My BOB/gear advice/WMBO entry

[mmaiolo81]

Here we have it folks, my BOB...
Before the goodies/pron starts I would like to say a few things... a good bit of my kit is DIY... I am on a tight budget and nice commercial stuff is nice, but out of my price range at the moment... any good kit (i.e. Under Armor) is left over from a time when I made good money... Please keep the koolaid's out of it... I am eying on some of them and have some stash put away to buy some quality kit but that's just not reasonable at the moment...

A med Alice on frame, MOLLEII straps and waist belt...




Attached to the belt is a LMFII knife, and gadget pouch (forgot to take pics of the contents but it is a Sliva Ranger compass, emergency poncho (for plastic), headlamp, head mosquito net, and 2 clif bars YUM!!)

Attached to the Ruck: is a hydrastorm hydration pouch, a MOLLE FAK pouch (with my prerigged tarp in it Bishop Bag style with tie outs and tent stakes) a Biner, lethaerman core, and Isomat

In the first pouch i have: a 'working' pouch with 100ft 550 cord, ferro rod, tider, and storm matches. a "moving hygene' pouch with hand sanitizer, TP, wipes, gold bond and wisps. a 8oz bottle of denatured alcohol for my cat stove, hard candies, and a snare kit.



in the middle pouch I have my FAK tons of contents gonna probably need to do a full run down list in the First Aid section one of these days, but neither I, nor my wife, nor another prepper I know can think of anything short of full blown 'blow out' trauma that can't be handled with this kit.



in the third pouch is my 'cook pot set' all DIY, it's housed in twist close knock off containers, the pot is a fosters oil can... inside is the cat stove 3 oz. olive oil, cream and sugar, and a spoon. In the top container are tea bags, and foil... I might be adding coffee...




inside is the food kit, DIY hammock (sheet style) in the blue bag, bug net just above it, Woobie (in the green one) 2 100oz hydration (1 with mylar JIC) pocket fishing kit, a 32 oz and a 16.9oz nalgene, and my admin pouch (contents 1 pen, 1 pencil, 1chemlight, 1 screwdriver kit, 1 green marker, 1 wet erase marker, about 10ft of duct tape, signal mirror, note pad, extra lighter, and rosary)



inside the food kit: clif bars, GORP, Cream of Wheat cinnabon flavored YUMMY!!, spam and tuna pouches, instant potato packs split and vaccuum sealed along with brown rice and bannock, seasoning packs from the local store too...



Clothing, flannel shirt, Columbia pants, UA cold gear mock, UA cold gear bottoms, 1 pair rocky wool socks, 1 pair thorlos, UA boxer jock, UA t-shirt, athletic shorts, and boots.



Misc in pockets/forgot to put in at the time... Zune player for tunage, BOAT (gonna do a stand alone post on this too sometime), Knife, micro stream, carmex, Bandanna, bic lighter, mini comp book with stuff in it, and alumawallet, Sanyo Taho phone, and a Driod 2(not for service but for GPS and books)...



forgot to add my map of AO for the camp...

Me and a non ZS member are going backpack camping/BO on Jan 6,7,and 8 at Myakka River State Park... figure an approx 7 mile hike to camp... only water source provided might not work if the water table isn't high enough (that's why I am bringing in almost 2 gal) and since bringing it in no need for purification tabs or filter, worst case I boil after prefilter.

Christmas Fairy's list:
Mess kit
Shemgah
more wool socks
dry bags

Please critique, and mention things to add, however as said previously, I don't have the ability to add kool-aid items...

[Jeffcee]

awesome set up!
The only thing Id suggest is to try to hang they hydration bag on the frame between the frame and your back. it balances a little better and will free up some space. I have a different bladder carrier though so I dont know if it would work with yours.

[JustInCase]

Very resourceful!

[ForgeCorvus]

Any idea on the 'sticker-price' ?

I wouldn't mind taking that for a walk, seems to have everything

I like basic and home-made kit

[mmaiolo81]

awesome set up!
The only thing Id suggest is to try to hang they hydration bag on the frame between the frame and your back. it balances a little better and will free up some space. I have a different bladder carrier though so I dont know if it would work with yours.

I got thinking of that but the only way I got it to work was to actually remove the pack... and that means having to do it to refill too... or I could try to invert it.... food for thought tho thanks for the advice...

Sent from my hammock... Far far away...

[mmaiolo81]

Very resourceful!

Thank you... I appreciate it...

[mmaiolo81]

Any idea on the 'sticker-price' ?

I wouldn't mind taking that for a walk, seems to have everything

I like basic and home-made kit

Not really... a lot of it was laying around... my guess is that I have at least 65 in the ruck, 30 or so in the FAK, Cook pot set totaled out to like 15, my buddy just bought a woobie for $45, probably 20 or so just in 550 cord, 25 or so in food, $65 for the LMFII, got the Silva Ranger Compass used at the army/navy for $15, found the isomat at good will for $2, the hydration pack was like $75 for 1 bladder, add another and the mylar for another $45 or so, tarp setup only cost me 5 or so (it's a cheapo 6x8 in a diamond) but the pouch its in cost me $10 or so, snare kit didn't cost anything really, the pocket fishing kit cost me 8 or so in PVC all the rest I had laying around...

anywho, including clothes i'd say.... 6-700 or so... never really thought about it... most of it was prior purchase tho... the only stuff I had to buy just for the kit was the food, cook
set stuff, ditty bags to hold it all, tarp stuff, a couple extra biners for the hammock, and the christmas fairy list... all the rest of it was home already, just compiled it all... so out of pocket for the kit was like $60 max... all the rest was recycled...

and thanks, I tried to think of all the bases when assembling the kit...

Edited for spelling...

[mmaiolo81]

ok so with my day off I attempted to take jeffcee's advice and attempt again to attach the hydration bladder to the frame, with out success... I also attempted to try and carry the ruck with the 3L bladder full attached to the outer pouch, also with out success, so I think I will carry both bladders in the radio pouch internally....

[mmaiolo81]

As was mentioned in another thread, my wisps are here by in the trash, and a film can of baking soda is in... also added a 12 oz bottle for my alcohol instead of an 8 oz (8oz will now go in to the wifes bag)... and attached is the map for my trip Blue is vehicle location, red is in/out path, and green is day 2 hiking... I am approximating that the in/out is 10 mi each way (on fri and sun), and the hiking day (sat) is 15 mi... totaling the weekend at about 35mi traveled...

[omega_man]

looks good! I think you're fairly well prepared regardless of budget constraints.

[mmaiolo81]

looks good! I think you're fairly well prepared regardless of budget constraints.

Thank you... I have a few other odds and ends to put in for cold weather if there is such a thing in florida, but holding off until I get a better weather forcast...

[maine1]

Good kit.
NOT A THING wrong with home made gear. The only people that i have had look down their noses at homade gear are people with store bought BRAND NEW gear that they do not know how to use, and they need to be SHOWN how to improvise, create, ect.

i think that well though out hommade gear is often superior to purchased gear, as it is usually custom fit to the user.

[mmaiolo81]

Good kit.
NOT A THING wrong with home made gear. The only people that i have had look down their noses at homade gear are people with store bought BRAND NEW gear that they do not know how to use, and they need to be SHOWN how to improvise, create, ect.

i think that well though out hommade gear is often superior to purchased gear, as it is usually custom fit to the user.

Thank you... I totally agree... I have spent a good spell in the woods and more or less THINK I have a decent handle on what I'll need... Hence the reason for mock bug outs...

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[mmaiolo81]

Ok so I just caalled the site, and they say water table is good, so I'll drop one of the full 3 liter bladders, and boil what I need extra... whew 8 pounds less weight...

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[TheFishinMagician]

Prairie is a good ways out there...be sure to stop and rest when you get to the bridge in Deer Prairie Slough. It's some of the only good shade you'll find out there. All the sugar sand on the powerline road makes for sucky hiking. There's not a lot of shade trees, besides a few scattered small pines, around the Prairie camp. Good thing you're going during our "Winter"...Summertime would kill you making that hike. I know...I used to work out at Myakka. I'm working at a different park now.

Have fun!

[mmaiolo81]

Prairie is a good ways out there...be sure to stop and rest when you get to the bridge in Deer Prairie Slough. It's some of the only good shade you'll find out there. All the sugar sand on the powerline road makes for sucky hiking. There's not a lot of shade trees, besides a few scattered small pines, around the Prairie camp. Good thing you're going during our "Winter"...Summertime would kill you making that hike. I know...I used to work out at Myakka. I'm working at a different park now.

Have fun!

We are going to stay at oak grove Prairie was book for reservations surprisingly... would you recommend coming from the trail head then as opposed to comming down powerline? And I haven't made the whole trek all the way back to that end of the park... sort of unventured territory...

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[TheFishinMagician]

Well, Railroad Grade/Powerline Road is actually considered a trailhead (albeit an "informal" one), so I guess you're meaning the trailhead at Fox's Low Road. That's a nice hike from either Fox's High Road or Fox's Low Road...plenty of shade and scenery, but it obviously adds to your total distance you'll be covering. You should be fine going down the powerlines for a direct route. It's just tough slogging in some spots. You might want to bring the extra water, since you won't get to refill until you reach the Slough...unless you plan on stopping at Bee Island along the way to refill...it's not too far off the powerlines. If you go from the trailhead, you'll have oppurtunities to refill your water.

Yea, Oak Grove is a pretty nice camp. It's in the hammock along the edge of the Slough, so there's plenty of shade. Nice and remote...doesn't see a lot of people too often, so you should have an enjoyable trip.

If you look at the trail map...Prairie camp used to be located right at the point where it says "East Loop" out by Oak Grove. If you hike around that area you may find it. There was an old "historic site" out there too but they took it off the trail map. It was an old derelict windmill that was a remnant from back when the park used to be a cattle ranch. There also used to be an Eagle's nest out there that we would monitor. If it's active, they may have the trail blocked off, though. The eagles are "skittish" when they're nesting (which they're doing right now in our area. They should already be sitting on eggs, matter-of-fact) and since they're federally protected they won't let people hike trails nearby a nesting site. The park boundary fencelines to the North and East of Oak Grove are really cool trails/roads to hike down. Very scenic. Bring your camera.

Any other questions, just ask. Happy to help. Myakka is one of my favorite parks, and I know that place like the back of my hand. If I didn't have to work, and you would have been willing, I would have liked to join you.

[mmaiolo81]

Well, Railroad Grade/Powerline Road is actually considered a trailhead (albeit an "informal" one), so I guess you're meaning the trailhead at Fox's Low Road. That's a nice hike from either Fox's High Road or Fox's Low Road...plenty of shade and scenery, but it obviously adds to your total distance you'll be covering. You should be fine going down the powerlines for a direct route. It's just tough slogging in some spots. You might want to bring the extra water, since you won't get to refill until you reach the Slough...unless you plan on stopping at Bee Island along the way to refill...it's not too far off the powerlines. If you go from the trailhead, you'll have oppurtunities to refill your water.

Yea, Oak Grove is a pretty nice camp. It's in the hammock along the edge of the Slough, so there's plenty of shade. Nice and remote...doesn't see a lot of people too often, so you should have an enjoyable trip.

If you look at the trail map...Prairie camp used to be located right at the point where it says "East Loop" out by Oak Grove. If you hike around that area you may find it. There was an old "historic site" out there too but they took it off the trail map. It was an old derelict windmill that was a remnant from back when the park used to be a cattle ranch. There also used to be an Eagle's nest out there that we would monitor. If it's active, they may have the trail blocked off, though. The eagles are "skittish" when they're nesting (which they're doing right now in our area. They should already be sitting on eggs, matter-of-fact) and since they're federally protected they won't let people hike trails nearby a nesting site. The park boundary fencelines to the North and East of Oak Grove are really cool trails/roads to hike down. Very scenic. Bring your camera.

Any other questions, just ask. Happy to help. Myakka is one of my favorite parks, and I know that place like the back of my hand. If I didn't have to work, and you would have been willing, I would have liked to join you.

I have heard of lost of 'lost areas' at Myakka, a woman I work with's 2 sons are eagle scout leaders and she was telling me about all sorts of stuff there... I was planning on bringing the canera for the WMBO entry, but it sounds like I'll be bringing some pictures home for the family too... if you can get out of work you are more than welcome to come along...

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[mmaiolo81]

TheFishinMagician,

you made mention that there were water resupply points along the trail into the camp site... I was processing my weight load, and it got me thinking about this... where are the resupply points on the trail? I know that Honore, and Panther Point have wells, but that takes us off the forward trail a bit... was wondering if you could shed some enlightened know how on this one...

[TheFishinMagician]

TheFishinMagician,

you made mention that there were water resupply points along the trail into the camp site... I was processing my weight load, and it got me thinking about this... where are the resupply points on the trail? I know that Honore, and Panther Point have wells, but that takes us off the forward trail a bit... was wondering if you could shed some enlightened know how on this one...

If you're going down Powerline/Railroad Grade, just take the side road into Bee Island to top off the water. It's not very far off the main grade at all...maybe 75 yards or so. Then, if you want, you can follow the trail from Bee Island straight to the boundary fenceline. At the fenceline, you can follow either the hiking trail or the fenceline vehicle access road until you get to "Hullinger's Corner" (see map--it's where the fence makes a 90 degree angle and meets the Railroad Grade) . From the corner, you can get back on the Powerline/Railroad Grade or continue to follow the boundary fenceline until you get to the little spur trail leading you into Oak Grove. If you follow the fenceline into camp, it's shadier in most spots so you'll be using less water. If you get back on the Railroad Grade at the corner, you can top off your water when you get to the bridge in Deer Prairie Slough. Just be ready to treat all your water that you find...the water from the pitcher pumps tastes like rusty pipes so some gatorade mix or something should help.

I don't know what your personal water requirements are, since some people need to drink more water than others. I personally can drink like 3 gallons a day since I sweat like a whore when I hike. If you bring a 3 liter hydration reservoir and maybe an extra 1 liter nalgene you should be fine. I have a Park Ranger buddy who still works out there who could get away with making the trip with less than a 1 liter bottle, but he's like a camel!

Hope that helps.

[mmaiolo81]

TheFishinMagician,

you made mention that there were water resupply points along the trail into the camp site... I was processing my weight load, and it got me thinking about this... where are the resupply points on the trail? I know that Honore, and Panther Point have wells, but that takes us off the forward trail a bit... was wondering if you could shed some enlightened know how on this one...

If you're going down Powerline/Railroad Grade, just take the side road into Bee Island to top off the water. It's not very far off the main grade at all...maybe 75 yards or so. Then, if you want, you can follow the trail from Bee Island straight to the boundary fenceline. At the fenceline, you can follow either the hiking trail or the fenceline vehicle access road until you get to "Hullinger's Corner" (see map--it's where the fence makes a 90 degree angle and meets the Railroad Grade) . From the corner, you can get back on the Powerline/Railroad Grade or continue to follow the boundary fenceline until you get to the little spur trail leading you into Oak Grove. If you follow the fenceline into camp, it's shadier in most spots so you'll be using less water. If you get back on the Railroad Grade at the corner, you can top off your water when you get to the bridge in Deer Prairie Slough. Just be ready to treat all your water that you find...the water from the pitcher pumps tastes like rusty pipes so some gatorade mix or something should help.

I don't know what your personal water requirements are, since some people need to drink more water than others. I personally can drink like 3 gallons a day since I sweat like a whore when I hike. If you bring a 3 liter hydration reservoir and maybe an extra 1 liter nalgene you should be fine. I have a Park Ranger buddy who still works out there who could get away with making the trip with less than a 1 liter bottle, but he's like a camel!

Hope that helps.

My maps says water is not available at Bee Island... And that is very informative, I appreciate your input... I also sweat like a whore all the time... so now I need to figure out a way to 'comfortably' carry the 3L camelback on the ALICE... I'm thinking of attaching the hydration pouch to the top frame and have it layover the top flap of the ALICE

[aa1pr]

looks good! I think you're fairly well prepared regardless of budget constraints.

It is not how much $$$ you have invested into items. it is what you can do with what you have !

[TheFishinMagician]

My maps says water is not available at Bee Island...

I think it should be available for you there. I don't think it's been that dry...unless they had to entirely remove the old pitcher pump for some reason. Bee Island primitive camp is situated right in a hammock, so there might be some water in the low spots you can gather, if the pitcher pump is out of commission. Let me make a phone call tomorrow and I'll find out for sure what the deal is and get back to you.

[mmaiolo81]

Chrismas fairy update:
2 more pairs of wool socks
Dry Bags
Mess Kit
Clothes
Aquamira Fronteir Straw
Sporks

I wound up putting my MSS carrier back on to accommodate the gear... the only things in the bottom are my woobie, hammock, and bugnet (the lightest of my gear)

Also doing a backyard camp with my 5 year old so he doesn't get too jealous about my trip in early Jan... Pics to come...

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