Reddit mentions: The best tactical & personal defense equipment

Then we are kindred spirits. If I'd had more disposable income when I originally started looking for a bag, I would already have the Adapt pack in hand.

I love everything about the Adapt pack EXCEPT the total lack of organization inside it. It wouldn't even be so bad if there were better options for organization outside of it, but with the shock cord, it doesn't leave much usable space for that without hindering the shock cord.

There are three options that I have come up with, although there may be a better one I haven't yet realized. Here are the drawbacks of each. The pros should already be obvious to you since you've decided you like the bag.

1. Get a different backpack.
   
   

• Not likely to have any/all of the additional supplementary features
  
• May not be as well made (maybe not US made)
  
• May not be as nice looking
  
• May have less favorable coloring options
  
  

2. Get external organization
   
   

• May hinder shock cord
  
• Reduces the 'streamline' appeal of the simple bag
  
• Adds additional cost and weight to the bag
  
  

3. Get internal storage
   
   

• Not many well constructed options
  
• Adds additional cost and weight to the bag
  
• May remove ability to carry certain larger items
  
  
  For internal storage, I'm not seeing a lot of options that really stand out to me. Nothing that says, "That's perfect!". There are a couple options out there. The longer I look the more I'm finding as well.
  
  From your statement, I'm guessing you're looking for something to fit inside of the rear pocket that would attach to the loop field in there. Maybe externally on the loop field on the back? Well, I'll address the inner field first.
  
  Maxpedition Hook and Loop Mini Organizer
  
  Maxpedition Hook and Loop Medium PALS panel
  
  
  Also, check out here for some more ideas. Apparently Skinth can make any of their pouches with a hook field on the back!
  
  For the small loop field on the outside of the bag, I'd love to get something like the Maxpedition Hook and Loop Zipper Pockets which would fit nicely up there I'd think (instead of patches).
  
  You could also slap something like a Maxpedition EDC or a Fatty on the side of the bag instead of the rear to retain use of the shock cord.
  
  You could always move the shock cord around though if it's an issue. I was contemplating the usefulness of the cord itself one day, and figured if I ever wanted or needed it on a bag that didn't have it, I could pretty easily source some and run it through any MOLLE/PALS webbing that was on said bag.
  
  As far as internal organization. The best thing I've seen are dapper style organizers. Blue Force Gear makes one that seems to be pretty popular and could be used in conjunction with any Velcro pouches listed above to create a highly customizable, easily swap-able, inner organization sleeve. Since I don't know how well they'd fit on either of the fields mentioned above, this is the place I'm going to also mention Mountain Ridge Gear who also makes a few nice looking velcro backed pouches. The Grid It is another option, although I've heard mixed reviews from people who've tried them. Also, I think it might be a hair larger than the internal size of the Adapt pack. I may be wrong there though.
  
  My biggest issue is that all of these options add up in cost and weight. You end up spending a lot of time sourcing these things and waiting for them to arrive. It drives up the cost of the total bag, and starts to pile up shipping costs if you don't know exactly what you want (buying one at a time) or have to shop several vendors. At what point would it have been better to have just gotten a bag with more organization to start with? Is it a pro or a con to have everything removable?
  
  Basically it comes down to preference. If you absolutely have to have the Adapt pack, do it! The quality is right up there. Once you get it decked out with your pouches you will certainly be able to say it is 'Yours'. However that versatility and modularity will likely hit your wallet a little harder than a bag that can do what you need it to do right out of the gate.
  
  Now personally, I agree. The Adapt pack is basically what I am looking for. However, in order to get it where I will ultimately want it, I'm likely looking at another $50-80 in added pouches, patches, and dappers. Wheras I could take the loss of the ability to sling the bag, and the better color options, and grab a 5.11 Rush 12 and be able to do essentially what I want to do with it without having to buy anything extra....except maybe some shock cord.
  
  
  For a couple more things about the Adapt pack check this link.
  
  For a little more info on the Blue Force Gear Dapper and what you can do with it, check out this link

Alarm systems and Ring doorbells are reactive rather than proactive. They help the bad guys get caught after they break into your home and steal your stuff or injure/kill the occupants.

You want to be proactive. My 2 main focuses would be the following:

1. Make it difficult for someone to get into your apartment.
   
2. Give yourself the means to protect yourself if your apartment is breached.
   
   Things to think about for Main focus 1 (security):
   
   As far as making it difficult for someone to get into your apartment, having the appearance of a hard target will help. Beware of dog signs are supposedly effective for homes, I don't know how they work for apartments. May be worth researching.
   
   How secure is your door? How deep do the screws go into the door frame on the bolt? If it is less than 3 inches replace them. Consider a door jam, I don't have one of these yet but have heard great things about their effectiveness of resisting doors getting kicked in. Obviously won't help while you are out but is great for when you are inside.
   
   How secure/reachable are your windows? Is it feasible that someone could get to your window with or without a ladder? Secure your windows as best you can. I am a fan of security screens for windows but on an apartment I doubt you are going to want to install those.
   
   Do you have a balcony? How secure is the door/slider? If it is a door consider a door jam like for the front door. If it is a slider then make sure you have a security bar. Glass is a weakpoint, I like security screens as for windows, but if not an option security film may be.
   
   Things to think about for Main focus 2 (defense):
   
   I saw in a previous comment you are not comfortable having a gun in your house. I would suggest you get comfortable with it. A firearm is the most effect tool to use in self defense because it is a distance tool. It can be used to stop a threat before they get within range to do lethal damage. Also it is not uncommon for armed robbers to be equipped with stolen firearms themselves and you will be left at their mercy praying they are just thieves and not murderers. If you do decide to get a firearm to protect yourself and your home get some training. A good instructor will make you comfortable with firearm safety and help you develop good practices early to be safe and effective with a firearm. I realize you might not want to consider this option and it is your right to choose whatever you feel comfortable with but I wanted to mention it anyway.
   
   Non-firearm defense tools you could utilize is flashlights, pepper spray, blunt objects (as lethal as firearms but not as effective for self defense), sharp objects (also as lethal and less effective), stun guns (can be effective against weak willed opponents).
   
   Personally I always have a 800 Lumen flashlight, knife, and pepper spray on my body. In my home and car I also keep a 1000 lumen flashlight and large fixed blade knives. Although I would hope to never be in such a fight for my life that I have exhausted all my firearms and have to use them.
   
   I would highly recommend you get a bright flashlight you are comfortable carrying with you and pepper spray. A bright flashlight can be blinding in low light, if you have to deploy it shine it in their eyes and use that opportunity to see what is in their hands. Pepper spray is not very effective against determined attackers but may be enough to buy you some time to escape.
   
   You may also want to look into a stun gun to use when walking the dog to deploy if the pepper spray fails to stop your assailant. I have two flashlight/stungun combos for walking the dog.
   
   You only get one life, when it comes time to act or die; act with everything you got and the tools you have available to yourself at that time. Hopefully you will never have to deploy those defense tools but keeping them handy could be the difference between a long life and one that ends that afternoon.
   
   Good luck and stay safe

Hi! And welcome!

I like the Gayle Bradley 2 in M4, and the BM Valet in M390, but they are both very expensive to start out with. The Shuffle II is kind of crappy - I'd definitely pass on that one. I have no experience with
the Bartender Defeder, but even the XL version looks too small, as is the Rodie. The Delica and Leek are great knives, and would likely be solid options (their ergonomics are better than their handle lengths suggest, especially the Delica). The CRKT M16 is ok, but it's not great (in my opinion). I've never handled CRKT's Endorser, but it looks like a solid choice.

My best suggestion is a RAT 1 in D2. It's 40 bucks and you get a very well-made knife in D2 (semi stain resistant and will hold an edge for a good long time). The AUS-8 version is good, too, but if you're cutting boxes, the D2 option will stay sharp way longer.

As for some other options, here are some good ones from CRKT:

Foresight - It's big and comfy in-hand, but it's expensive for the materials used (aluminum and AUS-8)

Shenanigan - lighter and cheaper than the Foresight, but with the same blade material (AUS-8)

Outrage - aluminum handle and 8Cr13MoV steel (similar to AUS-8, id est, reasonably stainless, decent toughness, ok-ish edge retention), ball bearing pivot (nice and smooth!)

Ripple - aluminum handle, 8Cr13MoV blade, ball bearing pivot

With these suggestions, it may seem like I'm a shill for CRKT, but I'm not. I'm just a fan of Ken Onion's designs and ergonomics. I also like:

Spyderco Endura - very good stainless steel in a lightweight package, with plenty of handle real estate

Byrd Cara Cara 2 - Spyderco's value brand (basically a cheap Endura with 8Cr13MoV steel instead of the excellent blade steel VG-10)

Spyderco Resilience - big and comfy (G-10 scales with 8Cr13Mov steel), and my daily carry at work

Spyderco Manix 2 - light and medium sized (they also make an XL version), with BD-1 (kinda similar to AUS-8, kinda)

Cold Steel Recon 1 Spear Point - a big knife with lots of grippy G-10 handle space. The CTS XHP steel is the bee's knees, and the Recon 1 is an excellent value, but it may be too expensive as a starting point.

Also, I'm sure some other folks will chime in, too. The guys & gals of /r/knifeclub are pretty knowledgeable and helpful.

Again, my number 1 suggestion is the RAT 1 in D2. It'll be hard to beat interms of construction, ergonomics, and utility.

Happy hunting!

Most people will probably recommend an AR-15, a 12-guage pump shotgun, or a 9mm pistol; but I've actually been moving away from those types of guns after I started to learn more about how much permanent damage firearms do to your hearing. If you ever shoot an AR-15 or a shotgun indoors without hearing protection, you'll probably rupture your eardrums and hear an annoying ringing sound for the rest of your life. So, I'd prefer to avoid that if possible. That's why I recently bought a 9mm carbine (a 9mm rifle with a shoulder stock and a 16-inch barrel) as my new primary home defense weapon. Yeah, you lose out on some terminal performance (killing power), but 30-ish rounds of 147-grain 9mm Federal HST should be enough to deal with 99.999% of home invaders.

An AR-15 chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO will create about 167 decibels (anything above 140 decibels will permanently damage your hearing); a rifle chambered in .308 Winchester will create 170+ decibels; a 9mm pistol with a 4-inch barrel will create about 160 decibels; a 9mm carbine with a 10-inch barrel will create about 156 decibels; and a 9mm carbine with a 16-inch barrel will create about 152 decibels. I haven't been able to find reliable information about how many decibels a 12-gauge shotgun creates, but it's probably in the 160s.

152 decibels still isn't hearing safe; but the difference between 152 decibels and 167 decibels is huge since sound doubles in strength every 3 decibels. 152 decibels will still hurt your ears and cause permanent hearing damage if you hear it repeatedly; but it won't completely destroy your ears like a 5.56x45mm rifle or a 12-gauge shotgun will.

And the reason why I went with a 9mm carbine over a 9mm pistol is because carbines are much easier to aim, you get much quicker followup shots, you get a little bit more bullet velocity (and thus foot-pounds of energy and terminal performance), and there's still a large sound difference between 152 decibels and 160 decibels.

As to which specific 9mm carbines I recommend, I'll give you 3 different options to choose from.

The cheapest option: The Kel-Tec Sub-2000 Gen 2 ($500-ish but hard to find). I'm personally not a fan of Kel-Tec quality standards and aesthetics, but the Kel-Tec Sub-2000 is one of the few firearms that Kel-Tec makes that the vast majority of people in the gun community agrees is a good gun. I'd get the version that accepts Glock magazines and stick a 33-round Glock magazine in it. Glock magazines are widely regarded as being the best magazines in the world; and the 33 rounders that they make are widely regarded as being reliable.

The mid-tier option: The CMMG Mk9LE ($900-ish). From the research that I did on AR-15s chambered in 9mm, the ones made by CMMG are highly regarded as being reliable. I recommend using the 32-round Uzi magazines from IWI. Based on your criteria, this would be my top recommendation for you.

The high-tier option: The KRISS Vector GEN II CRB ($1,300-ish). This is the option that I personally went with. I chose it because it's reliable and because it looks amazing.

I also want to go out of my way to rule out a popular option: The CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Carbine. The "pistol" version is wildly popular; but I've personally seen way too many horror stories about all-polymer magazines stretching and breaking their own feed lips after being stored loaded for a long period of time (which is what you'd be doing with a home defense weapon). So, until CZ upgrades their polymer magazines with steel-reinforced feed lips (like Glock does), I'd personally stay away from their products that use those types of magazines.

And I know that you said that you didn't want to add accessories, but a light is a mandatory accessory on a home defense firearm in my opinion (so that you can positively identify your target before you shoot and therefore hopefully avoid accidentally shooting a loved one). The Streamlight ProTac 2 and the INFORCE WMLx would be my top 2 recommended lights for long guns.

As to which bullets that I'd recommend, I already mentioned them: 147-grain 9mm Federal HST (standard pressure). The 124-grain 9mm Federal HST (standard pressure) is also extremely good. I wouldn't hesitate buying and using either of them for home defense. This website will help you find them in stock.

I also highly recommend this accessory in order to make loading your pistol magazines much, much easier.

As to bullet overpenetration, all major rounds will zip right through several of the kinds of walls that you'd find in a typical home. The only "safe" option is birdshot (used in shotguns), but birdshot doesn't penetrate deep enough into the human body (you want 12 to 18 inches of penetration according to FBI tests) to reliably stop a home invader (and therefore birdshot obviously shouldn't be an option for home defense in my opinion). Don't listen to the people that will tell you that the 5.56x45mm NATO round is safer to use because it tends to tumble and fragment when it hits a wall. It will still penetrate through several walls. You just have to be careful about how you angle your shots. That's really your only way to avoid hitting innocent people.

And if you're not as worried as I am about permanently damaging your own hearing while defending your home, then the Smith & Wesson M&P15 SPORT II would be my top rifle recommendation (I recommend pairing it up with 30-round magazines from Lancer); the Mossberg 500 series of shotguns would be my top shotgun recommendation; and the full-size Smith & Wesson M&P9 would be my top pistol recommendation. And I'd pair them up with this electronic hearing protection if I was you.

As to ammo recommendations for the 3 options that I listed above, I recommend Hornady 75-grain BTHP T2 TAP (8126N) or Hornady 5.56 NATO 75-grain BTHP Superformance Match (the .223 version that Hornady makes is also fine); this Managed-Recoil 8-pellet 00 buckshot from Remington (it patterns very tightly); and the 147-grain 9mm Federal HST that I already mentioned above, twice.

And if you go with a pistol, then I recommend the Streamlight TLR-1 as a mandatory accessory.

As to lubricant, you can't really go wrong with Break-Free CLP.

Hi! Happy to respond!

Well the high cost is a bummer - I'm not sure about water purity in NZ but what is the cost of tablets? Usually they last forever and you only need one for a liter or so of water.

First-aid kit - you don't really need to buy a premade kit. You're going to want some first aid items in case of emergency: bandaids (do you guys call them plasters?), antibiotic ointment, anti-itch cream or bug sting relief capsules (if needed, I don't know NZ insects), some painkillers (aspirin, Tylenol, whatever), some benadryl (anti-allergy relief) at the least are things you should include in your kit. Those are the minimum items you should bring and you probably own most of them already. You don't need to bring a whole box or bottle of each, just a handful will be fine. If you were to add anything else to that I would bring some gauze tape for larger cuts or wrapping joints as well as some moleskin to help with any blisters you might get. Put all those items into a plastic zip-loc bag (waterproof!) and that's your budget first aid kit with everything you'll possibly need. And you should already know how to use all those items.

Rope - I'm a big believer in the many uses of rope. You can hang your food to keep animals from getting it. You can tie your tent or tarp down in bad weather. You can cut some off and tie your camp shoes (see camp shoes below) to your backpack if necessary. You don't need a lot of rope but for the cost and weight it's can be nice to have. I honestly use the cheap rope people buy to use on clotheslines. But this isn't necessarily a must-have, especially if you don't need to tie anything down. This reminds me that it's good practice to bring some duct tape (not a whole roll) in case you get a rip in your tent or something.

Torch - I personally like a headlamp best. The one I have is lightweight and cost about $25, it is bright and it has a flashing option. I like the headlamp because it keeps my hands free to do other things. I don't usually hike at night but it is easier for me to pee if I have both hands and don't have to hold a torch. But really any torch will do - the key is finding one that is bright (casts a wide beam so you can see around you), durable (in case you drop it), long-lasting (doesn't eat through batteries quickly), and lightweight (priority in that order). You'll mostly want it around camp at night - cooking, getting up to pee, pointing it in the direction of a scary sound. It doesn't need to be expensive or very nice.

Multi-tool - Your mileage may vary on multitools. A lot of hikers are rabid about them but I just carry a small knife. I carried a multitool a few times but the only feature I used on it was the knife. If I'm in the woods I have no need for a screwdriver or a pair of pliers or a can opener - that's just extra weight. Is there any feature of a multi-tool you think that you'll be using besides the knife? Think about that before committing to a possibly expensive and heavy multitool. You might be better off with just a small knife. Check your local laws regarding knife sizes though.

Camp shoes - I didn't remember it before but in case you hadn't thought of these, grab some lightweight shoes you can wear around camp at night. Your feet will be happy to be aired out of the boots for awhile and it'll be easier to put on in the middle of the night if you have to go pee. A pair of cheap rubber thongs is probably fine. Bonus if your camp shoes are waterproof - if you have to do stream crossings it's nice to change into them instead of getting your boots drenched :)

Firstly, some unsolicited advice. If there's a low chance of the knife getting confiscated for whatever reason, I'd say save up a little more scratch and get something a little nicer. Alright, now that I've said that, I'm going to assume that you're going to completely ignore it. (Which is fine.)

Ontario RAT 2 always comes highly recommended. You pretty much can't go wrong here. It is a liner lock, which will be a little easier to use one-handed than a lockback. Though maybe only if you're right handed.

I think if I were going for a Spyderco in that range, I'd go with the Ambitious instead. (Right under $30, blade is 2.25 inches.) Or, save up a few extra bucks and go with the Persistence (Just under $35, blade is 2.75 in). The Byrd line is designed by Spyderco, but made by other companies under Spyderco's direction. I'm sure they are a decent value, but if that's what you want, I think you'd probably be better off, and happier, saving your money and getting a Delica 4.

You may also want to look into the Buck Vantage. It's a flipper, so easy opening is there. I think it's a liner lock as well. The steel is okay, but expect to be sharpening it fairly often (maybe once a week if you want to keep it razor sharp).

Another option is the Ka-Bar Dozier. It uses AUS-8A steel, which is pretty good for the price range (in my opinion). Thumb stud, lockback. This one's $20, so a little below your budget actually. Could use some of the money saved to get some sort of sharpening system (DMT Card maybe?)

Blue Ridge Zancudo, designed by the same people behind the RAT series. Pretty much the same idea, but I think the blade shape on the Zancudo is a little better if you need to be able to pierce things.

Last one, the Kershaw Shuffle. A little smaller, at 2.4 in blade length. But has a bottle opener, if you're into that sort of thing. Also, cheaper than any of the rest of the options here. I also think that this one probably has the best blade-shape, in my opinion. It's almost all belly.

Personally, I have found that having the longest knife you have is good, but a lot of the time most of that edge isn't put to good use. Sometimes it's too long, which makes it cumbersome. If you're mostly opening boxes and mail and stuff like that, something closer to a 2.5 inch blade might be more the ticket. I find that it makes it easier to make precise cuts.

For the record, I feel the same that the Cryo is too slippery - which is why I'm super glad Kershaw released a G10 version of it last year.

I also agree that the Tenacious is just a bit too big for EDC - and they do make the Persistence, which is a shrunken version of the Tenacious, with a 2.75 inch blade vs the Tenacious' 3-3/8 inch blade. If you wanna go even smaller, the Ambitious has a 2.25" blade. All 3 knives share a similar design (though the Ambitious is small enough that the proportions might look a little weird to some).

A few other knives of note that are standouts in the sub-$50 price range:

• CRKT Ripple - Ken Onion design with a more-traditional drop point blade, IKBS, 8Cr14MoV. Usually on most people's "Under $50" list.
  
  
• Kershaw Leek - Again, a little slippery and still Speedsafe but a slightly weaker torsion bar so not as forceful. Some people have issues with broken tips since they're a little thin, but this thing was the best under $50 when it came out.
  
  
• Ontario RAT 1 - At $25 this thing is a pretty great package, if not a little big. 3.5" blade, but it's AUS-8 if you don't like the 8Cr China steels (even if they are pretty similar).
  
  
• SOG Flash II - again, a 3.5 inch, AUS-8 blade. Assisted opening, but much less forceful than Speedsafe.
  
  
• The Kershaw Emerson CQC-6K has blown up since it's release and a lot of high speed low drag tactical types love it for EDC use. $25 makes it a pretty appealing choice and rock solid under $30.
  
  
• The Spyderco Delica 4 is just a touch over $50, averaging about $60, but it's also a go-to knife in the $50 for many people. VG-10 steel on this one is a big selling point.
  
  
• On the same hand, the Kershaw Blur is usually available for about $60, and for those looking for a big folder (seriously this thing is large) it's a great choice. Sandvik 14C28N as standard steel, also available with S30V for about $75.
  
  A few notes here
  
  
• You'll see a lot of sub $50 knives using 8Cr13MoV or 8Cr14MoV. The main difference is a little more Chromium in the 8Cr14MoV, leading to a little more corrosion resistance. A lot of people loved the Skyline, but there were a few issues with minor rust spots on the knives, leading to many companies switching to 8Cr14MoV for some of their knives (most of the budget Kershaws are 8Cr14MoV now).
  
  
• Kershaw has many many options for budget folders under $50, for all kinds of aesthetic tastes. The Chill, Thermite, Link, Oso Sweet, etc. I've owned a handful of Kershaws, and loved all of them, especially for the price.
  
  
• The 8Cr steels (13MoV and 14MoV) are pretty much on par with AUS-8, especially from CRKT, Spyderco, and Kershaw who all do a good job on their heat treats. There's a slight difference in hardness (3 to 4 HRC difference by most counts), but really they're nearly identical for all intents and purposes, mainly sharpening and edge retention. Some people just prefer AUS-8 because they don't like so called "China steel."
  
  
  ETA a few more links and some clarification of my still-awake-at-5am rambling.

Hi!

​

I am the same, always bring a flask of whiskey. I also always bring a pipe and tobacco, cob pipes are pretty light.

Anyways, here are my suggestions:

• Your backpack is very heavy. You might be able to find one on the gear exchange or something so you could potentially do that before the trip. You could also get the Osprey Levity which would save you about 2 lbs. The 3F UL Backpack is also a quality, very inexpensive, UL Backpack that would save you some weight.
  
• Lose the sleeping layers. You can use your hiking layers to sleep in as long as you keep them dry.
  
• Lose the camp shoes.
  
• You can get a flask like this and save a few oz.
  
• Camelbaks or hydration bladders in general are really inefficient for carrying water as far as weight goes. Consider just bringing another smart water bottle is you feel like you need more storage.
  
• You will need a wind screen for the BRS
  
• Your tent is on the heavy side. If you aren't ready to splurge on something else, The 3F UL 1 person tent is a great, fairly light, tent for a great price. Also, I have never found a footprint to be needed. You can also get similar tents on amazon if you are on a time crunch but I can't attest to their quality.
  
• First aid kit and hygiene kit is very heavy. For the first aid kit you could probably bring less of each thing to get it down to a little over an ounce. You probably don't need deodorant. For hygiene I only bring a toothbrush and little 15ml eye dropper of Dr. Bronner's soap, I brush and wash with it. Maybe consider the weight difference between bringing glasses and the contact solution? I don't wear either so i'm not sure.
  
• If you bring the Dr. Bronner's you don't need hand sanitizer.
  
• Looks like you have a heavy knife. There are much lighter options. I really like my Opinel No.6, weighs 0.9oz
  
• You could save weight by bringing a Picaridin spray pen.
  
• I don't know about you but I have found that I can get 5 days on one full charge from my phone if put in airplane mode and only used for photos and minor navigation. If you were confident and didn't absolutely need your phone you could go without the power bank.
  
  All together these adjustments would save you around 10.4lbs. Hope this helps!
  
  ​
  
  Good luck and have a great trip!

Oooh, this is a fun challenge.

• Knife: Spyderco Dragonfly 2 : $49
  
  This is the most expensive item on my list, but I figure that with knives this is the best small EDC knife you can get for the money. I'm not a fan of large knives for daily carry, and the Dragonfly gets the job done.
  
  
• Watch: Casio Men's Sport Analog Dive Watch : $17
  
  While I initial thought was the F-91W, this watch seems to have far better water-resistance for roughly $7 more. Plus I prefer analog watches.
  
  
• Wallet: Magpul Industries Daka Polymer Wallet : $17
  
  While I've never used one of these personally, why not take the loss of all my stuff as an excuse to pare down how much bullshit I carry in my wallet? Reviews (outside of Amazon) seem pretty good and I'd love to give this thing a shot.
  
  
• Multitool: Atwood Prybaby Chinese Knockoff : $3
  
  I like having one of these kinds of dumb little multitools handy for prying and bottle-opening and other random tasks that I wouldn't want to abuse my knife with. At only $3 it's worth the space in my budget and my keychain. Speaking of keychains...
  
  
• Keychain: Stainless Steel Aircraft Cable Keychain : $2
  
  If you're like me, you often have to add and remove keys and other items from your keychain. Wire/cable keychains are the friggin best for this. I generally prefer the ball-and-socket types rather than the kind that screw closed, but I'm counting my dollars here.
  
  
• Writing Utensil: Pilot G2 0.5mm (12-Pieces) : $10.75 per 12, ~$1 per ea.
  
  I can't stand pens that use caps, and nothing writes as well for me as the Pilot G2. 0.5mm is about as fine a line as I want to get because the 0.38mm ones tend to get a bit scratchy on most paper. And if you'll allow me to count the cost as only a dollar rather than the price of a twelve-pack...
  
  
• Bonus Round: Kingston Digital 32GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive : $9
  
  With a few extra buck open in the budget, I realized that I've had one of these on my keychain for about as long as I can remember, and it pays to have one handy with a copy of your choice of documents, music, and other media. Super handy to keep available at all times.
  
  --
  
  My total price for these tools puts me at $98, assuming the cost of only one pen. I assumed that I would be able to keep my phone, which provides me with enough illumination that I've never bothered with carrying a dedicated flashlight outside of the colder months when I'm usually wearing a coat. So I didn't bother with choosing one for this challenge. Anyone have any good suggestions for AAA, clicky tail-button flashlights under $20?

If he had been carrying a Swiss Army knife that's probably the style he prefers, Opinel makes single bladed knives that open in the same way his old SAK did, and leatherman makes amazing multitools, I would recommend checking all these brands out.

Opinel knives are usually extremely cheap and run about 20$/£, their most popular knife is the No. 8 for about 12$/£, it comes in other colors and wood types as well. No. 8 is a bigger model and it might be a little bulky for someone use to a SAK, the small the number in the name ex. No. 7, No.6, get smaller as their number designation does. I have the No. 8 Trekking knife in slate and its a pretty great knife for its price (18$/£).

If he likes Swill Army Knives, there are quite a few more options to look at, they can get a little pricey for their size at times, I own the Tinker, this was my first knife and I have found that looking at the tools on these knives would behoove you. I do not need an awl in the knife I carry every day for instance. There are many many options to chose from, and through a little sifting you may find one that you feel suits him best. Victorinox (the brand that makes swiss army knives) also makes knives that are a little closer to the opinels I mentioned earlier, a few of their models (like this one) are simply one or two blades. I would look into local laws however, I know some places do not allow blades that can be opened with one hand like the one I linked you to.

Leatherman makes wonderful multitools and a few pocket knives. Nearly everything they make have blades that lock as a safety feature, although very few can be flicked open, so I would check the specifics of this law, I doubt a multi-tool is illegal. This is the Micra, it appears to be a smaller version of a leatherman I own that I cannot find on their site. This one has a blade that opens in a way that is legal for sure, its blade does not lock either. If you find that some locking blades are allowed, the Skeletool is a favorite of mine, it may look a little outlandish but it has always had the best combination of essential tools out of any of my multi-tools, and it is one of my favorites. The Style is a smaller version with slightly different tools ( I don't think it has screwdrivers), but it's blade does not lock. The skeletool is about 70$/£ I think, and their smaller tools like the micra and style are under 30$/£, this brand has quite a bit more I didn't touch on, if you think he would like something like this I would check out site, I hope you find something that works, I know I'm always thrilled when my girlfriend gets me a new knife.

Its pretty average, i have one so i will share my opinion on it.

The pro of this bag.

This bag is lightweight and the material itself can repel water without the rain cover so i suspect using it on light rain is fine but for heavier rain the cover will be useful.

The belt strap is removable (which i did) and it is comfortable for everyday use.

The bag also have a pocket for a laptop or watter bladder.

The bag have a pocket at the front which have decent organization for your pen and other stuff and it can fit various stuff in it.

Lastly the front vertical zip can fit a lot of stuff as well. But it wont fit large items because of the vertical zip have an awkward opening.

The carry handle is comfortable for carrying the bag.

The bag have decent amount of organization and everyday use.

The bag is solid and uses strong quality materials. Also the back panel really helps with ventilation so you dont sweat buckets while using it

Now here are the cons.

If you fill the main pocket or the vertical main pocket too much, it will render either pocket useless as it will fill the other pocket.

The laptop pocket is very small in my opinion and its tight fit caused some minor frustration when pulling the laptop out. Also if you dont use a laptop, it means that this pocket is a waste of space.

Another problem is that for a bag this size, it only fits approximately a small amount of stuff. The website stated that its a 16L backpack. Which in my personal opinion, its rather smallish.

The bag will not stand upright. This is one of the more frustrating thing for me since the bag cannot stand on itself but its rubber bottom helps it stand against a wall.

And finally, This bag may state that its" covert" or "blend in the urban enviroment" and stuff but in my opinion, this backpack doesmay the exact opposite. It may attract some attention due to its unusual design.

TL; DR: The fail safe pack is a great bag for carrying your everyday essentials such as your laptop and tools but for travelling or hiking or anything that requires filling every bit of space the bag have is not what the fail safe pack can do.

I generally dont recommend this backpack since you can get away with better backpacks for that money.

If you want a backpack with decent organization and carry to work, i suggest checking out the COVRT18 by 5.11 or the popular 5.11 RUSH however the 5.11 rush is not exactly an office backpack but its organization and material is great.

K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple, Stupid. Words to live by!

Gloves. Just your standard Nitrile gloves. I have a box in my closet with about 5 pair in my truck. Although with Texas summers here, I'd bet they've melted together by now. I should really check on that...

Safety Glasses Any brand will do. Just look for ANSI Z87.1. You'll probably never use them, or 90% of what's in your bag, but they're nice to have on hand.

Knife w/seat belt cutter & window punch. This is mine. I keep it on my trucks visor when I'm driving, and on me when I'm not. Cheap and useful. A little big though.

Simple Breathing mask. Always good to have around.

Gauze Rolls & Gauze Pads. I've used these a couple times, all on myself. I have the uncanny ability to fall when running outdoors. It's truly a gift.

Large SAM Splint. Surprisingly I've used two in only a year of building my kit. Once for myself, colles fracture from tripping, and the second time for a friend who slipped in my kitchen. We're not the most coordinated bunch.

And if you're feeling adventuress (sp?), Emergency Blanket, Cold Pack, & a Hot Pack. These aren't necessary, but nice to have if you have some extra $$$ to burn.

This is all i carry in my truck medical wise. It's also a good idea to have a flashlight on your vehicle or in the bag. Don't waste money on anything "fancy". You'll never use them and if you do you'll probably get sued.

I received a pre-stocked jump bag from a family member as a gift for getting my EMT cert. Came with OPA's, C-Collar, Adult/Pedi BVM, & a couple suture kits. These are no-no's. Good Samaritan laws won't protect you if you use these. DON'T BUY/USE THEM WHEN NOT ON A RIG! (The suture kits are another matter...just don't) I took these out of my bag completely.

TL;DR K.I.S.S. Avoid anything a non-EMS person couldn't use.

EDIT: Formatting

>Hmmm, under 10?

> This Essie top coat that makes all glossy polishes matte.

Sweet Jesus where have I been to not know of these things...

> This Too Faced "stuff" that makes eyeshadow a more permanent eyeliner.

Awesome suggestion. Never knew this existed. Perfect as it's impossible to find a good white eyeliner in my area. Plenty of white shadows in my collection plus this item will help greatly XD

> This pepper spray!

I love it. And it's my favorite color. PINK XD

> This beautiful hanging lantern.

>:)

Had to add that simply because of the prettiness awesome factor.

You're welcome.

On that, Cold Steel actually has some good products. They are absolutely edgelords and make a lot of "cool factor" cringe stuff, so bear in mind this isn't me playing the contrarian. However the way they became known in the first place was by producing quality blades.

Take a look at their take on the Kukri.

Though it might not look it given the context, a Kukri is a serious blade for actual work (a cross between a hatchet and a large knife, the design done right can split wood, finely cut, chop, and even in some cases pry). Cold Steel is absolutely serious in this offering, and are attempting to compete with authentic handmade Himalayan Imports kurkis from Nepal for serious users. That's bold.

Now personally, I never was a knife guy but I've always liked tools and like to read on outdoorsy stuff.

Me tip: Get a small U.S. made stockman knife to carry. You'll actually get a lot of use out of it without being an edgelord or being disruptive. Learn the names and uses of each blade on it and review a quick page on safe knife usage and rules (e.g. folks think you can pry with a knife, you cannot, and other little safety and usage tidbits; like the right amount of blade for the right task).

Anyway, the one that really put Cold Steel on the map was their G.I. Tanto.. I kept an eye out and picked one up at a pawn shop, one of the original runs, for the original price. The perks were that it had a paracord-wrapped grip (at the time), was carbon steel, indestructible literally (you can even pry with it, split wood, etc.) because it would flex into a U-shape before breaking/deforming; it had a tanto-edge (very strong shape), and originally sold for $15. Its design competitors were often less robust, broke easier with exotic steels, were even heavier, and went for $300+.

Needless to say that became popular for serious users and modding them became a thing. Very serious knives are often extremely basic and the value is subtle in the design; like with Opinel, Ontario Old Hickory series, or Mora--all completely overlooked by the tacticool crowd. The GI Tanto was aimed at the neckbeards, but it found a home with serious usage.

So Cold Steel was and is actually a serious brand, and they're absolutely appealing to neckbeards in their badass lineup. On that, however..

Cold Steel was and is usually the only company making actual swords (an oxymoron). What I mean is, swords are usually low-quality steels, ridiculous designs, are unsharpened and are unusable (will snap, or they don't have actual tangs). Cold steel actually made historically accurate, very durable pieces for a decent price. They wouldn't break on you or pose a danger, and were basically quality built.

Take a look at this katana, $600 with ray skin handles. This isn't for fantasy zombie slayers, but can be decorative or used by a martial artist who skillfully chop those bamboo bundles and learn historic techniques.

Or (video warning) this weeb.

Anyway to that end Cold Steel has very good quality and usable blades, and a "guilty pleasure" lineup that includes US-made, high quality Russian Special Forces shovels and tactical boomerangs. There was one elder I knew who had a nerve disease who needed a cain, and who carried a Cold Steel battle cain because they are good quality, unassuming, and could help him to defend himself (given his inability to run or fight with his hands).

So that's the lowdown on Cold Steel and what they're about.

Get it if you feel that your life is worth protecting. You don't need to be paranoid, but it's always good to be prepared. If you're in a situation where you feel that your safety or your life is in danger, use it - it is effective. If that time comes, and I hope it doesn't, you are solely responsible for the outcome of that situation and I'm assuming you want it to work out in your favor. The police won't be there to protect you and people on the street will likely not intervene.

This is the one that I bought for myself and my wife. I'd also recommend getting the practice spray to try it out a few times and feel confident using it.

And disregard the people talking about how safe Seattle is and mocking others for being prepared. Your safety and your preparedness is more important than what they think.

Here's a few I snagged from my recently ordered list.

Secure USB Drive - For storing scans of important documents.

Mylar Blankets - Ridiculously thin. Good to keep in the car or every day carry bag for a variety of situations.

Camp Suds - Or alternately hand sanitizer. Both useful to stay healthy in Flu season or another outbreak that spreads via contact.

Emergency Whistle - Small enough to keep on a keychain. Loud enough to get attention when it's needed.

Mylar Bags + Oxygen Absorbers - If you're prepping, putting a hundred pounds or so of white rice in 5 gallon buckets is a great way to get started on a long term food supply without breaking the bank. Put it in these and it will stay fresher longer.

Water BOB - Great little device for if/when you know the water supply may be at risk. It's a cheap way to be able to store 100 gallons in preparation for an emergency.

Pepper Spray - The security product you can take most places.

Starter First Aid Kit - Gotta get that going some how. This one has a hard shell which is nice for tossing it in a pack. You'll have to fill it out with what you're likely to need.

Mainstay 2400 Calorie Bars - They stay good through some pretty extreme highs and lows which makes them ideal for tossing in a car. They last about 5 years or so and don't require any water to make them. They're very handy as they're a purchase and forget about them item (for a few years anyway) that lets you have some immediate food for however long you have them stocked for.

Life Straw - A personal filter for waterborne bacteria. Most water purification methods have some significant cost to them, but this one is a great inexpensive item to get started with.

There's a ton of little things on Amazon that are kind of cool to have on hand, but I'd recommend snagging whatever is most likely to help you in whatever your situation is likely to be. If you live in a wildfire prone area... the usb drive would be a wise start. Earthquakes? The emergency whistle. Bad neighborhood, pepper spray. You get the idea. Good luck!

Okay here are some suggestions

1. Wallet. I have not ordered it yet but [this] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002P4Y9EW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A28SBX2GB3VZCT) cigarette case could work.
   
2. Knife: [Spyderco tenacious] (http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Tenacious-Handle-Folding-Plain/dp/B001EI7578/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1370136756&sr=1-1&keywords=spyderco) is $32 and a little more than 3 inches or the [Spyderco ambitious] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004MMSDHO/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER) which is a baby tenacious with a 2 1/4 inch blade and $29.
   While they are not tactical opinels are really nice and are near $10 and come in lots of sizes.
   
   
3. Pens: I have a [zerbra 701] (http://www.amazon.com/Zebra-F-701-Stainless-Ballpoint-Retractable/dp/B002L6RB80) and a [Fisher space bullet pen] (http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Space-Pen-Bullet-400/dp/B000095K9D/ref=sr_1_sc_2?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1370136956&sr=1-2-spell&keywords=fisher+space+ben). For the money the zebra is excellent, the bullet pen is nice but there is a tutorial on how to mode the zebra to take space pen refills which is the best of both.
   
4. I know you got the wave but I suggest getting a small mt like a sak or a leatherman ps4 or micra. The victorinox classic sd is good and about $10
   
   Also with all the stuff you want to carry, It might be wise to invest in a maxpediton micro pocket organizer which is about $15
   If you got any questions just ask.

I respect your position coming into this and the responses you've given; very level overall and a nice reprieve from the folks that 'really want a karambit' for 'self defense' and 'because it looks cool'.

I'd say you should still take a look at the sidebar for knife choices if you'd be interested in carrying one. While it is an inferior self defense tool in many cases compared to a lot of alternatives (pepper spray + tied laces), it's still a fantastic tool for a bunch of crap that's significantly more likely to happen than you needing it for self defense. I've carried a knife on me daily for over half my life and at this point leaving home without one is like declawing a cat - I just feel like I'm missing something key.

If you're looking for a smaller sized knife there are a good amount of options, but the Kershaw Chill is a great knife overall, even moreso at a $20 price point. If you're ok with spending a bit more, the Kershaw Skyline is another well-loved, low-impact carry. You can also look at Spyderco's Ambitious, or the slightly larger Tenacious. A Tenacious was my first Spyderco knife and I still love the thing. Some other alternatives are the Ontario Rat 1, the smaller Rat 2.

Hopefully this helps - if you have any questions at all, please feel free to respond.

>Have you ever taken a self-defense class?

This is great advice. Especially if you're at college, you can likely take self-defense classes for free or for a very low charge.

Since it sounds like both you and your roommate are on the small side, I highly recommend you take something like Brazilian jiu jitsu, which teaches you how to defend yourself without having to be particularly fast, strong, or big.

You can probably look up martial arts courses on your campus web-site. Don't feel intimidated. I've gone to a few different martial arts courses and they're extremely safe.

It's sexist, but because you're a girl, you'll probably be treated with greater "care." That does NOT mean YOU won't learn what you need to defend yourself: feel free to go "all out" when practicing with the men in the course. I understood why sometimes I'd hit the mat hardest when squaring off with the few women there.

>would you consider carrying mace?

Mace is likely to be available at a sporting goods stores. You can also purchase it online from Amazon. If you've signed up for the free Amazon Prime service for students, then you can have it in your hands in two days for no extra charge.

This is the pepper spray I got for my girlfriend. Right now it's less than $8 and comes with a keychain. You can shop around on the site and find something you like.

Good luck.

Depends on many things... and once you get to high quality knives, preference is a huge thing.

I enjoy ESEE-3MIL

They have one of the best warranties, but the price also reflects it.
it's 1095 high carbon steel, easy to sharpen and maintain, but can rust if you don't keep it clean.


You probably don't need a large knife for most things.

If you want to spend more on something fancy you can get a BUSSE




as everyone said... can't go wrong with mora for the price.. i'm personally not a fan though. I wouldn't say overall it's high quality, but the blade, where it matters.. is.


It's not too difficult to find a good camp/hunting knife. Like I said, mostly preference.

Just make sure you go with a good knife company or maker.

You can even find some real nice custom fixed knives for cheap from up and coming knife makers if you search around a bit.

Also, you could just get a folding knife.


if you want a super inexpensive one that's as legendary as the mora there is opinel no 8 - also carbon steel



or the Ontario Rat


anyhow, tons of options.

I have this UK and US and it's not cheap but it's a great gadget backpack lots of pockets for phones, battery chargers etc.

The Xbox One fits in quite snuggly in the main compartment, I tend to put some foam at the bottom as the bottom isn't that padded and you can fit the power brick and a controller in the front zip pocket. There isn't much room to fit the Kinect also.

I also don't travel on a plane I just use it to transport between home/work/friends but I find it's much better than most rucksacks as it's well padded. I also use one for regular use with my 17" laptop (I have two Rush 24 bags) and really find they are the best for weather proofing, padding and the amount of pockets they have, plus they are super comfortable on the back/shoulders with the padded straps.

I know some say Pelican cases and they are probably more padded, being foam inserts cut out in a metal case, but will be a pain to lug around in my opinion. If you'r flying I would always make sure you take it has carry on to avoid too much bumping around of the Xbox.

To tag along with your friends who already have gear, I assume you can share a tent so I'll skip shelter. Also my links are to stuff I like, but there are tons of options in each category.

• 65L backpack (REI)
  
• Small Zlite Sol sleeping pad (REI) and XL 1/8" foal roll (Lawson). Put the Zlite on top of the foam roll.
  
• 20 degree Enlightened Equipment Enigma quilt (link)
  
• Sawyer Mini filter (REI) and a couple SmartWater 1L bottles from the grocery stores (threads match the filter)
  
• Snow Peak Ti bowl (link). Can double as cookpot if you buy a lid from here.
  
• Fire Maple 300T canister stove (ebay) and fuel from REI
  
• Ti Long Spoon (REI)
  
• 2 of these, empty, for your drinking cup and dirty water scoop (link).
  
• a swiss army classic (REI)
  
• I also like an opinel #6 (link)
  
• couple of mini bic lighters
  
• headlamp (REI)
  
• snow stake for cathole digging (REI)
  
• maybe a headnet depending on trip (REI)
  
• bug dope (REI)
  
• small first aid kit (RE)
  
• toiletries (TP, toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, chapstick, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, campsoap, in small containers)
  
• maybe some utility cord and map and compass if you know how to use one
  
• Clothes you're gonna want a rain shell, light puffy jacket or midweight fleece, tshirt, light 150 wt base layer top/bottom, hiking pants, 2x darn tough socks, some light hiking boots or trail runners, 2x boxer-briefs, a hat, sunglasses, cheap watch, a Buff, a beanie with ear coverage, and cheap polyproylene gloves from the surplus store.
  
  That, or something like it, should pretty much cover you from June thru Sept in northern CA, assuming you can snag a spot in some else's tent and you're sharing bear canister space for food storage (when backpacking places that require it).
  
  Good luck!

I prefer the Amazon Basic USB battery packs to the Anker ones, having bought both. The amazon ones are similar capacity but in a much better form factor for pocketing (taller and wider but more slender). I have both the 10K and 5.6K and the 5.6K is a lot more pocket friendly carry but for backpack the 10K is great.

For cables I carry two 6 inch from monoprice:

• USB-A to USB-C
  
• USB-C to USB-C
  
  Which lets me pretty much connect to any current power source now and for the foreseeable future. To connect to devices I actually use I found this USB-C to Micro-USB converter. Was the only one I could find that went the "right way", the rest seem to go from Micro-USB to USB-C. Finally an Apple Micro-USB to Lightning adapter for charging the phone.
  
  All told about one foot worth of USB cables and two dongles lets me connect to and charge just about anything I can imagine. Throw an OLight USB charger in with it and you can charge lithium ion and NiMH batteries as well.
  
  Everything above fits easily in a Maxpedition Micro that you can just toss in a backpack or in your back pocket with room to spare (small first aid kit, wet wipes, whatever).

I run outside by myself and I’ve found I like having a pepper spray on my wrist like [this](SABRE RED Pepper Gel Spray - Police Strength - Runner with Adjustable Hand Strap (Max Protection - 35 bursts, up to 5x’s More) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002E6RERU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_S0Q4DbDBKEVWX). I wear it on my left wrist to easily access it with my right hand. I like that it’s on display, I feel that it gives the perception that I am going to fight back. If I get into a situation that I feel uneasy about, simply switch the entire unit to your dominate hand to be on alert. The strap makes it harder to drop, which is really useful as a fairly clumsy person.

I also just want to say my heart really goes out to you. That’s a terrifying experience and I really wish you to best. We can be as prepared as possible and sometimes the universe just works against us.

For mainly camping get a Cold Steel GI Tanto on Amazon. I usually don't like tango style blades but Cold Steel's has a thick edge that's great for bushcraft while the secondary edge/tip is great for prying and other heavy duty tasks. It is 1055 carbon steel so do clean it after every use. I recommend you modify the grip to something better though, I personally use tennis over grips as they are cheap and amazing.

Or if you want something smaller for both camping and EDC I suggest a Kershaw Skyline

I got one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/Maxpedition-E-D-C-Pocket-Organizer-Green/dp/B002DAHO0Y/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1494882495&sr=8-4&keywords=maxpedition&th=1

... and zipped it inside out. Fit perfectly into one of the cargo pockets on my scrub pants.

Front side had: sharpie, red pen, highlighter, whiteboard marker, pen light and a small notebook that slipped into the sleeve behind the loops.

https://www.amazon.com/ThorFire-PF04-Flashlight-Batteries-Included/dp/B01IHENP34/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494883154&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=pf04+penlight

This is the pen light that I used and I LOVED it. 0.5 lumen setting is perfect for pupil checks. 210 lumen setting is awesome for times you need a bright ass light (finding those hidden urethra's on your bariatric patients ....). Bonus is it stands up well to cavi wipes.

Back side: trauma shears into the back sleeve and a hemostat into one of the loops.

Nice thing was it kept everything in one place that I could keep in my car. I would clip my badge to it after clinical that way everything was in one place and I wouldn't lose it.

I know it seems like overkill, but I honestly ended up using everything at one point or another during clinical. Some more than others I guess. I also hate not having something when I need it.

A good watch is also crucial (unless your clinical site has a "bare below the elbows" policy). I went a little overboard and got a g-shock with a metal band that I could cavi wipe when needed.

Binder/clipboard is essential for whatever paperwork you will be required to complete. Fiddle around and find which works best for you, chances are you will change it throughout your schooling based on your placement/req's for that placement.

Stethoscope goes without saying.

I think that's about it, its what I used during my program and served me well.

I'm 28, in the Navy, and here's what I'm usually carrying.

Maxpedition Pocket Organizer

NM Flag patch

Old coin given to me a while ago

Sparrow's Tuxedo Pick Set It's a great set, and a cool thing to learn. The linked set has a different case, I guess they don't do the leather cases anymore. I also had them put rubber handles on mine when I ordered, makes all the difference.

USB cord that came with my phone

Tekton 4" adjustable wrench

Zebra pen. Forgot which specific one...you probably know it though, it's one of the popular choices on this sub. My main pen I keep in my breast pocket, the Fisher Bullet. That's the best pen I've ever had, hands down.

Fine point Sharpie

Rite in the Rain notebook. It's ok. I much prefer Field Notes Expedition which I also keep in mind that breast pocket. Just wish the pages were perforated.

Streamlight Microstream. Awesome little light, and the AAA battery it takes lasts quite a while.

Chapstick

ThermoWorks surface thermometer. Sorry, can't find a link. My buddy gave me this last Christmas. Comes in real handy in the field, to see if my JetBoil is too hot to put away. Also, I dunno, I can tell you if stuff is hot or cold or whatever. Neat.

If you want a knife, take a look at the Kershaw Leek it's an awesome, medium sized folder, it is a great value for what you get. Amazon puts them on sale for sub $35 sometimes, so keep an eye out for that. It also has some different colored handle scales if you want to personalize it more to your liking.

If you want something a little smaller than the Leek, you could take a look at the Spyderco Ambitious, which is also a high value knife (less so than it's $35 bigger brother the Tenacious).

If you want an even smaller blade, take a look at the Spyderco Ladybug, it sports a 1.94 inch blade, so very inconspicuous and not "scary looking" at all. It'll look even more fun if you get yellow handle scales on it. They also have a purple version.

These are just a few options for you to look at, it really is only the tip of the iceberg. These are low cost, high value for what you get, I'm recommending the lower cost knives specifically because someone who isn't into knives might not value them as much (and thus not willing to pay higher amounts of money) compared to a person who is into knives. A lot of people think "What do I need a knife for?", well buy one, carry it on your person for a month and get back to me, you will see what a useful tool it is after carrying one for a decent amount of time.

I've come into this late and don't know if anyone's suggested these things yet, but just in case they haven't been I'll go ahead.

I'm glad to hear you've called the police and that they'll be patrolling your area more. In the meantime, you can buy a door brace to ensure your door stays shut while you're home, and pepper spray to keep by your bed. I would also recommend purchasing a pepper spray to keep on your key ring so that you have something on your when you are walking to and from your car.

You could also buy a taser gun, but I have no personal experience with them and could not vouch for them personally like I can for a door jam and pepper spray.

I'm sorry you're going through this. It's really scary to not feel safe, especially in your home, which should be a source of comfort for you. Take steps to make yourself feel better protected, and continue to call the police if anything else occurs. Do NOT hesitate to call them. I hope this situation gets taken care of quickly for you.

Morthy demands:

• This book comprised of sermons given by an old posh Englishman. (WL: Under $10.)
  
  Akeleie demands:
  
  
• My most geeky item is this Henry VIII mug. (WL: Books, Doctor Who, Geekery.)
  
  
• The ultimate item which would most help me achieve a goal would be this tablet, for taking notes in class (the tables in lecture halls are too small for my laptop) and keeping up with modding /r/selfharm on days when I don't/can't lug my laptop with me. The realistic item which would most help me achieve the goal of being safe would be this pepper spray. A lot of harassment occurs on my campus/in the surrounding town and it's really quite scary. (WL: Both from Most Wanted.)
  
  
• The best item to bring to a deserted island would definitely be these jars because jars are the shit and you could store water or coconut milk or bugs (om nom nom protein) in them. (WL: For my house!!!!!)
  
  You two are adorable and I love you. Fun contest!

There's also the TLR-4 which is considerably cheaper than the TLR-2.


I have no experience with the TLR-4 but I do have the TLR-3 (One without the laser) and I really like it a lot. Its lightweight and small but still very bright.

Saying that though, I really love the TLR-1s that my dad has. Its more durable and brighter than the TLR-3. Right now on amazon its on sale and I would buy it over the TLR-4. Its strobe function would be more useful than a laser.

A Morakniv Classic is a pretty great choice. Comfortable grip, well made, cheap. You just have to be aware that it is carbon steel, so it will rust if you leave it wet, and the sheath it comes in is kinda crappy. If you don't mind those two things, a mora would be great for you. If you'd rather a folding knife, the other one I can recommend is an Opinel. While that particular knife is carbon steel, you can get the Opinel in stainless as well, and it has pretty much all the same advantages of a Mora.

All that being said, so long as your Swiss Army knife is sharp, and you start on an easy bit of wood, soft, no knots, straight grain, you probably don't need a new knife.

Hi. I agree with all the other posts about looking into monitoring for evidence to stop the stalker using the police.

The only thing I'd add is that everyone seems to have overlooked your personal safety here. Hopefully one of these will be near you.

http://www.rad-systems.com/program_md.html

And I'd also look into to carrying something for your personal safety. Something like this would give you a good bang for your buck.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002E6RERU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1422728130&sr=8-1&keywords=pepper+spray&dpPl=1&dpID=41NpA2YzKGL&ref=plSrch&pi=AC_SY200_QL40

I don't mean to scare you, but as stated before, you really can't predict crazy and being prepared is better than being sorry.

Best of luck.

This answer assumes 1) you want a few knives to cover different uses and 2) you can dig in the couch cushions for $3.53 or you can wait for Amazon's prices to fluctuate just a little bit. The price on the Kershaw jumped $3 just while I am typing this up...

EDC: Kershaw Blur, $54.17. I'm a little goofy, and I like the serrated tanto even though it looks like ass. I assume for most people, they'd prefer the straight blade. I've had one for a few years, and it works great. Just the right size, comfortable grippy handle, and I love the opening mechanism.

Camping knife: Condor Tool and Knife Bushlore 4.375-Inch Drop Point Blade, $36.41. The QA on fit and finish is apparently an issue with this company, but I didn't notice any problem on mine. It's not going to win a beauty competition, but its a hard worker. One of the comments on Amazon says it's the AK-47 of the knife world. I'm inclined to agree.

Inconspicuous Folder: Opinel #8, $12.95. I don't actually own one of these, so caveat emptor, but they come highly recommended by the hive mind. It's a classy looking folder that you could carry around in your suit's jacket pocket or your briefcase.

If you're on the road you need shit that is all utility. I've put together a list that I think fits that bill. No Kershaw Cryo fashion knives here. I love a good looking blade but if you pull that out and lay it next to you far from being threatening someone will probably just steal it.

You need to buy a hobo knife to be a proper hobo.

For a self defense blade I would look at the Cold Steel GI Tanto. To be honest it is best used as a deterrent, it is menacing enough that it should serve that purpose. It's tough steel too so you can use it to pry and chop too. Prepping firewood with it by batoning is going to be easy.

A coarse diamond sharpening key chain is also nice to have.

Here is a waterproof jacket for $11 from Eddie Bauer.

Some inexpensive dry stuff sacks would be good too.

A stainless water bottle that you can also use for cooking is good too.

It seems like you may be very limited when it comes to funding for supplies, etc. If you have a few bucks to throw around, I would very highly suggest getting this pack

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01KJMK4W2?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_yo_pop_mb_pd_t2

More important than the pack will be supplies, though. For two people, I would pack at least a 2-quart pot with a lid, eating utensils and dishes for the two of you, and bedding. You'd be surprised how much gets taken out of you when you don't have a decent spot to sleep. If you have one, bring a rake and use the hell out of it. A rake can be used to clear debris from beneath your tent, but also makes gathering/collecting tinder a breeze. The difference between a leveled-out and clean ground under a tent, and just setting a tent up where it fits, is huge. If you're in an area that receives any amount of rain, you're going to want a tarp underneath your tent as well. Couldn't tell you how many times my "waterproof" tent leaked because I chose a poor spot to set it up, or the rain water just decided to change course in the middle of the night.

Long-term, look into a solar shower. Your gf isn't going to want to stick around if she can't bathe properly, and showering before work is a must (as you may not be able to smell the campfire smoke after a while, but to other people it comes off as a "homeless" smell). Also, a bench or seating of somekind will drastically improve an outdoor living situation, but that can be made once you're out there.

I would suggest bringing a knife each, a machete (or well-sharpened kukri), an axe with one sharp side and a hammer-like side, and a shovel with a decent handle. A gun is very handy as well, but not necessary.

Are you planning to hunt/gather/trap/fish for the majority of your food? There are 5+ gallon emergency ration buckets that seem decent (haven't tried them myself), and with supplemental protein I can see that being a bargain. Otherwise, it would be a good idea to travel quite a bit from the designated camping area, as the animals have likely become weary with all the traffic. That being said, look up laws in your state to make sure you aren't breaking any (did you know that snares, gill nets, and trout lines are illegal in most states?).

Most importantly (if you bring nothing else), you should pack an extensive first aid kit. Pack more gauze, triangle bandages, tylenol, and triple antibiotic ointment than you think you'll need in a year. If you need any of it, you'll be grateful that you don't have to ration.

Also, good luck!! Feel free to pm me for more tips, I had at least a hundred more suggestions, but I felt the need to try to keep this short.

1st off; Don't waste your money on items you will NEVER use or that wont have a practical application. While a BP can be nice to have, it will get taken by responding medics and will have no bearing on the care you provide in the meantime. Forget the cuff. Forget the BVM. If a patient has coded, you're not going to alternate compressions and one man bagging. If a bystander wants to help and doesn't feel comfortable with a face mask, quickly instruct them on compressions and you do the breaths while monitoring their rate/quality. Consider EPI auto-injector depending on state laws if you think you'll ever come up on an ANA. CVS has (had?) a generic for $10. Forget other meds. To much liability with no benefit pre-EMS.

Coming from an urban center without the need for driving, I use a MOLLE kit attached to my day pack. Stocked it with several sets of gloves, penlight, decompression needle, shears, lots of 4x4s, face mask, chest seal, CELOX, and CAT. Stethoscope is always in my primary bag. Goes everywhere and I still have plenty of storage for laptop, street clothes, and whatever else I might need.

Most of what I've come across are ODs, but I won't even think about carrying Narcan. Dispatch will alert LE as well and they have it on them. Just monitor their airway. Even out of the city, 99% of what you'd ever come across needing immediate assistance that won't have the risk of a combative person (i.e. OD given Narcan) is bleeding and airway. The rest can wait for a rig.

Notepad and pen might be helpful as well for quick vitals. In lieu of a BP, just note weather their pulse is strong or not.

Location, season, and space dependent, a foil-type survival blanket might be in order too.

Link to a MOLLE pouch(No affiliation and not recommending; for reference only):
(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074NR18JS/ref=twister_B074P215D3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1)

Link to a MOLLE day bag(Again, no affiliation, just reference):
(https://www.amazon.com/Military-Tactical-Backpack-Backpacks-Rucksack/dp/B01KJMXLOK/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1510261070&sr=1-1&keywords=molle+backpack)

Hope this helps!

(read my edit below)

Don't get just any knife. I would suggest getting a rescue knife.

Like this: http://www.amazon.com/Smith-Wesson-SWBG2TS-Serrated-Seatbelt/dp/B0037F1B9E/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1414195122&sr=8-13

The integrated seatbelt cutter allows you to safely cut a seatbelt. There is also a glass breaking tip that'll shatter glass easily if needed.

In fact, I lost my rescue-knife so I'm buying another.

If you're on a budget, this is the knife I originally had and is < $10. I liked mine and had no issues with it.

http://www.amazon.com/TAC-FORCE-Assisted-Opening-Linerlock-Sawback/dp/B00EH0MKXE/ref=pd_sbs_sg_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=0CWWRYRCE4R4AQJP5DJ3

EDIT:

I looked into what /u/lt-ghost was saying. While a steel tipped window breaker may work, it requires significantly more work and in a panic situation probably won't work at all. The razer for the seatbelt should work regardless though, but if not you still have the blade.

It seems like the best option for a rescue knife would be Spyderco Assist I. Expensive, I know.

BUT, the ResQme seems to work exceptionally well. I actually just bought a couple of them for myself. Go look on Youtube.

Blade steel is fine for an EDC, and handle material looks close to G-10, which I would say is the best handle quality for grip. 3 inch blade, looks like it can be opened one handed from thumb stud.

Before making a purchase, check out the cheaper brands from Spyderco and Kershaw, they have $25 EDCs on sale, with same or better quality blade steel.

Here's a few that might be worth a look:

http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-Onion-Chive-Pocket-Knife/dp/B0009VC9RW/ref=pd_sim_sg_4

http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Ambitious-Black-PlainEdge-Knife/dp/B004MMSDHO/ref=sr_1_10?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1313769769&sr=1-10

http://www.amazon.com/Magnum-Folder-Black-Handle-Blade/dp/B0017KTOV8/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1313769793&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-31-000674-MP450-Compact-Paraframe/dp/B003LY43FA/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1313769825&sr=1-5

Good luck with your purchase :)

>Padding and hip belts are almost always there on anything that's more than a day pack.

I appreciate you providing a reply, however when the question is "at what point do you need X" replying with "well many designs I see always have X" does not answer anything. We both know that packs exist which do not have padding (even you admitted something not larger than a daypack has no padding). So when someone tries to find out why or at what point is it needed giving a reply of "well, most packs have it" does not help.

>For more technical or demandingly used materials you can find data sheets from the manufacturers, but I doubt that's of much practical use when an individual is making their own gear.

Have you looked at this data? I have not checked manufacturer's datasheets for this information so I do not know if they actually label "this can hold up to 50lb". I doubt they give an answer that simplistic since, for example, building a pack will have large force variations on the fabric from walking pushing the pack up and down (when the pack is rebounding from the lowest point there will be far more force on it than the weight of the items in the pack).

>Not sure what exactly you mean by ALICE type vs MOLLE,

They are common pack types. ALICE: https://www.amazon.com/Rothco-G-I-Alice-without-Frame/dp/B01LW8T5GM MOLLE: https://www.amazon.com/Standard-Desert-Genuine-U-S-Military/dp/B005FLM1K6

>The idea of being able to double a carrying system's capacity, while cool in theory, sounds like one or both configurations end up being a bad compromise in practice.

Possibly. However, it is something I want to look. I mean what is the point of giving up early on saying "well, that might not work so do not try it". It is far more interesting to at least bother trying to figure it out instead of just "eh, nah". Additionally, the point of the MOLLE system was to be able to add additional capacity to it so it can work at least to some extent. There are things such as http://www.neotrekk.com/ which do allow you to add or remove most of the load as you want. So, I know that it is possible to have a design where you can add or remove capacity. The only question really is: can I figure out a design which I like?

The other potentially mitigating factor is that I probably want the starting size (without added things) to be quite small. In normal activities I might need:

poncho, paper, pen, ereader, wallet, keys, deoderant, chapstick, utility tool, maybe other things like headache meds or small additions

Everything would probably fit into a briefcase (I would check if I had one). Maybe this would scale to be usable for a weekend hiking trip (example size: https://www.amazon.com/5-11-Tactical-Rush-Backpack-Black/dp/B0019VWSQ8/ref=pd_sim_200_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0019VWSQ8&pd_rd_r=EPY30JCASR2K7R8VE85W&pd_rd_w=Pnfeu&pd_rd_wg=eK72T&psc=1&refRID=EPY30JCASR2K7R8VE85W). So, that is a very large increase in capacity, however I am unsure why it would be so difficult to design a bag which after I add compartments ends up similar to that example and I take compartments off as they are not needed.

You telling me "well, it will probably not work" does not really help. If you had pointed out that the military stopped using systems where you add and remove compartments years ago and they just use strap systems now, it would have been something I already knew, but at least you would have provided a reason for your point of "well it probably will not work well", and it would have been not a good enough reason to make much difference haha. If you had somehow provided examples or an analysis which explained that you cannot use a support system for a large bag on a much smaller bag because of {insert reason} so you cannot scale the bag, that would have been a great reason for me to stop thinking about it.

From my personal experience at PAX;

Don't bring anything that doesn't have a secure or zippered pocket of some kind. This is more of a personal preference but I want to know that my chargers and few electronics are safe and not easily accessed by others.

Don't bring anything with small or thin straps, by the end of day four even with cushioned straps my shoulders are pretty damn sore. Adding extra cushioning before hand might be a worthwhile investment.

Don't bring anything too bulky or that has too many accessories on it, by which I mean anything that might hook or catch on other people passing by. It's very cramped in there and last year I watched a womans bag, that had a few chains on it, snag and break.

I personally like having several pockets to help me stay organized and so that I don't have to stop and pull everything out just to find one thing, especially with how busy and chaotic some of the spaces can get.
A small pocket for electronics, a second for quick snacks or med access (beef jerky, pepto and tylenol are good basics to keep with you just in case), and another section or two for swag and anything I buy.

I personally use a tactical backpack. Simple and no fuss, but plenty of room. Some are made with very breathable materials which can help keep your back from getting too sweaty if it's hot or muggy.

Something simple like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KJMXLOK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_05-tDbQTNRAW9

My husband maintains that karate is very effective. There are various styles. Researching them for yourself would be most beneficial. I studied Tae Kwon Do and some shotokan, which is good for my body type because I have horrid upper body tone, though i have tried bulking up before, BUT I also have very strong legs. TKD is a lot of kicks, though some is for show. I think the main thing I liked about my husband's school was that they taught what to do when you lose the upper hand and have to grapple, as well as what to do when you have your feet under you. I can't for the life of me remember the style he learned, but the school was Hsin Lu Dao... I'm fairly certain it was shotokan and go ju. He says the grappling was more jiu jitsu... multiple schools tend to cover multiple bases. It isn't exactly comfortable at first, but it does eventually become ingrained as reflexes. Husband says shotokan schools are becoming more and more tournament centered, so it's probably worth shopping around for an academy.

The keychains I picked up at an armory the last time my dad went in for ammo. Mine is black, but it looks like this one

It fits decently in your hand. And it burns like a bitch, because I have had some on my hands and rubbed my face on accident before. I wouldn't recommend that particular experience. The main thing is to make sure that you don't put your finger over the spray when you push. Haven't used, have practiced. I don't think it'd be good for more than a couple of bursts, though the packaging says something like 20.

Gifts that I have received from family since being in the job:

QuiqLite

Leatherman OHT

Some tactical pen that smashes windows

personally I wouldn't have bought the pen lol, its a bit of an overkill but hey I guess I'll change my mind the day I need to break through a window or strike someone with it? who knows lol.

Definitely recommend the quiqlite...I use it every day and probably not something he would've thought about. I can't even believe that I used to write notes in the dark without that light (also really helpful if you have to cuff someone who is resisting in the dark as well).

Leatherman...well speaks for itself...another thing I use pretty regularly

Yeah but I don't really need specifically a kitchen knife. Just wanted a good all around knife I can use for pretty much everything. It doesn't have to be very good at something.

I'm really liking the Spyderco Resilience

Well heres a list of some from amazon.

• Opinel No8 Carbon Pocket Knife | $12 | 4.6 Stars
  
  
• Kershaw Chill Serrated Pocket Knife | $21 | 4.8 Stars
  
  
• Kershaw Brawler Speedsafe Knife | $23 | 4.5 Stars
  
  
• Ontario RAT Folding Knife | $27 | 4.8 Stars
  
  
• Kershaw Cryo Speed Safe Folding Knife | $30 | 4.4 Stars
  
  
• Spyderco Ambitious Plain Edge Knife | $33 | 4.5 Stars
  
  
• Spyderco Tenacious Plain Edge Knife | $34 | 4.7 Stars
  
  
• Camillus Carbonitride Titanium Folding Knife | $37 | 4.8 Stars
  
  
• Kershaw Ken Onion Leek Folding Knife with Speed Safe | $39 | 4.7 Stars
  
  Hope that helps!
  
  PS if you aren't sure about your knife laws check out this PDF just scroll to your state and check. Also /r/Knives can probably help you if you have more specific questions about knives. Although going to that sub-reddit will also probably mean spending more than $30 so be forewarned.

Quick suggestions:

CRKT SS Eros ($37 on amazon, neat flipper, light, but tiny)

Spyderco Dragonfly 2 ($48 on amazon, the popular "little big knife" option, comes in other flavors, I prefer the Cat though)

Spyderco Cat ($41 on amazon, often my choice for Chicago or Boston carry, at least when I'm not carrying a Tuff Lite)

. . . and one more that's far superior to the other three in utility, but that is perhaps less easy on the eyes:

Cold Steel Tuff Lite ($29 on amazon)

If you like kershaw you can get a blur with S30v steel for around 65$ on amazon if you still want a kershaw. I've never been too impresed with them since I find their build quality to be lacking. They seem to have an excessive amount of blade play and use average quality steels in most of their knives. The a premium steel that can hold a razor sharp working edge. The spyderco delica/endura line is also a great knife. They have full flat ground blades that come razor sharp from the factory with absolutlely no blade play. I personally carry a green delica as one of my edc knives. The dragonfly is also great if you want a knife that dissapears on your person. it is a featherweight knife, that cuts and handles like a much larger knife.

If you are looking for a knife that can take an absolutely harsh beating, I would have to reccomend an Ontario RAT 1 or 2 depending on you size preference. They are a bit heavy in hand compared to other knives it size, but perform just as good as any of my spydercos. It is also on the cheaper side at around 25$.

The benchmades are also a good choice, but I would also reccomend the benchmade mini-presidio.

Anyways, I thought I might as well just post some links to them:

S30v Kershaw Blur

Benchmade Mini Presidio

[Benchmade Griptillian] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000Q9BOF0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2Q6YQ3PL1NNYW&coliid=I1IO3PSF8569TW)

Benchmade Mini Griptillian (I prefer thumb hole openers, but both griptillians also are offered with combo edges and thumb studs.)

Spyderco Dragonfly

Spyderco Delica

Spyderco Endura

Ontario RAT 1

Ontario RAT 2

I would second the Delica recommendation. Amazon has a Delica 4 ffg in Purple that would do nicely. The Dragonfly 2 in a very dark green frn and a yellow H1 salt frn would be great as well. Great gift idea man!

How about an Opinel N8?

Easy to operate (2 handed which is safer), great quality for the price, good ergos for most hands, pretty cheap and easy to replace.

Pepper spray! I’ve had one on my keys for about a year and even though I’ve luckily never had to use it, I always feel safer knowing I have it.

You can get one like this off amazon for pretty cheap.

I have one from a company called BlingSting, which is a bit more pricey, but I just wanted something cute if it’s gonna be on my keychain (Which is not a great priority, I know). They also have these alarm devices and escape hammers which could be good options for you too!

I hope you find something that works for you!

GG&G for the rail. It's about the cheapest non-hokey solution; they make a magazine cap spacer for the 870 that has a sling mount and Picatinny rail on it. I have one (870 mount on a Remington Model 11) and it's great, and puts a light with a tailswitch right where your left hand would need to be to operate it.

Lightwise, Streamlight makes good stuff. Alternately, Surefire mil-surp stuff that ends up on ebay. Specifically, I'd go with this or a used Surefire 951. The 951 is old tech and the bulb doesn't last nearly as long as modern stuff, but for something you're going to function check once a month it's perfectly adequate.

Leatheman Style CS has excellent scissors and a very good blade for it's size(1.6in blade). It is basically a step up for the SAK classic. Better scissors, blade, and tweezers. Loose the toothpick and gain a bottle opener. Can be found for around $20. It won't replace an actual knife in most peoples EDC, but for many it could.

If it isn't enought knife then look into a value dedicated knife like an opinel no.6 as well if you want more knife.

Titanium is not an ideal knife material. A stainless steel blade, even one made of cheaper steel will perform better than a titanium equivalent.

The knife you linked is not titanium, I think they are claiming the coating is Carbonitride Titanium but the blade itself is good old AUS 8. Which is a decent steel. If you like that knife, it would probably work just fine.

In this price range, I was going to recommend Kerhsaw, Benchmade and Spyderco. But, I just looked through the UK amazon store and your choices are really slim. So, I looked through the store and picked a couple solid choices.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/g6q/Ontario-Knife-Company-Folder-Plain-Folding-Blade/B001E8EM2E/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spyderco-Resilience-Plain-Folding-Knife/dp/B004AWOLV8/

If you end up further down the rabbit hole /r/knives, /r/knifeclub, /r/turtle/

Agreed. I was gifted this awesome Smith and Wesson knife during last year's Secret Santa (along with a bunch of other awesome, very thoughtful travel things) and it's been endlessly useful.

The [Streamlight TLR-4] (https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-TLR-4-Light-Laser-Black/dp/B0077RHYWQ) is just over $100 on Amazon right now.

Let the haters hate. If you want a light/laser combo, get one. I like mine. I shoot well, but thought hey, might be fun to have a laser.... and it is fun. It has a toggle so you can select to use just the light, use both, or just the laser. Its bright enough for HD without being too blinding.

I picked mine up for like $90. If you get this now, you'll still have enough $$ for several hundred rounds of training ammo to get familiar with your new laser/light!

Hello!

1. This is my item because I want to feel safe walking to/from work!
   
   
2. Something interesting I've done recently is that I got to use a very fancy surgery robot and I felt very cool!
   
   
3. Rød grød med fløde (you're Danish, yeah?) :)
   
   
4. Alright! Keep on smiling!!!!! What is your internship about??

Cheap carbon steel knives I've had my hands on are Glock Field Knife, the Cold Steel GI Tanto, and the Cold Steel Bushman.

The GI Tanto is very heavy and effectively indestructible. My brother in-law describes it as an orc knife. Easy to make a spear out of but not as easy as the bushman. Can be bent 90 degrees laterally and spring back.

The Glock is also indestructable and while not as heavy as the tanto it isnt light either. Very thick spine. Comes with or without a root saw.

The bushman is much lighter and thinner than the other two. Turns into a spear really easily. Can also be bent 90 degrees laterally.

Not saying any of these are the best there is but I have used them all and I couldn't see any of them ever breaking outside of extreme abuse. They're also a fraction of your budget so that's always nice. Don't expect them to be pretty. They're purely utilitarian.

Spyderco has a wide range of folders under $100. There's the Delica, Endura, Dragonfly, Centofante 3, and Stretch to name a few. All high quality, made in the USA.

The Tenacious line (including the Persistence and Ambitious) is awesome if you want good quality for less than $40. However, if you want to spend more, I would definitely recommend US made knives.

I had a similar problem and wound up going the belt holster route. I put pocket dumps of work and day off. I went that route because I wanted to minimize the number of items in each pocket for quick retrieval, and wound up with my phone getting a pocket of its own (to save the screen), my keys and wallet in the other front pocket. and my knife in my back pocket.
There are a couple options for pocket organizers if you don't go the holster route. Precogvision's link is a prettier one, and Skinth makes something similar in nylon. These have the advantage in that you can reach in and grab something without necessarily pulling the whole organizer from your pocket -- they reduce your carrying capacity, but allow easier access to what you have. One of those would handle your knife, light, pen, and comb just fine, but then leaves you with putting a wallet or phone in a back pocket.
If you don't mind having an extra thing to pull out of your pocket before you get access to your stuff, several companies make small pocket pouches. Maxpedition makes a couple that look fine, and would hold everything not in the wallet pocket. But it's an extra thing to open before getting at your phone, pen, whatever, and then you're juggling all your stuff in hand as you retrieve and replace the item you're pulling out. I wouldn't like it, but a lot of people do and it's by far the least expensive option so there's no reason not to try and and see if it's for you.

If you want that SF (I love Surefire stuff for sure) then that's great.

If you want to save a few bucks check out:
Streamlight Railmount 2L 650 Lumens Rifle Light

I'm going to pick one of these up soon for my current build.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002E6RERU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 That sabre? I have the one with dye in it as well, hopefully I don't need to use it but I do love the hand strap for when I go running along the swc at dusk.

Pepper spray. It's cheap. Here's two good ones:

SABRE RED Pepper Spray - Police Strength - Runner with Hand Strap (Max Protection - 35 shots, up to 5x's more) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002E6RERU/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_THrPwbHWPPY47

Pepper Enforcement (Pack of 4) Splatter Stream Police Grade 10% OC Self Defense Pepper Spray - Max Strength Law Enforcement Formula - Pack of Four 2-Ounce Flip Top Canisters - 4 Year Shelf Life Cannot Be Shipped To: AK, HI, MI, NJ, NY, NC, SC, or Foreign Countries https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HSTD7TM/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_1IrPwbFMZ5041

Here you go:

Red Dot

Weapon Light

Light Mount

If you're trusting your life to a budget red dot that is the way to go, 50,000 hours of battery life so you never have to turn it off.
I've heard good things about that light as well and own a TLR myself (made by the same company) and its great, that mounting option attaches directly to the front sight post so you don't need a new hand guard, if you do want a quad rail though I recommend this, I have an MI quad rail on my rifle and its rock solid.

In that price range, from lowest to highest price, I found these in a quick search on Amazon:

• Spyderco Ambitious - 2.25" blade, $26.20
  
• Spyderco Tenacious - 3-3/8" blade, $30.13
  
• Spyderco Persistence - 2.75" blade, $31.89
  
• Spyderco Resilience - 4.25" blade, $42.87
  
  All of these use pretty much identical materials, and have identical features and quality. So go with whichever you like best.
  
  The steel used on these is middle of the road (the same as used in your Tremor), but overall quality is outstanding for the price. All around these will outperform and feel nicer than any Kershaws in the same price class, though I have nothing against Kershaw's better knives.

How about the cold steel kobun? Aus 8 is a decent steel for the price. If you want something a lot tougher the cold steel GI tanto is probably the best bang for your buck deal you can get on a knife. Just depends on what size and use you are looking for.

Kobun
https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-17T-Kobun-Tanto/dp/B0034JR4EO

GI Tanto
https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-80PGTK-Tanto-Carbon/dp/B004H9DO4Y


And give as many specifics as you can about the size you want, what you'll be using it for etc. so we can recommend the best knife we can for you

Paramedic Here, and yeah i know its Australian, but im so glad i bought over my Plat-A-Tac Police Duty Bag.

I worked on a solo car and this is brilliant. Clips to the passenger seatbelt so it doesnt fly around when you brake/accellerate.
Huge enough to fit all you need. Approrpiate number of pockets and pouches without being too over-the-top.

Came with a nice little divider for documents ect.

Has lasted me... ohhh... 6+ years now.

Alternately, heaps of medics used these Mil Tec Backpacks as both personal kitbags and as ALS kits, and highly reccomended. Heaps of space for stuff and not too bulky. Plus the nondescript backpack style means you can carry it around without screaming “copper”

Personally I have never dealt with this experience. However, I think there are a couple things you can do. I always try to not run in the same place two days in a row, not because of paranoia but mainly because it's nice to not run the same way everyday. The other thing I'd suggest is maybe getting pepper spray. I know neither of these options will necessarily help you forget the things you experienced but maybe they'll put your mind at ease a little while running knowing that you are a little safer.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000UVTDLG/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1504448668&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=pepper+spray&dpPl=1&dpID=41-EuGM3AgL&ref=plSrch

Ok. Is Amazon a good place to look? I was looking at this one.

**Edit*** Also is Red Sabre any good compared to Fox? Others said this was also a good brand.

I recently received $400 in Amazon gift cards from my Chase Freedom rewards card. These are some of the practical items I've bought for myself:

Fenix E21 Flashlight (2xAA, 150/48 Lumens) - $32.45

Victorinox Swiss Army Champion Plus Pocket Knife - $29.99

Spyderco Resilience Black G-10 PlainEdge Knife - $39.14

Those 3 items add up to $101.58 but if you buy a flashlight you'll also need to buy batteries. I also bought a Fenix TK35 High Performance 820 Lumen Flashlight after being impressed by the Fenix E21.

Besides those items I bought a 1000mA car charger for my phone to replace a cheap 500mA charger, two 4GB SD (not SDHC) cards for use in my '07 Audi, a 5x7 Maxpedition Fatty Pocket Organizer, and a Philips Sonicare HX9332/05 DiamondClean Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

All of me, loves all of you

/u/Janiichan you're cool people! hope tomorrow works out better for you ! :D

http://amzn.com/B001CZ9MRY

Gerber impromptu tactical pen.... link, I think this time! it's sexy, it's useful, and it works upside down and underwater! I love mine!

Edit: fixed link, I think

It's great! Small yet feels great in the hand. Its my first Spyderco and I couldn't be happier!

It's also only $33 on Amazon.

I'll give you some options here instead of just one choice.

This CRKT is a wonderful tool.

If you'd like another Spyderco you can't go wrong with a Dragonfly or a Centofante III.

If you've never got a Kershaw they're killer knives for the price. The Leek is a great introduction.

Or, you could buy 2 knives with your fifty. Ontario's RAT I and RAT II are some sweet knives.

Depending on your taste. You simply cannot go wrong with any of these knives.

Been here lurking for a while and finally decided to post my EDC. Since there's been some discussion lately as to where people carry their EDC that is how my list below is broken down. Let me know if you have any additional questions.

Head

• Seahawks Superbowl Champions Hat
  
  Neck
  
  
• Seahawks lanyard with work ID, keycard, desk keys
  
  Left Wrist
  
  
• Suunto Vector in Military Foliage Green
  
  Front Left Pocket
  
  
• EZGO Slim
  
• KOBALT Multitool
  
• HTC One with White Otter Box Commuter Case
  
• Olight S15 Baton
  
  Front Right Pocket
  
  
• Carabiner with 4x Nite Ize S-Biners Size 0, Gerber Shard and KeySmart Standard Size
  
• Gerber Impromptu
  
• Kershaw Cryo 2
  
  Back Left Pocket or In-Hand
  
  
• Rite in the Rain Notebook
  
• Rite in the Rain Notebook Cover
  
  For those interested in the EZGO and KeySmart my opinions are as follows.
  
  I like the EZGOs form-factor, but after owning it for a while it doesn't 'stretch' at all for what's in there. I have two credit cards, ID, insurance and a punch card in mine and it's like pulling teeth to get anything out of it. Also, since it's made to fit cards, anything bigger than that can't be accommodated. As a result I have my CPL, vehicle insurance and KOBALT tool rubber-banded to the thing. I've been eyeing the Flipside 3X as a replacement, but their shipping is around $7 which is over 10% the cost of the wallet... hence my apprehension in buying one.
  
  As for the KeySmart, I've had it a couple of days and so far I dig it but with a couple of caveats. They include two keyblanks for Schlage-style keys. I took one of them to Lowe's to have it cut and there was an issue with the blank, as a result their machine could not provide an accurate copy. I purchased a key from Lowe's and they made it without issue. Not sure what kind of weird science is up with the blanks they included, but I would be leery of buying their 'lightweight' and colored blanks as you may have similar results. My second issue may be somewhat nitpicky, but it's next to impossible to open the door with one hand anymore. Hands full of groceries or mail? Well, you better plan ahead on getting your key flipped out prior to getting to the door, other wise you'll be settin' that shit down.
  
  Would I buy the EZGO Slim again? No. Would I buy the KeySmart again? Yes.

I just use a tactical backpack. Does the job of holding my giant 5000 flambeau trays, plastics, spare line, scale, etc. As a bank fisherman, i suggest getting small simple backpack. We're limited to the rods, and baits we can throw. If that isnt an issue then get a full size backpack. I always like to overpack with gear for different situations. It does get heavy limiting movement but I am a pretty strong guy so I dont mind.Bobbing thru trees and brushes, get a small.

​

Small I used this before going full ham - https://www.amazon.com/REEBOW-GEAR-Tactical-Military-Shoulder/dp/B06Y6949RT/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2OSRE9TH61R4A&keywords=tactical+sling+bag&qid=1554732412&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=tactical+sling%2Csporting%2C147&sr=1-3

​

Big is - https://www.amazon.com/REEBOW-GEAR-Military-Tactical-Backpack/dp/B01KJMK4W2/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=tactical+backpack&qid=1554732481&s=gateway&sr=8-1

It's kinda big, but I really like my S&W Border Guard knife. http://www.amazon.com/Smith-Wesson-Border-Rescue-SWBG2TS/dp/B0037F1B9E

Not too expensive, good blade and pretty good glass breaker too. It's my go to off duty knife.

I was in ROTC in college and used this backpack. It collapses down to comfortably carry around a laptop an a notebook or too, but can also expand out to be about the same size as a carry-on suitcase. I have brought in on training exercises in inclement weather and I have used it as my only luggage in international travel. When I have gotten it dirty, it's come out looking brand new with a little spot cleaning. All my previous backpacks I've replaced because the zipper would eventually malfunction, or I would wear a hole in the bag. I swear this one is indestructible. It has an easy access external pocket for a laptop, two main body pockets, and two smaller accessory pockets. I bought a small water bottle pouch that clips onto the side has now become an irremovable part of the bag itself.

​

10/10 I would recommend this backpack as a BIFL bag that will be useful for near any purpose.

I bought nearly the same but 36l and it's just the good size, the quality is amazing, I highly recommend it... I have it for a year and no zipper broke... french link :
https://www.amazon.fr/Camouflage-Militaire-Arm%C3%A9e-assault-MOLLE/dp/B005KDBHWM/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1496084923&sr=8-3-fkmr0&keywords=12487225+Mil-Tec+-+US+Assault+Pack+Large+Schwarz

A hunting knife probably should be a fixed blade rather than a folder, so that's what I went with in suggestion. If you actually want a folder that you can also use for hunting/cleaning game, something that's easy to clean and service would be important! A Spyderco Resilience for $52 or Paramilitary 2 for over $100 don't have springs and whatnot you have to overly worry about and can be taken apart and put back together quite easily. You might also consider CRKT M16 series with this model being $53 OR the CRKT Homefront $53 in particular would make everything very easy.

Yeah, I just looked these laws up myself a few weeks ago after seeing so many gutter punks around with large kitchen knives sticking out of their cargo shorts. I'm from a state where the limit is 3" so I found it pretty unnerving. I'll be getting pepper spray, one like this with a comfy handle so it will feel better in my hand to walk/jog/hike around with.

I keep a Smith and Wesson Border Guard on me, but its not really for self defense. I use it for... well, whatever needs cutting, improvised hammering, ghetto screwdrivering, etc. I think I've even used it as a crowbar once (and surprisingly did not fuck it up at all). And it's nice have the glass breaker/seatbelt cutter on it, just because you never know.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0052HQV40/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485534522&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=spyderco&dpPl=1&dpID=416bQseRfeL&ref=plSrch
If you want to stay legal

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B004AWOLV8/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1485534784&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=spyderco&dpPl=1&dpID=41CRY-zVxCL&ref=plSrch
If you want a longer blade

Spyderco got some unusual optics, but IMO are great.

Or if you want a knife in Retro look, I'd strongly suggest Opinel, they got all kinds of lengths to choose from. I'd get the carbon steel variant.

Opinels are good knives that are easy to pocket and their straight blade makes them easy to sharpen by hand or an electric sharpener. Opinel No 6 Carbon Steel Folding knife https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UGYWQM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_6YPKwbY32X01C

I carry daily carry a Spyderco Ambitious, and it is perfect because even after a few years of use it is impossible to "flip" open using "centrifugal force" as referred to in NY Penal Law § 265 (5) yet it is very useful as an EDC because of its blade shape. It is only a 2.25 inch blade, but for using it as a tool it is more than adequate, and I would recommend it to anyone carrying in NYC. It cannon be flipped open because of the short blade and the low moment of inertia of the blade, as well as the high quality slip joint mechanism holding the blade in place while closed. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Ambitious-Black-PlainEdge-Knife/dp/B004MMSDHO/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1415218781&sr=8-8&keywords=spyderco

I bought this backpack to travel with and it is amazing! Also much cheaper than either option you put up and they are super durable! I highly recommend them. Plus in Europe they don't have a strong military connotation. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005KDBHWM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Opinel makes good knives for hella cheap. I love 'em and think they're classy.

A nice Cold Steel Tanto knife. https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-80PGTK-Tanto-Carbon/dp/B004H9DO4Y/ref=pd_lpo_200_bs_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=GTXWE56YWW2DGY8FT4E8

Great damn knife I'm sure any martial artist would be happy to own. Only $25.

The stream light Protac railmount 2l is gaining a pretty good reputation, uses standard scout mounts and it comes with a nice pressure pad.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01AXR8IKS/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473953393&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=streamlight+rifle+light&dpPl=1&dpID=41RiMXs0LzL&ref=plSrch


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STVUfpc1OjY&index=11&list=PLrRQ__gsOAs2E0lXkPiRLSyPne6Xk1pDg


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exIiJQSSUII&index=12&list=PLrRQ__gsOAs2E0lXkPiRLSyPne6Xk1pDg

Spyderco Ambitious Folding Knife - Black G-10 Handle with PlainEdge, Full-Flat Grind, 8Cr13MoV Steel Blade and LinerLock - C148GP https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004MMSDHO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0XoKDb340M13P

These guys go on sale and can easily be had in the sub-$40 range. Super solid for the money.

As others have said, your daughter will be better prepared by taking self defense classes and running with pepper spray - the kind that straps to her hand so that it's right there should she ever need it. I like running with this one: https://smile.amazon.com/SABRE-RED-Pepper-Spray-Protection/dp/B002E6RERU/ref=pd_nav_hcs_bia_i_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ZGD2BQJ5ZW8XTKXWH1WR

Tons of good options in that price range. How big do you want to go? Some ones off the top of my head

From Kershaw:

Blur, Skyline, Leek, hell, the Cryo G10 is what, 25-30 bucks?

Spyderco:

Ton of good options in a variety of lengths and prices. I can't even begin to encompass their entire lineup. However, I'm going to recommend what's in my pocket right now, the Dragonfly 2. On amazon the Salt with H1 rustproof steel is 45 bucks right now. My friend goes scuba diving with his, the thing will not rust. The standard version in VG-10 steel is right at 50 bucks

If you have a few bucks lying around, the easiest way to answer this question is to have you buy a decent knife and see for yourself how much better it is. For a nice folder in your size range, the Ontario Rat1 would be a nice start...it's only $25 (which is a very low price for a quality knife), its 3.5" blade is big enough to do most things you'll need it to do while also being legal to carry almost everywhere (in the US), it's supposed to have a buttery smooth pivot action, and it has a decent blade steel (AUS-8) as opposed to the who-knows-what in a typical gas station knife. And yes, the steel alloy does make a lot of difference, a good blade will hold a sharp edge for longer, be tough enough to withstand some abuse, be flexible enough that it doesn't shatter easily, and unlike crap "stainless" steel it will actually remain rust-free under reasonable conditions. The heat treatment of the blade also contributes to these traits, and I can guarantee that Ontario does a better heat-treat than whoever made your $7 gas station knife...which probably didn't receive any treatment. If the Rat1 isn't your style, Kershaw makes a bunch of budget-friendly (~$30) knives that are also pretty highly regarded, something like the Cryo which has spring-assisted opening or the very sexy Skyline which isn't assisted opening. And if those aren't to your liking, then Spyderco makes a couple budget folders, one of them being the Resilience which has a bigger 4.25" blade and nice G10 handles, you may like that one for the bigger size. Might wanna check the legality in your area though...

So yeah, apart from working better, a nice knife also has a much smaller chance of failing and cutting off your finger, which is the main reason that I cringe a little bit when people use bad knives...I just don't want to see someone who doesn't know any better get hurt by a knife they thought would work fine. Unfortunately, I do see plenty of knives like that around r/EDC, but maybe I just hang out in /r/knives too much.

OP I have had the Mil-tec 36 liter, this backpack: https://www.amazon.com/Mil-Tec-Military-Tactical-Rucksack-Backpack/dp/B005KDBHWM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1518389942&sr=8-3&keywords=miltec+backpack

I would say it is very tough and durable, but you also get what you paid for. It's a very stiff backpack and while it could carry a lot, it wasn't very big on the back, rather it had more depth. So it would really mess with your center of gravity. Also one of the side molle wasn't stitched evenly so trying to put on attach a side compartment didn't work out the best for that side. Overall it was a good backpack for $36. I felt like not much thought was put into its design compared to other companies, but I guess with that price, what do you expect. This is just my opinion of one of their bags of course.

For ~$20, I got the Border Guard 2 by Smith and Wesson from Amazon. Big solid knife with added rescue glass breaker and seatbelt cutter. It lasted me about 2 years, until I was very board and decided to "toughness test" it (Basically ran around for2 hours using as a throwing knife against mainly stones and some trees, and bowling it down a gravel driveway multiple times.) Was pretty dinged up, yet still locked ~ 97% of the time when opened. I highly recommend

Tanto with serrations: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0037F1B9E/ref=psdcmw_3222119011_t1_B0037EZ7GI

Tanto without serrations: http://www.amazon.com/Smith-Wesson-SWBG2T-Border-Seatbelt/dp/B0037EZ7GI

Edit: Links

Edit

For about $50, these are the best you're going to get.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001EI7578/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1498269519&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=spyderco+resilience&dpPl=1&dpID=21SYwroxw1L&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004AWOLV8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1498269519&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=spyderco+resilience&dpPl=1&dpID=41CRY-zVxCL&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003CH1SQ8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1498269566&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=spyderco%2Bendura&dpPl=1&dpID=31TgYMj7KDL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1

These are all great knives, they're just a little different from each other.

I do!

It was [this one] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005KDBHWM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1426903628&sr=8-1&keywords=miltec+backpack&dpPl=1&dpID=41X8v2LM4GL&ref=plSrch&pi=AC_SY200_QL40). It's been the best piece of training equipment I've bought. I don't use it just for dips, but for Decline Backpack Push-Ups. It's great!

Pasted from my site:
------------------------

Everyday Carry

My smallest set of gear that I always carry in my pockets consists of a knife, keychain, wallet and phone.

• Card Holder: Credit Card, ATM Card, Driver's License, Cash
  
• Benchmade Barrage 580SBK
  
• White iPhone 5, 16gb
  
• Carabiner: Work/House/Bike Keys, Utili-key, LRI PWK Photon II LED
  
  

  Everyweek Carry
  

  
  In addition to my EDC, my near-equally used Everyweek Carry offers more functionality and is typically carried in a Chrome Citizen which has an asinine phrase painted on the front.
  
  Additionally carrying a Maxpedition Micro Organizer and old camera case on the front strap.
  
  

  In Organizers
  

  
  The small, handy things that I need for one reason or another every couple days.
  
  

• 1 Sharpie, 1 Pen, 1 Mechanical Pencil, 1 Click Eraser
  
• Bic Lighter
  
• Leatherman Sidekick
  
• Generic old light, but upgrading to Fenix LD12
  
• Kero Nomad Cable
  
• Adata 16gb USB 3.0 Thumbdrive
  
• True Utility Slim Nail Clippers
  
• Uncle Bill's Sliver Gripper Keychain Tweezers
  
• Burt's Bees Lip Balm
  
• Xylitol Chewing Gum
  
• Hand Sanitizer
  
  

  In bag
  

  
  All items shown fit into the provided pockets, which means the primary compartment is devoted to the small number of day to day items (eg hoodie, purchased goods, lunchbox from work, toiletries, MacBook Air, etc) that are easily swapped and unloaded.
  
  

• Small Sketch Journal
  
• Sunglasses
  
• Eyeglasses
  
• LG Tone HBS-730 Headphones
  
• Business Cards
  
• Tissue
  
• Sunscreen
  
• 25oz Aluminum Water Bottle
  
• Chopsticks
  
  
  

  Specific Bundles
  

  
  I keep each of these groupings bundled together so in oft-repeated cases, I can pack and leave quick.
  
  

  Computer hardware when needed
  

• MacBook Air, Mid-2012 11" (case)
  
• 45w Magsafe Power Adapter
  
• 256gb Kingston SSD
  
• Razer Death Adder
  
  

  Toiletries
  

  Both overnight and long-term
  
  

• Toothbrush
  
• Toothpaste
  
• Mouth Retainer
  
• Dr. Bronner Castile Soap
  
• Dental Floss
  
• Deodorant
  
• Q-tips

A self defense keychain and pepper spray. I walk home from work when it's late quite a bit during the school year, and I would feel SO much more comfortable walking home with these! Seeing as my job is what pays for college... haha

Edit: Where's the asprin

Pepper spray is an add-on. Also super useful in keeping you safe. I imagine it comes in other colors too, if pink isn't your thing.

http://www.amazon.com/SABRE-Police-Strength-Pepper-Spray/dp/B001CZ9MRY/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1X0AGLBRP5NP2&coliid=I2J9NQUU8ZP5DM

Given the job and the terrain I'm imagining this is more of a general-abuse knife (ie, "sharpened pry-bar") than a dedicated cutter. Accordingly, I'd try not to spend a fortune on it.

Though they're not serrated I'd be inclined to get a couple of these (~$26 on Amazon) which are designed to be cheap abusable knives for this situation. If there's lots of prying to be done an interesting option would be to get a Breacher Bar, plus a sheath for it (such as this one but currently out of stock), wrap the handle with paracord and pair it with a decent folding knife (such as the RAT 1) for actual cutting.

Other usual suspects:

http://www.amazon.com/KA-BAR-Fighting-Utility-Serrated-Sheath/dp/B000BSZDP8

http://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-Short-Tanto-Point-Serrated/dp/B001EIALK6

http://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-Short-Fixed-Blade-Knife/dp/B000JMEWBC/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1334972468&sr=1-5

(NB: with the Ka-bars make sure you get 1095 carbon steel not 440A stainless.)

http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-Kraton-Handle-Concealex/dp/B000BSY9AS

Or, for something rather smaller maybe an ESEE 3.

Edit: Just remembered the Glock 78 - again it's on the sharpened-pry-bar side of things and sheath and retention are probably better than most of the options above. (It's a proper Glock product and not just some random company that's licensed the name (I'm looking at you, Smith and Wesson) and IIRC is issued in the Austrian forces.) Available in black, olive green, and sand colours. There's also a saw-back version (the Glock 81 IIRC) but I'd recommend against that.

Cocoon Grid-It organizer. It's rather cheap and especially useful if you use different bags like a messenger bag for school and a backpack for a bit longer travels. You can easily attach stuff you need once in a while to the grid and just throw it to another bag.

Currently my grid-it contains a USB-stick, couple cables, one of those Victorinox card multitools, a powerbank and a pen. When I'm traveling overnight I add a toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste. 5/5 would buy again.

Edit: Pilot G-2 pen and Opinel No 08 knife are another fantastic pieces of equipment I carry everyday

• Bag: Hazard4 Messenger of Doom (M.O.D.)
  
• Pouch 1: Voodoo Tactical Men's Enlarged EMT Pouch has a mini first-aid kit removeable for smaller bag carry
  
• Pouch 2: Maxpedition Gear Beefy Pocket Organizer for charging cables, cubes, A/V cables, etc.
  
• Pouch 3: Maxpedition Micro Pocket Organizer for BT Mouse and small USB cables, flash drives.
  
• Pouch 4: Bushnell Equinox Z Night Vision Monocular
  
• External: Two "Yisbow Tactical MOLLE cellphone pouches" to carry an external speaker and iPhone 6 Plus with battery case.
  
• External: Hazard4 Launchpad-Mini Sleeve
  
• Miscellaneous Pens, Pencil, Pocket Notepad, Leatherman Wave, Flashlights, Batteries, Velcro Patches...
  
  Again, I'll photo the load tonight but I'm hoping this will help my post stay up and not be deleted until I can. Thanks!

If anyone is interested in the Rush12 and only want to pay a quarter of the price check out

REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Assault Pack Backpack Army Molle Bug Out Bag Backpacks Small Rucksack for Outdoor Hiking Camping Trekking Hunting Small Black … https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KJMXLOK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_omdNBbYMGSGAT

I research the heck out of 5.11 bags and was about to pay $130 for the Rush12 last year when I came across the above linked bag. 5.11 bags are great and heavy duty construction. But the bag I linked above for a fraction of the price is far surpassing my expectations. I needed a bag for my Army Reserve life and civilian professional life. In the year of owning the bag it has servived a 29 day FTX (military training, where you legit live outdoors 24/7). The comparntments are all good sizes. And plus it's black so as military uniforms change, I can continue to use or wear when walking around base.
For my civilian life, I needed a bag for work where I can carry my work laptop, gym gear, lunch, and not look like I'm rucking when walking downtown. This bag does the job to the T. I fit my 13" laptop, meal prep lunch carton, gym shorts, t-shirt, toiletries, and size 13 running shoes in this bag. It's not as heavy duty as 5.11 and you won't be "rucking" in this bag or putting weights in it to train, but for the price it's been amazing.

I have this pepper spray I carry if I'm worried I'll be somewhere with loose dogs or sketchy people. I've never had to use it, but it's super light and straps onto your hand so you really don't notice it much.

I am glad you are okay. Pepper spray helps me feel safer.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002E6RERU/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_zv0JDb2CD0Q5X

Hi there! Many congratulations on your new job! I've spent the week looking for scholarships so I can get myself back to college. I've had some financial and personal issues that stopped me from going, but I'm trying my hardest to get back in without putting myself too far in the red. The schools I'm looking at are mainly public schools in not-so-great parts of NYC, and this would be great.

Right?

Now, apparently, I get my choice of some overpriced $300+ pair of headphones, to throw on the pile of regular-ass headphones that I have which do the job just fine, a $150 pocket knife that I probably won't like more than my $14 Opinel (seriously...I can't see what the point of $100+, very losable pocket knife is...what does it sing you a song when you're using it to open your mail?), or...a watch. I guess they sell camping equipment too? Lol?

It just seem like they're trying to move away from a site that offered good deals on a variety of objects to being a site that offers only absurdly expensive versions of objects you probably already have, primarily for hipsters that don't mind spending hundreds of dollars...on a knife, or a pair of headphones. Or something?

I don't get it, personally. They must not be doing well.

Thanks! You can get it on Amazon. All the stuff i added is personal stuff. Like the pin at the top is for my grandfathers group for equality between Muslims and Christians. Coin is close to 100 years old that my dad gave to some time ago. Paracord is from my little brothers first creations with the stuff. The mushallah(Silver thing in the middle) Is like the Muslim equivalent of a cross that my grandma got for me from Lebanon. And the tube thing next to it glows and gives my eyes boners when Im bored.

Streamlight railmount 2

The surefire scouts are nice but they're a rip off. I've used both, and have the streamlight on my rifle now. It's 625 lumens and comes with everything needed to mount it to a pic rail with a tape switch. The surefire doesn't come with a switch OR tail cap, they bang you for both of them separately

Pair that with the magpul offset mount which screws directly into the mounting hardware on the streamlight with two screws and mounts directly to your mlok rail and you have an awesome light for $120

https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-88059-ProTac-Railmount-Light/dp/B01AXR8IKS

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00RU12NG6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479480078&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=magpul+offset+light+mount&dpPl=1&dpID=51ayQkpwmjL&ref=plSrch

Edit: tape switch not rape switch 👀

That's a lot of stuff to carry in your wallet all the time. If your goal was to slim down the wallet, you're going to have to slim down the load. For example, find a pick gauge you feel comfortable using for both guitar and bass, scales can be pulled up online in seconds right from your smartphone, coupons tend to end up expired in the wallet before you remember to use them, ditch the coupons. Why not a pocket knife instead of one in your wallet? Honestly, you sound more like you could use and edc pack of some sort rather than a wallet.

Maxpedition Micro Pocket Organizer might be more along the lines of what you need.

I honestly don't know enough about it to tell you. Although I can say it's certainly good quality.
Here is the description of it on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/5-11-RUSH24-Tactical-Backpack-Medium/dp/B0019VWSQ8/ref=asc_df_B004D1SM66/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312841746627&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8170003655853737242&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9015799&hvtargid=pla-337315437740&psc=1&th=1

I have a 511 Rush 24, and I use it every day on my motorcycle. Amazing capacity, will last you a lifetime, infinite possibilities with the molle webbing. My EDC pack and it's one of the best things I've bought.

This is mine: http://imgur.com/XbteXH8

http://www.amazon.com/5-11-Rush-Backpack-Black-Size/dp/B0019VWSQ8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375289837&sr=8-1&keywords=rush+24

Another option, the Spyderco Ambitious. A lot along same lines, in your price range and offers some good quality for budget. It is not assisted like you like, but once you get the flick down using spyder hole, it is a fun little blade.
http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Ambitious-Black-PlainEdge-Knife/dp/B004MMSDHO

If bigger is better i would probably have to recommend the 5.11 RUSH 72. If your looking for a day pack or something to carry your crap to work then either the RUSH 12 or 24 would also work. While on the quest for the "Right bag for me" picked up the RUSH line of bags and fell in love with the 72, but it was just too massive to carry with me everyday to and from work and around town. I moved to the 12 which was too small as i carry a 15" macbook pro and tools for work, which led me to the 24 which has so far been the perfect size with some space to spare.

5.11 RUSH 72

5.11 RUSH 24

But the 72 is fantastic for backpacking or using as a B.O.B.

i'm a big 5.11 Fan, but i have been eyeballing the TAD Fast Pack EDC, But i need my RUSH 24 to fail miserably before I get one.

Hey, just a word of encouragement; you got this.

You're allowed to change your mind. You're allowed to say "no" and not explain yourself. You're allowed to call the cops on them, or to mace them if they won't leave you alone. My N's are actually a main reason why I carry mace; Nrage is not to be underestimated. You do not owe anyone an explanation. You only owe yourself to do what makes you happy as a person. You can do absolutely whatever you want, you are not beholden to them.

I have one of these for each of my cars:

Smith & Wesson SWBG2TS Border Guard 2 Rescue Knife

Nice heavy knife with a serrated edge and a very SOLID lockup when opening.

http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-80PGTK-Tanto-Carbon/dp/B004H9DO4Y

The Cold Steel GI tanto is pretty great, and for $20 you can't complain, my friend abuses his like crazy, and it holds up great

I also have a daily carry, opinel #06 - a little too big for that pocket so it goes in my main pocket.

I plug/unplug my Trezor probably 15-20 times a day so I've also added a magnetic usb connector to it. Bought a dock for my desk at work and home and it's been pretty awesome.

Connector I use

Opinel #06

I think it's a rubber prop knife, lol. I got this one, it's inexpensive but has great reviews.

Under $50? Oy, so many choices.

Opinel knives. Any of them. Sharp as hell, thin blades, cheap enough that if you break one, you don't care.

Nemosine Singularity $20, but a simple and nearly bulletproof fountain pen. Makes my life much easier and my hands hurt much less after a long day writing.

Old Hickory kitchen knives. They're carbon steel and will rust if you don't clean and dry them after each use, but the thin blades and good geometry made a $12 butcher my favorite knife in the block. Mine took some work with a file to get the point sharp, but for $10 it was worth it.

Estwing tools. My hammer has kept grinning through 15 years of work, and still is in excellent shape. One reviewer complains of a ringing noise- never heard it.

5.11 Rush 24:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019VWSQ8

I've used it for 2 years now. Slight wear on shoulder straps (I'd recommend wrapping it in paracord or duct taping it up to prevent it), and I somehow magically lost one of the chest straps (user error).

So yeah. Not as good as the GR1 or 2, but best quality per dollar that I've seen.

Maxpedition Organizers:

• Extra Small
  
• Small
  
• Medium
  
• Large
  
• Extra Large
  
  There are tons of videos on YouTube showcasing size and items most people like to put in them. This would be worth looking into. Some other reputable brands I have seen are Vanquest and Condor. Personally, I use the EDC organizer from Maxpedition in my 5.11 Rush 12 backpack. I highly recommend it.

Link

They are just about perfect. I have 2 of them that I use regularly. Excellent for regularly used supplies and tools.

Pick whatever color you like nobody cares. I use to have a red 40 liter bag and nobody noticed. Now i have this and its nice https://www.amazon.com/Military-Tactical-Backpack-Backpacks-Rucksack/dp/B01KJMXLOK/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_200_bs_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=Y400ZFVHW1PMYT3596GH

I bought a few of these and also one time we went to cabellas they were giving them away for free at the door. I like the key chain quick disconnect thing, we use it for more than just putting pepper spray on our keys. https://www.amazon.com/Sabre-Red-Pepper-Spray-Ring/dp/B000UVTDLG

I think you're better suited with a can of pepper spray than a knife.

I have a small can with a hand strap that I like.

I'm not aware of any states that ban it outright, though it's possible some might have limits about strength or size.

As mentioned by u/jside86, something along these lines is a much better product than the shit daypacks, and you won't look like a tard.

You might try the Spyderco Dragonfly 2. 2.25" blade, great with a zip-tie mod for even easier opening, wonderful cutting power for such a small, compact blade.

Edit: I know you're not a fan of Spydercos, however the blade shape here really gives you maximum torque and control for how incredibly short of a blade you're restricted to.

Big Left, top to bottom:

Gerber Gator Jr.
Harbor Freight $8 survival knife
KA-BAR #1213 Black Straight Edge
Ka-Bar Short Kraton-G Handle

Big Right, top to bottom:

Schrade SCHKM1 Large Full Tang Fixed Blade Kukri
Schrade SCHKM1SM Small Full Tang Fixed Blade Kukri
Schrade SCHF9N

Small stuff, top row, left to right:

Bessey D-BKWH Quick-Change Folding Utility Knife - Wood Grain Handle
Some cheap Husky multitool I got at Home Depot two-for-five-bucks back in '10 or '11
CRKT Eraser

Small stuff, bottom row, left to right:;

SOG Aegis Mini
Kershaw Thistle
Spyderco Resilience

-----

The Harbor Freight was an impulse thing. Same with the cheap-o Home Depot multitools.

The rest is pretty budget-conscious stuff. No matter what, though, even though they're not considered top-of-the-line or whatever, nobody will ever convince me that Schrade doesn't make some pretty damn good knives.

not 50 bucks but i'd definitely recommend the rush 12

http://www.amazon.com/5-11-Tactical-Rush-Backpack-Black/dp/B003HHV0QQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415715299&sr=8-1&keywords=rush+12

I am also looking and have done some research into this. Here is link to a green laser with flashlight that seems to be pretty well recommend. I havent ordered mine yet so this recommendation is only based on some quick searching and minimal reading. Streamlight 69270 TLR-6 Tactical Pistol Mount Flashlight https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0077RHYWQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Z7kJDb2KJ4JKS

I don't know about sub $100, but close to it is the TLR 4 by Streamlight. I have it and love it.

http://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-69240-Compact-Mounted-Tactical/dp/B0077RHYWQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412471955&sr=8-1&keywords=streamlight+tlr+4

It's a little costly, but well worth it in my opinion. There is the 12 (which I have) a 24 and a 72 depending on what size you like. Here's the link - http://www.amazon.com/5-11-Tactical-Rush-Backpack-Black/dp/B003HHV0QQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449286036&sr=8-1

I bought this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KJMXLOK/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_l7-JybC5CKHCS a month ago, and I love it. I've bought a couple molle pouches/attachments to go with it, and it's worked perfectly so far. I have clothes, snacks, flashlights, knives, some small and simple camping/survival accessories, a lot of first aid stuff. It's pretty full now, but still not obnoxiously heavy. It isn't some fancy name brand, but I wasn't looking to spend a shit ton of money either. Amazon has a lot of bags like this for around the same price.

Amazon has it from 3rd party sellers for $84 and free shipping: linky

The most life changing, or saving, item is this pepper spray. I'm in college and often feel unsafe while walking home sometimes even alone. I think this product could potentially save me. Thank you for the contest :)

I use my Rush 12 as my edc bag, not to big, not to small. I can easily fit whatever i need for the day plus my Toshiba Satellite without any problems whatsoever. This bag has a pocket for everything and you can always get some MOLLE compatible pouches to increase space.

As /u/TheUseOfWords said, it's a cool looking shape but uses 420 stainless steel (shitty, in other words). If you want it to look at or are willing to constantly be sharpening it, go for it, but I'd otherwise get an Opinel which looks similar (if not as pretty) and is a lot more utilitarian- though you'd have to take care of the steel a bit to prevent it from rusting.

I'd try to build this EDC with the assumption that I could keep it for years (if not indefinitely):

Wallet: allett Ultra Slim Sport Wallet - $15

Knife: Opinel No. 6 Carbon - $12

Multitool: Leatherman Style PS - $25

Light: Olight i3s - $15

Pen: Zebra Sarasa Clip - $3

Watch: Timex Weekender - a variant under $30

I EDC a Style PS right now, and have EDCed the Olight i3s and Zebra Sarasa Clip in the past. I own (but have never EDCed) an Opinel No. 8 stainless, and it's excellent, but I wish it were smaller and could sharpen up even more, so No. 6 carbon it is. I've handled allett wallets in stores and trust their usability and quality. The Timex Weekender is the only one on this list that I haven't had direct experience with, but it's the cheapest watch I could find that I'd feel I could keep for a long time.

I would consider any tailstanding AAA light under $15 with a reasonable high and low. I went with the Olight i3s because I've used it, but I'd also take the Lumintop Worm or Thrunite Ti3 if I could get it under $15.

We've got you covered.

http://www.riteintherain.com/inventoryD.asp?item_no=97&CatId={07D475E2-B68D-4D45-B646-B82223E119DE}

It's black, simple, clicky, and it works like a space pen, except that the ink is our all-weather stuff, so you can write through rain or spaghetti sauce if you need to.

I would not qualify it as a weapon-like pen, but it's a solid, metal-bodied pen.

Additional edit: Yes, it's a Tactical Pen, but I'm compelled to mention the Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen because it uses our ink refills. http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-31-001880-Impromptu-Tactical-Black/dp/B00B0BD3W0

Yes, it should fit.

How much were you planning? A quick search showed models similar to what you’re describing for about $100. Here’s something similar, but made by Streamlight. It will be infinitely better for about the same price.

I may go this direction. The extra $15 is well worth a shrunk down version of a knife I have carried daily for about 5 years now with no issue. My only issue is that on Amazon I can only find the basic DF with a bright orange handle. If you go up to the G10 version it's more expensive and the G10 adds to the width, which is something I want to keep minimal.

EDIT: Nevermind, I found it in Black on Amazon. Link

SABRE RED Pepper Gel Spray - Police Strength - Runner with Adjustable Hand Strap (Max Protection - 35 bursts, up to 5x's More) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002E6RERU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_t-pdAb0H8NQ03

Pepper spray has a usage distance of 10ft or more and cost $5-10. That is much better than having to be close enough to an attacker to use a taser.

A quick google says you can have a taser if you are over 18 in Indiana, so I assume you can use them for self-defense.

I just received The Jogger via Amazon. It contains red dye, effective at ten feet, police-strength, has a hand-strap, and a quick-release trigger for $6 with free shipping on prime. I bought one for me and one for the GF.

http://www.amazon.com/SABRE-Police-Strength-Pepper-Spray/dp/B002E6RERU/ref=pd_bxgy_sg_img_y

Here you go only surefire light I have. Someone convinced me it was the best. With the tape switch and the end cap it is more than $300.00.


All of my other rifles have this. The Streamlight product also includes the cap for the tape switch and the tape switch itself. The beam is not as focused at distance but considering most people are going to be in an HD situation at 25 yards and under for the price difference it is a fine light.

How small of a knife would you be willing to purchase?
Any of the Spyderco Bug series would be a good choice. Priced right and come in different sizes.

[Bug](http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Slip-Joint-Plain-Knife/dp/B003788U9U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373555986&sr=8-1&
keywords=Spyderco+bug)

Honeybee

Grasshopper

All three deal


For opening boxes (cutting tape) any of those will suffice. If your cutting cardboard, then mostly the Grasshopper will do (although not efficiently)


Also an Opinel looks classy while still being functional. All different sizes to choose from too.

So my boyfriend is moving to NYC this month and I will be traveling up there alone a lot this year into the Brooklyn area on public transportation and I really need this pepper spray just in case. As a girl I know that I need to be prepared to defend myself if needed and this would make me feel very safe. Thanks for the contest you are so sweet <3

I bought my girlfriend this because she wanted some. Good reviews and only $7 with free shipping.

Here's a good Streamlight for around $100... They can go for a little more, and a little less. If you're really set on getting a laser, this may be a good option for you.

I'd recommend a Spyderco Ambitious. Small, about $30, and won't be difficult to get used to carrying around.

http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Ambitious-Black-PlainEdge-Knife/dp/B004MMSDHO

The Maxpedition FR1, Maxpedition Fatty Pocket Organizer, Maxpedition EDC pocket organizer. All of these organizers are really good quality, and will last you a very long time, also they look cool.

If I ever run at night, I carry pepper spray. Even if I never have to use it, it makes me feel safer. The one I have has a strap so it just sits in the palm of your hand.

http://www.amazon.com/SABRE-Police-Strength-Pepper-Spray/dp/B002E6RERU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1372824916&sr=8-3&keywords=pepper+spray

Flashlight: Nitecore TIP

Knife: Byrd Cara Cara

Pen: Pilot Kakuno

Wallet: Saddleback Leather Sleeve Wallet

Caribiner: Metolius Mini

Total: 98.33

More realistically, I would DIY the wallet with a $10 piece of tooling leather, and get a better knife like a Spyderco Efficient. This would put me a couple dollars over, so swap the pen for a Zebra F701. Total:$100.42

Hard mode:

Flashlight: Nitecore Tube

Knife: Opinel #6

Pen: Pilot Kakuno (same as linked above)

Wallet: DIY Sleeve (as discussed above)

Caribiner: Metolius (same as linked above)

Total: $49.14

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003HHV0QQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1

---

Never forget to smile again | ^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

$100 to spend? Lets get him started out right!

Fixed blade knife and Saw for Bushcraft tasks:

Bahco has a combo kit with a Mora fixed blade knife and a folding saw for $28.50 at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bahco-LAP-KNIFE-Laplander-Folding-Multi-Purpose/dp/B008ZG8S0A

Folding Knife for food prep:

Add an Opinel #8 for $20: https://www.amazon.com/Opinel-Carbon-Blade-Folding-Knife/dp/B002SCUO04/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3OVY093ZE8FB9&keywords=opinel+no+8&qid=1573841922&sprefix=opinel%2Ctools%2C152&sr=8-4

or an Ontario RAT 1 for $25: https://www.amazon.com/Ontario-8848-Folding-Knife-Black/dp/B0013ASG3E/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=ontario+rat+1&qid=1573842093&sr=8-1

Axe for fire prep:

Cold Steel Trail Boss fo $32: https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-CS90TA-BRK-Trail-Boss/dp/B001CZ9UY4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21DD9KF7WOYCB&dchild=1&keywords=cold+steel+trail+boss&qid=1573842210&sprefix=cold+steel+trail%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-1

Total

That pretty much covers all things pointy and sharp to get him started in bushcraft for a grand total of $85.50

As he learns and develops more bushcraft skills he can upgrade when needed but this will get him started out with some solid gear.

Coldsteel GI Tanto. I own it and love it. $25 cant go wrong. http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-80PGTK-Tanto-Carbon/dp/B004H9DO4Y

I just got this one a few months ago and I like it quite a bit. There's plenty of pockets and some organizers within the pockets. There is a pocket for water bladder, with hole at the top for a Camelbak straw thingy, if that's your thing. I've taken it on a flight - packed it full and it fit overhead/carry-on requirements.

1. Single Malt Scotch

2. Good Watch

3. Straight Razor Shavette + Kit

4. Decent Pocket Knife

5. Shoe Shine kit

6. Fountain Pen

7. Leather Wallet

8. EDC flashlight

9. Men's manicure set

10. Bottle Opener

Cheaper in black, 5.95 prime

Cheaper in pink, 6.77 prime

Is there some reason you like this color? It's also cheaper, though from a 3rd party.

I think I'm going to get this one. It's small and unobtrusive so it probably won't get noticed and I like the quick release feature.

Sabre Red Key Case Pepper Spray with Quick Release Key Ring - Police Strength - 25 Bursts & 10-Foot (3m) Range with Practice Spray Option https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UVTDLG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_tyv0BbED2Q90C

If you want just a knife, I think you can go for a classic knife like a Buck model 110 (Link) or an Opinel (number 8 - Link) are safe bets.

Edit: Added Amazon.com links

I've started planning and building my survival kits/bags but im at a bit of a stuck point on the type/style of bag to use. I have one that is an everyday backpack that is my EDC/grab n go. Small enough for a quick bail, but not extensive survival.

I was looking around at a bag like this one on Amazon and thought it might be a good option.

Depends on your budget.

A Streamlight Protac would be the cheapest I'd be comfortable with on a duty weapon.

If you want to spend a pretty penny, you can pick up any of Arisaka's offerings.

The best suggestions from the other threads were this carhartt pack and rothco pack.

I've been carrying and using the Gerber Impromptu pen recently, and I can recommend it.

Very durable stainless steel body, has a Cerakote coating (ceramic-based coating designed originally for guns), and has a windowbreaker on the tip. I also like it because it is a tailcap button pen, so no damn cap to lose. Oh, and takes standard Fisher space pen/Rite in the Rain ink cartridges. Honestly the only good thing I've ever seen from Gerber recently. I don't think I've purchased a Gerber product in over 10 years but this pen is solid.

Size comparison next to Glock 19 and Spyderco Endura: http://i.imgur.com/poJZrJT.jpg

For the money, look at Redrock. I got one probably 5 years ago now and it's great. Glock makes great guns but their accessories are far behind everyone else IMO.

http://redrockoutdoorgear.com/large-assault-pack/

Knock off version

https://www.amazon.com/REEBOW-GEAR-Military-Backpacks-Rucksacks/dp/B01KJMK4W2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1542508717&sr=8-3&keywords=assault+backpack

If you want a backpack what a lot of guys do is strap the crawler to the outside of the backpack. Maybe even to the bottom. I bought a cheap "military" style backpack that has plenty of places to strap things to. I did a mock up but never actually tried it out. But it would allow you to shift the weight.

​

This similar to what I have but likely better quality.
https://www.amazon.com/REEBOW-GEAR-Military-Backpacks-Rucksacks/dp/B01KJMK4W2/

Yeah, $12, quality blade, very light, ingenious locking mechanism that will lock it either open or closed. I probably am going to pick to a no. 8, too, little bit bigger, but the 6 is perfect for my pocket.

You talking about something like this? I mean really they all seem to be in the same price range and well-reviewed, might just come down to whatever I find a good deal on first.

Spyderco Ambitious sounds like it would fit.

Edit: Or maybe a Cold Steel Tuff Lite

Personally, I'd recommend either:
An Opinel.
Simple carbon steel (although they do stainless as well, if you'd prefer) pocket knife with a solid lock, really useful blade profile & edge geometry, and heaps of class. Can't praise these little things enough. My one complaint is that they're not one-hand-opening.
Or a Svord Peasant Knife Mini.
Again, about as simple as you can get in a folder, with a carbon steel blade, and no real locking mechanism to speak of; when you hold the knife, your hand wraps around the tang and keeps the blade from closing on your fingers. Very useful for outdoorsy kinda stuff, as in a pinch, you can thwack the spine of the blade with a big bit of wood to split kindling and whatnot, without worrying about a lock failure. The tang also means you can use your thumb to open it one handed. Only problem with the Svord is that the fit and finish is pretty shoddy. The grind can be kinda wonky, but as a practical odd-job knife, it's not the end of the world.

5.11 rush 12 backpack. I have bought 2 from amazon. last one got stolen tho :(

Used it for everything. Taking to haul clothes at the gym, carrying office laptop/iPad to meetings, 25 mile bike ride through city, mountain biking, and even took it to 3 Disney theme parks in 3 consecutive days.

You can fit a water bladder in it, has great space and opens up 180 degrees to sort your things out. At Epcot we got rained on HARD for a few hours but we decided to keep going through the park, nothing, And I mean NOTHING inside the pack got wet.

They retail for 100 but I’ve seen them on amazon for like 70 bucks. The black one is 89 dollars right now but the price changes every other week.

5.11 Tactical Rush 12 Backpack, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003HHV0QQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_eDs-zb8BAPFRH