Here’s a tried a tested loadout of essentials that Brenton has refined over the years to make sure he has most eventualities covered.
- 5.11 Tactical Rush 12 backpack (I really liked the Maxpedition Falcon, particularly for its compression, but this has a better back system).
- My favourite PackConfig patch and Sword “Strength” patch.
- 2x Grimlocs attached to MOLLE.
- Fenix flashlight pouch on side of pack.
- Fenix PD30 torch/flashlight (only about 270 lumens but small).
- Metal Zebra F-xMD ballpoint pen (for self-defence and also writing!) tucked in MOLLE.
- Uni-ball gel pen tucked in MOLLE.
Top pocket:
- Foil blanket in ziplock bag.
- Facemask/shield for CPR.
- Nitrile gloves.
- Fox 40 whistle with paracord and breakaway joint.
Top front pocket:
-
2x tubes of glucose tablets (for low blood sugar).
-
Spare Insulin and connectors to Insulin pump as well as spare AAA battery for pump.
Lower front pocket:
-
Mi 10000mah power bank with charging cable and lightning cable for iPhone.
-
Red filter for Fenix torch (never used it but its small and light).
-
Smidge spray (keeps midges at bay).
-
Thermometer key fob with cuff key attached.
-
Tiny petrol lighter in waterproof screw-shut case.
-
32GB USB memory stick (has some photos and a copy of my CV/resume on it).
-
Sexwax lip balm (Freud would love it!).
-
Titanium spork (for unplanned takeaways).
-
TASK mini pry bar (much better than snapping a knife blade).
-
Wire saw in ziplock bag.
-
Self-adhesive dressings in ziplock bag.
Main compartment:
- Clif bar (emergency food, I’d normally have a couple of these).
- 2x chemical light sticks.
- Insulin pen with needles and insulin in a wallet (in case my pump packs up).
- Customised waterproof first aid kit (more important is knowing how to use it).
- Mechanix gloves.
- Emergency bivi bag in ziplock bag.
- Bottle of Lucozade (nothing gets my blood sugar up quicker).
- Shemagh.
- Alpkit lightweight waterproof jacket wrapped in Velcro band (light enough to take just in case).
- I will then add food, drink, spare clothes, camera etc for whatever I am doing.
On top of the EDC items I have in my pockets, this is the bag I will have in the car with me and carry if I am more than 30-60 mins from the house or car.
It has been refined over the years and I have tried to only include essentials to keep weight down whilst also trying to ensure I have most eventualities covered.
This is real world gear with a limited budget, rather than a selection of the coolest gadgets available.
I live in the North of England with its climate and knife laws, I also have Type 1 Diabetes, so this is built around those parameters. I would add a knife if I can legally justify it.
It is always great to share ideas and experiences and some of my loadout has been shaped by other people’s ideas, I hope it helps you.
Suggestions or questions welcome.
