I have done Blog posts on woods kits before; several of them. I have done a post on a haversack kit, a possibles kit, and a nine-item kit. But as I look back, I see that what worked for me in the past does not work for me now.
I have learned since then, and thus modified my kits, and my mentality about them. I know that there is not a kit I am going to come up with that works for all places without having excess stuff in others. In this post, I hope to cover the thought process behind packing for a trip or trek of any kind, and a possibles pouch that works for me.
I have finally learned that it is pretty useless to have a kit pre-packed for a "grab and go" deal. It is better to have all your gear sorted out, and an empty pack waiting. Even with this in mind, I still like playing around with my gear, packing and un-packing, but when it comes time to sleep outside, or go on a hunting trip, I usually end up un-packing and re-packing for that occasion. Another problem I come across is that when my gear is packed away somewhere, it it not easily accessible when I need it. I am looking for a flashlight, and they are at the bottom of my backpack.
When you are packing for a trip, there are some things to keep in mind. First, consider where you are going and for how long. Pack appropriately for the area, think over all possible situations, but do not over-pack. If you have been where you are going before, try to remember how you packed last time, if there was something you needed and did not have, or if there were things you had and did not need. If this is your first time somewhere, make note of exess stuff, or what you did not have. If you are packing for a bushcraft camp, think about sleep, shelter, food, water, and fire. Try to pack light, and remember; don't take it, make it. If you can make one in the field, don't take one.
Now on to my little possibles kit. This is the most successful possibles kit I have ever put together. It is successful and handy because it is carried in my pockets. I have these items everywhere I go, all the time.
In my right front pocket I have a folding knife, lighter, and sharpie. I have a knife on my belt. In my wallet I have: a small knife, flint striker, fishing kit, mini file, hunting/trapping licenses, Band-Aids, string, and a little key knife multi tool. And I use this stuff! But, something I want to point out is where this kit works for me, make up your own that works for you and CARRY IT ALL THE TIME!
Until next time,
--Caleb
