Everyday Carry - CamelBak Backpack

EDC Pack

I was issued this pack back in 2006. It sat, more or less, unused until I retired from coaching in 2010. I started riding my bike 8 miles each way to work and it became a fixture in my life. As my Go Bag, First Aid Kit, Suitcase, Get Home Bag, Lunch Box, Mobile Office, and Hydration Solution it did it all for me. 

I logged over 750 miles walking/hiking in Rhode Island according to my GPS App, all with at least 25 pounds in the bag. It has held it's shape, the stitching looks new on the entire pack, and nothing has failed on the pack, snaps, buckles, or zippers.

To give you an idea of the usable space inside I carry a large water proof Plano 1412 Shallow hard case inside it, with a change of clothes, mole skin, suture kit, aluminum splint, duct tape, Katakyn Filtration kit, and some fire starting materials. There are the Maxpedition Fatty and Pocket kit bags in there. Another Waterproof Hard Case from Outdoor Products that has my serious first aid supplies in it. A pair of Vibram 5 finger shoes. A hammock with bug net, 50 feet of 550 cord, and three carabiners. There are always a half dozen cliff bars in there as well. I do my best to cycle through those, but every once in a while I'll come across a really old one to gag down. 

Do I have too much redundancy in the pack? Absolutely, but here is my reasoning. I am used to carrying a heavy pack (minus water) if I ever have to rely on that bag to get me home it gives me three options. Cache things I deem unnecessary at the time (either in place or along the way, share with friends going a different direction, barter along the way. 

Pros and cons to the pack itself. Pros, bullet proof construction, MOLLE straps all over it that aren't noticeable until you're inside 10 feet. Great use of space. The hip belt does a great job of taking weight off your shoulders. Big plus, the Hydration Pouch is insulated well enough that if you fill the bladder with ice it keeps your water cold for a full 12-15 miles of walking on warm days.

Cons: The shoulder straps could be a lot more ergonomic. A few more interior pockets would make it easier to keep organized.  

I was recently issued an Urban Assault Pack from CamelBak that replaced the old MULE. I'll have a review up on it soon.

Thanks for reading. Feel free to ask questions or comment.

Blogs I'm Reading

I've had a bit more time on my hands here in the desert, so my reading has picked up. There are a couple of blogs that I have been reading, and getting a lot out of, over the last month. I wanted to thank the individuals responsible and say something brief about each one.

The Survival Podcast - But Russ, this isn't a blog. No, but Jack Spirko is worth finding some time for. He's that buddy we all have, and go to when we need help with something out of our wheel house. If he doesn't know, he knows a guy who knows the guy to answer the question. Lots of gardening, perma-culture, thoughts on how to kill your debt, and other useful knowledge. If you commute, or have an hour a day to fill give him a try.

Mr. Money Mustache

Zerohedge.com - It may well be tabloid financial coverage with an agenda, but the site is brutal in it's disgust with all sides. Governtment, corporate behavior, and especially Goldman Sachs. I've picked up a lot of knowledge and understanding from the site. Worth reading by itself, the comments. Smart, snarky, and mean girl catty comments.

AmericanMercenary - www.randomthoughtsandguns.blogspot.com Due to my time with the geniuses from the Hudson Home for Wayward Boys, I take a dim view of most Army types, Charlie, Ron, and Manny aside, of course. AmMerc is thoughtful, thought provoking, and brings a depth to most of his postings that is rare. His fictional short stories are really useful at what he's trying to convey.

Good Life Farm - goodlifefarm.wordpress.com I worked with Sarah's mom and got to meet Sarah through her. I've always felt her a kindred spirtit in the slow food and enjoying life sense. Though we differ on some views, her recipes are fantastic and I think of her as that cool older sister I never got to have (even though she's younger than me) she's just very hip 40's classy kick ass.

Start Here - My Mission Statement

I'm on the wrong side of 35, bald as my razor will get me, and happy to say that I'm learning and growing more than any time in my life.

I want to share my vision of me and where this little blog is headed going forward. I love gardening, tweaking my EDC (Everyday Carry) Kit, libertarian thinking, growing food for my friends and family, the outdoors, learning, shooting, cooking, and basketball.

From this day forward, I'm committing to talking about those things, and trying to make this a place for learning and growing.

Let's see where this grows.

All the best,

Russ