Benchmade Bugout Carbon Fiber, Olight keyring flashlight, Glock 43X with extra mag. Vehicles all have a first aid/trauma kit and fire extinguishers. Yeah, I'm a minimalist. I have not yet tried field operation, but I'm slowly gathering gear. As always, thanks much for sharing. Steve
I'm a retired cop, retired military, and ex-paramedic/wilderness first aid instructor, and a ham (busy boy). A person's EDC is personal according to perceived needs and actual skills. I usually wear a safari vest to conceal my handgun (I live in Florida). I also carry pepper gel, and two knives, plus a Leatherman. Sounds weird, but I grew up in Detroit and worked as a cop right next door to Detroit. Call me paranoid (because I am). In my vest I carry a load of first aid supplies: Izzy battle dressings, z-fold bandages, gloves, chest seal, bandage scissors, a few band aids, and including two genuine CAT TQs. The cheap knock offs have a bad tendency to break their windlass under strain. I build my own first aid kits as its cheaper and I get exactly what I want and trust. I have first aid kits in my cars and a couple handy around the house too. I don't carry a radio as part of my normal EDC, just my cell phone. I carry enough stuff as it is. During hurricane watches, I do carry a H/T even when in the house (in case I have to run outside in a hurry). I do have go-boxes that are stocked with additional radios, antennas, power blocks, battery banks, and LiFePO4 batteries and other accessories if needed.
I appreciate the intro talking about how humans, as tool-using critters, just love tools. It makes so much more sense to me than believing that the value of my tool lust is in preparedness when it's really just fun. There is obviously value in preparedness, but I know (finally in my 40s) that I really just enjoy playing with tools, optimizing EDC kits, buying backpacks with just the right number of pockets, and so on.
I always carry knives myself. Every day for about a decade a Gerber Artifact has been in my pocket. I don't think they make them anymore but you can find them. It has a replaceable #11 X-ACTO, Prybar with a nail puller, Three screwdrivers, and a bottle opener. The bottle opener was the big selling point 🤠. Plus it is tiny and easily fits in a watch pocket with room to spare.
How things have changed. As a kid on the farm in the 40's and 50's I carried a pocket knife, pliers and bailing wire. High school parking lot pickups had one or two long guns in the back window rack.
Smart to carry a whistle. Some low-tech considerations: a magnifying glass Can be used to examine small things, focus light, among other things Knife blades are shiny and could do the trick, but don't underestimate the power of a few inch by few inch square mirror, has saved many a lost hiker by signaling search teams or rescue helicopters by flashing reflections of the sun. Efficient, non-tiring way to signal long distances when in distress
I have been EDC carryin a baofeng either uv5r or bf f8hp for around the past year before that, I carried it part time. Being a volunteer firefighter, I always end up, needing to have a scanner on me so I have programmed my baofeng to scan my fire dispatch and also to a local repeater. I have to say the baofeng uv5r/8hp never let me down in a major way, but I started looking for a radio that could do a little more so I have just switched to the woxun kg uv8dp. So far, I am loving the features. I am a very light travelling kind of person. I spend a lot of time in the bush I work full-time in construction so I can’t be carrying around a whole bunch of waist packs or things like that. I usually just carry my radio in a pocket knife of some kind. If I’m heading out to the bush quite often, I’ll have a light backpack. And a rifle or shotgun. Anytime I’m going somewhere I might get injured or into the backcountry. I like to pack a little med kit and something I have found absolutely indispensable. Is zipper stitches zipper bandages there’s a variety of names for them. Essentially, they’re a very sticky bandage that has two pieces and essentially a few zip ties in the middle. They work wonders for medium-sized stab type wounds. I have personally experienced using one we were on a canoe in camping trip thankfully I had my med kit along a friend of mine went out swimming as soon as we got to camp. And as we were unpacking, I heard her calling for help went over to the bank and seen she was near an island having a hard time staying afloat jumped in a canoe paddle out to her bring her back to shore come to find out while she was swimming. She hit her knee on a very sharp, jagged rock and sliced it extremely deeply. Now if we hadn’t had the med kit. We would’ve had to try and bandage it up with some cloth and carry and canoe her out over multiple portages which would have most likely been a 4 to 6 hour endeavor. Instead, we were able to rinse out and disinfect the gash and apply a zip stitch bandage. The bleeding was almost completely stopped, and the pain was greatly reduced. She was actually able to stay the whole rest of the trip. And was able to walk around, although not much. One thing I learned for future occasions because it would be very helpful to bring along some decent painkillers. Unfortunately none of the people on this trip had any. And it would’ve definitely been helpful. Anyway, she was able to stay the whole trip and then fly across the country back home with that bandage and it healed up nicely. Just a testimony as to how important it is to be prepared for the unexpected.
Also, have to say it's nice to see the Smiley tribander get some love. Collapsed to monitor while hiking; extended to the correct lengths when I pause for xmit on 144, 220, 440. Very usable collapsed on 144, 440 for xmit while hiking to coordinate on repeaters. 878, FT3D w/ BNC. Roll up JPole in camp.
One tip for the Condor pouch (and any other pack/pouch with MOLLE) is that MOLLE was made to attach things to things (or things to things to things) so anything MOLLE equipped can be accessorized with additional smaller pouches. There are things like pistol/rifle mag holders and flashlight holders that can hold various items to add a little more storage.
My very first UV-5R will arrive today. So excited I found a new hobby. Especially since it’s a nice Segway from Fpv drones(racing, freestyle, micros etc) . I went hard into FPV in 2020. Still awesome, just looking for a new thing to learn! There is overlap between HAM and FPV it seems.
plenty of overlap between RC flying and HAM radio, There is always a newer cooler Item that you want, need, cant live without. Open wallet and keep on opening :) Remember to have fun!
@Bruce-Gisbon im literally the exact opposite of you, went hard in HAM radio then segwayed into drone flying and have plans to venture into the fpv world
I am a General class ham and freedom loving American residing in the PNW. My EDC, i carry a VX6R with a Diamond SRH320A antenna and UV5R III (UV5R with USB C battery is for handout), a BearFAK IFAK +2 NAR CAT5 tq's, G19 gen4 +3 G17 mags, Kershaw KEI1655, Cloud Defensive MCH2.0 & a throw away headlamp. Days I go into a city .... much much more.
I really like the hazard4 jelly roll bag for protecting the 705. It feels much more protective than the condor. I used to have a 'feng as my edc radio with a btech battery with USB C charging, but the radio suffered from front end overload issues when i was out near some radio towers. I carry the ID50 with me now.
Fun vid. I also love proven gear. Beyond the radios, I have found this stuff useful many times. Daily: Cheap eye pro, and disposable ear pro; enough to hand out. When spontaneous, noisy projects arise, don’t ask people if they want it, just hand it to them. Weekend: Two contractor bags (improvised dry bag, etc..) Poncho, and some cheap ones to hand out. Cold weather: Cheap, dry, fleece gloves; enough to hand out (times 2). Don’t ask, just tell people it’s time for fresh gloves and hand them a pair. I also love my Hamilton titanium on a nylon strap, because I hate watch batteries. And one additional item.
The belt clip on the Icom is great. That is why I like the Wouxun KG-UV7D (and previous models) and the KG-805 series. Their belt clip can be installed and removed easily without any tools.
EDC is normally a Kershaw folder clipped inside my left pocket and my Springfield XDS .45 in various places depending on clothing. For travelling away from home add a Yaesu ft-70D w/Signal Stick & extra battery, decent first aid kit in the vehicle, Sabre pepper spray. Range day include a bleed bag for just in case.
I came to ham from edc, so i love this subject matter! I carry a lot of stuff too with things divided to bags or slings. Thanks for showing that oiled belt bag..been considering it!
I bought a Bluetti AC140P for camping, but later reactivated a dormant Standard licence and got into HF and use the Bluetti to drive the rig and the fridge. It also can act as a UPS at home. At 16kg, not exactly an EDC, but neither is the IC-7300. I prefer to carry real tools rather than multi-tools. On three occasions I have hit my shin on something and caused it to bleed. The last time I called an ambulance because I had no way to stop the bleeding. To avoid this, I now carry a small zip bag of large-ish bandages and a roll of bandage and some band-aids as I consider it necessary to be responsible to fix my own bleedings.
I have an EDC set that's always on me, basic tools. Flashlight etc. I now own td-h3 radios and think it will become part of my EDC. I'm alao going to keep one in my emergency bag. A bag with everything important if say my building need to be evacuated. I was forced out of my apartment because of a fire nearby. Now I have alternative comms to ad to my gear.
Each of my main bags, work bag and around bag, have a small anker power block, quansheng uv-k6, charging cable , and signal stick in maratac extreme pen pouch, so no matter what, I have a kit that I can use. My CERT/radio bag has a maratac dual-zip that lives in it with MURS, GMRS and Ham all stocked up with all the fixings (earpieces, antennas, charging cables). I currently EDC either another quansheng uv-k6 or KG UV-9d mate, might upgrade to FT5DR, but will wait for the next review (really wanted APRS in pocket)
I've had one of these for about 10 months or more. I've used chip to programme it for certain channels. I have an amateur licence so it's all good. Round my way (Leicestershire) I've hit a repeater at approx 8 miles and had long range coms. To be fair the people I've spoken to are using pmr frequencies and Zello but as a stand alone, non modified or upgraded I have have chats as far as Sheffield, Norfolk and even the US. Via a repeater. As I say, it's totally out of the box standard no mods. It's been dropped numerous times and reasonably neglected. The only change I've made is the antenna. I've got a few possibly fake Nagoya's and a tactical folding antenna, which doesn't seem to do any better than a Nagoya 771. I payed £11 quid for this radio, very low expectations however it works really well. I've only ever used it as it is, I don't have the facility to run it through an external antenna but its fairly bulletproof. Where I'm situated there is very little amateur radio activity on 2m and 70cm. I have a tyt8900 and a crt 6900 for car use. I also got a Team mx-10 CB radio (similar to the thunder pole t2000 I think). Again CB is dead round here. The crt6900 is good on sideband but the 7ft antenna on a mag mount is a bloody liability!. I got into radio in the early 80's. Got my foundation licence during COVID. Radio whether it's CB or amateur is a hobby similar to fishing. I can waste hours scanning, listening and hoping to make contact and talk nonsense to people. And as far as the divide between CB and amateur radio it really is the same thing other than the amateur radio guys know a lot more but we still talk about Sunday roast dinners and hot rods.
Wow Josh you are prepared. Thanks for giving us some ideas. I always have a Swiss Army Knife and Zippo Lighter on me every day. I have a ferro rod, flashlight, and paracord on my key ring.
When it comes to flashlights OLights can not be beat. they are made beyond top quality. and for bags take a look at Roaring Fire gear, they make some of the best I have seen.
The UV light can be used to look for scorpions or certain types of rocks and minerals. I don't have a lot for my EDC kit. Usually just a Gerber Suspension multitool, but I have recently included a small flashlight with the kit. Occasionally I will also carry a folding knife as well.
Great stuff! This topic was great. Love to see the mixture of Ham/EDC and just you being a normal person like the rest of us and showing the good ideas. Good button open knife is a my go to besides the pew pew.
I love the condor hydration pouch! Back in the day, the whole Pathfinder stainless bottle and small cook set would fit in there, with room for a bottle of Isobutane.
Condor makes a chest rig that you can swap their hydration pack onto, and another full rig--the modular chest rig--with a hydration pouch built in the back. They make some good, good gear actually.
I love my portables kit, all in a backpack gmrs, vhf/uhf, cb, and soon hf all in one go bag. Some new model baofeng radios have usb charging capability, that was my biggest complaint with the older models.
I like radios that have the ability to use alkaline batteries, like my FT-60, FT-818 and Alinco DJ-G7. For tools I carry a Victorinox Swiss Army model 1961 pocket knife. I use it daily.
For the EDC knife, I’ve switched to the Tirant Razor v3 from Exceed Designs. It’s small and covers most tasks. I’ll also often carry a Leatherman Bond in an Active Pro Gear mag pouch for single stacks.
Great video. I too am a hopeless gearaholic. Currently building out a capable HT kit that allows me to do Winlink, APRS, and standard HT stuff. Currently running a Baofeng BF-F8HP, and have one of the USB-C batteries for that, but am going to upgrade that sometime, to either the VX-6R or the FT-70DR. Struggling to decide there. I find your power management stuff fascinating, particularly keeping everything running and charged with the PD battery bank. I very much like videos like this. Keep doing the rest of this series, please!
Great vid. Crazy good ideas. Makes me think about some upgrades. I lost two of the other space pens…quit carrying for that reason. The one you use may be my new one. My EDC is a Kershaw knife (thin & super sharp), belt Velcro strap for my keys (with blood type on it), Gerber Suspension (when I need extra tools), truck keys rock an Aurora light (small & mighty), VX6 or FT2D. From there I will add on what’s needed (LAPD go bag which is great for multiple radios, and/or 5.11 24hr backpack). I also have multiple CAT tourniquets and IFAK’s available depending on where I am going. I am making lots of notes for my personal upgrades and will be gift ideas for my gear head friends.
My stop the bleed course I took (for free) included a free trauma kit that included a CAT TQ, z fold quick clot, pressure bandage, gloves etc. very nice kit all sealed and normally about $50-60.
I use arm and hammer pressurized saline nasal spray to prevent nose bleeds Josh. I live in the high desert and use twice a day to clear my sinuses. Started getting nose bleeds after deployments to Iraq and Afghansitan
Baofeng Bl-5 1800 mAh battery now comes with a USB-C charging port and in different colors. It has been available since June 2023; as has the BL-5L 3800 mAh battery with the USB-C port.
My edc is an id-50, pepper spray, sig p365xl, fenix pd25r flashlight, a havalon original replaceable blade knife, and a rite in the rain notebook with a fisher stowaway pen in the spiral.
Current edc: In the pockets: Horton Fellhoelter FTR V4 Reylight Lanapple Victornox Spirit X Iphone XS Custom Kevin King Wallet Kel Tech 380 Backpack: GR1 Inside the backpack: T.A.D EDC pack w/various tools, pens, pads, compass, etc. First aid kit Pocket bidet/wipes or one roll Charmin Lifestraw 2 magazine 380 Extra socks. Difference between life or death. According to Lt. Dan
Kind of random, but maybe you could consider a kit made to be installed inside a mini pelican 1010 case with a clear lid? The only thing exposed could be the antenna and maybe a charging port, and everything else could be mounted in a printed assembly that drops into the case. There would be a lot of space for a bigger battery, plus a sceen that is already sealed inside and safe from water.
I love your modular design! I travel with my VX-7R whenever possible (not sure why it doesn’t get as much love as the 6R) along with the AA battery holder, or I will toss a Baofeng UV3R+ in my bag (mostly due to its diminutive size and inclusion of a power port). On occasion, I’ll throw my trusty Icom IC-2SAT in my bag-it’s 2m only, but I love that little beast. I hope to add a mobilinkd TNC to my setup soon. My EDC bags include Nomatic’s EDC backpack- it is rock solid, holds all of my gear (too much to list) and keeps it organized-Josh, you’d love the magnetic-closing water pouch. On the weekends, I use the Nomatic 3L sling. I even have their collapsible 3L sling that I will take with me if I need to “break out” a smaller kit while I’m traveling. If I’m hiking, my Maxpedition Proteous is small but is just a tank-it can literally go through wars. I carry the Leatherman Charge 90% of the time. It’s heavy, but again it is a tank and offers many options with its interchangeable bits. Otherwise, one of my Victorinox pocketknives, usually the Super Tinker rides with me. Since I work full time in EMS as well as an instructor, I highly recommend the SAM Tourniquet. A particular failure point in the civilian world is misapplication- the audible “click” of the initial application and ONE turn of the METAL windlass makes it a winner for those who don’t do it often. Josh-you’re helping to redefine my perceptions of Californians, with your comments about preparedness and self-defense!
I carry my trusty XDM 9 3,8", my CRKT pocket knife plus my skeletool. Flaslight Nitecore mt21c.I carry also my Ifak in my small condor pouch. Real CAT-tourniquet, because chinese break. My everyday carry radio is vgc n78 with its bt speaker-microphone. 73 de sv7gbi operator Konstantinos
Josh I am a gear head as well. My EDC is very minimal though. I have been considering getting a Knafs knife. I have carried an Emerson CQC-7A since 2002 or a Swiss army knife, Travax wallet, a Streamlight micro stream and phone. My REI pack for work is basically the same as your Patagonia with the exception that it has water bottle pockets. I have a separate day pack which is a Tarahumara from Hill People Gear. It is IMHO the best daypack/EDC bag made. The only down side is the side pockets are too small, But you can fit a surprising amount of stuff in it. It's like Mary Poppins bag. Lol. Anyway thanks for posting! I am still setting up my radio field bag and carry a FT5-D and just got an SDS100. Id love to see you do a review/set up on the SDS100.
I EDC the usb c Boofeng, chonky but convenient. Always have a leatherman signal and/or arc on me. The glow bits are interesting, I've been using glow in the dark tape which is not great.
EDC rocks! A couple of comments to consider: 1. Pepper gel better than pepper spray. It sticks and if rubbed, it hurts more. Spray can dissipate and someone very drunk or on drugs may still function. Gel doesn’t go away without effort. 2. I love USB-C, but what about cheap AAA battery tray that you can buy for many handhelds? Most emergency programs stock lots of batteries to dump and reload. Could be great for some use cases. Looking forward to the bags video and BTech radio. 73. Joe - W7BWA
@@HamRadioCrashCourse OK, that makes perfect sense Josh. I do rechargeable at home. Being in the rain zone PNW, I try to do grab and go. Another great video. Maybe you could include Ham-related EDC stuff once a month it so? You have great taste in selected gear so that would be very interesting. Just a thought. Thanks for engaging!
I have two Leatherman multitools, a Surge and a knifeless Rebar. Love them to bits but illegal to carry in the UK. The Surge has a locking blade (illegal) and the blade is over legal length. It's a shame it's a real quality tool. I only use at home. The Knifelless Rebar I might get away with if I could prove my use case.
I looked up the VGC radio and here we go again... another Chinese radio with almost no memory. these days it costs pennies for memory channels. Everything else about the radio looks great. Looking forward to your review of it. 👍
@@HamRadioCrashCourse 192 memory channels total. I always have to make concessions with ~200 memory channels, but with some brands coming with 1,000 memory channels, I guess I got spoiled and can program to my hearts content. 😁
Thank you for another very intersting vid Josh! I have however one remark: I think that to be fair, the "standard cheap Chinese comparison radio" aka the UV5R should be replaced with what the Chinese manufacturers currently have to offer on this price range... I believe they have gone a long way and are offering options that give the "big boys" a serious run for their money... Also keep in mind that in Europe, where I live, there is a serious price markup for "established" brands (eg the ID-50 costs north of 530 USD!). So for a HAM - in Europe let's say - who just wants to just to do simplex or hit repeaters in his area, an HT that costs 10% of the ID-50 price, is USB-C chargeable and can even be programmed on the fly via bluetooth (as some recent "cheap" models now can) is a BIG temptation and to be honest a very reasonable one! As a friend pointed out, "you pay 10% of the "known brand radio" price, but you are most definately not getting 10% of its capabilities!"...! I know that this annoys the hell of alot of people, especially "old-school" HAMs (such as the ones in my club), who swear by their Kenwoods and Icoms but hey!... times are changing... 73
Did you not know that VGC has a firmware update for the VR-N76 that give it a KISS mode so you can connect to other applications. I appreciate the smallness of the picoaprs, but I live in an area where I need a bit more power to reach a digipeater. And care one device is easier than carrying two.
Man, I applaud you for carrying some med kit. Please don't mess around with unproven or "cheap" tourniquets. When your life is on the line, that is not the time for a failure.
I always learn new stuff from watching The Boob Tube "RUclips" even if i only learn 1 new thing a video "Knowledge is still Power." Gave me plenty more ideas for some of my go bags in the future....
You showed that you carried a chinese copy of a CAT tourniquet. As a combat medic for 22 years, please discard that. It is worthless weight. The windlass will break when you need it.
@@billloveless6869cat 7 North American Rescue or anything made in the USA, the Chinese nock offs are well known to be an inferior product prone to breaking. Amazon is not always your friend.
The Snakestaff one is good to go. The Chinese one? Josh my man, that's not where you buy the cheap stuff. Let some of us that have operated in that space help you out like you help us with radio stuff. Ditch that think and get a real one.
Josh, I would love to see you use that glass breaker. It looks way too small 🤏 to be useful. Or is it spring loaded? And what did you call the slingshot!?😂 A soda popper? Oh, also, are tourniquets ever pleasant? Anyway, I enjoyed the video, as always. 👍 God Bless.
Maybe I missed it, do you carry water purification like a lifestraw? I carry one whenever I'm leaving urban areas. I really should probably add one to my daily bag as a just in case.
It would be easier for me to send you a video of the stuff i carry. But everyone is different on what they carry and what they do an were they live. The only thing I didn't have was way to communicate so I changed that last June 2023 and I got my tech license, and in March I got my extra license
Benchmade Bugout Carbon Fiber, Olight keyring flashlight, Glock 43X with extra mag. Vehicles all have a first aid/trauma kit and fire extinguishers. Yeah, I'm a minimalist. I have not yet tried field operation, but I'm slowly gathering gear.
As always, thanks much for sharing.
Steve
Bugout was the Benchmade I was referring to on the video. A very nice knife!
I'm a retired cop, retired military, and ex-paramedic/wilderness first aid instructor, and a ham (busy boy). A person's EDC is personal according to perceived needs and actual skills. I usually wear a safari vest to conceal my handgun (I live in Florida). I also carry pepper gel, and two knives, plus a Leatherman. Sounds weird, but I grew up in Detroit and worked as a cop right next door to Detroit. Call me paranoid (because I am). In my vest I carry a load of first aid supplies: Izzy battle dressings, z-fold bandages, gloves, chest seal, bandage scissors, a few band aids, and including two genuine CAT TQs. The cheap knock offs have a bad tendency to break their windlass under strain. I build my own first aid kits as its cheaper and I get exactly what I want and trust. I have first aid kits in my cars and a couple handy around the house too. I don't carry a radio as part of my normal EDC, just my cell phone. I carry enough stuff as it is. During hurricane watches, I do carry a H/T even when in the house (in case I have to run outside in a hurry). I do have go-boxes that are stocked with additional radios, antennas, power blocks, battery banks, and LiFePO4 batteries and other accessories if needed.
I appreciate the intro talking about how humans, as tool-using critters, just love tools. It makes so much more sense to me than believing that the value of my tool lust is in preparedness when it's really just fun. There is obviously value in preparedness, but I know (finally in my 40s) that I really just enjoy playing with tools, optimizing EDC kits, buying backpacks with just the right number of pockets, and so on.
Indeed!
Honestly I felt some anxiety upon being asked whether I'm a human. Then the next sentence came in and I felt much better.
Gotta be my FT-60 for daily use. I don't do digital, and no LCD screen to eat up battery. Solid radio!
They make a baofeng battery with a usb-c plug built right into it. The Baofeng BL-5 battery.
They also make an extended version, and a AA version.
I can buy like 300 Quangshangs for the price of one of those radios in the video
You can also APRS Droid with your phone or tablet with a BTEC usbc APRS K1 cable.
I always carry knives myself. Every day for about a decade a Gerber Artifact has been in my pocket. I don't think they make them anymore but you can find them. It has a replaceable #11 X-ACTO, Prybar with a nail puller, Three screwdrivers, and a bottle opener. The bottle opener was the big selling point 🤠. Plus it is tiny and easily fits in a watch pocket with room to spare.
I really enjoyed this mix of Radio and EDC/Prepper. Id like to see more of them.
My favorite multi tool is my Leatherman signal. The base is a hammer which is great for tent stakes.
How things have changed. As a kid on the farm in the 40's and 50's I carried a pocket knife, pliers and bailing wire. High school parking lot pickups had one or two long guns in the back window rack.
Smart to carry a whistle.
Some low-tech considerations: a magnifying glass
Can be used to examine small things, focus light, among other things
Knife blades are shiny and could do the trick, but don't underestimate the power of a few inch by few inch square mirror, has saved many a lost hiker by signaling search teams or rescue helicopters by flashing reflections of the sun. Efficient, non-tiring way to signal long distances when in distress
Awesome kit. On those CAT tourniquets, make sure you stage that time label off to the side so it leaves the windlass keeper accessible.
I have been EDC carryin a baofeng either uv5r or bf f8hp for around the past year before that, I carried it part time. Being a volunteer firefighter, I always end up, needing to have a scanner on me so I have programmed my baofeng to scan my fire dispatch and also to a local repeater. I have to say the baofeng uv5r/8hp never let me down in a major way, but I started looking for a radio that could do a little more so I have just switched to the woxun kg uv8dp. So far, I am loving the features. I am a very light travelling kind of person. I spend a lot of time in the bush I work full-time in construction so I can’t be carrying around a whole bunch of waist packs or things like that. I usually just carry my radio in a pocket knife of some kind. If I’m heading out to the bush quite often, I’ll have a light backpack. And a rifle or shotgun. Anytime I’m going somewhere I might get injured or into the backcountry. I like to pack a little med kit and something I have found absolutely indispensable. Is zipper stitches zipper bandages there’s a variety of names for them. Essentially, they’re a very sticky bandage that has two pieces and essentially a few zip ties in the middle. They work wonders for medium-sized stab type wounds. I have personally experienced using one we were on a canoe in camping trip thankfully I had my med kit along a friend of mine went out swimming as soon as we got to camp. And as we were unpacking, I heard her calling for help went over to the bank and seen she was near an island having a hard time staying afloat jumped in a canoe paddle out to her bring her back to shore come to find out while she was swimming. She hit her knee on a very sharp, jagged rock and sliced it extremely deeply. Now if we hadn’t had the med kit. We would’ve had to try and bandage it up with some cloth and carry and canoe her out over multiple portages which would have most likely been a 4 to 6 hour endeavor. Instead, we were able to rinse out and disinfect the gash and apply a zip stitch bandage. The bleeding was almost completely stopped, and the pain was greatly reduced. She was actually able to stay the whole rest of the trip. And was able to walk around, although not much. One thing I learned for future occasions because it would be very helpful to bring along some decent painkillers. Unfortunately none of the people on this trip had any. And it would’ve definitely been helpful. Anyway, she was able to stay the whole trip and then fly across the country back home with that bandage and it healed up nicely. Just a testimony as to how important it is to be prepared for the unexpected.
Yes, the design is very practical, very human.
Thank you, fellow human
Also, have to say it's nice to see the Smiley tribander get some love. Collapsed to monitor while hiking; extended to the correct lengths when I pause for xmit on 144, 220, 440. Very usable collapsed on 144, 440 for xmit while hiking to coordinate on repeaters. 878, FT3D w/ BNC. Roll up JPole in camp.
One tip for the Condor pouch (and any other pack/pouch with MOLLE) is that MOLLE was made to attach things to things (or things to things to things) so anything MOLLE equipped can be accessorized with additional smaller pouches. There are things like pistol/rifle mag holders and flashlight holders that can hold various items to add a little more storage.
My very first UV-5R will arrive today. So excited I found a new hobby. Especially since it’s a nice Segway from Fpv drones(racing, freestyle, micros etc) . I went hard into FPV in 2020. Still awesome, just looking for a new thing to learn! There is overlap between HAM and FPV it seems.
Welcome to the hobby 👍
It's not a hobby. It's a lifestyle. Run while you still can.
plenty of overlap between RC flying and HAM radio, There is always a newer cooler Item that you want, need, cant live without. Open wallet and keep on opening :) Remember to have fun!
Welcome! Ham radio overlaps with a lot of other hobbies. Tons of fun. 73
@Bruce-Gisbon im literally the exact opposite of you, went hard in HAM radio then segwayed into drone flying and have plans to venture into the fpv world
Your edc fun fact for the pepper spray had me cracking up
Same here.
I am a General class ham and freedom loving American residing in the PNW. My EDC, i carry a VX6R with a Diamond SRH320A antenna and UV5R III (UV5R with USB C battery is for handout), a BearFAK IFAK +2 NAR CAT5 tq's, G19 gen4 +3 G17 mags, Kershaw KEI1655, Cloud Defensive MCH2.0 & a throw away headlamp. Days I go into a city .... much much more.
I really like the hazard4 jelly roll bag for protecting the 705. It feels much more protective than the condor. I used to have a 'feng as my edc radio with a btech battery with USB C charging, but the radio suffered from front end overload issues when i was out near some radio towers. I carry the ID50 with me now.
Fun vid. I also love proven gear. Beyond the radios, I have found this stuff useful many times.
Daily:
Cheap eye pro, and disposable ear pro; enough to hand out. When spontaneous, noisy projects arise, don’t ask people if they want it, just hand it to them.
Weekend:
Two contractor bags (improvised dry bag, etc..)
Poncho, and some cheap ones to hand out.
Cold weather: Cheap, dry, fleece gloves; enough to hand out (times 2). Don’t ask, just tell people it’s time for fresh gloves and hand them a pair.
I also love my Hamilton titanium on a nylon strap, because I hate watch batteries.
And one additional item.
The belt clip on the Icom is great. That is why I like the Wouxun KG-UV7D (and previous models) and the KG-805 series. Their belt clip can be installed and removed easily without any tools.
One item I keep handy is a book called Pocket Ref by Thomas J Glover. It has everything!!!
I think I have every version of pocket ref, even Desk Ref.
EDC is normally a Kershaw folder clipped inside my left pocket and my Springfield XDS .45 in various places depending on clothing. For travelling away from home add a Yaesu ft-70D w/Signal Stick & extra battery, decent first aid kit in the vehicle, Sabre pepper spray. Range day include a bleed bag for just in case.
I came to ham from edc, so i love this subject matter! I carry a lot of stuff too with things divided to bags or slings. Thanks for showing that oiled belt bag..been considering it!
I bought a Bluetti AC140P for camping, but later reactivated a dormant Standard licence and got into HF and use the Bluetti to drive the rig and the fridge. It also can act as a UPS at home.
At 16kg, not exactly an EDC, but neither is the IC-7300.
I prefer to carry real tools rather than multi-tools.
On three occasions I have hit my shin on something and caused it to bleed. The last time I called an ambulance because I had no way to stop the bleeding. To avoid this, I now carry a small zip bag of large-ish bandages and a roll of bandage and some band-aids as I consider it necessary to be responsible to fix my own bleedings.
I have an EDC set that's always on me, basic tools. Flashlight etc. I now own td-h3 radios and think it will become part of my EDC. I'm alao going to keep one in my emergency bag. A bag with everything important if say my building need to be evacuated. I was forced out of my apartment because of a fire nearby. Now I have alternative comms to ad to my gear.
This video definitely served as some inspiration and led to a few purchases & future changes. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Each of my main bags, work bag and around bag, have a small anker power block, quansheng uv-k6, charging cable , and signal stick in maratac extreme pen pouch, so no matter what, I have a kit that I can use. My CERT/radio bag has a maratac dual-zip that lives in it with MURS, GMRS and Ham all stocked up with all the fixings (earpieces, antennas, charging cables). I currently EDC either another quansheng uv-k6 or KG UV-9d mate, might upgrade to FT5DR, but will wait for the next review (really wanted APRS in pocket)
I've had one of these for about 10 months or more. I've used chip to programme it for certain channels. I have an amateur licence so it's all good. Round my way (Leicestershire) I've hit a repeater at approx 8 miles and had long range coms. To be fair the people I've spoken to are using pmr frequencies and Zello but as a stand alone, non modified or upgraded I have have chats as far as Sheffield, Norfolk and even the US. Via a repeater. As I say, it's totally out of the box standard no mods. It's been dropped numerous times and reasonably neglected. The only change I've made is the antenna. I've got a few possibly fake Nagoya's and a tactical folding antenna, which doesn't seem to do any better than a Nagoya 771. I payed £11 quid for this radio, very low expectations however it works really well. I've only ever used it as it is, I don't have the facility to run it through an external antenna but its fairly bulletproof. Where I'm situated there is very little amateur radio activity on 2m and 70cm. I have a tyt8900 and a crt 6900 for car use. I also got a Team mx-10 CB radio (similar to the thunder pole t2000 I think). Again CB is dead round here. The crt6900 is good on sideband but the 7ft antenna on a mag mount is a bloody liability!. I got into radio in the early 80's. Got my foundation licence during COVID. Radio whether it's CB or amateur is a hobby similar to fishing. I can waste hours scanning, listening and hoping to make contact and talk nonsense to people. And as far as the divide between CB and amateur radio it really is the same thing other than the amateur radio guys know a lot more but we still talk about Sunday roast dinners and hot rods.
Love your videos,thanks for sharing the knowledge. On your tourniquet, you can upgrade it to a SAM for self application, just food for thought.
Wow Josh you are prepared. Thanks for giving us some ideas. I always have a Swiss Army Knife and Zippo Lighter on me every day. I have a ferro rod, flashlight, and paracord on my key ring.
Imagine the last thing you see before passing out from blood loss is your Chinese tourniquet breaking 💀💀
When it comes to flashlights OLights can not be beat. they are made beyond top quality. and for bags take a look at Roaring Fire gear, they make some of the best I have seen.
The UV light can be used to look for scorpions or certain types of rocks and minerals.
I don't have a lot for my EDC kit. Usually just a Gerber Suspension multitool, but I have recently included a small flashlight with the kit. Occasionally I will also carry a folding knife as well.
Great stuff! This topic was great. Love to see the mixture of Ham/EDC and just you being a normal person like the rest of us and showing the good ideas. Good button open knife is a my go to besides the pew pew.
I love the condor hydration pouch! Back in the day, the whole Pathfinder stainless bottle and small cook set would fit in there, with room for a bottle of Isobutane.
Condor makes a chest rig that you can swap their hydration pack onto, and another full rig--the modular chest rig--with a hydration pouch built in the back.
They make some good, good gear actually.
Much appreciated this video, my edc bag setup is very similar minus the high-end radio for edc
I love my portables kit, all in a backpack gmrs, vhf/uhf, cb, and soon hf all in one go bag. Some new model baofeng radios have usb charging capability, that was my biggest complaint with the older models.
I like radios that have the ability to use alkaline batteries, like my FT-60, FT-818 and Alinco DJ-G7.
For tools I carry a Victorinox Swiss Army model 1961 pocket knife. I use it daily.
For the EDC knife, I’ve switched to the Tirant Razor v3 from Exceed Designs. It’s small and covers most tasks. I’ll also often carry a Leatherman Bond in an Active Pro Gear mag pouch for single stacks.
I like to carry a Tactical Keychain for a lot of utility duty. Really small, really nice in the pocket.
Great video. I too am a hopeless gearaholic. Currently building out a capable HT kit that allows me to do Winlink, APRS, and standard HT stuff. Currently running a Baofeng BF-F8HP, and have one of the USB-C batteries for that, but am going to upgrade that sometime, to either the VX-6R or the FT-70DR. Struggling to decide there. I find your power management stuff fascinating, particularly keeping everything running and charged with the PD battery bank. I very much like videos like this. Keep doing the rest of this series, please!
Great vid. Crazy good ideas. Makes me think about some upgrades. I lost two of the other space pens…quit carrying for that reason. The one you use may be my new one. My EDC is a Kershaw knife (thin & super sharp), belt Velcro strap for my keys (with blood type on it), Gerber Suspension (when I need extra tools), truck keys rock an Aurora light (small & mighty), VX6 or FT2D. From there I will add on what’s needed (LAPD go bag which is great for multiple radios, and/or 5.11 24hr backpack). I also have multiple CAT tourniquets and IFAK’s available depending on where I am going. I am making lots of notes for my personal upgrades and will be gift ideas for my gear head friends.
My stop the bleed course I took (for free) included a free trauma kit that included a CAT TQ, z fold quick clot, pressure bandage, gloves etc. very nice kit all sealed and normally about $50-60.
Please tell me your TQ isn't still in the packaging...
Stage it for ready use.
So much that was thought provoking. Spoken straight my heart! Thank you, Josh de KC6ARY.
Thank you!
Yeah got to watch out for them “Cougars”
I use arm and hammer pressurized saline nasal spray to prevent nose bleeds Josh. I live in the high desert and use twice a day to clear my sinuses. Started getting nose bleeds after deployments to Iraq and Afghansitan
I ended up buying a Navage device years ago. They thing is great for cleaning things out.
Well I am liking these videos. Trying to adapt some of the concepts
You know I keep that FENG on me
Dang right!
😂😂😂
Baofeng Bl-5 1800 mAh battery now comes with a USB-C charging port and in different colors.
It has been available since June 2023; as has the BL-5L 3800 mAh battery with the USB-C port.
The VR-N76 with the new firmware can become an IGATE via a cellular internet connection. It can do the KISS TNC protocol, plus it's IP67 waterproof.
Great perspective about tool using. That's kinda our thing.
It’s true!
My edc is an id-50, pepper spray, sig p365xl, fenix pd25r flashlight, a havalon original replaceable blade knife, and a rite in the rain notebook with a fisher stowaway pen in the spiral.
Very nice. First aid?
@@HamRadioCrashCourse in my vehicle and my range bags, but not as part of the items that I have on me all of the time.
Current edc:
In the pockets:
Horton Fellhoelter FTR V4
Reylight Lanapple
Victornox Spirit X
Iphone XS
Custom Kevin King Wallet
Kel Tech 380
Backpack: GR1
Inside the backpack:
T.A.D EDC pack w/various tools, pens, pads, compass, etc.
First aid kit
Pocket bidet/wipes or one roll Charmin
Lifestraw
2 magazine 380
Extra socks. Difference between life or death. According to Lt. Dan
Now we’re talking! Thanks for the list!!
I was in in the Army Signal Corp too! saw the Signal Corp Coin in the top left of screen. Great Video!
Kind of random, but maybe you could consider a kit made to be installed inside a mini pelican 1010 case with a clear lid? The only thing exposed could be the antenna and maybe a charging port, and everything else could be mounted in a printed assembly that drops into the case. There would be a lot of space for a bigger battery, plus a sceen that is already sealed inside and safe from water.
My icon IC-T90A has nearly the exact same cool little belt clip.
I love your modular design!
I travel with my VX-7R whenever possible (not sure why it doesn’t get as much love as the 6R) along with the AA battery holder, or I will toss a Baofeng UV3R+ in my bag (mostly due to its diminutive size and inclusion of a power port). On occasion, I’ll throw my trusty Icom IC-2SAT in my bag-it’s 2m only, but I love that little beast. I hope to add a mobilinkd TNC to my setup soon.
My EDC bags include Nomatic’s EDC backpack- it is rock solid, holds all of my gear (too much to list) and keeps it organized-Josh, you’d love the magnetic-closing water pouch. On the weekends, I use the Nomatic 3L sling. I even have their collapsible 3L sling that I will take with me if I need to “break out” a smaller kit while I’m traveling. If I’m hiking, my Maxpedition Proteous is small but is just a tank-it can literally go through wars.
I carry the Leatherman Charge 90% of the time. It’s heavy, but again it is a tank and offers many options with its interchangeable bits. Otherwise, one of my Victorinox pocketknives, usually the Super Tinker rides with me.
Since I work full time in EMS as well as an instructor, I highly recommend the SAM Tourniquet. A particular failure point in the civilian world is misapplication- the audible “click” of the initial application and ONE turn of the METAL windlass makes it a winner for those who don’t do it often.
Josh-you’re helping to redefine my perceptions of Californians, with your comments about preparedness and self-defense!
I carry my trusty XDM 9 3,8", my CRKT pocket knife plus my skeletool. Flaslight Nitecore mt21c.I carry also my Ifak in my small condor pouch. Real CAT-tourniquet, because chinese break. My everyday carry radio is vgc n78 with its bt speaker-microphone. 73 de sv7gbi operator Konstantinos
Josh I am a gear head as well. My EDC is very minimal though. I have been considering getting a Knafs knife. I have carried an Emerson CQC-7A since 2002 or a Swiss army knife, Travax wallet, a Streamlight micro stream and phone. My REI pack for work is basically the same as your Patagonia with the exception that it has water bottle pockets. I have a separate day pack which is a Tarahumara from Hill People Gear. It is IMHO the best daypack/EDC bag made. The only down side is the side pockets are too small, But you can fit a surprising amount of stuff in it. It's like Mary Poppins bag. Lol. Anyway thanks for posting! I am still setting up my radio field bag and carry a FT5-D and just got an SDS100. Id love to see you do a review/set up on the SDS100.
I EDC the usb c Boofeng, chonky but convenient. Always have a leatherman signal and/or arc on me. The glow bits are interesting, I've been using glow in the dark tape which is not great.
another fantastic video Jaison thanks very much
Thanks, I’m Josh
Do you have a PACE plan for certain bands, modes, power, form factors? Enjoying the recent videos! Keep them coming
EDC rocks! A couple of comments to consider:
1. Pepper gel better than pepper spray. It sticks and if rubbed, it hurts more. Spray can dissipate and someone very drunk or on drugs may still function. Gel doesn’t go away without effort.
2. I love USB-C, but what about cheap AAA battery tray that you can buy for many handhelds? Most emergency programs stock lots of batteries to dump and reload. Could be great for some use cases.
Looking forward to the bags video and BTech radio.
73. Joe - W7BWA
I do have battery trays, the big things is they must be rechargeable and decent power capacity.
Sorry, I meant AA and just bulk regular batteries that can be used and discarded. Many emergency programs have this backup.
While I do keep regular batteries at my house. I still prefer rechargables as there are a ton of good options for charging them over solar.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse
OK, that makes perfect sense Josh. I do rechargeable at home. Being in the rain zone PNW, I try to do grab and go. Another great video. Maybe you could include Ham-related EDC stuff once a month it so? You have great taste in selected gear so that would be very interesting. Just a thought. Thanks for engaging!
At 8:08 he said no dc connection. But if you get the extended battery, it has an external connection for charging by USB.
"Five-ever"?? That's the first I've heard that - kudos.
Baofeng has the UVS9Plus which has direct charge from USB, at about 40.00, if I remember correctly.
FWIW: there are baofeng compatible batteries *with* USBC connector/charging capable. (I’ve upgraded mine to them).
Of course, there is always an option.
I too love my Maratac wallet!!! Sadly they do not have any half zip in stock. Hopefully not discontinued
I have two Leatherman multitools, a Surge and a knifeless Rebar. Love them to bits but illegal to carry in the UK.
The Surge has a locking blade (illegal) and the blade is over legal length.
It's a shame it's a real quality tool. I only use at home.
The Knifelless Rebar I might get away with if I could prove my use case.
Your going to laugh at me josh but I've been carrying the rfinder B1+ as a daily for a year now and it's been great I use it for work as well
I won't laugh at all. I think the concept is really cool! If you like it and it works for you, then I love that!
I also carry snake staff in addition to my cat7s.
Harbor Freight stocks an all-cotton 10 inch tool bag made in India for a good price.
I carry photo cameras and it disguises many dollars of gear.
I looked up the VGC radio and here we go again... another Chinese radio with almost no memory. these days it costs pennies for memory channels. Everything else about the radio looks great. Looking forward to your review of it. 👍
It has 19 pages of 12 mentor slots. Looks again.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse 192 memory channels total. I always have to make concessions with ~200 memory channels, but with some brands coming with 1,000 memory channels, I guess I got spoiled and can program to my hearts content. 😁
That's funny, because I have gone to a zipper wallet as well. It is the greatest change I have made
For real!
I, like Rocket, carry a small detonator. I noticed, that like Rocket, you don't have any tape.
The pockets in American jeans must be a lot bigger than what y'all send up here to Canada! Good video man, but boy howdy thats a lot of stuff.
Thank you for another very intersting vid Josh! I have however one remark: I think that to be fair, the "standard cheap Chinese comparison radio" aka the UV5R should be replaced with what the Chinese manufacturers currently have to offer on this price range... I believe they have gone a long way and are offering options that give the "big boys" a serious run for their money... Also keep in mind that in Europe, where I live, there is a serious price markup for "established" brands (eg the ID-50 costs north of 530 USD!). So for a HAM - in Europe let's say - who just wants to just to do simplex or hit repeaters in his area, an HT that costs 10% of the ID-50 price, is USB-C chargeable and can even be programmed on the fly via bluetooth (as some recent "cheap" models now can) is a BIG temptation and to be honest a very reasonable one! As a friend pointed out, "you pay 10% of the "known brand radio" price, but you are most definately not getting 10% of its capabilities!"...! I know that this annoys the hell of alot of people, especially "old-school" HAMs (such as the ones in my club), who swear by their Kenwoods and Icoms but hey!... times are changing... 73
I edc baofeng😂 it’s not that bad. Came with a usb port to dc charger straight to the battery for the car.
Did you not know that VGC has a firmware update for the VR-N76 that give it a KISS mode so you can connect to other applications. I appreciate the smallness of the picoaprs, but I live in an area where I need a bit more power to reach a digipeater. And care one device is easier than carrying two.
Thanks for the video
Where did you get the toph baofeng patch?
I gotta know where the Toph BaoFeng patch came from. I need it ATLA FTW!
I got it here. But the sold out. www.pkpatchworks.com/
Kid here , bring a UV5R and a BF-888s for my brother when we go out. spent 20 minutes past my bedtime programming uv5r tones for the other radio!
Good for you! Have fun out there.
7:50 They make Baofeng batteries that charge from USB-C PD now. 🔋
Man, I applaud you for carrying some med kit. Please don't mess around with unproven or "cheap" tourniquets. When your life is on the line, that is not the time for a failure.
My first HAM radio was a VX-6.The bitterness of high price is long forgotten!
Not a word about the beast in your hand? (Casio GW9400)
Werd. I love the watch, been wearing it for easily five years now.
Props on the Toph Baofeng patch. Link?
Ditto! Would love to have one!
Newer Baeofengs have usbc like te UV-17 etc
I always learn new stuff from watching The Boob Tube "RUclips" even if i only learn 1 new thing a video "Knowledge is still Power." Gave me plenty more ideas for some of my go bags in the future....
You showed that you carried a chinese copy of a CAT tourniquet. As a combat medic for 22 years, please discard that. It is worthless weight. The windlass will break when you need it.
Is there one or two that you would recommend? Thanks
@@billloveless6869cat 7 North American Rescue or anything made in the USA, the Chinese nock offs are well known to be an inferior product prone to breaking. Amazon is not always your friend.
Agreed those will fail
The first one he showed was made in the US at least. That 2nd one? Garbage or labelled for "practice/demonstration only".
The Snakestaff one is good to go. The Chinese one? Josh my man, that's not where you buy the cheap stuff. Let some of us that have operated in that space help you out like you help us with radio stuff. Ditch that think and get a real one.
Brother where is the EDC the gun guys/gals are looking for ;) love the channel man.
I don’t think anyone wants my opinions on guns. Maybe shotguns. I’m skilled with those. But radios are generally my wheelhouse now. 😅
Josh, I would love to see you use that glass breaker. It looks way too small 🤏 to be useful. Or is it spring loaded? And what did you call the slingshot!?😂 A soda popper?
Oh, also, are tourniquets ever pleasant? Anyway, I enjoyed the video, as always. 👍 God Bless.
The baofeng uv5rm has usbc chargeing.
Great video brother.
Much appreciated
Kind of reminds me of the Seinfeld episode where George reveals the wallet he carries in his hip pocket...
No way! George's wallet was HUGE!
Im getting some best damn edc vibes lol, as a ham and edc guy we need to get ya a CRK and a Okluma 🤣
So I’m day one into learning about radios. This stuff is a lot more confusing than I thought.
Maybe I missed it, do you carry water purification like a lifestraw? I carry one whenever I'm leaving urban areas. I really should probably add one to my daily bag as a just in case.
thank you
It would be easier for me to send you a video of the stuff i carry. But everyone is different on what they carry and what they do an were they live. The only thing I didn't have was way to communicate so I changed that last June 2023 and I got my tech license, and in March I got my extra license
Good job!