Quote:
Originally Posted by dainbrain
MIDDLE LAYER (Second Line):
(Load Bearing Equipment and Web Belt)
• RADIO
• WEAPONS CLEANING KIT
• COMPASS (That you can read at night)
• KNIFE
• FIRST AID PACK
• PONCHO (If not in ruck)
• MATCHES (Waterproof)
• SURVIVAL POUCH
• CANTEENS (x2) or CAMELBAK
• RATIONS
• 550 CORD (100ft)
• STROBE Light
• CHEM Lights
• FLASHLIGHT x2 w/red lens (With extra batteries)
• EXTRA SOCKS (2 pair minimum).......
|
Take just the listed equipment above, pick a weekend (moderate weather time period - early spring to late fall - I'm being nice to you) a month out and go to a primitive trail system or park that allows you to hike a trail, camp out and build a small fire.
Then just do it - regardless of the weather - and don't add any gear because of the weather.
I would suggest dropping the poncho in favor of a space/camp blanket - the ones with grommets and a shiny side. Buid a fire against a large rock with the blanket as a lean-to shelter on the other side and you'll sleep fairly well. With a flop hat it can be drapped over your body and tied under your chin with two small pieces of 550 cord. The flop hat will drip the water away from your neck area.
And who are you going to talk to with all those lights? If you have a radio you don't need all the lights - tell 'um what you have. If you ain't got comms having all those lights mean nothing. If you have comms you can get by with a head mounted white/red LED light system (them things are small) with extra batteries and a candle (same size as a chem light - but many more uses).
Think you can get by on just one pair of extra socks?
The month out date means you can't fudge your pick based on the weather - you go whatever the weather is that weekend - and you don't repack based on the weather. Pack your gear, set it in the truck, pick your date and then go.
PS - you would be amazed at how small a large lawn/leaf plastic bag is before you unfold it - and all the things you can make out of it in the woods.
PPS - All you guys reading this coming up with your own lists - do the same thing. Take the gear out and work it. See if it does what you think it will.