Thanks to you I have this backpack, it works great for my outings. 73! de AI5DD as for the FT-60, I converted mine to BNC so I can swap antennas if I want to without degrading the threads on the SMA connector, also I plan on removing the capacitor to open it up to other frequencies (GMRS, FRS etc.) basically the MARS mod.
Thanks for the Be Free tip. I'll put this on the stocking stuffer list! And, yes, Nitecore lights are fantastic. Also love Olite, but not a fan of their headlamp options.
Love these kind of videos! I'm a pack rat and gear geek myself, but I think we have a very different approach, so great to see others packs and the thoughts and reasons for them! Thank you!!
Looks like the pack I use to saddle hunt. Mollys and hero clips are the best. Lighters and a sharp knife always. I got turned around in the dbnf and went into a panic after sundown. I always think ahead now.
Spot on! I've been in a couple dodgy situations deep in the woods before and it's nice to know that, worse-case, I'll be fine for the night. Perhaps not "comfortable", but fine. :)
Everything you need to know is in this video. Should be featured on QRZ. I recently bought a small camo pack from a gun store thinking it would be a good POTA pack for my Qrp gear. Well, I got out to the field and the main zipper broke on the first use. I was totally disappointed. Thanks for sharing this video. 👍👍
Zippers are the #1 failure point with most packs. I have a SOTA buddy who purchased an inexpensive (but cool looking) tactical pack. Quality was very sub-par, but he liked the look and weight. While hiking up a mountain, the zipper failed and could not be field-repaired. The main compartment opening was wide--nearly clam shell. He had to hold the pack shut in his arms all the way to the summit and back. He got home and dropped it off in the trash can--I think he paid $35 for it. Since then he upgraded. Thank you for sharing this comment, Derek.
Thanks Thomas, that was a great video. you have convinced me to the the T.H.E. Pack E.D.C. though it will probably be something that I talk the kids into getting me for Christmas or maybe my present to myself. I have a lot of those supplies already but they are packaged a little different. For example my primary first aid kit is a tram field kit with tourniquet and blood clotting bandages. I have found that a kit like this is never complete, especially first aid kits.
As an Eagle Scout and fellow pack geek, I approve. I keep a similar pack in my truck at all times. It's more of a get home bag. Food, shelter, water, med kit and defense but there is also a radio in it. I would add a Mountain House or similar to your kit. Nice job.
Great video. I don't usually hike very far to play radio, but I do carry a med kit since I have scrapped my shins (severely) on many occasions. I also carry bug and tick repellent, a flashlight, small multi-tool, a whistle and bear spray (there are no bears where I live, but I do live near Chicago!). I will sometimes, especially in winter, also carry film photo equipment. I rarely hike very far from my car so I could hike back, drop off my radio gear and retrieve my view camera, but I don't like leaving equipment in my car unattended. Again, I live near Chicago and need to be careful about vandals. Keep these types of videos coming. 73
Nice video. Back in the 2000s, I used to own an online military and law enforcement equipment company, and SpecOps Brand was one of the lines I sold. Their T.H.E. Pack was one of my best selling items. As for the Dyneema bags...Dyneema is one of the materials used in higher-end, lightweight soft body armor. It's much thinner than Kevlar or Twaron, but has similar tensile strength when it comes to stopping projectiles. But, as you pointed out, it's not puncture resistant, which is why it's not used in vests designed for use against "pointy objects" used for puncturing things (I'm avoiding use of a common verb so I don't get flagged for using viol*nt language).
Very interesting! Yes, I think Spec-Ops Brand's main customer base are active/retired military and law enforcement. Their gear is simply amazing, in my opinion. I own a number of their pouches and accessories, too.
Very good review, Sir !!! I have been curious about this EDC pack for shorter hikes (5-10 miles or less). I have the original T.H.E. Pack from '98 or '99. I'm not sure exactly when, but I know I had it prior to my deployment to Egypt in '99 to '00 (Millennium Tour). I also used it for my 2001-2002 deployment to Afghanistan, and my 2003 deployment to Iraq (until our command decided that we needed to only use our issued equipment, that seemed to fail more so than the older or personal/civilian versions). I still use it occasionally (with additional external pouches) to go on hikes (carrying extra stuff for my youngest, 9 yr old, son, before he started carrying most of his own equipment) or hammocking, and even some shopping. I have a few stray inner threads from the yellow lining, that get out of control at times, but nothing too serious. I lost the then-included foam back pad years ago, and have substituted many different types throughout the years, and will be trying something new soon. Thank you for your indepth review of all of your contents, and reasoning for carrying it. Keep up the great work !!!
Thank you for sharing your experience with the THE pack! I have that one too, but mainly use it for camping...less for hiking. The EDC version is excellent for 5-10 mile hikes. As you know, it's a solid pack. Again, thanks! And thanks for your service! -Thomas
Hi, My name is Ed..... and I'm a pack geek.... Didn't see you at the last Bags Anonymous Meeting... Likely due to Pack relapse... Maybe next meeting. Great stuff Thomas.
S/POTA operators are always OCD when it comes to their kits… I know I am! It’s always fun to see what others have done to prepare afield. I like to be prepared, yet choose to keep my kits as minimal, and effective, and efficient as necessary. You, Thomas, are likewise, and I’ve taken many of your ideas, and made them my own. Radio equipment aside… I do this for when I pack for a Motorcycle camping trip, the equipment in my Jeep, and my other hobbies. I fiddle and refine, test, purge, and perfect each kit. Optimized, Capable, and Dependable, OCD. (I think) Thanks for the video Thomas! 72! de W7UDT ‘Rand’ (dit dit)
I love the video! I'm sure you've seen these, but if not, the Biolite Campstove 2+ is a little bit bigger (so maybe for a bigger bag build), but it uses twigs for fuel and can also recharge some devices in a pinch. Its battery/fan element nests within itself. It's definitely awesome for an overnight trip as there are lots of accessories for it.
I have seen these--a very cool system! I do have a tiny Solo stove that is roughly the same size as the existing coffee field kit. It, too, uses twigs, etc. for fuel. It's the reason my larger stainless mug has nearly permanent soot stains. :) Well, that and I never attack the bottom of the mug with a proper scrubber since I just get it messy again. :)
I like a lot of this stuff, and I've added a bunch of things to my list. Thanks for making this. Everyone has their own preferences on redundancy, but it seems like three multitools might be overkill. I'd also maybe recommend only carrying one first aid kit, and then adding some more serious trauma items. I was listening to a hunting podcast a few years ago where they interviewed an ER trauma surgeon about most common injuries in the woods. Trauma and blood loss were his big ticket items. A stop the bleed course is cheap and not a huge time commitment. A tourniquet, some hemostatic gauze, and maybe a packable split could make a massive difference if there is a hunting accident or a big fall. Also, on the gloves, have you tried wearing fingerless gloves over thinner gloves? I've done this while hunting in cold weather and it's a pretty big quality of life improvement over just the thin gloves.
I have also used heating pads inside my fingerless gloves. My fingerless gloves are made for fishing, so they have the thumb, index, and middle fingers open. And, yes, I've way too may multi-tools. One of them I carry on my person, one in my pack, and then I have a micro multi-tool with scissors. Other than blades and screwdrivers, each has a different tool set. I do need more of a trauma kit and haven't gotten one yet, because I feel like I need the training first. I've Red Cross certifications in CPR and First Aid, but I'd like to up that soon! Thanks for the comments!
Thanks for another excellent video Thomas. Just a couple of things from the Canuck perspective. We have black bears, but I find that the bears are pretty timid, and will run away if you yell at them. (I do avoid getting between a bear and her cubs) So, I don't usually carry bear spray. If I am in the woods in the Fall or Winter, I am usually armed, at least with a shotgun. I share your addictions with packs and stoves. I have packs ranging from Alice packs, CAF pattern 82 packs with a frame, RedOxx, and Kifaru. Typically, you get what you pay for, so the Kifaru Urban is my current go-to bag for walks in the woods. On the stove front, it ranges from the old pump-up Coleman stoves (in 1,2, or 3 burner models) to a propane model (sits on top of the propane cylinder), to wood-burning folding stoves, to Trangia and Evernew alcohol stoves. Along the way, I have also built some alcohol stoves using aluminum cans. I only carry the heavy stoves if on the snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle. So, the Coleman and propane stoves are limited to riding trips. The alcohol stoves are fine in warm weather, but I have found that they do not work well in cold weather. By default then, for most of the year it is either a wood-burning stove or an old-school campfire for boiling the kettle and warming or cooking food. You can almost always find dry wood, and the structure of the stove makes cooking over a fire a little easier. Also, you burn a lot less wood in a stove than in a campfire, and you leave less marks on the ground using a stove. As always, I enjoy your videos, best 73, de VO1JA, Harry
I loved your comments, but had to chuckle a bit re: “You can almost always find dry wood.” I’ve done most of my hiking in the spring and fall in areas like where Thomas lives, and I don’t recall EVER seeing dry wood!🙂 It was either raining or had rained within the past few days.
@@dawoodjr We get our share of rain here too. Standing dead trees are usually available here. Alders in particular remain upright for months after dying. Because they're upright, the rain tends to run off them, or at least doesn't soak into the heart of the wood. They burn hot, and very little smoke.
Thank you! All excellent notes. Yes, black bears deep in the forest are really no threat whatsoever. Indeed, you simply won't see them if you're making enough noise. The ones I keep a close eye on are those in/around inhabited areas. Our black bear population is exploding in the mountains of NC because people move here from other states to retire and they feed the bears. This has caused some seriously aggressive behavior from bears that are no longer afraid of people and, indeed, see them as a source of food. I also have a small portable Solo stove that is fueled by twigs. It works amazingly well and is the reason my stainless mug has soot stains on the bottom. :) Thanks again for the comments!
Ironically, I JUST found one of these on Ebay for $100. I have been looking for a small pack for my Xiegu G90 and MPAS antenna kit, and found this. The MPAS comes with a monstrous pack that is useless to me. I saw your article on the Condor pack insert, picked up one of those, and came across this pack and decided to try it out. I, too, have WAY too many packs.... KC1WTR
Thanks Thomas. New to radio and POTA. Basic question- We have many state/fed parks & rec areas in the interior but I don’t see many in POTA. How are sites added to POTA? - Bill KL4TQ
There's a process to add new sites, but I think that's on hold for a while (here in the US) because it takes so much time to coordinate, update, map, and enter into the system. They will add more, however--I believe next year?
Great video Thomas! Love my packs. The bear spray is a great heads up and I hope people pay attention to that. I ran into a huge freaking bear in VA on the AT. See you on the air. Dave KN4OK
These days? I see bears almost daily at the QTH. We border national forest. I keep spray while hiking because more than once, I've surprised bears and they've surprised me. So far, I haven't had to use the spray, but it's comforting to know I have it at the ready.
Well apparently I not only have a radio problem I think iv just discovered I'm developing a pac problem too my god Tom you could do a channel about pac's and the equipment in them and I'd watch hour long videos endlessly
Hi, Phil, So actually I have a link to every single item I included in the video in this full article on QRPer.com: qrper.com/2022/10/a-tour-and-deep-dive-of-my-sota-pota-backpack-spec-ops-brand-t-h-e-pack-edc/
Thomas… you have GOT to try Medagalia D’Oro instant espresso! Boil the water, mix to taste, and cradle the cup to your soul! It’s that good! 72 de W7UDT
![ROSÉ(로제) - APT. (Band VER.) (With. 이영지) [더 시즌즈-이영지의 레인보우] | KBS 241129 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/IW8qaemx74g/mqdefault.jpg)
I always watch until the end. Don't want to miss anything.
Thanks to you I have this backpack, it works great for my outings. 73! de AI5DD as for the FT-60, I converted mine to BNC so I can swap antennas if I want to without degrading the threads on the SMA connector, also I plan on removing the capacitor to open it up to other frequencies (GMRS, FRS etc.) basically the MARS mod.
+1 on those. Nitecore lights! Also, consider ditching the life straw for a Be Free by Katidyne.
Thanks for the Be Free tip. I'll put this on the stocking stuffer list!
And, yes, Nitecore lights are fantastic. Also love Olite, but not a fan of their headlamp options.
Great geek visit to your pack. Geek on!
Love these kind of videos! I'm a pack rat and gear geek myself, but I think we have a very different approach, so great to see others packs and the thoughts and reasons for them! Thank you!!
Looks like the pack I use to saddle hunt. Mollys and hero clips are the best. Lighters and a sharp knife always. I got turned around in the dbnf and went into a panic after sundown. I always think ahead now.
Spot on! I've been in a couple dodgy situations deep in the woods before and it's nice to know that, worse-case, I'll be fine for the night. Perhaps not "comfortable", but fine. :)
Everything you need to know is in this video. Should be featured on QRZ. I recently bought a small camo pack from a gun store thinking it would be a good POTA pack for my Qrp gear. Well, I got out to the field and the main zipper broke on the first use. I was totally disappointed. Thanks for sharing this video. 👍👍
Zippers are the #1 failure point with most packs. I have a SOTA buddy who purchased an inexpensive (but cool looking) tactical pack. Quality was very sub-par, but he liked the look and weight. While hiking up a mountain, the zipper failed and could not be field-repaired. The main compartment opening was wide--nearly clam shell. He had to hold the pack shut in his arms all the way to the summit and back. He got home and dropped it off in the trash can--I think he paid $35 for it. Since then he upgraded.
Thank you for sharing this comment, Derek.
Thanks Thomas, that was a great video. you have convinced me to the the T.H.E. Pack E.D.C. though it will probably be something that I talk the kids into getting me for Christmas or maybe my present to myself. I have a lot of those supplies already but they are packaged a little different. For example my primary first aid kit is a tram field kit with tourniquet and blood clotting bandages. I have found that a kit like this is never complete, especially first aid kits.
First aid kits are a very deep rabbit hole! :) I keep something similar to a standard IFAK in my car.
Very informative. Thanks
As an Eagle Scout and fellow pack geek, I approve. I keep a similar pack in my truck at all times. It's more of a get home bag. Food, shelter, water, med kit and defense but there is also a radio in it. I would add a Mountain House or similar to your kit. Nice job.
Great video. I don't usually hike very far to play radio, but I do carry a med kit since I have scrapped my shins (severely) on many occasions. I also carry bug and tick repellent, a flashlight, small multi-tool, a whistle and bear spray (there are no bears where I live, but I do live near Chicago!). I will sometimes, especially in winter, also carry film photo equipment. I rarely hike very far from my car so I could hike back, drop off my radio gear and retrieve my view camera, but I don't like leaving equipment in my car unattended. Again, I live near Chicago and need to be careful about vandals. Keep these types of videos coming. 73
Nice video. Back in the 2000s, I used to own an online military and law enforcement equipment company, and SpecOps Brand was one of the lines I sold. Their T.H.E. Pack was one of my best selling items.
As for the Dyneema bags...Dyneema is one of the materials used in higher-end, lightweight soft body armor. It's much thinner than Kevlar or Twaron, but has similar tensile strength when it comes to stopping projectiles. But, as you pointed out, it's not puncture resistant, which is why it's not used in vests designed for use against "pointy objects" used for puncturing things (I'm avoiding use of a common verb so I don't get flagged for using viol*nt language).
Very interesting! Yes, I think Spec-Ops Brand's main customer base are active/retired military and law enforcement. Their gear is simply amazing, in my opinion. I own a number of their pouches and accessories, too.
Very good review, Sir !!!
I have been curious about this EDC pack for shorter hikes (5-10 miles or less).
I have the original T.H.E. Pack from '98 or '99. I'm not sure exactly when, but I know I had it prior to my deployment to Egypt in '99 to '00 (Millennium Tour).
I also used it for my 2001-2002 deployment to Afghanistan, and my 2003 deployment to Iraq (until our command decided that we needed to only use our issued equipment, that seemed to fail more so than the older or personal/civilian versions).
I still use it occasionally (with additional external pouches) to go on hikes (carrying extra stuff for my youngest, 9 yr old, son, before he started carrying most of his own equipment) or hammocking, and even some shopping.
I have a few stray inner threads from the yellow lining, that get out of control at times, but nothing too serious.
I lost the then-included foam back pad years ago, and have substituted many different types throughout the years, and will be trying something new soon.
Thank you for your indepth review of all of your contents, and reasoning for carrying it.
Keep up the great work !!!
Thank you for sharing your experience with the THE pack! I have that one too, but mainly use it for camping...less for hiking. The EDC version is excellent for 5-10 mile hikes. As you know, it's a solid pack. Again, thanks! And thanks for your service! -Thomas
Hi, My name is Ed..... and I'm a pack geek.... Didn't see you at the last Bags Anonymous Meeting... Likely due to Pack relapse... Maybe next meeting. Great stuff Thomas.
🤣 The addiction is real, Ed!
S/POTA operators are always OCD when it comes to their kits… I know I am! It’s always fun to see what others have done to prepare afield.
I like to be prepared, yet choose to keep my kits as minimal, and effective, and efficient as necessary. You, Thomas, are likewise, and I’ve taken many of your ideas, and made them my own.
Radio equipment aside… I do this for when I pack for a Motorcycle camping trip, the equipment in my Jeep, and my other hobbies.
I fiddle and refine, test, purge, and perfect each kit. Optimized, Capable, and Dependable, OCD. (I think)
Thanks for the video Thomas!
72! de W7UDT ‘Rand’ (dit dit)
If you ever want to look at an eye watering expensive radio pack look up the Mystery Ranch Comm4.
Oh I do love Mystery Ranch gear. I will check it out. Thanks!
I love the video! I'm sure you've seen these, but if not, the Biolite Campstove 2+ is a little bit bigger (so maybe for a bigger bag build), but it uses twigs for fuel and can also recharge some devices in a pinch. Its battery/fan element nests within itself. It's definitely awesome for an overnight trip as there are lots of accessories for it.
I have seen these--a very cool system! I do have a tiny Solo stove that is roughly the same size as the existing coffee field kit. It, too, uses twigs, etc. for fuel. It's the reason my larger stainless mug has nearly permanent soot stains. :) Well, that and I never attack the bottom of the mug with a proper scrubber since I just get it messy again. :)
I like a lot of this stuff, and I've added a bunch of things to my list. Thanks for making this. Everyone has their own preferences on redundancy, but it seems like three multitools might be overkill. I'd also maybe recommend only carrying one first aid kit, and then adding some more serious trauma items. I was listening to a hunting podcast a few years ago where they interviewed an ER trauma surgeon about most common injuries in the woods. Trauma and blood loss were his big ticket items. A stop the bleed course is cheap and not a huge time commitment. A tourniquet, some hemostatic gauze, and maybe a packable split could make a massive difference if there is a hunting accident or a big fall.
Also, on the gloves, have you tried wearing fingerless gloves over thinner gloves? I've done this while hunting in cold weather and it's a pretty big quality of life improvement over just the thin gloves.
I have also used heating pads inside my fingerless gloves. My fingerless gloves are made for fishing, so they have the thumb, index, and middle fingers open.
And, yes, I've way too may multi-tools. One of them I carry on my person, one in my pack, and then I have a micro multi-tool with scissors. Other than blades and screwdrivers, each has a different tool set.
I do need more of a trauma kit and haven't gotten one yet, because I feel like I need the training first. I've Red Cross certifications in CPR and First Aid, but I'd like to up that soon!
Thanks for the comments!
Thanks for another excellent video Thomas. Just a couple of things from the Canuck perspective. We have black bears, but I find that the bears are pretty timid, and will run away if you yell at them. (I do avoid getting between a bear and her cubs) So, I don't usually carry bear spray. If I am in the woods in the Fall or Winter, I am usually armed, at least with a shotgun.
I share your addictions with packs and stoves. I have packs ranging from Alice packs, CAF pattern 82 packs with a frame, RedOxx, and Kifaru. Typically, you get what you pay for, so the Kifaru Urban is my current go-to bag for walks in the woods.
On the stove front, it ranges from the old pump-up Coleman stoves (in 1,2, or 3 burner models) to a propane model (sits on top of the propane cylinder), to wood-burning folding stoves, to Trangia and Evernew alcohol stoves. Along the way, I have also built some alcohol stoves using aluminum cans. I only carry the heavy stoves if on the snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle. So, the Coleman and propane stoves are limited to riding trips. The alcohol stoves are fine in warm weather, but I have found that they do not work well in cold weather. By default then, for most of the year it is either a wood-burning stove or an old-school campfire for boiling the kettle and warming or cooking food. You can almost always find dry wood, and the structure of the stove makes cooking over a fire a little easier. Also, you burn a lot less wood in a stove than in a campfire, and you leave less marks on the ground using a stove.
As always, I enjoy your videos, best 73, de VO1JA, Harry
I loved your comments, but had to chuckle a bit re: “You can almost always find dry wood.” I’ve done most of my hiking in the spring and fall in areas like where Thomas lives, and I don’t recall EVER seeing dry wood!🙂 It was either raining or had rained within the past few days.
@@dawoodjr We get our share of rain here too. Standing dead trees are usually available here. Alders in particular remain upright for months after dying. Because they're upright, the rain tends to run off them, or at least doesn't soak into the heart of the wood. They burn hot, and very little smoke.
@@harryporter7220 Thanks, Harry.
Thank you! All excellent notes. Yes, black bears deep in the forest are really no threat whatsoever. Indeed, you simply won't see them if you're making enough noise. The ones I keep a close eye on are those in/around inhabited areas. Our black bear population is exploding in the mountains of NC because people move here from other states to retire and they feed the bears. This has caused some seriously aggressive behavior from bears that are no longer afraid of people and, indeed, see them as a source of food.
I also have a small portable Solo stove that is fueled by twigs. It works amazingly well and is the reason my stainless mug has soot stains on the bottom. :)
Thanks again for the comments!
Ironically, I JUST found one of these on Ebay for $100. I have been looking for a small pack for my Xiegu G90 and MPAS antenna kit, and found this. The MPAS comes with a monstrous pack that is useless to me. I saw your article on the Condor pack insert, picked up one of those, and came across this pack and decided to try it out.
I, too, have WAY too many packs....
KC1WTR
nice kit bro
I ordered the TR-35 built & tested so will start assembling a pack for it too, lol 72, Dave - KU9L
Thanks Thomas. New to radio and POTA. Basic question- We have many state/fed parks & rec areas in the interior but I don’t see many in POTA. How are sites added to POTA? - Bill KL4TQ
There's a process to add new sites, but I think that's on hold for a while (here in the US) because it takes so much time to coordinate, update, map, and enter into the system. They will add more, however--I believe next year?
Any piece of equipment...One is none; two is one, etc. Nothing wrong with some back-up gear.
Great video Thomas! Love my packs. The bear spray is a great heads up and I hope people pay attention to that. I ran into a huge freaking bear in VA on the AT. See you on the air. Dave KN4OK
These days? I see bears almost daily at the QTH. We border national forest. I keep spray while hiking because more than once, I've surprised bears and they've surprised me. So far, I haven't had to use the spray, but it's comforting to know I have it at the ready.
Great video thanks for sharing 👍 73 KV5P
You are not a Geek, you are a Nerd. The meetings are on Satudays!
Noted in the calendar!!!
Well apparently I not only have a radio problem I think iv just discovered I'm developing a pac problem too my god Tom you could do a channel about pac's and the equipment in them and I'd watch hour long videos endlessly
Permethrin is great but I won’t use it anymore now that I have a cat (highly toxic to them).
Noted!
Hi Thomas! I like your gear selection. Some links to those bags would be sweet! 73 - KF6IF
Hi, Phil, So actually I have a link to every single item I included in the video in this full article on QRPer.com: qrper.com/2022/10/a-tour-and-deep-dive-of-my-sota-pota-backpack-spec-ops-brand-t-h-e-pack-edc/
Thomas… you have GOT to try Medagalia D’Oro instant espresso! Boil the water, mix to taste, and cradle the cup to your soul! It’s that good! 72 de W7UDT
I will put this on the shopping list. In general, I'm not a fan of instant, but it is convenient! I'll give it a go! Thanks.
@@ThomasK4SWL I’ve been drinking it for years…. Ask Shug, the RUclips backpacker, who is a serious coffee snob. It’s really great coffee!