Recently, after seeing some videos, I decided to set up an outdoor belt kit. I figured that since I carried a belt kit with suspenders in the Infantry, that it would also be handy for outdoor adventures.
First off, I'd like to say my findings will not be everyone's findings, and secondly, that what I like and do may not be what's good for you where you are. This is just my observations based on my version of this particular technique.
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From left to right, this kit is comprised of- Spec Ops multi use molle pouch. 12" bladed modified machete. Kelty Boulder fanny pack with stainless bottle and a Holster for my Security Six .357.
All this is attached to USGI pistol belt and suspenders with my old 1994 Eagle Industries pistol belt pad. The Kelty pouch was useless with it's flimsy webbing "belt" so I cut off the belt and riveted the pouch to the USGI belt through the holes in the belt. It's very stout. It moved a great deal less when traveling than it did before being added to a stiffer belt.
The kit has all the normal "survival kit" gear. L-R-Auger mortise and tenon tool (more on that in another post after more experience), short machete, fire starters on waxed cotton, cord managers, paracord, two mylar blankets, a first aid kit bag. duct tape, Bulgarian(?) canteen cup, little survival kit filled with the stuff people put in little tiny kits, fire kit is waterproof tin, water bottle, pistola and a reload.
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The harness was very comfortable, at 12-15 lbs, and you could carry it all day.
The Specops molle pouch is a great bit of kit and was on here as a foraging bag.
The machete, which I modded recently, works as they do.
The kelty pouch is a quality pouch and a great size for most of what you'd need on a dayer or accidental 2 dayer. It's biggest drawback was the flimsy belt and the fact I lack the gluteous maximus to wear a fanny pack.
My holster works great because the maker is a genius and very handsome. Rides well, didn't lose gun.
So off I went, without a camera. My memory isn't great.
I'm hiking along with my trusty hound Ungrim the Red, AKA The Begger King, and a couple friends.280323109_701535447837664_4190462492792548348_n.jpg
We get to a dilapidated old cabin that my friend owns and I go about building a fire. Well, you have to take the belt pack off to access it. I'm starting to see the flaw in the system right away. I build the fire, we make some taters and ribeyes, and all this is done with the rig hanging from the tree exactly as if it was a backpack.
Did it work? Yes. Was it comfortable? Yes.
Was it better than a backpack? Not for me. It lacked flexibility in load carrying and the sizes of the pouches restricted where i could put things. Having more things handy on your belt is great for the Infantry, but, for me, it didn't do anything a small pack wouldn't, and with more flexability.
I just do not see when I'd need to grab anything other than the handgun in a hurry in the woods.
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