Bakeel's G1 EMR BOB (with lots of pics)

[Bakeel]

Well I drank the Kool-Aid and picked up a Kifaru G1 EMR while they are on mark down. I have been agonizing on pulling the trigger on this bag for over a year or so, and with the good deals Kifaru is running how could I not pick one up.

Well now onto the bag, it is a Kifaru G1 EMR in foliage with two long pockets (dock and lock side zipper) also in foliage. This bag is huge, and well built it has more PALS and straps than I know what to do with. I picked up a set of web dominators to try and control all the extra straps but have not gotten around to putting them on yet. The bag carries the weight well, you hardly fell it when once you have the straps set properly. I am still in the process of shaking the bag down, and will be taking it out again in mid-April for a two or three night trip. I know it has a lot of redundancy built in but that is intended. I do have to try to pair it down though.

Pack Picture Key

1: Water treatment/wood stove/hygiene/fire kit
2: Shelter: Tarp/tent spikes/carabiners&figure 9s/trap ridge line & guy outs
3: FAK/top lid
4: Cooking set up
5: Tool & misc. stuff

Pack Picture key 2

6: Lensatic compass with lanyard
7: Blow out kit, mini-FAK
8: Fire steel, striker, and mini-LED light
9: Bladder tube


1: Long Pocket dock & lock with side zipper

- Water Filter and Steri-pen adventurer, collapsible wood stove, hygiene kit

Fire Kit

- storm proof matches, strike anywhere matches, cotton balls in Vaseline, fire steel & striker, magnesium bar (added but not pictured BIC lighter)

Hygiene Kit

-small tub Vaseline, Q-tips, tooth paste, Chap-stick, Rolaids, medicine pack (Imodium, Sudafed
Sinus, Advil, Tylenol), Not pictured toothbrush (currently being cut down, as well as case),
soap may use a hotel bar or Dial Liquid soap

Water Treatment

-Katadyn Hiker Pro, Steri-Pen Adventurer (need to get spare batteries for this), Katadyn purification tabs (8), Nalgene wide mouth adapter
* I need more tabs for back up as I can carry more water than I would have tabs for

Collapsible Stove



- see this thread for more info
- also contains two Trioxane fuel bars (for fire lighting)

2: Long Pocket dock and lock with side zipper

- tent spike, tarp guy-out lines, tarp ridge line
- Carabiners, Figure 9 carabiners
- Backwoods Daydreamer Winter Dream V2 tarp in stuff sack

3: Top lid and FAK

- Ti-spork
- Topo map of NJ, and spare bladder tube both are in zipper pocket of the top lid (need to add a road map too)

- FAK (molle butt pack)

- Double mag pouch
- new skin
- After Bite cream
- SPF 30 sunblock
- hand sanitizer
- Main compartment
- 3' gauze x 4
- 40"x40"x56" triangular bandage (splinting or a sling) x 2
- 12"x30" sterile multi-trauma dressing x 1
- 4"x6.25"-7.25" field dressing x 3
- Bodiheat adhesive heating pad
- Sam finger splint x 2
- Bite stick
- Fine tweezers
- alcohol prep wipes x 20
- CPR mask
- Hydro-cortisone Cream x 6
- Povidone-iodine ointment x 6
- Triple antibiotic ointment x 6
- Burn gel x 8
- Acetaminophen x 6
- Antidiarrheal x 6
- Ibuprofen
- Calcium carbonate x 4
- Diphen (allergy) x 4
- Band-Aids (various sizes)
- Gorilla tape 10'
- 1" tape 5yards
- 4"x4" gauze pad x 12
- 5"x9" sterile combine pad x 4
- 4 5/8" x 3 3/8" mole skin x 3

4: Molle sustainment pouch (cooking set up)

- Cook system
- Beer can stove w/primer tray
- DIY Caldera cone
- Heineken keg can pot with lid
- 16 oz. denatured alcohol
- hardware cloth stove/pot holder (tent spikes keep the keg can above the stove)
- tea set up (Lipton tea bags, slepnda/sugar/sweet&low packets, fire steel, strike anywhere
matches)
* I need to invest in a ti-cup

5: Molle sustainment pouch (tool pouch/misc gear)

-Pelican case from Steri-Pen
- 8 AA in battery case
- 8 AAA in battery case
- BIC lighter
- 6' 550 cord
- 10 Katadyn tabs (kept separate from water treatment for redundancy purposes)
- 5 Gatorade individual mix pouches
- Plastic camp shovel
- Gerber sliding saw (this rocks I use it all the time)
- 50' 550 cord and a 6' piece of 550 cord
- Repel with DEET
- Cheap multi-tool and center punch

6: Lensatic compass with 550 lanyard

7: Blow out kit, mini-FAK

- 4"x4" gauze pad x 4
- assorted single dose meds and ointments
- 5"x9" sterile combine pad x1
- 4 5/8" x 3 3/8" mole skin x 3
- assorted band-aids, burn gel, alcohol prep pads
- 40"x40"x56" triangular bandage (splinting or a sling)
- Chapstick
- 35mm film canister with rubber gloves
- 4"x6.25"-7.25" field dressing

8: Fire steel, striker, and mini-LED light

9: Bladder tube

10: Inner pack contents

- 3L hydration bladder in bladder radio pocket
- 24" cable tie x 7.5
- Black stuff sack
- Black BDU pants
- UA light weight bottoms
- Camo short sleeve wicking shirt
- cotton sock (need to replace with thin smart wool socks)
- Nike fast dry/wicking shirt
- Green stuff sack
- MRE x 2
- Mountain House Pro-Pack x4
- instant oatmeal x 3
- crunchy peanut butter Cliff Bars x 4

- Chamber pocket

- emergency blanket
- wet wipes
- LED penlight with green led
- warrior wipes
- Gorilla tape 15'
- ear plugs x 2
- trash bag
- storm proof matches & 35mm canister w/cotton balls in Vaseline
- RIR pad
- ZS bandanna
- signal mirror

- Bottom Compartment *long pocket included in pic for size comparison)

- Warbonnet Blackbird Hammock 1.7 Double
- down under quilt "Incubator'' by The Perfect Trees
- MSS green bag in compression sack (when funds are available I would like to replace my MSS with a down top quilt for space and weight reasons)

Not Pictured (used on a resent camping trip)
- Gerber LMF II
- Gerber multi-tool
- Leatherman pocket knife
- heap lamp (two settings)
- Nalgene 32 oz x 2
- Small LED flashlight
- Mini LED flashlight
- Poncho
- 10L MSR Dromedary

Kept in truck
- Gortex rain gear

Let me know what you think or if you have any suggestions. Since working up this post I have already thought of some changes and additions. After the final shake down coming the weekend of April 15th-18 I will have adjustment and a final weight (dry and wet).

[Stormrider]

Wow, looks like you've got everything covered nicely!

[Bakeel]

Thanks, still a work in progress. I picked up some CR-123s for the Steri-pen while at work today. I don't think a bag is ever done, there is always something that can be tweaked.

[DBR]

That's a great kit that would see you through some rough situations.

We have so much gear that is similar, it's frightening. That pill case you have, my brother sent me one from Arkansas and I have never been able to find them here in Maryland, where did you get it? Mine is a pale green.

Katadyn, I have a Cabela's GPX Bivy and a British Basha Tarp...I owe this friend of mine in a trade, that was for a Snugpak Merlin 3 which I might have to fight my Wife for.

All of my gear gets loaded into a SpecOps T.H.E. (Corny Name) Pack. Awesome pack, needs a better name.

[Shaper]

Nice job! I am always jealous of you Kifaru owners.

I am interested in what it will weigh.

[Bakeel]

We have so much gear that is similar, it's frightening. That pill case you have, my brother sent me one from Arkansas and I have never been able to find them here in Maryland, where did you get it? Mine is a pale green.

I think I got them from Walmart a few years ago not sure if they still sell them.

Nice job! I am always jealous of you Kifaru owners.

I am interested in what it will weigh.

Before the first shake down trip it was just under 50lbs dry, some stuff has been removed some stuff has been added. I am guessing it is going to be 55lbs dry, and I am going to try and get in some hiking at a hammock camping event I am going to. I want to try find ways to lighten it up. I was always jealous of the Kifaru owners too, but I saved and found some money and joined the ranks while they are having the G1 sales. So far it has been worth every penny, it has been better than any other pack I have ever owned.

[Woods Walker]

I liked the use of economical Molle pouches on that EMR. Looks like a Molle belt pack tossed on for a top lid. I see you added a Bic to that fire kit. I kinda like them despite the conventional internet wisdom against lighters, though they are only part of my fire kit. That's a good looking tarp in your link. Do you have the winter dream or the 4 season? I was also looking at this one:

http://www.jacksrbetter.com/11%20x%2010 ... 20Tarp.htm

[doc savage]

looked over and hefted his rig during the last camping trip.... was incredibly light and compact for the sheer amount of useful gear in there.
bravo! am in envy of the utility of your folding saw.

[NYKh]

Nice bag. I like your combination of high-end commercial gear and tried and tested DIY.

[Bakeel]

That's a good looking tarp in your link. Do you have the winter dream or the 4 season? I was also looking at this one:

http://www.jacksrbetter.com/11%20x%2010 ... 20Tarp.htm

Woods I have heard good things about them (JRB tarps) from the guys on Hammockforums, I just came upon the Winter Dream at a steal. I have the Winter Dream V2, I love it, and the doors are great. Check out my blog, I have a review of it as well as the tech specs for the upcoming Winter Dream V3. Scott's shop is currently shut down as he is moving, but I think it is worth the wait (Scott's customer service is great). If you want a good foul weather tarp, that could even double a tarp tent than the WD is the tarp to go with. Woods do you find that the bladder gets impinged upon in the pack when it is full of gear? When I had the full MSS in the bottom compartment, I couldn't get an empty 3L bladder all the way down because the bag was blocking it. I am curious as to what the seasoned Kif guys do.

am in envy of the utility of your folding saw.

Thanks Doc, and I am in envy of your shovel. Hey I still have some white gas....whoosh

Nice bag. I like your combination of high-end commercial gear and tried and tested DIY.

NYKh, thanks, the DIY stuff is great and very ultralight. I found that I could save weight in the stove and cookware area of my set up by going DIY. Also DIY is fun and helps build skills. I have plans to make some ripstop sacks for stuff as well as some pouches.

[aa1pr]

Nice gear, but what is the weight of that homebrew stainless steel stove you have made? It looks kind of heavy knowing SS. I find it interesting you have an alcohol stove to boot.

The blackbird hammock seems interesting/appealing also.

[Woods Walker]

Thanks for the info on the tarps. Given the frame etc if your EMR is loaded this will take away from some of the bladder’s room. You can put the full water bag in first or position more compressible stuff around it. But to be honest the EMR is kinda big so it has never been too much of an issue. It’s so easy to toss the kitchen sink into an EMR so resist the temptation.

I do like the shape of these newer hammock tarps and think they could be employed for other tasks as well, nothing against standard tarps as been tarp camping with those for years. A hammock system is a bit like tarp camping but with a second floor. Still for very cold weather I go with a breathable bivy/tarp combo or a UL heated shelter.

[Ghost_Jaws]

Woods do you find that the bladder gets impinged upon in the pack when it is full of gear? When I had the full MSS in the bottom compartment, I couldn't get an empty 3L bladder all the way down because the bag was blocking it. I am curious as to what the seasoned Kif guys do.

Not speaking for WW here but I have the G1 MMR and found the internal bladder solution to be less than ideal while out and about. Mostly because in AZ if you're hiking a longer trail, you're gonna consume a lot of water. That means you've gotta get inside the pack to refill it, which can be a pain. Plus, depending on your bladder and load, there is the possibility of applying too much pressure to the bladder, causing it to leak. My plan from here out is to keep the water bladder in an external pocket for ease of access and less susceptability to leaks.

[Bakeel]

Nice gear, but what is the weight of that homebrew stainless steel stove you have made? It looks kind of heavy knowing SS. I find it interesting you have an alcohol stove to boot.

The blackbird hammock seems interesting/appealing also.

aa1pr: I don't have a postal scale on hand but for a rough comparison I would say it weighs maybe as much a pack of playing cards. It is small I built it based on the nimblewood stove design from Zen stoves. I carry it because it is light and should I run out of alcohol
I still have a stove option.

[aa1pr]

Nice gear, but what is the weight of that homebrew stainless steel stove you have made? It looks kind of heavy knowing SS. I find it interesting you have an alcohol stove to boot.

The blackbird hammock seems interesting/appealing also.

aa1pr: I don't have a postal scale on hand but for a rough comparison I would say it weighs maybe as much a pack of playing cards. It is small I built it based on the nimblewood stove design from Zen stoves. I carry it because it is light and should I run out of alcohol
I still have a stove option.

Thanks as there was nothing for size comparison.

[Bakeel]

Woods and Ghost_Jaws: thanks for the advice on the bladder. I am thinking that I may switch the bladder to exterior to prevent leakage or access issues. I know that the aftermarket tarps have come a long way. The doors on the Winter Dream V2 let you pull tight or use the mitten clips and leave the "loose" and allow it to breathe.

Aa1pr: not a problem, it really isn't that big. The pictures make it look bigger than it really is.

[Stormrider]

Before the first shake down trip it was just under 50lbs dry, some stuff has been removed some stuff has been added. I am guessing it is going to be 55lbs dry, and I am going to try and get in some hiking at a hammock camping event I am going to. I want to try find ways to lighten it up. I was always jealous of the Kifaru owners too, but I saved and found some money and joined the ranks while they are having the G1 sales. So far it has been worth every penny, it has been better than any other pack I have ever owned.

While 55 pounds is not lightweight you could have done a whole lot worse considering the size of that bag.

Personally I like to try to keep mine under 50 and more compact so as to avoid looking conspicuous during a bug out, i.e. keep it looking about the same size as a normal bookbag to blend in and not be 'that guy with the giant backpack'. That's only my preference though, if I had money for a Kifaru bag I'd probably toss that notion out the window

Love the DIY cooking setup BTW, thats awesome.

[Bakeel]

After this BOB shakedown this week coming up I am going to try and shave some weight some how. I am going to weigh each component shelter, food, etc and try to figure out ways to lighten the load. For better or worse I have chosen the path of the conspicuous guy with the big bag. I had thought about getting a hiking pack for that "guy with a backpack but not an army looking guy" look but decided against it. I will have to take my chances, my goal it to stay out of sight as much as possible.

Yeah I am loving my cook set up, it was fun to build. I downloaded a CAD program that was designed for cones to layout the Caldera cone. It was a lot of fun to tinker with, but I need more practice with the alcohol stove to learn proper fuel amount to boil rate so as to better conserve fuel. Practice will bring yield that knowledge though.

[Bakeel]

Some updates, I purchased a container from the Container Store to put the cook system in. the only down side to this is I have to build a new spacer for between the stove, and pot. I also picked up some miscellaneous stuff from Eastern Mountain Supply.





I also picked up 10 yards of black ripstop nylon at Jo Anne Fabrics to pursue some projects for the BOB.

[Stormrider]

After this BOB shakedown this week coming up I am going to try and shave some weight some how. I am going to weigh each component shelter, food, etc and try to figure out ways to lighten the load. For better or worse I have chosen the path of the conspicuous guy with the big bag. I had thought about getting a hiking pack for that "guy with a backpack but not an army looking guy" look but decided against it. I will have to take my chances, my goal it to stay out of sight as much as possible.

Really not a big deal anyway. Personally I live near a college town, and I'm in that age group. Ive found that one can put on the part of "eccentric student" and get away with just about anything. If I was older, "burnt out old weirdo" would have the same effect lol

Something to think about as far as blending in goes.

[Woods Walker]

I think that SS GSI cup will nest with a 32 oz Nalgene if not mistaken.

[Dr D]

That is one beast of a pack. I think you should work on lightening it for the sake of being able to haul a ridiculous amount of food. With all that stuff in your pack how much room is left?

Also, don't fall down. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMDTOPlpdKY

I'm considering a g2 Zulu in Foliage sometime soon for weekend trips. I don't like having more than 20lbs base weight before water food. My friend says I'm stupid for getting a 5lb pack but I want one and can't explain why.

[Bakeel]

It is a beast but the Kifaru packs really carry the weight well. I know I have to get the weight down though. From Thursday on I will be out in the wild with it so I will have a chance to shake it down and see what must go and what must stay.

[CipherNameRaVeN]

I like