111t's 72 hour/Hiking daypack

[111t]

I put this here to get some input. Rip into it.

The idea is for a hiking daypack that would contain the essentials for one or two nights out if there was an unexpected emergency. This would be intended for 3-season use. The importance of this was demonstrated recently when a party of dayhikers was trapped by rising water at a local creek. Even after they were found (They were able to call for help on a cel phone) emergency services was unable to get to them. They dropped some gear to them from a helicopter, but were unable to land due to the nature of the gorge and the wind conditions. The group was forced to spend an unexpected night out. Some suffered mild hypothermia even though it is summer.

This would also work as a 72hr kit by stretching the food a day. (or adding a little more before going out the door)

Significant improvements include; larger capacity than my earlier system, provision for shelter, enhanced water purification, and a better bivy sack.
The system is contained in a Kelty Redwing pack (i think 3100) There is room to spare.
This is where I got it:
http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/765325


This is a minimal FAK. EDIT: The sawyer kit has been removed.




The small orange bag is the bivy, The large orange bag is a fleece sweatshirt, the black bag is a water filter. The little green bag behind the cook kit is a rainjacket. The large green bag is the tarp and stakes.

[Woods Walker]

+1 on hiking poles. If the tent stakes are cheap Al I would dump them for something better. A tarp shelter needs good stakes.

[ironraven]

Nice rural bag, I like.

I assume you'll add maps at need?

Does it have a bladder, or do you only have that one bottle? If so, I'm not a huge fan of the HDPEs, I've had a couple of them break. Yes, I know, it is the tall one, but one bottle is still one bottle- I'd like to see a second one.

Did you have batteries for the GPS and flashlight?

How do you like the Gerber Trio? I've been thinking about adding one rather than an upgraded MiniMag. I like that you have a head strap for it- at least I assume that is what the the Nite-Ize logo is attached to.

Didn't see duct tape, wire, or zip ties. Dental floss, and put a couple of needles that can be threaded with it in the match case.

Wedge the plunger on the lighter, so it can't be vented accidentally.

Work gloves? And did I miss your socks? Spare glasses, or safety glasses?

And where did you get that tarp? The only ones bigger than a space blanket with the silver side that I find are dark brown.

[mk_ultra]

I would consider adding a Camelback-type bladder if that will work with the pack , or a MSR Dromedary or at least another Nalgene .

Basically another way to carry water.

Other than that , looks very well thought out.

[goblin]

Are you carrying for 2 people? The size and number of some of the stuff seems a little excessive. I mean,if we're talking emergencies here and not camping trips.

[turan8]

I agree on the water thing, you're definitely going to need more water. Other than that, looks like a good setup

[111t]

I would consider adding a Camelback-type bladder if that will work with the pack , or a MSR Dromedary or at least another Nalgene .

Basically another way to carry water.

Usually there is a 1 liter bottle that i keep on the waist belt. I use a nalgene All terrain bottle. I don't think these bottles get the credit they deserve. Though made of polyethelene, it's some sort of super flexible poly so you can suck the water out without fighting the vacuum to hard. Also I have a one liter platypus water bag in the water filter bag as an emergency water container. I probably should have mentioned both of those things. Maximum water capacity is 3.5 Liters. Usually I carry 2.5. There's also a full blown water filter (Vario) and several other ways to purify water including boiling. It is a little excessive.

Are you carrying for 2 people? The size and number of some of the stuff seems a little excessive. I mean,if we're talking emergencies here and not camping trips.

Well, I carry this mostly on dayhikes. The Idea is for me to be carrying a little more for training purposes. I am hiking... not running or jogging and the weight hasn't really gotten to me yet. I suppose if i want to carry weight it might as well be useful stuff. What if i suddenly decide i need to sit and have a cup of tea?! I guess the answer is both emergencies and camping. I did work out a configuration that allowed me to carry a small bear vault in the pack. At that point i would consider it to be fully functional backpacking gear for my area.

Nice rural bag, I like.

I assume you'll add maps at need?

Yes, mostly i hike in Allegany State park and allegheny national forest. Also along the NCT/FLT. I have excellent topos of those places. As you see, there is a NCT map of ANF pictured in the outer pocket with the FAK.

Does it have a bladder, or do you only have that one bottle? If so, I'm not a huge fan of the HDPEs, I've had a couple of them break. Yes, I know, it is the tall one, but one bottle is still one bottle- I'd like to see a second one.

See above

Did you have batteries for the GPS and flashlight?

I recently added 4 AA's in addition to the ones already in the flashlight and gps and GF's camera.

How do you like the Gerber Trio? I've been thinking about adding one rather than an upgraded MiniMag. I like that you have a head strap for it- at least I assume that is what the the Nite-Ize logo is attached to.

It's OK. I think you've got it right about comparing it to the minimag w/nitize conversion. That's about what it is in terms of light output. The minimag switch is the thing that always bothered me. I think of all the minimags i've ever had that's the bit that broke. it seems like the trio has a better system. I may be wrong. Plus i got a few of them on sale a while back for $6 each. Can't beat that. Also the nite-ize headband works with the trio. It's a little tighter fit.

Didn't see duct tape, wire, or zip ties. Dental floss, and put a couple of needles that can be threaded with it in the match case.

All good ideas.

Wedge the plunger on the lighter, so it can't be vented accidentally.

Meh... There's always the firesteel and the coleman fuel...

Work gloves?

What a coincidence! I was just at the store looking at work gloves! I will probably get a set for this and my INCH gear.

And did I miss your socks?

You got me there.

Spare glasses, or safety glasses?

How do you know I wear glasses?

And where did you get that tarp?

Wal-Mart $8 Dolla

The only ones bigger than a space blanket with the silver side that I find are dark brown.

+1 on hiking poles. If the tent stakes are cheap Al I would dump them for something better. A tarp shelter needs good stakes.

Yeah they're pretty much cheapo ones from dicks .60 each if i remember. i want something with the same basic shape so it'll work with the gromets easily. Any specific suggestions?

[Woods Walker]

Yeah they're pretty much cheapo ones from dicks .60 each if i remember. i want something with the same basic shape so it'll work with the gromets easily. Any specific suggestions?

Dump them. These types of stakes are worthless.


Here is what happens:





You can use Easton Tubular Al stakes. Ti nail pegs are nie too. However all if you tie a loop around the grommet you are not longer dependent on nail type pegs. A loop will also allow the stakes to be adjusted if you are over a rock etc. Plus I think a loop though a grommet reduced the stress. EMS V stakes or Golite stakes are nice. The V stakes are under 1 dollar each.

http://www.ems.com/catalog/product_deta ... 4489160444

Some Easton stakes. Often around 2 bucks for 6 inch or 2.50 for 8 inches. I would got with the 8 inch stakes. They come in a few colors. I have the black that came with my USMC 2 man tent.

http://www.gossamergear.com/cgi-bin/gos ... takes.html

Ti Nail pegs. They are not cheap but nice. If these bend they can be bent back. The same is not true with cheap Al pegs as these will remain f@cked.

http://www.ems.com/catalog/product_deta ... 4489160444

I have a bunch if Ti Sheppard hook type pegs but these are a bit thin. Strong however not the best for holding. I tend to use these for ground cloth tie-offs or for UL siltarp setups when not really expecting to make camp. More of a daypack thing for me.

[uberhahn]

Don't underestimate the value of ground-cover. your head may be dry/sheltered from rain, but if you've a wet A$$, you'll be unhappy. Even a small tyvek sheet 4x6ft can be folded very tightly...

[111t]

Don't underestimate the value of ground-cover. your head may be dry/sheltered from rain, but if you've a wet A$$, you'll be unhappy. Even a small tyvek sheet 4x6ft can be folded very tightly...

I've been thinking about that. Thanks! I'm "torn" between poly... that i have and tyvek that i will need to buy.

[Woods Walker]

+1 on the ground cloth.