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currahee
10-14-12, 18:08
I spend at least one day a month using my 2nd line gear. I think the folks who buy this stuff and let it sit in the closet are kidding themselves at best. At worst they making a serious, life risking mistake.

I try to get out 2-3 times a year and put my 3rd line gear to the test. This weekend six of my friends and I did 5 miles, camped and then did 7 more. At the campsite we pust out some Izzy dressings and CATs to practice and then land nav some boxes in the woods. Not much, I figure some of you guys are serious hikers, but everyone needs to do something like this.

The Crew
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/currahee/field%20pics/DSC06535.jpg

My Kelty Raven, I keep the Camelbak in a well thought out pocket between the main and admin. I have been using this for two years now and it is my fav for when I am not sleeping on the ground.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/currahee/field%20pics/DSC06545.jpg

I usually use a cheap hammock from hammock bliss, but saw this at Academy and tried it out. It didn't drop my fat ass, so it is worth another try.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/currahee/field%20pics/DSC06546.jpg

A friend with a Classic ALICE medium. I use one when I need to carry a mat and my bivy. I have the Down East poly frame and TT improved straps.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/currahee/field%20pics/DSC06536.jpg

I was curious how well the MaxPed murse would work out carried like this, but he did OK. He uses it as a GHB and has his minimalist sustainment stuff and pistol in it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/currahee/field%20pics/DSC06539.jpg

Another buddy uses this hiking "chest rig" for his basics and pistol. I'm looking for a better way to carry this stuff.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/currahee/field%20pics/DSC06537.jpg

Practicing first aid.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/currahee/field%20pics/DSC06544.jpg

Obligatory camp fire breakfast pic.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/currahee/field%20pics/DSC06548.jpg
militarymoron
10-14-12, 18:16
Another buddy uses this hiking "chest rig" for his basics and pistol. I'm looking for a better way to carry this stuff.

take a look at the hill people gear kit bags:
http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/tabid/762/categoryid/9/Default.aspx
ST911
10-14-12, 18:36
Good for you guys. Too many folks are planning, buying, and loading for their scenarios without any clue at all as to whether or not they can actually hump their loads and deploy their gear as intended.
High Tower
10-14-12, 18:50
Nicely done. I agree - the time to learn how to use your gear is not when you need it.


When you practice with the CATs, you may want to consider using those as strictly training ones from now on. Our medic told us that if you use them a lot, they may fail you when you really need it. The CATs we have in our IFAKs are not allowed to be used for training for that reason. He's said he has seen them snap after too much usage.
currahee
10-14-12, 19:50
Nicely done. I agree - the time to learn how to use your gear is not when you need it.


When you practice with the CATs, you may want to consider using those as strictly training ones from now on. Our medic told us that if you use them a lot, they may fail you when you really need it. The CATs we have in our IFAKs are not allowed to be used for training for that reason. He's said he has seen them snap after too much usage.

Thanks for the advice. I've been wanting to get another for another kit. When I order I will order two and make this the dedicated training one.
duece71
10-14-12, 20:08
Totally agree and great thread subject. I have loaded up a pack and done some local hiking in some of the city and state parks close to where I live. No camping or anything, just hiking with the full pack. The most I have done is 8 miles and I am in total agreement that people need to see and feel how to manage the mileage. I felt ok after hauling a 35lb pack for 8 miles and I feel that I am in decent shape for my age. I need to take a first aid class or something to gain some more knowledge. I won't put an IFAK or any medical on my belt until I know how to use it.
currahee
10-14-12, 20:21
Totally agree and great thread subject. I have loaded up a pack and done some local hiking in some of the city and state parks close to where I live. No camping or anything, just hiking with the full pack. The most I have done is 8 miles and I am in total agreement that people need to see and feel how to manage the mileage. I felt ok after hauling a 35lb pack for 8 miles and I feel that I am in decent shape for my age. I need to take a first aid class or something to gain some more knowledge. I won't put an IFAK or any medical on my belt until I know how to use it.

Well, watching a couple of youtube vids and ordering three or four izzy bandages then opening one to practice is a GIGANTIC step forward. Unfortunately the not many basic first aid classes cover GSWs.

And good on you for getting out and humping your gear. To many folks get some stuff and throw it in their closet and never think about it.
run n gun
10-14-12, 20:36
GSW is actually a fairly simple treatment as far as what you can do in the field. Anyone that's been in the Army in the last five years can tell you. main thing is still stop the bleeding.

ETA: Looks like a good time you guys are having too!
SeawolfIV
10-14-12, 21:18
Am I viewing the 5.11 TDK? :D:D:D
currahee
10-14-12, 21:49
Am I viewing the 5.11 TDK? :D:D:D

Utilikilt
duece71
10-15-12, 13:24
Well, watching a couple of youtube vids and ordering three or four izzy bandages then opening one to practice is a GIGANTIC step forward. Unfortunately the not many basic first aid classes cover GSWs.

And good on you for getting out and humping your gear. To many folks get some stuff and throw it in their closet and never think about it.

Very true, first aid classes cover very basic stuff. I will have to look around to see if anyone offers classes for heavier stuff.
I wish I could do some more involved hiking/backpacking with all my stuff, but with 2 small kids, its tough to get enough time. At least I have an idea about how much my stuff weighs and I can adjust/eliminate things accordingly.
run n gun
10-15-12, 16:16
http://www.me.ngb.army.mil/units/rti/resources/IS0871_Edition_C_ALMS.pdf

Pretty much how we're still doing it Gents...
currahee
10-15-12, 17:22
Very true, first aid classes cover very basic stuff. I will have to look around to see if anyone offers classes for heavier stuff.
I wish I could do some more involved hiking/backpacking with all my stuff, but with 2 small kids, its tough to get enough time. At least I have an idea about how much my stuff weighs and I can adjust/eliminate things accordingly.

I try to do 3-4 miles at least once a week in the neighborhood with my ruck... anything is always better than nothing.
currahee
10-15-12, 17:24
http://www.me.ngb.army.mil/units/rti/resources/IS0871_Edition_C_ALMS.pdf

Pretty much how we're still doing it Gents...

Thanks, got it downloaded- I'll admit that I have to much to read already though (but I went through the course many moons ago.)
duece71
10-16-12, 09:04
I try to do 3-4 miles at least once a week in the neighborhood with my ruck... anything is always better than nothing.

Absolutely. I would love to be able to throw in some land nav as well. I need to get some time behind a land based compass and map (Got plenty of airborne compass navigation experience :)).