size, they are similar, just a whole lot less bulky. They pack down like a rainjacket. The materials are also different. See the pics below, I tried to get a shot of the ripstop pattern. The fabric feels a a lot softer than the old krinkly Gen II's as well.

Here is the jacket stuffed in a small stuffsack with a USGI canteen for reference:


Here is the jacket next to some older style pants, you can see the gore liner in grey:


Here is the ripstop pattern:


Hope this helps!

[Woods Walker]

Trailstove for the win.

[The Machinist]

This kit is BOMB! Great kit and post! lots time, effort, thought, philosophy and $$$ there. Well done! Two small remarks...... Dump that crap Rem Oil. Look into Slip or Frog for those weapons especially for an inch kit. Other one was I don't recall seeing a hatchet/axe, (or head,) or saw. I like real tools for shelter building etc especially again in an "Inch Kit."

That's it, I'd have to go through it again and nit pick to find things. Very kewl, well done! Thanks for posting!

Mags, I have seen this lube called Gun Juice. Listed as a dry film lubricant. The name seems a little lame and I have yet to find someone who has used it. It is made by Microlon which is a reputable company though. Ever heard of it and if so, how would you rate it compared to the Slip or Frog?

Offcamber, you know that having Mags stamp of approval on your kit means you only lack Mags twin brother Woodswalker's stamp before you can rest assured that you will be able to walk off into the wilderness and never need to come home again!