Loaded Pockets Challenge August 2022

[Sos24]

Day 01

Fire: Zippo Slim (wish they made slim butane inserts)

Agree.  My Zippos have seen a lot more carry with the butane inserts and I would love a slim insert

[Tasky]

The EDC clip is a two-way so could clip in pocket or on cap, whereas the Tool’s is only one direction. 

The Tool clip is reversible, though...

[comis]

Day 1

Like comis, leaving home without a belt is inadvisable 

Btw, great to see the sodbuster continue in the rotation after traditionals. 

Day 01
You guys with your organizers make it look easy.  I wear cargo shorts at home and cargo pants when I'm working so I have enough pockets for everything but sometimes I can't remember which pocket something might be in.  So, this challenge really isn't much different from my daily carry. The only extra items on the list are the 2 smaller SAKs and I usually only carry 1 dedicated knife, either a folder or a fixie, not usually both.  I don't usually carry a fidget. I usually just play with my knives and have the bandages to prove it.  For this challenge I'm considering the one piece tools on my keys to be my fidgets but I can always carry an MTO challenge coin if the one piece tools are judged inadequate for the purpose.  I always have 2 pens, the dual tip Sharpie, and a compact ballpoint that also serves as a stylus.  The lighter today is a Korean copy of a Zippo.  I hope I didn't miss anything.

The Gear List

Pliers based                   Spirit
91mm                             Swiss Champ
84mm                             Wenger serrated Highlander
58mm                             Classic SD
Fixed Blade                    Brisa Necker 70
Dedicated folder           Spyderco Dragonfly
Torch                               Nitecore P-12  (daylight edition)
Pen(s)                              Dual tip Sharpie and a compact ballpoint
Sanitary item                 bottle of hand sanitizer clipped to my keys
Fire lighting                   Zippo or similar lighter
Fidget                             Gerber Shard on Keys or MTO challenge coin
Watch                              Citizen EcoDrive
Kerchief or Bandanna              Handkerchief, basic white.

I used to wear cargo pants all year round, but this year's summer is exceptionally hot, so I too am planning to move to cargo shorts.  Looks like this challenge is totally right up your alley, the serrated Wenger is a great idea, less duplication and more function.

Oh nice I haven't seen a Rovyvon with that style button, whilst not as stylish (IMO) It'd be a lot easier to press reliably!

How do you find spraying alcohol (isopropyl?) for disinfection purposes? I was tempted to pick up some pocket sized atomizers but wasn't sure how much of a hassle it is vs using a wipe.

I would really appreciate your help with the badge! I'm not an artist myself and I know you need to make two different versions. You're a star Comis 

It is just a personal preference in terms of disinfectant.  I like using the spraying bottle(filled with 75% alcohol) since it could quickly disinfect any surface I touch or enclosed area(elevator buttons, door handles, or even enclosed space like the elevator), but I only use it very sparingly since it is a flammable afterall.  Wipe is alright too, but for something quick(like buttons or handles), unwrapping a wipe is too much hazzle for me.

Don't mention it, and let's discuss the details of the badge design after midpoint of the challenge.

I like the organisers!

Are you carrying the spirit with that cool magnet wrap you made on your channel?

What are the knife laws like in your neck of the woods?

Local knife law is similar to some of the European countries, 3" folder, lock or unlocking blade.  But anything else is probably subject to plausible explanation(for example, a 5" fixed blade found inside a camping pack).  And thank you for the mention!   I do use the magnetic carry once in a long while, mostly in winter time since it conceal better under a jacket.

[comis]

DAY 1

OK, for this challenge you're looking at pretty much my basic EDC, so I thought I'd give you a pocket tour while I am here. A couple of items might sometimes get stowed with other kit in the work backpack for security reasons or just in a jacket, but for the challenge duration all of this will be carried in trouser pockets alone. I have used belt pouches in the past, but the title here says pockets and so I'm sticking to that.

Speaking of which - these pockets are as found on the amazing UF Pro P-40 All-Terrain tactical pants:
https://ufpro.com/gb/pants/tactical-pants/p-40-all-terrain-gen-2-tactical-pants
I have several pairs in Kangaroo, Black and Steel Grey. I have yet to try the Navy and they don't do them in Desert Grey, but these are pretty much all I wear, for the most part.


So, to start with, here's the watch - A Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400:

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Moving on, we have the carry itself, split vaguely into columns. It would have been neater, but I had a long, hot day and I was just desperate to get started on my first MTO challenge:

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Top right is the wallet, a PacSafe 50. They don't even make these any more, but this has lasted me probably close to two decades and is still going strong. Got a Surfshorts one ready for if this ever karks it.
Beneath that is a pocket IFAK. Pouch is Generic Chinese Tat brand from AmazAlibaBay, but surprisingly good.
Beneath that is the handkerchief and alongside that is the sanitary item. Not so environmentally friendly, but small enough for programme compliance.

Back to the top, you'll see a cased green 18650, with two bottles of vape juice. Vape not pictured, as it was actually in my hand when I was setting this up... which is also the reason there's a separate watch pic.
Below this is a set of elastic hairbands, as I'm a sort-of rockstar with 3' of hair. They also come in handy.
Below that you'll see the forum favourite, a Lumintop Tool AA, serving backup to my Olight Perun Mini.

Next column, we have the Swiss Champ for a 91mm, an Evo S557 for the 84mm (but 85, because I'm a rebel. If y'all insist on 84mm, I can swap this for a Sportsman easy enough).
Moving down, you'll see a CRKT Pilar Heinnie Haynes edition, which is my dedicated folder.
Under that is, of course, the MiniChamp that lives in my wallet, which is my 58mm for the duration.
Below these are the classic EC double-act of Fisher Space Pen and Sharpie double-ender.

Next column, you have my keys hung on a battered Leatherman Squirt PS4, which is my pliers-based.
Beneath this is a US Army challenge coin, a memento of services rendered, for which the top man of the 16th Infantry Regiment presented me with this.
Going down, you'll find a dark green Zippo with the gas-jet insert, and a Joby mini phone tripod.
Finishing off is just a couple littl ebits of paracord, for practicing knots and small tasks. The main rigging array is usually in the work pack.


So in summary:

- Pliers-based Multitool - LM Squirt PS4
- Dedicated Folding Knife - CRKT Pilar HH
- Dedicated Flashlight - Olight Perun Mini
- Dedicated Pen - Fisher Space
- Watch - Casio Rangeman
- Fidget or memento - US Army Challenge Coin
- Sanitary item - Dettol hand-squirty
- Lighter/matches - Zippo gas-jet
- Hankerchief
- 91mm SAK - SwissChamp
- 84mm SAK - S557
- 58mm  - MiniChamp


Good to go?

Pretty neat, how's the UF pro pants or their products in general?  As compared to 5.11 or Helikon Tex?  They look pretty good on picture, but am curious whether the difference in performance worth the premium.

Generally, yes. The Family Dollar where I've purchased my last few Bics has the full-size ones in a case right by the cash registers, which makes the decision a little easier.

My pants, by the way, are Tru-Spec 24/7. You can dedicate pockets for eight knives or multis (provided two of them have pocket clips) and still have eight pockets left over!

And some great loadouts from awl!

Day 1

I have awlready shuffled two items around. The lighter and marble have moved into pockets 3 and 11. The Craftsman is now in a no-name sheath that I repurposed into a slip. That'll help protect the knife and the marble from each other, especially if the marble is an "oily" type. A new bandana has rotated in; even if I change them every other day (current plan), you won't see my entire "collection." Early this morning, I used the pen to scribble out a quick note

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Lovely retro Casio, I remember it was exact same model when I first started wearing Casio.

[powernoodle]

Powernoodle Day 2


Swapping in a teeny Opinel No. 2 and Olight i1R EOS saves weight and space, but still provides plenty of utility.  The micro Opinel can handle most of my daily knife needs, which generally center on opening Amazon deliveries and new bags of cat sand.  Together they weigh a mere 16 grams or 0.62 ounce. #powernoodleapproved


Opinel No. 2 vs. Victorinox Manager.  The Opinel No. 1 was retired in 1932, after its 2cm/0.78" blade was judged to be too small.

https://www.amazon.com/Opinel-Bechwood-Handle-Folding-Centimeter/dp/B000UHSEBA/ref=sr_1_1?crid=SUFE8WFC2K0D&keywords=opinel%2Bno%2B2&qid=1659441837&sprefix=opinel%2Bno%2B2%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-1&th=1&psc=1

[Tasky]

Pretty neat, how's the UF pro pants or their products in general?  As compared to 5.11 or Helikon Tex?  They look pretty good on picture, but am curious whether the difference in performance worth the premium.

Put it this way - I'm not rich (I drive a knackered 20-year-old Škoda) and this kit costs hundreds per item... and yet I've worked and saved hard specifically to buy several pairs of their trousers, four of their jackets, several shirts, plus assorted hats, pads and so on... because no matter how behind I get in the laundry, I want to always have a set of UF Pro kit available to wear. It really is that good!!


In comparison.... UF Pro utterly wipes the floor with Helikon-Tex, Condor, Pentagon and other such brands.
Those are all good, don't get me wrong, and if the best you've ever worn is the kit found in the middle aisles of Aldi and Lidl, you're in for a real treat... But in the grand scheme of things, those are all cheap (in relative terms) for a reason.

Compared to 5.11, UF Pro again is also miles ahead.
5.11 are good and still have some great innovation, but are several levels below. Same for First Tactical, which is another brand I like and would possibly recommend over 5.11 (they have a shared history). ClawGear is in this same bracket, also.

Don't even think about Triple Aught Design, which are great if you want something non-tactical, but ultimately are ridiculously overpriced run-of-the-mill kit.

In terms of general performance, I guess UF Pro is like Arcteryx and Carinthia, but with a more tactical professional leaning.
Where it gets interesting is when you bring in Crye Precision. They're probably the main competitors to UF Pro.
Crye have lots of US military contracts, and I believe the British military have some Crye kit specially made to suit our pitiful budget unique tactical requirements... But outside the US, each item of Crye kit is about £120 more than domestic pricing.
UF Pro, on the other hand, have contracts with a lot of the European forces that people pay attention to, such as GSG9 and Israeli special forces, as well as many private force elements. They're expensive if you have to import into the US, but everywhere else is quite reasonable. The UK is probably the highest prices, even if you buy direct from Slovenia as I do.

There are differences between the two, mostly of personal preference - Crye have the kneepad adjustment cords, while UF Pro design their kit so you don't need adjusters as long as you get the correct size. Most Americans seem to favour Crye, presumably because it is American, but even those who have done comparison reviews seemed like they would give UF Pro the win if their pride would allow it.

Certainly their kit does everything is says on the box and everything you see in the adverts - I can fully load all my P-40 pockets and run around as if they were empty. There's almost no restriction at all. I have several of their jackets too and have used them in the chilly, cold, very cold, and freezin'-my'bits-off weather that UF Pro says they'll handle... and OMG, that feeling when you go sit out in -15ºC yet stay so perfectly warm and comfortable for hours on end.

This is a company that has hour-long videos on exactly how good their kit is and exactly what technology is used, with no secrets and nothing held back in terms of potential drawbacks. They insist you look right up close at the magic, because they really put their money where their mouths are!


In short - I could write for hours about how good these things are.
They're not perfect and everyone has one or two little niggles, but they're definitely top of the league!!!
If you really want some detailed reviews of their kit, lemme know and I'll see about knocking something up with pictures, or maybe even some video.

[powernoodle]

Compared to 5.11, UF Pro again is also miles ahead.

I believe you.  But at 4x the cost of 5.11 - which I wear about 360 days a year - I better get a foot rub and a wet kiss from them too.   

[Aloha]

Those UF pants are serious pants.  Great load outs BTW.  I'll follow along with y'all.

I'm not sure what I do requires such serious pants.  The cost isn't something I'm ready for either.  My  5/11 and First Tactical pants do what they need to do and are easily 5-10 year pants.  I got 6 years out of some inexpensive LA Police gear pants.  I wear these pants exclusively for work and am not kind to them.  I figure for jaunts about town in my 5/11s and First Tactical I'd easily get 5 and can see 10 since I have several to rotate thru. 

I watched a few videos on the pant linked and wow.  I am loving how well thought out those pants are.  I hope one day I can find a pair at the thrift store   

[Tasky]

I believe you.  But at 4x the cost of 5.11 - which I wear about 360 days a year - I better get a foot rub and a wet kiss from them too.   

Here they're only twice the cost of 5.11. The US does get a bum deal on Euro kit.... but then, we often get a bum deal on US kit.

Both 5.11 and First Tactical aren't bad. But they're sort-of old tech now and could do with stepping up their game.
By contrast, UF Pro are very into the latest materials. I'm quite a fan of reasonably heavy kit like FT's as it inspires confidence in its durability... but a bit of faith in the lighter UF Pro stuff is where it really starts to pay off, especially in hot weather like this.

It's all in the little things, like the slightly different placement of the knife pockets, or the use of boot hooks, or the way the stretch panels let you load more into your pockets and yet have far less movement obstruction.
A lot of it is just plain weird, yet it works so well. Beyond that, you have to actually try them to see what makes them that much better.

I'm not sure what I do requires such serious pants.  The cost isn't something I'm ready for either.  My  5/11 and First Tactical pants do what they need to do and are easily 5-10 year pants. 

Nothing I do especially requires them either, yet my experiences are still all the richer for it. I still have all my FTs too, I've just barely worn them since getting these.
I could still cope with going back to the hideously cheap £14 cargo work pants from Aldi... but I'd never want to!

Anyway, this is kinda derailing the thread.

[GearedForwards]

This kind of many pocket trouser talk is highly endorsed by GearedForward Enabling Industries 

[Sos24]

The Tool clip is reversible, though...

I forgot that, but the clip is really minor compared to the switch and emitter for me.

[GearedForwards]

I forgot that, but the clip is really minor compared to the switch and emitter for me.

To be fair the clip on the Tool is... something you deal with rather than advertise. I only felt secure using it when wearing work pants where the cargo pocket flap would protect it from snagging.

[Sos24]

This kind of many pocket trouser talk is highly endorsed by GearedForward Enabling Industries 

Agree.  I do the cargo shorts thing about 360+ days a year, so I understand the love of good pants/shorts.  I just recently discovered Propper Tactical summer-weight, which are a big improvement over my Amazon ones, but I’m always open to better.

[Sos24]

Powernoodle Day 2

(Image removed from quote.)
Swapping in a teeny Opinel No. 2 and Olight i1R EOS saves weight and space, but still provides plenty of utility.  The micro Opinel can handle most of my daily knife needs, which generally center on opening Amazon deliveries and new bags of cat sand.  Together they weigh a mere 16 grams or 0.62 ounce. #powernoodleapproved

(Image removed from quote.)
Opinel No. 2 vs. Victorinox Manager.  The Opinel No. 1 was retired in 1932, after its 2cm/0.78" blade was judged to be too small.

https://www.amazon.com/Opinel-Bechwood-Handle-Folding-Centimeter/dp/B000UHSEBA/ref=sr_1_1?crid=SUFE8WFC2K0D&keywords=opinel%2Bno%2B2&qid=1659441837&sprefix=opinel%2Bno%2B2%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-1&th=1&psc=1

The weight is the biggest downside of having all the gear.  The Opinel 2 is a nice little knife.  I thought of using the LM Style PS as the pliers multitool.  It is small, I don’t need pliers much and with awl the other items I have most tool capabilities covered.

[Tasky]

I just recently discovered Propper Tactical summer-weight, which are a big improvement over my Amazon ones, but I’m always open to better.

I like Propper, not only because they make actual military issue kit, but they've been doing it for longer than I've been on the planet (just about).

However - https://ufpro.com/gb/pants/tactical-pants/p-40-gen-2-tactical-shorts
 

[Tasky]

Day 2

Fairly standard stuff today.
Bit of nail filing, several uses of the torch to find toys under the sofa, take the dogs out for a walk, and so on.

I was going to try and grab a shot of the torchlight and show that off, but I don't think y'all wanna see my dog going for a poo...

So instead - We have various stairgates around the house to control room access for dogs and kids. The elder of the latter is very smart and has figured out how to open them all, so we cripple the mechanisms as far as is practical while retaining basic function. To that end, this one can only be opened with a Swiss Army Knife:

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[Adam5]

Day 2

The cable splicer knife and the pen were the stars of my edc today:

[Farmer X]

The Opinel No. 1 was retired in 1932, after its 2cm/0.78" blade was judged to be too small.

I'd love to find a No. 1, just for the novelty factor.

I drive a knackered 20-year-old Škoda...

"Knackered." I like that word!

Some great loadouts from awl!

Day 2

I had an unanticipated change to the loadout today. Both the Craftsman and the 4137 rotated out in favor of a Case Peanut (and the slip I carry them in). This change was so I could do my civic duty and vote. I figured a reduction in stuff carried to the polling place, as seen in the second photo, may have been a wise idea.

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[Sos24]

Day 2
The only item I changed out today was adding a Zippo in place of the peanut.

Even though I had the Zippo, I used the Essential and ferro rod for split a few twigs and then lighting my twig stove

The Yeoman cut open some special cheese from my Aunt’s shop.

[Alan K.]

Day 02
I used my Nitecore P-12 to determine the exact color match for doing a touchup to a piece of leather.  The daylight spectrum LED allows for this use where the yellow spectrum of most LED lights would not show the true color.  Then it was time for some leftovers for dinner and I used the Brisa Necker 70 to cut apart these ribs.

[comis]

Put it this way - I'm not rich (I drive a knackered 20-year-old Škoda) and this kit costs hundreds per item... and yet I've worked and saved hard specifically to buy several pairs of their trousers, four of their jackets, several shirts, plus assorted hats, pads and so on... because no matter how behind I get in the laundry, I want to always have a set of UF Pro kit available to wear. It really is that good!!


In comparison.... UF Pro utterly wipes the floor with Helikon-Tex, Condor, Pentagon and other such brands.
Those are all good, don't get me wrong, and if the best you've ever worn is the kit found in the middle aisles of Aldi and Lidl, you're in for a real treat... But in the grand scheme of things, those are all cheap (in relative terms) for a reason.

Compared to 5.11, UF Pro again is also miles ahead.
5.11 are good and still have some great innovation, but are several levels below. Same for First Tactical, which is another brand I like and would possibly recommend over 5.11 (they have a shared history). ClawGear is in this same bracket, also.

Don't even think about Triple Aught Design, which are great if you want something non-tactical, but ultimately are ridiculously overpriced run-of-the-mill kit.

In terms of general performance, I guess UF Pro is like Arcteryx and Carinthia, but with a more tactical professional leaning.
Where it gets interesting is when you bring in Crye Precision. They're probably the main competitors to UF Pro.
Crye have lots of US military contracts, and I believe the British military have some Crye kit specially made to suit our pitiful budget unique tactical requirements... But outside the US, each item of Crye kit is about £120 more than domestic pricing.
UF Pro, on the other hand, have contracts with a lot of the European forces that people pay attention to, such as GSG9 and Israeli special forces, as well as many private force elements. They're expensive if you have to import into the US, but everywhere else is quite reasonable. The UK is probably the highest prices, even if you buy direct from Slovenia as I do.

There are differences between the two, mostly of personal preference - Crye have the kneepad adjustment cords, while UF Pro design their kit so you don't need adjusters as long as you get the correct size. Most Americans seem to favour Crye, presumably because it is American, but even those who have done comparison reviews seemed like they would give UF Pro the win if their pride would allow it.

Certainly their kit does everything is says on the box and everything you see in the adverts - I can fully load all my P-40 pockets and run around as if they were empty. There's almost no restriction at all. I have several of their jackets too and have used them in the chilly, cold, very cold, and freezin'-my'bits-off weather that UF Pro says they'll handle... and OMG, that feeling when you go sit out in -15ºC yet stay so perfectly warm and comfortable for hours on end.

This is a company that has hour-long videos on exactly how good their kit is and exactly what technology is used, with no secrets and nothing held back in terms of potential drawbacks. They insist you look right up close at the magic, because they really put their money where their mouths are!


In short - I could write for hours about how good these things are.
They're not perfect and everyone has one or two little niggles, but they're definitely top of the league!!!
If you really want some detailed reviews of their kit, lemme know and I'll see about knocking something up with pictures, or maybe even some video.

Thank you for such detail writeup, looks like I really do have to check them out.  I've been eyeing some of their jackets for the longest time, and the p-40 gen2 pants look good.  I have heard Arc'teryx is highly regarded as one of the best, but I am not in that line of work to tell the difference.

I believe you.  But at 4x the cost of 5.11 - which I wear about 360 days a year - I better get a foot rub and a wet kiss from them too.   

I've wearing 5.11 for more than a decade now, and switch to Stryke pants in recent year.  It's leap and bounds better than the older models I wear, and it is hard to imagine it could get much better than that.

The weight is the biggest downside of having all the gear.  The Opinel 2 is a nice little knife.  I thought of using the LM Style PS as the pliers multitool.  It is small, I don’t need pliers much and with awl the other items I have most tool capabilities covered.

Thanks for the mention.  One thing I never did look into is the Propper pants, gotta look that up too.

This kind of many pocket trouser talk is highly endorsed by GearedForward Enabling Industries 

Thanks for allowing the side chat, the tools are only ready to use, if there is a good way to carry them. 

[comis]

Day 02
I used my Nitecore P-12 to determine the exact color match for doing a touchup to a piece of leather.  The daylight spectrum LED allows for this use where the yellow spectrum of most LED lights would not show the true color.  Then it was time for some leftovers for dinner and I used the Brisa Necker 70 to cut apart these ribs.

I quite like Brisa small knife offerings, and those ribs look fantastic!

[comis]

Day 3


No change of gear today.  Carrying these gears is not much of a problem, but finding the right one is. 
91mm SAK cuts open a packet of drip coffee to start the day.  Mid day, played with the forum coin tool while watching some youtube videos about UF pro products. 

[powernoodle]

Powernoodle Day 3


I'm switching in the green Explorer Plus, white Pom pepper spray and Gerber Dime.


Today's fidget item is a blue laser.

[SteveC]

Day 2
The only item I changed out today was adding a Zippo in place of the peanut.

Even though I had the Zippo, I used the Essential and ferro rod for split a few twigs and then lighting my twig stove

The Yeoman cut open some special cheese from my Aunt’s shop.
(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

Multi camo cheese     

[Aloha]

Lots of loaded pockets today and with such nice gear.  Love the colors FarmerX. 

[Sos24]

Day 3
(Image removed from quote.)
(Image removed from quote.)
No change of gear today.  Carrying these gears is not much of a problem, but finding the right one is. 

The finding the right one is why I’ve taken to keep the Voyageur loose by itself in the left pocket.  It can handle most of the normal daily tasks and is an easy quick grab in the pocket I usually reach in first.  Then the pocket organizer with its tools is in the left cargo, where it always is so it is habit.

[Sos24]

Multi camo cheese     

It is amazing

[Sos24]

Powernoodle Day 3

(Image removed from quote.)
I'm switching in the green Explorer Plus, white Pom pepper spray and Gerber Dime.

(Image removed from quote.)
Today's fidget item is a blue laser.

How is the Pom?  I’ve thought about getting one.

[GearedForwards]

Excellent carries everyone! I have a little catch up, after covid I just crash so early in the day now