The backpack is one of the most essential gear an outdoor enthusiast have. It’s the mean that helps him carry his shelter, food, water, tools and sleeping gear to the wilderness and allows him to stay out there more than one night. I have tried many backpacks throughout the years; different styles and configurations. Some where old military surplus backpacks like my old ALICE pack(I have tried both the Medium and Large packs) or my Swiss Army backpack. I also had used larger backpacks, over 55-60 lit capacity.
All these years of gear usage, earned me experience and taught me lessons, that allowed me to reach at a point where I don’t see the necessity of a large backpack for spending 2-3 days at the woods. In addition, I feel pretty confident with my skill level and I am sure I can stay out for longer period if necessary. Also, I have settled on what features and specifications I want for my backpack and most of off my other gear too. So, for my new backpack I chose ALLAGASH pack from Alder Stream Canvas. The pack is made from tough brown canvas and it measures 18H X 8D X 14W. The total capacity is 2100 cubic inches, including the two side pockets.
The backpack has a wide flap that closures with Fastex buckles. The shoulder straps and the back are padded and are very comfortable. It’s the only canvas pack that comes with standard padded straps and back . Most other companies charge extra for padded straps and shoulders. At mine pack I had added an axe pocket as extra feature. The axe sits inside the pocket and the axe head is secured by a leather strap and roller buckle.
My pack’s contents
At the above picture you can see the items that are usually carried in my backpack. All of the basic needs are covered. For shelter I use a 10×10 DD hammock tarp and if there is no strong wind, I really enjoy my ENO Double Nest hammock. Inside the tarp I already have my ridgeline and couple tent stakes, so it is much easier and faster to set up the tarp. My favorite configuration is the plow point. I also carry 50 feet of 550 paracord. My sleeping gear is a 90% wool blanket and a bedroll or a -20o C sleeping bag. First aid kit is a must for anyone; I had chosen a ready made kit from Lifesystems, called Adventurer and has many items inside. My water needs are covered from a 40 oz Klean Kanteen stainless steel bottle. The bottle carried at the right side pouch of the pack along with a bottle hanger. My drinking cup is a Kupilka cup.
At the left side pouch, I usually carry my Silky saw, a camp alarm system, a carpenter’s pencil and a small stove from 180 tack. Also my headlamp is riding with them too.
My Fire kit and Cooking Utensils
My fire kit contains almost all possible items that can be used to start a fire. In a small leather pouch I carry char cloth and a solar lens. On my pocket I always have a ferro rod and a Bic lighter. Inside a brown pouch I have more items, which are; manmade tinder, more char cloth and charred wood, fatwood, extra cotton pieces for making char cloth and jute twin for making bundle nest.
For cooking utensils I use a 10cm diameter Zebra pot. Inside the pot I store small containers with salt, pepper, cinnamon, oregano, tea bags, mountain tea sugar sticks, sugar cubes , tuna chunks, tomato paste, honey and maple syrup. Also, a cotton bandana and for utensil I use a spork made from maple wood. I am not big fan of sugar but it’s good to have some for an extra energy boost. Sometimes I carry one or two packs freeze dried meals and of course I haven’t included fresh provisions I might carry during my outing like eggs or steak or sausages or bacon or even fresh vegetables.
Toiletry items
A red watertight bag, is used to carry some toiletry items, like toilet paper, a small towel, an extra pair of wool socks and couple bandanas. I also have a small bottle of shampoo/shower gel, which is great to clean your hands or face and is less messy than a soap bar. When I am heading at the woods I will throw in there a toothbrush and a toothpaste too.
Compass, Journal and candles
When I am heading at the woods, will definitely carry map of the area I am going and my compass, a Suunto MC-2,with my pace beads counter. I also have a journal to keep notes of the day. It is a relaxing thing that I like to do sitting by the fire. I also keep couple bee wax candles, so I can save headlamp batteries life.
At my belt I carry a knife and a multitool; what knife model depends on my mood but 99% of the time it will be one with scandi grind. Some items I might don’t pack it, again depends on circumstances. For example if high winds are predicted I won’t take the hammock OR instead of the small axe I could take a tomahawk that I want to try. But as I said these are the items I use most of the time.
So, pack up, head out and have fun at the great outdoors.