Gear Stowage

Not actually Erin.

Picture by KJ Photography

& is used with permission.

No, not storage; stowage, as in "stow your gear". The arrangement of containers, as it were. 

Cole-Tac Popcorn Bag

I've talked about my EDC hip pouch and shown all the things I can fit in it, but one of the problems I had with it was being unable to get to items quickly because they invariably fell to the bottom. Not only was this inconvenient, it could also be life-threatening if I couldn't get to my tourniquet in time. 

Enter the Cole-Tac Popcorn Bag, presumably so named because it resembles a bag of microwave popcorn. 

https://amzn.to/3JfH7VF

Per the website:

The Popcorn Bag weighs nothing, packs down to nothing, and keeps that essential equipment easily accessible in cavernous rucksacks. Our Bag compresses your gear into an easy-to-pack shape, and a pull loop on the Popcorn Bag makes it easy to retrieve from a tightly packed backpack.

I have found this to be true. The Popcorn bag fits easily inside my Ghost Racing Drop Leg Bag and stows a surprising amount of trauma gear. 

I use the flashlight as a pull grip.

First layer

Second layer

All contents unloaded.

I've had to relocate my wallet, multi-tool and booboo kit, but that's a small price to pay for quick and handy access to lifesaving tools. 

You can purchase the Cole-Tac Popcorn Bag on Amazon in black, brown, red, green, and gray for $24, or in camouflage for $25. 

USMC Issue Speed Reload Pouches

For a while now I've had a dilemma: I wanted to be able to use my ballistic vest for both home defense and civil unrest, but the weapons I plan to use for those situations are quite different: the first is a 9mm carbine, and the second is a rifle in 5.56mm. These use very different magazines, and while I have pouches for both types, I didn't like the idea of having to unthread the MOLLE straps of one type before I could mount the other. 

My ideal was a magazine holder which could carry both rifle and pistol magazines, but outside of a very expensive (and bulky) solution involving pistol pouches attached to rifle pouches, I wasn't able to find anything I liked... that is, until I took at second look at these rifle pouches, which were given to me by a friend who runs Old Grouch's Military Surplus. 

https://ogsurplus-com.3dcartstores.com/USMC-Issue-Speed-Reload-Pouch-For-AR-15-M-16-Magazines_p_37.html

A 9mm double-stack Glock magazine fits inside the pouch without any problem, and the rubberized liner keeps the magazine from moving around despite not occupying the entire space, yet I have no problem pulling it out for reloading drills. I can't secure the Glock magazines with the Velcro retention straps, but since I don't expect to do a lot of running around in a home defense situation, that's a non-issue for me. 

These pouches are available for $14.95 each at Old Grouch's. You might be able to find them cheaper elsewhere, but I'm only linking to OG so that I can help a friend who once helped me. 

What clever gear stowage solutions have you found?

Minimal Motorcycle Medical Kit, pt. 2

The dust has settled and the First 72 Hours have passed. Follow along as I build a long term plan via Prudent Prepping. 

Even though it is "California cold", raining, and I'm not riding very often, now is a good time to go through my various first aid kits to come up with  a decent amount of gear to carry on my motorcycle. 

In a previous post I showed what I started with, but since then I've added some extra items that I believe are useful.

 

What's In the Bags?

Several things I really like, have used in the past, and a bit extra.

A collection of quality gear!

Left

Maxpedition zipper bag, containing the following: 

• Hyfin Vent compact chest seal
• Celox Rapid Z-fold gauze pack
• H&H Medical mini compression bandage
• North American Rescue C-A-T tourniquet
• Adventure Medical Quick Clot sponge (discontinued). 

Middle

Adventure Medical Trauma Pack, containing the following:

• 1 x Bandage, Conforming Gauze, 3"
• 1 x Dressing, Gauze, Sterile, 2" x 2", Pkg./2
• 1 x  Dressing, Gauze, Sterile, 4" x 4", Pkg./2
• 1 x Gloves, Nitrile (Pair), Hand Wipe
• 1 x QuikClot Gauze 3" x 2'
• 1 x Trauma Pad, 5" x 9"
• 1 x Duct Tape, 2" x 26"
• 1 x Bandage, Triangular
• 4 x Antiseptic Wipe
• 1 x Trauma and Accident Management Instructions

https://amzn.to/3Q0SVMV

Right

North American Rescue Mini First Aid Kit (NAR M-FAK), recently purchased directly from North American Rescue specifically to have a red, easily-seen kit, since there isn't red as an order option on Amazon. It contains the following:

• 1 x CAT Gen 7 Tourniquet Orange
• 1 x 4 in. Flat ETD, 1 x S-rolled Gauze (4.5 in. x 4.1 yd)
• 1 x HyFin Vent Compact Chest Seal, Twin Pack
• 1 x pair Bear Claw Nitrile Trauma Gloves, lg

https://www.narescue.com/m-fak-mini-first-aid-kit-red.html

Why Two Tourniquets?

I have talked with several different riders and racers who all suggested adding another tourniquet, as well as extra bandages and quick clotting agents, since crashing on a motorcycle usually involves hitting the pavement or ground at speed. This means road rash at the minimum, and potentially serious cuts and bleeding. From my own experiences with motorcycle crashes and damage seen on my friends, even this amount of blood-stopping material may not be enough. 

With this in mind I've asked several different EMT's and Paramedics if I should be concerned with the 'Use By' dates on some of my supplies. I was told that yes, there could be some deterioration of the clotting agents, especially if stored at high heat,  more than one or two years past the listed date.

Recap and Takeaway

• Unknown model Maxpedition bag I've had for years.
• Hyfin Vent chest seal from Amazon: $16.19 with Prime.
• One Celox Rapid Z-fold gauze pack from Amazon: $44.74 with Prime.
• One H&H Medical Mini Compression bandage from Amazon: $9.99 with Prime*
• One North American Rescue C-A-T tourniquet from Amazon: $32.95 with Prime.
• One Adventure Medical Quick Clot sponge (discontinued).
• One Adventure Medical Trauma Pack from Amazon: $25.99 with Prime.
• One North American Rescue M-FAK: $108.69, purchased directly from manufacturer. 

* * *

Just a reminder: if you plan on buying anything through Amazon, please consider using our referral link. When you do, a portion of the sale comes back here to help keep this site running!

If you have comments, suggestions or corrections, please post them so we all can learn. And remember, Some Is Always Better Than None!

NOTE: All items tested were purchased by me. No products have been loaned in exchange for a favorable review. Any items sent to me for T&E will be listed as such. Suck it Feds.

A Minimal Motorcycle Medical Kit

The dust has settled and the First 72 Hours have passed. Follow along as I build a long term plan via Prudent Prepping.

I've wanted this for a while now, and everything finally aligned so I was able to buy it. So what's the "this" that I wanted?

Why, a Ducati 1260S Multistrada!

This is a 2019 model, so it's not the current V4, but instead the traditional V twin that has made Ducati famous. It's sporty enough to have fun with other riders after taking the bags off, and comfortable and powerful enough to carry a second rider and gear for extended rides. I'm looking forward to having fun with this!

My New Bike

It's set up as a touring bike, with pannier/saddlebags that will hold about 12 gallons of gear. This seems like a lot... until you look at what 12 gallons converts to in the real world. My bike will hold about what the average kitchen trash bag holds (well, before it's overstuffed to the point the seams almost split, anyway). 

 

What's in the (Saddle) Bag? 

There seems to be more room than actually available, which is the reason for saving as much space as possible with things that are permanently carried. There's a bare-bones tool kit stored under the seat, along with required paperwork, so first aid supplies will have to go into one of the bags. I decided to do pretty much what I have carried in other bags with some slight differences.

 

Adventure Medical Kits Trauma Pak with QuikClot

From the Amazon ad:

https://amzn.to/3Q0SVMV

• Includes QuikClot gauze, trauma pad, triangular bandage, and other key supplies for your trauma kit
• Nonallergenic QuikClot first aid gauze speeds up natural clotting and stops bleeding within minutes
• Used by hospitals, EMS/first responders, military, law enforcement, general public & outdoorsman
• Fits perfectly in any first aid kit, suture kit, medical kit, iFAK pouch, EDC pouch & survival kits
• Travel safely with QuikClot in your car first aid kit, camping essentials & backpack emergency kit

I own a duplicate of this Trauma Pak and have actually used it before. I am very satisfied with its contents and performance. 

M-FAK Mini First Aid Kit with CAT Tourniquet Gen 7 (Red)

There's a little overlap in the contents between these two kits, but since there's a possibility of serious injuries to myself or others in an accident, I don't feel bad about that. 

Another consideration was the red color. I have been trying to switch out from black back pouches and gear to things that might be a bit more visible in low light/dark areas, and red is the universal First Aid color.

From the Amazon ad:

https://amzn.to/3zGgDc9

The M-FAK, North American Rescue's Mini First Aid Kit, was designed to be the most compact, multi-use IFAK for delivering immediate critical care for penetrating, blast or other traumatic injuries. Despite its reduced size, this kit comes fully loaded with the critical medical equipment most requested by First Responders operating in the line of duty. 

Dimensions: L 6 in. x W 3 in. x D 3 in.
Weight: 13 oz.

Treatment pack includes: 

• 1 x CAT Gen 7 Tourniquet Orange, 
• 1 x 4 in. Flat ETD, 1 x S-rolled Gauze (4.5 in. x 4.1 yd), 
• 1 x HyFin Vent Compact Chest Seal, Twin Pack, 
• 1 x pair Bear Claw Nitrile Trauma Gloves, lg.

I don't plan on taking any trips soon, so there are several small items that may still go in/on the bike as I sort out what I want to take, either as permanent items or as trip-specific items. At the top of my list is a flashlight of some kind. Reading through the Owner's Manual (400+ pages!) I found there is a built-in USB port under the seat. That gave me the idea to look for a USB rechargeable light like the Nitecore MT21C 1000 Lumen 90 Degree Tilt-able head LED Flashlight.

https://amzn.to/3biAHrO

This is still a Work In Progress, as I need to determine exactly how much room I have under the seat for a flashlight, I may need to look for a smaller format light, or possibly run a cable from the port into a saddlebag for charging.

Regardless, it's good to have options.

Recap And Takeaway

• A new vehicle needs basic supplies, and a small vehicle needs to be very efficient in what is carried. 
• Resisting my Packrat tendencies is hard.
• Purchased from Amazon: M-FAK Kit. $89.94 with no Prime shipping available.
• Purchased from Amazon: Adventure Medical Kits Trauma Pak. $24.70 with Prime shipping.

Stay tuned, this is difficult to figure out.

* * *

Just a reminder: if you plan on buying anything through Amazon, please consider using our referral link. When you do, a portion of the sale comes back here to help keep this site running!

If you have comments, suggestions or corrections, please post them so we all can learn. And remember, Some Is Always Better Than None!

NOTE: All items tested were purchased by me. No products have been loaned in exchange for a favorable review. Any items sent to me for T&E will be listed as such. Suck it Feds.

EDC "Pocket" Dump

Not actually Erin.

Picture by KJ Photography

& is used with permission.

Since 2009 I have used the Urban Tool HipHolster for my Every Day Carry needs. Unfortunately, a decade-plus of regular use takes its toll, and my HipHolster was starting to fall apart. Normally I'd just buy another, but Urban Tool is a European company; back in 2009 it sold its products through ThinkGeek, but not any longer, and I have a strong moral objection to paying $40 to have it shipped overseas. 

I needed another leg bag, but I couldn't find what I wanted. The ones which looked like they would hold my gear also seemed to stick out 6 inches or more, and I wanted something with a lower profile so I wouldn't be hitting things as I walked through doorways or got into/out of my car. The lower profile bags, however, were dainty little things which didn't carry nearly enough gear to satisfy me. 

Finally I settled upon this, the Ghost Racing Drop Leg Bag. I've been using it for about two months now, and while it isn't everything I wanted, it's performed better than I thought it would. It doesn't have the individual pockets that the HipHolster did, but the large main pocket can hold more items. 

From top to bottom, left to right:

• Small first aid kit: band-aids, painkillers (Tylenol, Aleve, Advil) and spare allergy meds. 
• RFID-blocking wallet
• Kel-Tec CL-42 flashlight
• H&H Mini Compression Bandage
• Multitool with bit driver (brand unknown)
• H&H Flat Compressed Gauze
• Tactical Medical Solutions SOF Tactical Tourniquet
• Woundclot hemostatic gauze
• Rite in the Rain weatherproof pen

Clipped to the zippers and whatever you want to call that triangular thing is a Resqme car escape tool, Sonic Defender earplugs, and a little micro flashlight I got at a convention (great for finding my seat in a dark movie theater when the CL-42 would be far too bright). 

Attached to the belt (seen in the first picture) is a case for my cell phone and a can of Sabre Red pepper gel. (My knife is carried separately.)

It's not a bad little bag for $28. The zippers are easy to open, the straps hold the bag to my waist and leg securely but not so tight as to be uncomfortable, and it holds a fair amount of gear. I don't know if it will last for a decade plus like my old leg bag, but I'm willing to find out. 

Bag of Holding, Stealth Version

The dust has settled and the First 72 Hours have passed. Follow along as I build a long term plan via Prudent Prepping.

Yeah, I really miss that site. *

* "Bag of Holding" is a reference to a product made by a cool, now-defunct, company called ThinkGeek which sold fun, geeky stuff.

I was able to use my newest EDC bag in a very public setting, but not to its fullest, or designed, capabilities. I did however get to carry if for most of a day, and here is my After Action Report. 

To recap, please see this post for the basic purchase information and why it was cheaper than the current pricing at Maxpedition. 

This is the Entity Bag, small.

Entity Bag, small size

And this is the same bag, opened and with the drawbridge straps attached.

The contents from Top Left:

• HyFin compact chest seal
• Rite in the Rain field notebook, Rite in the Rain pen
• Sitting on notebook: 1 pair nitrile gloves, unknown manufacturer
• Adventure Medical QuikClot sponge
• North American Rescue CAT tourniquet
• H&H Medical Corp. compression bandage.

Everything stores in a one quart Ziploc in the black elastic-edged pocket seen inside the bag. 

What can't be seen well are the finger loops attached to the pocket zippers. I really like the size and shape of a loop in place of a oversized zipper tab or a piece of paracord threaded through the pull tab.

As this is meant to be used as a Concealed Carry bag, and from my observation of the second compartment after loading in the First Aid gear I want to carry, the available space looks cramped even with a compact pistol in mind. However, if the First Aid baggie is removed from the pocket there appears to be more than enough room to accommodate just about anything. Even with the recent Supreme Court ruling there still appear to be hurdles that will delay most law-abiding Californians from using this bag as designed.

Drawbridge strap and bottle pocket

Drawbridge Straps

I'm still not sure why the flap/front of the bag has straps limiting the movement. Off the top of my head I think the intent was to maybe have a sorta-kinda shelf thingy to stop any loose items from falling out when it is worn. Limiting fallout even when placed on a table might be the answer too, but with no description listed from Maxpedition, it's a mystery.

Water Bottle Pocket

Now this is actually more interesting than I first thought. The pocket won't take a Nalgene bottle, but it will take a slightly larger and taller bottle than a .5L / 16oz size. The length of the tether can be adjusted and even moved up into a second set of holes, allowing taller bottles. I haven't tried, but 750ml "adult beverage" bottles appear to fit.  Allegedly. 

Since Maxpedition has optional accessories to make this a Bag of Carrying, I have bookmarked the proper pages, copied the assorted part numbers, and set aside funds for the parts and expedited shipping. While I won't hold my breath, I am cautiously optimistic!

Recap and Takeaway

• While it was extremely expensive, I am feeling really good about this bag. It's big enough to carry what I need, both now and what I might want to carry in the future.
• Purchased from Maxpedition: one Entity Bag, size Small. The Ash color is discontinued and out of stock. 

* * *

Just a reminder: if you plan on buying anything through Amazon, please consider using our referral link. When you do, a portion of the sale comes back here to help keep this site running!

If you have comments, suggestions or corrections, please post them so we all can learn. And remember, Some Is Always Better Than None!

NOTE: All items tested were purchased by me. No products have been loaned in exchange for a favorable review. Any items sent to me for T&E will be listed as such. Suck it Feds.

A Stealthy Sling Bag

The dust has settled and the First 72 Hours have passed. Follow along as I build a long term plan via Prudent Prepping.

I've used several different sling bags with no real problems, except they all look tacti-cool with webbing and MOLLE loops everywhere. I've wanted something much more inconspicuous on the outside, without losing any internal functionality. I found that bag in the Maxpedition Entity Crossbody Bag (Small) 9L. I strongly recommend looking through the pictures and the video on the linked page, as my picture taking ability isn't great.

Entity Product Features

• YKK® Zippers with Positive Grip Pulls
• CCW Compartment with Security Lockout Strip
• 500D N/P Hybrid Heathered  Fabric with Polyurethane Coating
• Tuckable Magnetic Wings for Quick Closure
• Reinforced MOLLE/PALS Attachment Points
• Custom Fabricated Shapeshift™ Webbing
• Detachable & Concealable Drawbridge Straps
• Refined Construction with Elegant Inlays
• Duraflex® Xlite® Buckles 
• Fray-Resistant Gossamer™ Mesh
• 420D Nylon Liner Embossed with Anti-Counterfeit Logos
  
• Very Visible Grayscale Interior
• Skin Friendly Nylon Seatbelt Webbing

the small (9L) Entity bag

This is definitely a smaller bag than the Maxpedition bag I'm using now, and I'm okay with that; the other one isn't going anywhere and can be swapped in and out easily. The width is very similar between the two but the depth is much smaller.

Front View

The black bag is a 5.11 that I have written about several times, but this post explains what it is and does well. I will miss the YETI Tactical Bottle opener, the extra pockets inside the main compartment, and the smaller 'Office' pocket. 

As with most things I do, my tendency is to overload and carry too much for the situation I'm in. That's not to say I don't have the necessities packed, but Mission Creep is a problem, so having a slimmer option for most days is good for me. I believe I can make this work and do everything needed, in a smaller, lighter and less-conspicuous bag.

Edge view

I just received this bag and the "What Goes Where" fiddling is ongoing, so I will post a Progress Report soon. Right now, I have moved the pens, pencil and note book over, along with the First Aid gear. 

One little thing I think is cool and I will use is the water bottle pocket. It zips open when needed and has an elastic loop set up to slip over the bottle the keep it from falling out if you lean over or do something strenuous. It will only hold 16oz/0.5L bottles, however, so if you like to pack a Nalgene you are out of luck.

Now, if you looked at the price, the Entity line is seriously expensive, and way too expensive for me. What made this purchase easier was that I had gift cards just sitting around with more money on them than I remembered, so they went here. The other part of the deal is the "Ash" color version is on sale with a 40% discount and is Closeout, Final Sale, No Return.  

Recap and Takeaway

• This is an extremely expensive bag at retail price, and if you can find a size you like in the Closeout listing and the price doesn't make your nose bleed, have a go!
• The bag is everything I've looked for over the past 5-6 years: no tacti-cool straps or details while maintaining the ability to hold everything the average person might want to carry.
• Purchased directly from Maxpedition: one Entity bag, size small at Closeout, No Return, 40% off retail price for $91.79.

* * *

Just a reminder: if you plan on buying anything through Amazon, please consider using our referral link. When you do, a portion of the sale comes back here to help keep this site running!

If you have comments, suggestions or corrections, please post them so we all can learn. And remember, Some Is Always Better Than None!

NOTE: All items tested were purchased by me. No products have been loaned in exchange for a favorable review. Any items sent to me for T&E will be listed as such. Suck it Feds.

The First Dump (Pouch) of the Year

Happy New Year, faithful readers. At least I hope it’ll be happier than the last two have been for most of us. In addition to the New Year, there were gift-giving holidays recently as well, and one of the more unexpected gifts I received is the subject of this post: our much-esteemed Editrix Erin sent me a very nice dump pouch. When I first opened the box, I wasn’t sure what I was looking at, but as soon as I opened the snaps and unrolled it, I understood and was very pleased.

For those not familiar with them, a dump pouch is a bag or small sack that can be attached to a belt or load carrying gear and loose items can be dropped into easily. For military and first responders, dump pouches are often used for things like partially empty magazines, investigatory evidence, small components or tools and the like. In the woods, they are very useful for storing edible plants gathered while hiking.

Mine will mostly see a slightly different use. I work as an instructor and armorer at a local gun range, and one of the perks of my job is that I can gather dud, damaged, or otherwise unfired rounds from the range for proper safe disposal as well as interesting and unusual brass cases. Previously, I would tuck these items in my back pocket throughout the day, or hang a plastic bag off my cell phone holder as an ersatz dump pouch at the end of a shift, but not anymore; this gift has a permanent home in my range bag.

When folded, the pouch is held closed by snaps attached to a soft leather cover and, open or closed, it can be secured to a belt or strap by another set of snaps on the back.

Front and rear view of the pouch when folded

The pouch itself is made of fairly heavy waxed (or otherwise coated) canvas, is approximately 9 inches tall by just over 8 inches wide, and has a drawstring at the top.

Pouch open and unfolded

This gift is exactly the type of thing I like both to give and to receive: something useful or otherwise of interest that I wouldn’t have thought to get for myself.

Thank you again, Erin, for your very thoughtful and useful gift.

(You're welcome! I'm thrilled you enjoy it. For those who would like to buy one, a model very similar to the one I gave to David can be bought on Amazon here. -- Erin)

Pocket Survival Kit

There have been numerous articles on Bug Out (BOB), Get Home (GHB), and I’m Never Coming Home (INCH) bags, as well as various belt pouch survival kits. All of these have important places in a survival situation and I’m in no way discounting them. However, I wanted to write about something smaller and potentially simpler. What has it got in its pocketses?

Between my pants and jacket, I carry most of the following items on a regular basis. Some are added for particular travels, while a few are alternate or substitute items.

The Author's Usual Pocket Survival Loadout

Number 1 is a new item. I picked up this Wallet Ninja at a trade show as a giveaway. It looks like a good backup for:

Number 2, my Pocket Monkey was a gift many years ago and has lived in my wallet ever since. It’s passed through various security checks with no issues, including TSA checkpoints at several airports. It’s been of great use when I was unable to bring a larger or more versatile tool with me.

Number 3 is a small pocket knife I keep in a jacket pocket. It was a giveaway from a fundraiser.

Number 4 is my main pocket tool, a Leatherman Fuse, a gift from my wife. Unfortunately, this model has been discontinued, but similar sized models are available both from Leatherman and other manufacturers. I cannot stress enough the importance of having one of these with you as often as possible.

Number 5, my Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Champion model, lives in my jacket. This model also seems to have been discontinued; however, the Swiss Army Knife website lists a number of knives with similar toolsets.

Number 6 is my everyday pocket knife, the most commonly used tool I carry. This one is a Kershaw 1910ST, sadly also out of production. (I’m noticing a trend here) However, there are a number of comparable knives from both Kershaw and others.

Number 7 is a simple cloth tailor’s tape measure. I find this more convenient and versatile than a metal retractable tape measure as well as being lighter.

Number 8, a small LED flashlight, is normally attached to a zipper pull on my jacket. Light is one of our most important tools and while this one is small and not super powerful, it’s great for tasks such as map reading and finding a keyhole at night.

Number 9 is another flashlight. In fact, the same model the other David wrote about back in July and October of 2020 as well as mentioning in earlier posts. I bought this one in August last year due to his recommendation, and I heartily endorse his opinion on this flashlight.  I carry at least two different flashlights because the saying “Two is one and one is none” becomes true all too often.

Number 10 is a packet of tissues. I don’t think I need to add anything on how useful these can be.

Number 11 is a plastic Knot Card. It helps me remember how to tie some knots I may need but don’t use often enough. I tend to rely on one or another variation on the figure eight knot, but it’s (k)not always the best choice.

Number 12 is a sampling of various pens that accumulate in my jacket pockets, I try to always have at least one Sharpie on me at all times. They come in a variety of colors and point styles and are near infinitely useful. The other pen is a regular ball point with a twist, the point end has a small foam ball for use with touch screens.

The next two items are not always with me. They tend to get added if I’m going to a city away from home.

Number 13 is a stopcock or sillcock wrench that can be used to turn on (or off) external water spigots. This one has ends in the four most common sizes.

Number 14 is another gift, a Snowflake Multi Tool Screwdriver/Wrench combo. I haven’t put this one to much use yet, but it has good reviews and looks quite versatile.

Number 15, ear plugs, is similar to the tissues in that its use is pretty obvious. I already have pretty bad tinnitus in one ear and some general hearing loss. I don’t use these as often as I should, but they’ve saved me from certain pain on more than one occasion.

Sir Not Appearing in This Image is a small compass that lives on another zipper pull of my jacket. It’s never a bad idea to know which way you’re going.

These are not the only items I have with me; a small writing pad, larger flashlight, gloves, phone chargers, backup battery, etc, also live in my jacket pockets. In addition, I usually have a small pack or bag with me that contains various other items, such as a first aid kit. I nearly always have my sidearm, spare magazine, and phone on my belt as well, but if I had to run out the door with just what was in my pockets, I think I’d be in good shape.

Prudent Prepping: A Little This, a Little That...

The dust has settled and the First 72 Hours have passed. Follow along as I build a long term plan via Prudent Prepping.

...and before long you have a whole bunch of stuff!

This a teaser to my newest Work In Progress, a Get Home Bag. Yes, I'm doing what I believe is my 4th bag since I started writing for BCP (not counting re-doing my personal bag twice a year), and I hope this will be the last new bag I make.

Hatori Super Small Mini LED Flashlight
Last week I mentioned buying two more of my favorite mini flashlight, the Hatori Mini LED. This is the new, improved 3 Mode version of the mini light I've used for years and have mentioned many different times.

From the Amazon ad:*

https://amzn.to/33hhj7s

• 3 Brightness Levels: Three beam settings (High, Low, SOS) runs only ONE AAA alkaline battery (not included). 3 Brightness Levels make it ideal for use around the house, dog walking, or camping.
• Pocket size outdoor flashlight: It is small and light enough to slip into a pocket and is forgotten until you need it. It is easy to fit in the palm of hand and only weights about 30g(only one).
• 150 Lumens Powerful LED: High lumen small flashlight set in a dark or lit room will last quite two hours with moderate use(keep on) just one alkaline battery powered, which is sufficient to light you way and light small dark spaces.
• Advanced Design: Skid-Proof design and Water-Proof design. Our flashlight set is made of high quality 6061T aluminum alloy with no worries in rainy day or snow days.
• Safe and Warranty Guarranteed: High-efficiency and great output LED chip, over-charging protection, short circuit protection. All of Hatori Flashlights has 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE, NO HASSLE and 90-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE.
• 3.54 inches long
• One AAA battery (not included) per flashlight.

*Grammar and spelling errors are from the original ad. Any similarity to my actual writing style is strictly accidental.

The three modes can be accessed by lightly depressing the button on the base or by actually clicking through. I would have to say the levels are HIGH, MEDIUM and STROBE, with the difference between High and Medium being enough you could possibly use Medium to check pupil reaction. When Strobe is on, it certainly qualifies as strobe, even if the pulses are not quite as fast as some smaller flashlights. Just to be clear, though, looking at the light reflecting off a white wall was enough to get me feeling a headache starting, so I'm not sure what someone with light sensitivities might make of all the flashes.

I will be placing one of the 3 Mode lights into the Bat Belt bag with the other going in the SFD Responder ankle rig mentioned here and other places. The original single mode light I'm not sure what to do with, except to add it to one of the individual first aid kits I have.

Recap And Takeaway

• Two LED AAA flashlights with 3 light modes for $2 more that the single mode light? This was hard for me to pass up. 
• Two Hatori Mini LED lights were bought for $10.19 with Prime shipping.

* * *

Just a reminder: if you plan on buying anything through Amazon, please consider using our referral link. When you do, a portion of the sale comes back here to help keep this site running!

If you have comments, suggestions or corrections, please post them so we all can learn. And remember, Some Is Always Better Than None!

NOTE: All items tested were purchased by me. No products have been loaned in exchange for a favorable review. Any items sent to me for T&E will be listed as such. Suck it Feds.

Prudent Prepping: the Bat Belt Returns!

The dust has settled and the First 72 Hours have passed. Follow along as I build a long term plan via Prudent Prepping.

This is a work-in-progress post as I see how I make all the things I may want to carry actually line up with the things I need to carry. Your prayers are appreciated.

Adding to the Stuff
In my post last week, I mentioned trying to fit more stuff into a small space and how it wasn't working. So far, I'm doing okay.

First Try

Initial load

Here's everything I want to carry, at least for now. Left to Right, Top to Bottom:

• H&H Compression Bandage
• Adventure Medical Clotting Sponge
• CAT Tourniquet
• Maxpedition EDC bag
• Benchmade Rescue Hook
• AAA Flashlight
• Small roll of duct tape
• 2pr disposable gloves
• Alcohol wipes

Initial Placement

Half Way

Right Flap
Folding the tourniquet was a bit difficult, since the Velcro had to be re-re-redone to make it fit into the right pocket. The AAA flashlight fits perfectly into the elastic loops.

Left Flap
The rescue hook is also mounted in a less than optimal way, but as there are no MOLLE straps inside, I made it work. The compression bandage and clotting sponge are stacked together in the left pocket.


Done, Maybe?

Last Bits

The last items to go in are 2 pairs of gloves and alcohol wipes inside a zip lock bag next to the tourniquet on the right, and 20 feet of duct tape wound on a pencil in the left pocket.

I need to wear this more that 5 days to see if I can tolerate something fractionally wider than the previous case.


Recap And Takeaway

• I want to have a little more gear with me, but I'm still unsure if I like the added bulk.
• Nothing was purchased for this post, but I did buy two more of my favorite mini flashlights -- now improved with 3 brightness levels! The Hatori Mini LED in a 2 pack, $9.99 with Prime! Review coming soon.

* * *

Just a reminder: if you plan on buying anything through Amazon, please consider using our referral link. When you do, a portion of the sale comes back here to help keep this site running!

If you have comments, suggestions or corrections, please post them so we all can learn. And remember, Some Is Always Better Than None!

NOTE: All items tested were purchased by me. No products have been loaned in exchange for a favorable review. Any items sent to me for T&E will be listed as such. Suck it Feds.