LM Rebar and Vic Huntsman is a great camping combo for me! :tu:I agree I carried a rebar and camper up until I bought my crucial
Mind the photo. I was exhausted from hiking that day.I don't mind the photo!
I like the Vic OHT.
(https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11218174_10100610220605759_3635048934205518020_n.jpg?oh=2b9f578338b8abb3cb16b507ef3e78ac&oe=55FDC403)
Mind the photo. I was exhausted from hiking that day.I don't mind the photo!
I like the Vic OHT.
(https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11218174_10100610220605759_3635048934205518020_n.jpg?oh=2b9f578338b8abb3cb16b507ef3e78ac&oe=55FDC403)
Mind the photo. I was exhausted from hiking that day.I don't mind the photo!
I like the Vic OHT.
(https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11218174_10100610220605759_3635048934205518020_n.jpg?oh=2b9f578338b8abb3cb16b507ef3e78ac&oe=55FDC403)
Yeah, Megan looks more glamorous after hiking for a day than most of us would after a couple of hours in a make-up chair.
I think for me, it's a different answer depending on whether it's day hiking or backpacking. I'm throwing Hiking and Tramping together... assuming i get the gist of what's meant by tramping.
Hiking... Huntsman.
Backpacking. Mmm... If I have the weight available, I'd go with the Wave. Otherwise, if i felt a need to try to go very light, the Squirt.
I could sit and rethink, and second guess myself on what to take backpacking all day, though.
I think for me, it's a different answer depending on whether it's day hiking or backpacking. I'm throwing Hiking and Tramping together... assuming i get the gist of what's meant by tramping.
Hiking... Huntsman.
Backpacking. Mmm... If I have the weight available, I'd go with the Wave. Otherwise, if i felt a need to try to go very light, the Squirt.
I could sit and rethink, and second guess myself on what to take backpacking all day, though.
I'm not really sure what backpacking is... here backpackers are (usually) young (and mostly European) tourists travelling the country on the cheap, often in vans.
"In New Zealand a long, vigorous walk or hike is called tramping." (= hiking) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiking
An insight into tramping: http://tramper.nz/
Backpacking around here is your second definition. Taking everything you need in a backpack for a multi day hike.
My longest backpacking trip was 7 days. That was back in 1989, and gear weighed more back then. But then again, I weigh more now, so... :D The real weight issue (IMO) for 5-7 day trips is food weight. At least for the first few days.
I think I could manage the half pound weight of a Wave, but yeah, would probably opt for a Squirt.
EDIT: Back in 'the old days' I carried a 50lb pack. I'm apparently well designed for climbing up and down mountains under burden at walking speed. But I'd rather get in a knife fight than run two miles. :D
This one is tougher than I thought it would be. My first inclination was Victorinox one-handed opening Trekker w/plain edge.
But I decided that a pliers and scissors can be dead useful, even in the field.
My choice is the Victorinox Workchamp:
()
Scissors for cutting fishing line and maybe fabric for patching something. Five screwdrivers, a metal file/saw, and a pliers for fixing things. A locking blade for safety while cutting all manner of things. This would be on my belt.
I'd also carry a Classic as a lightweight back-up.
This one is tougher than I thought it would be. My first inclination was Victorinox one-handed opening Trekker w/plain edge.
But I decided that a pliers and scissors can be dead useful, even in the field.
My choice is the Victorinox Workchamp:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81KgpvL1ukL._SL1500_.jpg)
Scissors for cutting fishing line and maybe fabric for patching something. Five screwdrivers, a metal file/saw, and a pliers for fixing things. A locking blade for safety while cutting all manner of things. This would be on my belt.
I'd also carry a Classic as a lightweight back-up.
If I had to choose from what I own it would be my Victorinox German army issue knife. It doesn't have much as some, but I think it's enough.
It's interseting the differences between hiking in various places. Here many people carry no multitool at all, some would carry a SAK, a few may carry a pliers-based multitool, and almost no-one would carry an axe. Cooking is done with gas cookers and the Department of Conservation would probably crucify you if they saw you in the bush with an axe. They have axes at their huts for firewood (for heating). Then there's the weight (mind you I hear of people walking in with a dozen beers).
It's interseting the differences between hiking in various places. Here many people carry no multitool at all, some would carry a SAK, a few may carry a pliers-based multitool, and almost no-one would carry an axe. Cooking is done with gas cookers and the Department of Conservation would probably crucify you if they saw you in the bush with an axe. They have axes at their huts for firewood (for heating). Then there's the weight (mind you I hear of people walking in with a dozen beers).
That's the reason I carry a very light axe. :D In Scotland the rules are more flexible than in the rest of the UK and fires are OK, so long as you aren't a smurf about it. If there's not much chance of a fire on a particular trip I'll not bother with the axe but I will make sure I've a full tang knife, just in case.
Mostly this OC Solo and always the black Manager.
Mostly this OC Solo and always the black Manager.
Great pics Sneider - Really nice - Shame we don't have that stuff Down Under
Mostly this OC Solo and always the black Manager.
Great pics Sneider - Really nice - Shame we don't have that stuff Down Under
Just one query - In the third shot how come the snow is on the lower slopes - But not on the higher ones!!
Just looked at pic again - and....
I think I just worked it out - The lower slopes are always - or mainly in the shadow all day long - whereas the sun shines where you are standing
Thanks!
Um, what is not there in Australia? Mountains? Snow? Fog? :think:
Here in Switzerland we think Down Under is the paradise.Well many would agree: Sunshine, (lots of it), awesome beaches, the bush, the Outback, stunning flora, beautiful birds and weird but cute animals - kinda the opposite to La Suisse
Once in a lifetime visit Australia - this dream has many here.
Cute animals! As far as I can tell they're all venomous and/or full of teeth and trying to kill you. :D
Thanks!
Um, what is not there in Australia? Mountains? Snow? Fog? :think:
Well I reckon all of the above - Although Syncop8r has proved otherwise - Although I don't see a gum tree in that photo - It was probably taken on a trip to Switzerland :pok:
Cute animals! As far as I can tell they're all venomous and/or full of teeth and trying to kill you. :D
Look at the animal in my avatar - it's a Quokka which are Australian. Are you scared of that? ;)
Cute animals! As far as I can tell they're all venomous and/or full of teeth and trying to kill you. :D
Look at the animal in my avatar - it's a Quokka which are Australian. Are you scared of that? ;)
Tool chest plus
Tool chest plus
Interesting. :tu: Any one tool in particular that you find indispensable?
Poncho let us know about a great quote from the bush crafter Mors Kochanski who passed away recently...
"The more you know the less you carry"
I would certainy agree with that maxim - And have been told this on courses I have been on
Especially for true backpacking, which for me means a trip of a few days carrying all your stuff (food, tent, clothing, water? etc) on your back,
And also for Alpine/Scottish mountaineering when you have a lot of equipment to carry.
Maybe the Wenger Ueli Steck Titanium should be the carry? ???
As many ultralight backpacking load outs as I've seen I still like a MT ( plier based ) as part of my gear. It doesn't have to be a Surge so a Juice or even a Squirt is fine by me.
Still don't see why I would need pliers for a backpacking trip.
I've been doing camping/backpacking/hiking for 40+ years and never needed pliers.
I could see that a Squirt (or Vic pliers) may be useful to fix something on a hiking boot, rucksack or a tent pole maybe.
Big style camping (drive to campsite, big tent installation, large cooker etc etc) is another matter !
Still don't see why I would need pliers for a backpacking trip.:iagree:
I've been doing camping/backpacking/hiking for 40+ years and never needed pliers.
I could see that a Squirt (or Vic pliers) may be useful to fix something on a hiking boot, rucksack or a tent pole maybe.
Big style camping (drive to campsite, big tent installation, large cooker etc etc) is another matter !
I'd have to agree.In more recent years, I've been doing more glamping and the added benefit is I get to lug and play with any kind of tools I want.
I just started doing a bit of Big style camping - I noticed I was going back and forth between a 2-layer SAK, a 7-layer SAK, and a lockback ... like a psychopathic fool. Haven't yet needed the pliers. My trekking poles have screws that can be hand-tightened, and my backpack has an internal frame that I've never adjusted. If you're going with friends, glamping is fun!
Since my urban EDC is the Explorer and has been for quite some time now, when me and the misses go hiking about (usually only a couple of miles or so) I normally just swap out the Explorer for the Outrider which I think is perfect non-urban EDC based on tool set vs size but once in awhile I may also just go with the Rucksack which doesn't have the scissors. Again still a great outdoor EDC since I like to have the saw to make a walking stick and it's nice to have a locking blade.
Now that said aside from hike's we go biking so when we do that I add a MT so I have some extra tools if I need to do any maintenance on a bike or whatever! I don't go camping or really do what I would call true backpacking but hope to do some longer hike's or some backpacking so we will see what I think I may need for that! Of course I will follow this thread for idea's on what to carry and what not to carry! :)
Those are good choices I'd say. The 111mm frame adds a usable extra bit to the saw and knife blades. I've carried my Forester before for exactly the same reason and I'd love to get my hands on a old slide-lock Outrider.
Those are good choices I'd say. The 111mm frame adds a usable extra bit to the saw and knife blades. I've carried my Forester before for exactly the same reason and I'd love to get my hands on a old slide-lock Outrider.
This thread would be good with a poll. Not individual models per se... rather, sizes of SAK (130. 111. 93, 91mm..., and sizes of MT (full, medium, keyring)Add one if you like - The buttons at the top should allow you to do this - If you can't do this let me know the precise questions and I will add!
As someone who did and does backpacking (in form of having a backpack with all your stuff in the wilderness) a lot there is a clear answer: SAK.I like your choices Shuya - But I like the sound of your trips in the outdoors even more :pok: :tu:
.........
When soloing in the alps where weight is crucial, I would not dare to take a brick of steel that I will not need. A swisstool for example weights as much as my Ice axe ...
OK - Maybe only moderators can add a poll
So up to you ........ If you want one added to this thread post the exact questions below and I will add it - Or set up a new thread
Add one if you like - The buttons at the top should allow you to do this - If you can't do this let me know the precise questions and I will add!
I can adjust the title to say "poll added" as well, which might help.
I like your choices Shuya - But I like the sound of your trips in the outdoors even more :pok: :tu:
And very impressed with the '+child' arrangements :D
Your ice axe sounds nice and light - I guess it's a glacier hiking axe? ??? ...... Mine's not too bad
But my ice climbing axes weigh a ton!! They are not very modern!
Do you really solo in the Alps?
Can't say I have ever done that (But have done Winter Scotland soloing). Isn't that a bit limiting eg No roped up partner for glacier traverses etc
Or is it more lower level stuff?
I'm definetely no seasoned pro hiker/outdoorsman, but I cannot get my head around a vic classic sd being enough for the woods. I understand the need to have a light of a kit as possible but I dunno, classics seem to flimsy for me for the woods. Personally, I think that an 111 OH Forester os the bare minimum, if u need to groom yourself add the Victorinox nail clipper to the lanyard.
However, if, and only if, a knife+scissors+nail file+tweezers is really what you absolutely just need ,then the Leatherman Style CS is BY FAR the better choice than a classic. Stronger bigger knife, much more usable scissors with more leverage, better tweezers, and all with a carabiner included and by no means considerably heavier than a classic. Mind you, I am not saying this from a leatherman fanboy standpoint ( just look at my sig, I am most definetely a Vic guy,- I EDC one every day) but credit to where credit is due, the Style is a much better choice than most of the smaller Vics, hands down.
Another bump, as I've been thinking about this topic lately. I carried a lot of different tools but I hardly ever used most tool implements. I mostly use the knife to cut food, and screwdriver and pliers to make adjustments/small repairs on my gear (tripod and spikes for example). I still like to have a saw while hiking in the woods.
With all that in mind, i guess all i really need is a Vic Hiker and a Knipex Cobra XS. If I feel comfortable though carrying only these, is an entirely different story :think:
Why not give it a try? In the old days, all they needed was a traditional folder.
A Hiker, or its larger counterpart... a Trekker is all you really need. I feel more resourceful when I'm not carrying a big tool set. Outside your comfort zone is where the magic happens.
I guess it depends on what you're referring to as "the old days"... :think:
They certainly may have carried folding knives as well, but I believe a fixed blade hunting/skinning/butcher knife was pretty standard gear for a 19th-century mountain man. However, my understanding is that these knives were used primarily for skinning and cleaning animals, as well as related food preparation activities. They were not "bushcraft knives" as the term is commonly used and understood today.
If all a modern leave no trace hiker or camper needs is to open their foil packets of freeze dried food, then a Vic Classic or small pen knife will be up to the task.
I know some very experienced hikers and campers who carry nothing more than a folding knife. I know others (including myself) who generally also carry a fixed blade and sometimes additional tools as well, mostly because it makes us feel more prepared. To be frank, though, I don't think I've ever truly needed more than a folding knife blade and a can opener when hiking or camping, so theoretically I suppose I could get away with just an Alox Bantam. However, I have gotten some value out of having an awl, and I do like to have scissors (mostly for personal grooming), but even at that a Climber, Super Tinker, or Pioneer X should not leave me wanting.
Axes and full-size saws are nice to have when car camping if a large fire is planned, but not worth the weight and bulk if everything has to be carried.
I've found OHO/OHC knives are handy around camp, simply because of the speed with which they can be deployed, used, closed, and returned to the pocket (even faster than a fixed blade IMO), and because this can be done without having to put down what one might be holding or carrying in the other hand.
Camping of late, I have generally carried a Farmer X (while I probably wouldn't miss the saw if I dropped down to a Pioneer X, the saw layer adds minimal weight and bulk, and perhaps I'll use it someday) and a Myerchin BF300 Captain. The Captain is useful for the OHO/OHC functionality as described above, and the marlin spike has been convenient to have as well. I'll have a fixed blade in my backpack, but have yet to run across anything that the folders couldn't handle. (As an aside, the blade of the Captain is noticeably wider and thicker than the blade of the Farmer X, but the edge length is only slightly longer.
I'm not aware of any professional survival gurus or instructors who recommend only a folder, but they are typically trying to live or teach others how to live off the land in a way that is pretty far removed from most of our hiking and camping experiences.
If I had many miles to cover and or were worried about weight, I wouldn't feel bad about ditching the fixed blade and Myerchin, and carrying just the Farmer X (and my backup Alox Bantam of course).
I like the Skele but I have a thing against removable bits when outdoors so I say eliminate that one at least.
Can you put up photos? I don't know SAK models very well...
Ok... Time for some advice from you wonderful people.
In a couple of weeks I'm going to go car camping... Glamping even. Low impact. I'm packing as if I'm staying in a hotel.
I've already packed several knives, and I need your help in narrowing it down to two. Or one, if that is at all possible.
- 5 inch folding hunter that I wish I got more use out of in the days when I'd lash together camp furniture and cooking tripods.
- the pioneer X that I've been using for most everything, and is in my pocket right now
- Skeletool
- Vic one handed Trekker
Anticipated uses - none. Potential uses - everything. Realistic uses - whittling pointed sticks
Other available tools - basically all kitchen tools. A hatchet. Well equipped IFAK.
But what I mean to point out about the old days is that Swiss Army Knives or Scout Knives were rarely the go-to knife, despite being ostensibly more versatile. As far as I've seen and heard, at least. Over the decades it seems that the blade-only options... Folding hunters, stockmen, trappers, and fixed blades always seemed the tools of choice by far.I can agree with that. Perhaps it is due to:
Funnily enough, since yesterday I've been rethinking my carry. After much pondering, arranging, and sorting... I'm considering having a crack at the Bantam for EDC.If you don't need the scissors and don't have much need for a Phillips screwdriver, the Bantam is a lot of functionality in a single-layer knife.
Ok... Time for some advice from you wonderful people.
In a couple of weeks I'm going to go car camping... Glamping even. Low impact. I'm packing as if I'm staying in a hotel.
I've already packed several knives, and I need your help in narrowing it down to two. Or one, if that is at all possible.
- 5 inch folding hunter that I wish I got more use out of in the days when I'd lash together camp furniture and cooking tripods.
- the pioneer X that I've been using for most everything, and is in my pocket right now
- Skeletool
- Vic one handed Trekker
Anticipated uses - none. Potential uses - everything. Realistic uses - whittling pointed sticks
Other available tools - basically all kitchen tools. A hatchet. Well equipped IFAK.
Bolded get my vote. You are familiar with your PX so why not have a little fun with the others? I love to use my fixed blade regardless of which model I bring for food prep. I then use my other knife for having some knife fun at camp. I love to bring a variety with my especially when car camping. I have the space and it gives me a great excuse to use knives that have sat dormant. I don't have the same trees he has but its always fun to make things while out even if just to improve your knife skills.
https://youtu.be/kla_UWs6JW8
I can agree with that. Perhaps it is due to:
- Tradition - All other things being equal, there is always some resistance to change, and folks may be more likely to have carried what they were used to, and or what they saw fathers, grandfathers, etc. using.
- Availability - In the days before the internet, the local hardware or farm store probably had a selection of Case or Schrade or Camillus, whereas SAKs may have been somewhat harder to find.
- Utility - Unless you have some more technical gear that is held together with screws or bolts (thinking skis, crampons, sleds, snowmobiles, maybe climbing equipment), the value of a screwdriver, wrench, or pliers in the wilderness is limited IMO. Cans (and a can opener) are convenient when car camping, but the weight and bulk of canned goods aren't the best choice for backpacking. However, additional blades are always welcome for food and or wood use.
If you don't need the scissors and don't have much need for a Phillips screwdriver, the Bantam is a lot of functionality in a single-layer knife.
Just my opinion, YMMV, but, BLUF, I'd be OK with only the PX.
The Skeletool KBX brings nothing to the party that isn't covered by any of the other knives. This is the first one I'd leave at home.
Between the OHT and PX, it comes down to saw vs. scissors, OHO vs. not, and the weight and size difference. I use the scissors a lot, but not the saw. Also, since you'll have a hatchet along, a small saw is less valuable than it might otherwise be. OHO is nice to have, but not critical. The OHT is 40% heavier than the PX. Advantage: PX
As for the folding hunter, it is hard to make a case for needing it. It's bit on the large side for whittling, but there's something about sitting around a campfire with a traditional knife.
I vote Trekker - bigger size and decent saw. :tu:
(until I see the Hunter)
:salute:. Our go to blades are that for a reason. Dependable and familiar when we reach for them. We know their strengths and we can work within and at times up to the very edge ( no pun ). The folding hunter is gorgeous. Steak knife it is. I love having a SAK in my pocket when camping. Its hard not to bring one since I know their capabilities so well.
Have some fun trying knots while out. Great way to pass time while foods cooking. We very much enjoy car camping as a way to get out yet not be bound by only what we can carry. The foods a lot better too. Both my partner and I enjoy using whatever knife we've got on us for prep. I've even used a small hatchet with not so good results :D. She forgot her Eldris last time out which would have been fun to use.
I like to bring a variety out and split the day up so I can go thru a few of them. I do have my favorites but then I get a new fixed blade and the love affair begins all over again. Its fun and I have a great time playing with knives when out. There's no need to have as many fixed blades as I do but then again need has never had anything to do with having fun. I've got hunting knives and I've never hunted or plan on it. I call them my game processing knives ( steak/chicken/fish ) that we bring for dinner :D.
My partner loves her Eldris. She's a massive Mora fan and her Heavy Duty is her go to. I have "higer end" fixed blades for her but theres no budging her which is fine by me. I got her the Eldris which she loves as a neck knife. Its cute but its a serious knife IMO.
Interesting knife! How does it do for digging tasks?
That's really cool, have you been able to try it out much yet? Does it perform okay at tasks you'd expect of a knife that size (light brush clearing and wood processing)?
Holy smokes it's pretty cheap too, it's going on the list!
...In my head I'm pairing it with Kunai :ahhh
......
- Utility - Unless you have some more technical gear that is held together with screws or bolts (thinking skis, crampons, sleds, snowmobiles, maybe climbing equipment), the value of a screwdriver, wrench, or pliers in the wilderness is limited IMO. Cans (and a can opener) are convenient when car camping, but the weight and bulk of canned goods aren't the best choice for backpacking. However, additional blades are always welcome for food and or wood use.
Ok... Time for some advice from you wonderful people.
In a couple of weeks I'm going to go car camping... Glamping even. Low impact. I'm packing as if I'm staying in a hotel.
I've already packed several knives, and I need your help in narrowing it down to two. Or one, if that is at all possible.
- 5 inch folding hunter that I wish I got more use out of in the days when I'd lash together camp furniture and cooking tripods.
- the pioneer X that I've been using for most everything, and is in my pocket right now
- Skeletool
- Vic one handed Trekker
Anticipated uses - none. Potential uses - everything. Realistic uses - whittling pointed sticks
Other available tools - basically all kitchen tools. A hatchet. Well equipped IFAK.