Guest Config: Bryan Black – ITS Tactical
It is an honour to share this packing insight from the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the giant that is ITS Tactical.
1. What is your current go-to pack?
I wish I had just one! If I had to pick one it would have to be the Arc’teryx Khard 30, it’s been a workhorse and super dependable. I like the versatility it provides, with either being able to handle hook-backed inserts that dock to the interior loop throughout the front flap and rear wall, or just being able to be packed full and zip up with ease.
It’s also very comfortable and the contoured shoulder straps and metal frame stays really add to that comfort level. I’ve taken it hiking up a river recently in California and its contoured shape and waist belt really helped it stick to my back as I was scrambling across rocks up the river.
2. What items can always be found in your pack?
No matter where I’m going, there’s a few essentials I always carry in a backpack I’m taking into the great outdoors.
1. Headlamp – I’m a big fan of the Princeton Tec Remix Pro MPLS, because of its versatility in the multiple ways it can be mounted and that it only weighs a bit over 2 ounces. Not only that, but it’s dependable as hell. I use the version with the 3 Red Ultrabright LEDs and 1 White Maxbright LED. A red light is essential for working at night in my opinion and the multiple power modes helps save battery life. I just wish they were AA powered, rather than CR123.
2. Spare Batteries – An essential in my book is having the spare batteries to fuel the electronic devices we all inevitably wind up with outdoors. I favor Lithium batteries for their cold tolerance, longevity and their resistance to ruining devices by leaking like alkaline batteries are known for.
3. ITS Jute Paracord – I’m not only the president, but I’m also a client. Not that our products are on the Hair Club for Men level, but much like their commercial, I also use what we produce. Our Jute Paracord has an 8th internal strand that’s Jute and is perfect to remove to aid in firestarting. A fluffed section of jute works better than the majority of firestarting materials out there, when it comes to what’s easily lit by nothing more than a spark.
4. ITS Mini Survival Kit (MSK) – I don’t leave anywhere on a trip without one of our Mini Survival Kits. For years I’d assembled my own mini survival kit in an Altoids tin, before deciding to source all the materials and start building them to sell at ITS. It represents years of research into quality components that are proven to work. Plus you can’t beat that it’s small enough to toss into a pocket if need be.
3. Can you tell us a little about what you do?
I’ve been running ITS full-time for 5 of the 6 years we’ve been in business. What started in 2009 as a passion and hobby has become a business that’s now sustaining my whole family (my wife, Kelly, is the COO) and many other full-time employees. My day-to-day at this phase of the company’s growth is overseeing the development of our product line, which includes Trauma Kits, Lock Picking Tools, Morale Items, Branded Merchandise and more. I also film weekly content, like our Gear Tasting and Knot of the Week video series for YouTube. Additionally, as Editor-in-Chief, I work with our content team to oversee and edit the daily output through our website and social media platforms. There’s much more I’m responsible for on a daily basis, but these are the key areas.
4. What is the passion that drives the brand?
My passion has always been my desire to share knowledge. I’m a skill-set sponge and I love learning new skills and pushing myself to learn more through adversity. Seeing that passion appreciated and followed by so many of our supporters has been life changing, to say the least. The skill-sets we share and advocate at ITS help others better protect themselves, their families and their loved ones. It’s extremely rewarding and I never get tired of hearing the stories of how those who’ve come across our content are utilizing it.
5. How would you describe your level of pack organisation? (Chaotic, Casual, Pack Jedi, Scientific)*
While I’m fairly anal retentive in all aspects of my life, especially with what goes in my pack, I’d have to lean towards Pack Jedi. Not only do I always know the precise location of items, I often use the force to find them in the dark by nothing more than feel.
Editor: I’ve been following ITS Tactical since before Pack Config ever begun. It’s a true source of valuable information that comes from the most qualified of sources. It’s one of my absolute favourite sites, so it is such a privilege to have some original insights from Bryan in this Guest Config. Check out ITS Tactical below, you won’t be disappointed.
*Pack Jedi – Some disorder, but the precise location of every item is known to you. Maximum flexibility.
