Loaded Pockets Challenge August 2022

[Adam5]

Nice! What makes you gravitate to a 2x cell light rather than a single cell?

To be honest, it was simply because it was what was available at Home Depot on the day I was looking for a small flashlight.

[comis]

Day 9

Another day working from home. I hardly ever get out on site much, at the minute.
The girls and I have our day off tomorrow though, so it might be a bit more interesting and EDC-ish....

Meanwhile - This is a hedge trimmer.
You might notice something unusual about it. The fact that my wife was involved with it and that, at this point, it was sat on my workbench with a soldering iron out may clue you in to what the situation was.... Annoyingly, the SwissChamp is actually right behind the darn hedge trimmer, as I was so busy getting a pic for all our friends to laugh at before my next Teams meeting started, I didn't take the time to set up a better shot for the forum. This was most annoying, as the Swiss Champ served double duty in the fairly rare roles of cable trimmer and wire stripper. !!

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In case you were still wondering - Within a minute of starting work, she cut through the BRIGHT RED power cable...!!

Took me a few second to process why someone would use the trimmer to cut the paracord, but don't worry about the SC, this is better! 

I've been wearing the fire hose or fire hose flex shorts and pants for 2 or 3 years and they are long wearing.  The only issue I've had is I've worn some holes in the right front pocket of one pair for some reason although none of the others have that problem so I can't explain what's happened with that one pair. The Fire hose and fire hose flex pants are no heavier than any other pants.  The pockets are in a good configuration for our uses.  The cargo pockets have additional pockets on the outside. I generally keep my cell phone in the main cargo pocket on the right and my pens in one of the outer pockets on the right.  I keep my torch in the main cargo pocket on the left along with a money clip.  The cargo pockets and back pockets have flaps that are secured with Velcro but if you prefer not to use the flaps they are tapered so they can be tucked into the pockets and there are Velcro pads inside the pockets to hold them that way.  The cargo pockets and back pockets are deep and wide so that my big trucker's wallet and cell phone will sometimes turn horizontal in the pockets while I'm walking, which can be annoying, but I have been thinking all along to have my tailor sew seems to divide the big pockets into smaller compartments so my cell phone or wallet will stay vertical and I'd also be able to keep a knife or torch vertical in their own compartments.  Unfortunately, COVID forced my tailor into retirement and I haven't yet found a replacement.  There's a slot pocket inside the right front pocket which is perfect for a folding knife or a lighter, and there's a hidden pocket attached to the left front pocket inside the pants / shorts that you can't get to through the front pocket.  You have to drop your pants / shorts to access this pocket, but this hidden pocket is a good size for carrying a passport or emergency money when you're traveling.  There are other features such as the belt loops are all reinforced and one on the right has an extra loop just to have a spot to hang your keys from a carabiner and there's only one belt loop about 6 inches (152mm) wide across the back. The only reason I can figure for their doing that was to make it easier to put your belt on.  If you have specific questions about the fire hose pants or shorts let me know and I'll try to answer them.

Alan, thanks for such a detail writeup.  I am really used to 5.11(especially the Stryke) and Vortex pants, but am always open to new idea.

Nice! How are you finding the Powerpint? One's been on the list for a while, seems the perfect size for an EDC MT.

I think it is a decent small size MT, especially if you don't need a pliers on a daily basis.  But then there is the knipex small pliers, which is also great and probably even more capable.

I've only got one IKBS knife (the Kwaiken I posted today), the first time I opened it I found it was missing a lot of bearings and they were unevenly distributed per side. Quality modding, that 

That really is the reason why I try to stay away from IKBS.  Surely people use magnetic tray or magnetized tool to keep the bearing balls in place, but it is 10x times easier to service a regular caged bearing, then to individually remove and put back those tiny balls.

[comis]

So now that we're 1/3 through the challenge I thought I'd check in with you all:

1) How cumbersome are you finding carrying this level of gear?

2) What item is the most problematic for you to carry and why?

3) Have you found yourself more able to tackle any situations with a higher amount of tools available to you? Or has anything you've changed as a result of this challenge meshed with you unexpectedly?

1)  Going in, I know this will be a real pants puller type of challenge.  So I try to choose the lightest weight gears to compensate.  It is noticeably heavier to carry, but not bad once getting used to it.

2)  Not a problem per se, but I usually don't carry a MT with me.  And when I do, that's the only thing I would need to carry.  So there is a lot of redundance here.

3)  Not really, I have a feeling that being tools/sharps enthusiasts, most folks probably have their EDC dialed in and anything extra will probably just be 'bonus'.  Most challenges we are restricted to one tool/sharp at a time, but this one allows me a chance to play with toys tools that I usually don't get to play with during a challenge.  So whatever the weight penalty is worth it in my book.

[Adam5]

So now that we're 1/3 through the challenge I thought I'd check in with you all:

1) How cumbersome are you finding carrying this level of gear?

Not too bad. It is not much beyond my usual edc.

2) What item is the most problematic for you to carry and why?

It won't fit into any of my pockets 

 

The small bottle of hand sanitizer I am carrying just barely fits in my work pants pocket with my Maxpedition. I have been wearing cargo shorts this week since they have an extra pocket.

3) Have you found yourself more able to tackle any situations with a higher amount of tools available to you? Or has anything you've changed as a result of this challenge meshed with you unexpectedly?

In my case, no. Just plenty of redundancy in comparison to my typical edc.

[Alan K.]

No problem carrying hand sanitizer for me.  Get yourself some key chain sized bottles and refill them as needed from larger bottles.  I've got one of these on each of my key chains so I have one no matter which keychain I'm carrying.  Most were free from doctor's offices or insurance companies, etc..

[Alan K.]

Day 10
I've changed the fixed knife today to the Mora Eldris which I belt carry by dropping the knife, in its scabbard, into a flashlight pouch.  Flashlight pouches are pretty much one size fits all and I saw someone do this on YouTube and thought it was a pretty good idea.

[comis]

Day 10
I've changed the fixed knife today to the Mora Eldris which I belt carry by dropping the knife, in its scabbard, into a flashlight pouch.  Flashlight pouches are pretty much one size fits all and I saw someone do this on YouTube and thought it was a pretty good idea.

That's a nice idea, thank you!  I also think putting the scabbard at the end of the handle to give it more grip area is also a decent idea from youtube.
I had high hope for Eldris when it was coming out, but maybe I expected too much out of it, never did I really warm up to that knife.

[comis]

Day 10


After sharpening and restoration

Spent quite a bit of time with the Urban trapper today.   Using the marker and the Sharpmaker, I reprofile the edge to an even 20 deg per side(I guesstimate original was about 18/24 per side) 

Meanwhile, I manage to scratch the satin blade tip a little bit with the diamond stone, so extra time needed to restore that back.(That happens once in a while, but I never seem to remember to tape up the tip before reprofiling).

Anyhow, it is slicing receipt paper and unboxed new tools that I will start using tomorrow.

[powernoodle]

Powernoodle Day 10





- Pliers-based Multitool  - PS4
- Dedicated Folding Knife - Ruike P801-SF
- fixed blade - Koster paring knife
- Dedicated Flashlight - Streamlight ProTac 2AAA (not shown but in my pocket)
- Dedicated Pen - Fisher
- Watch - Casio Pro Trek PRG600Y
- Fidget or memento - Nite Ize S-Biner #4 (75 lbs.)
- Sanitary item - alcohol wipe
- Lighter/matches - Zippo copper
- Hankerchief or Bandana - microfiber
- 93mm or 91mm SAK - Explorer Plus
- 84mm SAK - Cadet
- 58mm or 74mm SAK - Manager

Shown with bellroy lite sling.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09HQ9XR81/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Other:  Sig P365 w/ 15 round mag; Victorinox nail clippers; mini Sharpie; POM pepper spray/breath freshener.

[Sos24]

So now that we're 1/3 through the challenge I thought I'd check in with you all:

1) How cumbersome are you finding carrying this level of gear?

2) What item is the most problematic for you to carry and why?

3) Have you found yourself more able to tackle any situations with a higher amount of tools available to you? Or has anything you've changed as a result of this challenge meshed with you unexpectedly?

1) I’m not really finding carry the gear cumbersome.  It is more just remembering where some things are in the pockets and trying to not overload one pocket.  It is also a little more difficult with one pair of my shorts that have smaller low profile pockets.

2) The fixed blade is probably the most problematic for me.  The biggest issue comes mainly in trying to carry the ones that I enjoy using the most comfortable yet inconspicuous when in public.  The rest of the month, I will switch it up to the ones that I know will carry discreetly better. 

3) I haven’t been anymore prepared for a situation, because of carrying more.  But I have realized a tendency of mine is to go for most accessible over best tool for the job unless a specific tool is needed.   The tool clipped to my front pocket is usually the first I go for.  The items on my keys tend to be last option.  When between a tool in a slot on my pocket organizer vs front pocket, then I will usually go for better tool.

[Sos24]

2)  Not a problem per se, but I usually don't carry a MT with me.  And when I do, that's the only thing I would need to carry.  So there is a lot of redundance here.

This is kind of where I’m at.  With an MT, I might carry a traditional knife or 84mm Voyageur, but rarely a 91/93 SAK and 84mm and another folding knife.

[Farmer X]

It's a shame that they discontinued the economy scales on normal knives.

:iagree: That particular Bantam is most likely early 1980s. I like the different Swiss Cross, and I'd like to get one with the rough nylon scales. Singaporean military Bantam, maybe?

Day 10
I've changed the fixed knife today to the Mora Eldris which I belt carry by dropping the knife, in its scabbard, into a flashlight pouch.

Good stuff! How are you liking the Eldris?

Spent quite a bit of time with the Urban trapper today.

:like:

Great photos and loadouts from awl! :tu: And to answer GF's questions:

1. The weight is definitely noticeable, but tolerable. Finding places to put awl of it was the biggest challenge.

2. Either the hand sanitizer or the pen. The latter is due to constantly forgetting that I have it.

3. Yes (though no new situations have cropped up) and not yet.

Day 10

The Tinker rotated out, and a Hiker rotated in...I'll soon be needing a wood saw.

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[Tasky]

Day 10

Well, the girls and I went out for a breakfast picnic. I really dislike early mornings, but this way they get outside and have a run-around before the weather gets too hot... which in today's case was about 36.5ºC and ridiculously humid. I know this because my EDC watch, the Casio Rangeman, includes a temperature function.

But yes, went to a playground for almost 2 hours, then for a wander in a fairly well-shaded wood before we found somewhere that had both shade and breeze, whereupon we sat and had a picnic. The SwissChamp served the usual SAK duty of being the picnic cutlery, slicing cheese and bread, opening packets and the like.
However, being woodland adventurers means having walking sticks and staves, which means Daddy gets to crack out the SAK saw and cut some bits of wood to the appropriate lengths.

The job required both hands and a tripod was not viable with a pair of toddlers around, so photo by my daughter aged 3½:

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[Tasky]

So now that we're 1/3 through the challenge I thought I'd check in with you all:

1) How cumbersome are you finding carrying this level of gear?
Not at all cumbersome, this is my usual 'on-body' EDC anyway, give or take, and there's plenty of capacity for more. I'm actually running a little light...

2) What item is the most problematic for you to carry and why?
The IFAK.
It's a good size pouch and I really ought to put up a separate tour thread on it... but even in the pockets of some of the best tactical/technical cargo pants on the planet, it is still a bulky item. To be fair, though, the UF Pro pants are so good that I reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally only notice the pouch when I am on the floor and try to lie/roll on my left side. Most of the time I don't notice it, even when I'm driving.
If it ever does get a bit too much, or I just need the pocket space, the pouch can be Grimlock-clipped to a belt loop. It's the reason I went with this one... but for the purposes of this Loaded Pockets challenge, I am enforcing upon myself the restriction of only carrying stuff in pockets.

3) Have you found yourself more able to tackle any situations with a higher amount of tools available to you? Or has anything you've changed as a result of this challenge meshed with you unexpectedly?
Actually, as I'm going pockets-only, that means I'm without any belt carry, pouches, or my trusty slingpack that serves as my everyday tacticool man bag (and my "I'm-Not-Carrying-A-Laptop-So-Don't-Mug-Me" work bag)... which means I'm not carrying my ratchet set, larger IFAK, pocket organiser and the couple-dozen other items I'd tend to make use of.
To make matters worse, I usually have jackets and coats with 6 or more decent pockets for more gear, but this hideous heatwave has meant they're not an option either, so I'm even more restricted than usual...!!

[Alan K.]

Sos, Fixed blades are most comfortable for me at about 7 inches oal with 3 inches or less of blade and 4 inches of handle.  I prefer to carry my fixies in a horizontal, crossdraw position.  That way the knife is accessible but out of the way.  The handle of the knife won't poke me when I sit.  It won't hit the furniture or the doorways.  It won't get hung up on the ladder back chairs that are so common in restaurants.  I don't like hard plastic sheaths such as what the Izula II came in. The Izula II, however, fits perfectly in a Bradford Guardian sheath which is A) Leather, B) a horizontal crossdraw, and C) is sold by Bradford in brown or black, and in right or left handed versions for only $10.00 on the Bradford website. Picture below.  I should point out that it is legal for me to carry a fixed blade knife where I live, open or concealed within certain limits, and others should be careful to obey the laws where they live.

FarmerX, the Eldris is great. I've enjoyed using it often since you sent it.  It usually lives on my desk where it is always handy.  The flashlight pouch I'm carrying it in can be carried horizontally or vertically, and right now I have it horizontal to the left of my belt buckle for a right handed crossdraw.

[Adam5]

Day 10

[Sos24]

Sos, Fixed blades are most comfortable for me at about 7 inches oal with 3 inches or less of blade and 4 inches of handle.  I prefer to carry my fixies in a horizontal, crossdraw position.  That way the knife is accessible but out of the way.  The handle of the knife won't poke me when I sit.  It won't hit the furniture or the doorways.  It won't get hung up on the ladder back chairs that are so common in restaurants.  I don't like hard plastic sheaths such as what the Izula II came in. The Izula II, however, fits perfectly in a Bradford Guardian sheath which is A) Leather, B) a horizontal crossdraw, and C) is sold by Bradford in brown or black, and in right or left handed versions for only $10.00 on the Bradford website. Picture below.  I should point out that it is legal for me to carry a fixed blade knife where I live, open or concealed within certain limits, and others should be careful to obey the laws where they live.

FarmerX, the Eldris is great. I've enjoyed using it often since you sent it.  It usually lives on my desk where it is always handy.  The flashlight pouch I'm carrying it in can be carried horizontally or vertically, and right now I have it horizontal to the left of my belt buckle for a right handed crossdraw.

That does look like it would carry nicely and at a nice price, but it might be too big for the BR Essential, which is almost identical in size to Izula.  I may try to use something to carry the Essential horizontal tomorroe.

[Sos24]

Day 10
I didn’t change much up today.  Decided to dig out my clip for my Wave and carry that, replaced the Shiro with a small Jack knife and added a Zippo just because.  The Zippo could be counted as a lighter or a momento, because it is both, but I still had my split pea lighter and BATAAN coin in my pocket organizer so it doesn’t really matter.

[powernoodle]

Powernoodle Day 11


I used the PS4 to tighten the fittings on a grease gun.  I would have preferred a Knipex Pliers Wrench, but the PS4 got the job done.

[comis]

Powernoodle Day 10

(Image removed from quote.)
(Image removed from quote.)


- Pliers-based Multitool  - PS4
- Dedicated Folding Knife - Ruike P801-SF
- fixed blade - Koster paring knife
- Dedicated Flashlight - Streamlight ProTac 2AAA (not shown but in my pocket)
- Dedicated Pen - Fisher
- Watch - Casio Pro Trek PRG600Y
- Fidget or memento - Nite Ize S-Biner #4 (75 lbs.)
- Sanitary item - alcohol wipe
- Lighter/matches - Zippo copper
- Hankerchief or Bandana - microfiber
- 93mm or 91mm SAK - Explorer Plus
- 84mm SAK - Cadet
- 58mm or 74mm SAK - Manager

Shown with bellroy lite sling.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09HQ9XR81/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Other:  Sig P365 w/ 15 round mag; Victorinox nail clippers; mini Sharpie; POM pepper spray/breath freshener.

I quite like the edc gear selection this gentleman has chosen for his youtube video, in fact, I will be updating a few items for my EDC(on person or backpack), borrowing some ideas from him.  Btw, great watch!  I was eyeing this model before getting the Garmin Instinct 2 solar.

This is kind of where I’m at.  With an MT, I might carry a traditional knife or 84mm Voyageur, but rarely a 91/93 SAK and 84mm and another folding knife.

I notice that how I too would go for the most convenient tool instead of the best tool.  I think that's part of the reason why I has always been a little picky about what kind of organizer to host my tool--I want all my gears readily accessible with a quick draw from my cargo pockets, and relatively easy to put back in.



 

[comis]

Sos, Fixed blades are most comfortable for me at about 7 inches oal with 3 inches or less of blade and 4 inches of handle.  I prefer to carry my fixies in a horizontal, crossdraw position.  That way the knife is accessible but out of the way.  The handle of the knife won't poke me when I sit.  It won't hit the furniture or the doorways.  It won't get hung up on the ladder back chairs that are so common in restaurants.  I don't like hard plastic sheaths such as what the Izula II came in. The Izula II, however, fits perfectly in a Bradford Guardian sheath which is A) Leather, B) a horizontal crossdraw, and C) is sold by Bradford in brown or black, and in right or left handed versions for only $10.00 on the Bradford website. Picture below.  I should point out that it is legal for me to carry a fixed blade knife where I live, open or concealed within certain limits, and others should be careful to obey the laws where they live.

FarmerX, the Eldris is great. I've enjoyed using it often since you sent it.  It usually lives on my desk where it is always handy.  The flashlight pouch I'm carrying it in can be carried horizontally or vertically, and right now I have it horizontal to the left of my belt buckle for a right handed crossdraw.

I am exactly the same when it comes to small fixed blades or folding knives, 3" blade is mostly legal in many parts of the world, and a 4" unobstructed grip area is perfect for me. 

Day 10

(Image removed from quote.)

Good to see the sodbuster continue to serve you well after the Traditional, and that blue little prybar is sweet. 

[comis]

Day 11


Not much has changed from previous loadout, except switching back to the DLT microfiber cloth and swapping in a little cutter in place of the Boker Urban Trapper.  I remembered seeing Jackknife recommending the Christy knife in Edge subforum, and nothing beats a really small cutter like this one made by Muji.  Ultralight, perfect for unboxing and even comes with a clip.

The main feature of this photo is the newly acquired Victorinox Spirit MX. 

I remembered getting the Spirit MXBS back in 2020 and showing it to my local Victorinox dealer, and told them since Vic was making one handed opening Spirit for military contract, it was really time to offer a one handed Spirit.  And it goes without saying how excited I am finally getting one in 2022.  To me, this is the be-all-end-all multitool, relatively lightweight with a full size pliers and the perfect 'outdoor survival' multitool.

Alan/Sos24, just for your kind reference, if you do like mounting small fixed blade side way on belt, I got this idea from a youtuber where one could attach a small strip of velcro on the kydex sheath by two set screws.  This way it is quick to mount/dismount it onto any belt or backpack:

[Sos24]

Day 11

(Image removed from quote.)
Not much has changed from previous loadout, except switching back to the DLT microfiber cloth and swapping in a little cutter in place of the Boker Urban Trapper.  I remembered seeing Jackknife recommending the Christy knife in Edge subforum, and nothing beats a really small cutter like this one made by Muji.  Ultralight, perfect for unboxing and even comes with a clip.

The main feature of this photo is the newly acquired Victorinox Spirit MX. 

I remembered getting the Spirit MXBS back in 2020 and showing it to my local Victorinox dealer, and told them since Vic was making one handed opening Spirit for military contract, it was really time to offer a one handed Spirit.  And it goes without saying how excited I am finally getting one in 2022.  To me, this is the be-all-end-all multitool, relatively lightweight with a full size pliers and the perfect 'outdoor survival' multitool.

Alan/Sos24, just for your kind reference, if you do like mounting small fixed blade side way on belt, I got this idea from a youtuber where one could attach a small strip of velcro on the kydex sheath by two set screws.  This way it is quick to mount/dismount it onto any belt or backpack:

Congrats on the Spirit MX, the MXBS is my favorite MT.  The only drawback for some with the MXBS is the lack of saw.  But living in a urban/suburban area that is not a big deal and the serrated blade is nice.  With the MX having the saw, I can see it appealing to those who want the saw.

The video solution is interesting; I may try it with my Izula or BR Necker.  With my Essential an leather sheath, I’m going to try attaching to belt with a couple ranger bands.

[powernoodle]

1) How cumbersome are you finding carrying this level of gear?
2) What item is the most problematic for you to carry and why?
3) Have you found yourself more able to tackle any situations  . . .

I'm not a huge fan of carrying a bandana, fixed blade and 3rd SAK, but that's what makes it a Challenge.       I tend to carry a pretty comprehensive EDC on a normal day, so adding more doesn't do much for me, though forcing me to carry a pliers-based MT is not a bad thing.  I always have a SAK-based mini pen, which I consider a necessity.  And the Zippo is a fun thing to carry but also not necessary.  All in all I am having a groovy time, and the nature of this Challenge makes it easy to switch in any toys that I like.

 

[Tasky]

Day 11

This working-from-home stuff is really killing off all the scenarios that necessitate my EDCing all my junk... 

This is kind-of a useless space-filler post, but today I cooked dinner for everyone. It involved opening packets and stuff, so I was sure to pick a can specifically without a ring-pull on it:


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[powernoodle]

This working-from-home stuff is really killing off all the scenarios that necessitate my EDCing all my junk... 

I've been working from home since 1994.  I know exactly what you are talking about.  Even so, its better to have a high-powered EDC than not.

 

[Sos24]

Day 11
Changed up both knives and MT

Use a couple ranger bands to attach the Essential horizontal to my belt.

[Farmer X]

Photo by my daughter aged 3½:

She took a pretty damn good photo. Many adults can't do that well!

The Eldris is great.

Glad to hear it!

The Zippo could be counted as a lighter or a momento, because it is both...

that Zippo, though it's not one I'd carry. I wonder what part of Truxtun you'll receive if she's scrapped.

I was sure to pick a can specifically without a ring-pull on it.

I've been known to open cans with pull tabs from the bottom just so I can use a multi's can opener.

Day 11

The usual suspects changed today. I swapped the taw (shooter) marble for a mib (target). The mib carries a little better. Today's dedicated knife is a Marble's ram horn Canoe, and I suspect it's genuine ram's horn.* A Mark I MiniChamp awlso rotated in. Both of its blades are shaving sharp.

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*=It has a distinct "animal" smell to it.

[GearedForwards]

Sorr I've been more quiet lately folks, the current heatwave has been kicking my butt. It's been 85F+ in my home for the last couple days day and night 

Day 10

This was a day of not doing much, but swapped in my CKF Sukhoi 2.0, a very long and fairly heavy knife, but a great guillotine action.

[GearedForwards]

Day 11

Quite a day of mix ups today, the pokemon hank has been turned into a sweat rag to try and keep my face relatively dry, the Rovyvon A5X helped me look for the cat in the garden, the Scarab helped mentally deal with that I was getting nothing productive done... and the Kingdom Armories mini Samaritan is really nice to look at and fun to play with. The CRKT minimalist entered the fray as a neck knife, got used to open a Rustlers burger. The goal is to avoid the oven like the plague