Not got much done since my last post, carved a couple of bog standard user spoons from some damson I was given a couple of years back which I'll not inflict on you.
I've had something of a binge on kit and done a bit of canvas work to go with or contain kit.
Wanting something small and light to either sit on or make a shelter for breaks when walking or to cook under I got myself a small DD tarp and to jump on a bandwagon some jute bank line to use instead of para or hootchie cord.
I've been feeling my age so have decided to go more light weight so I can go further without becoming knackered and put off. However I decided to make a heavy weight version of a mini tarp/ ground sheet the same size as the DD one from some heavy waxed canvas I have a roll of At just shy of 2lb for a 4 foot square with 16 brass eyelets its definitely not lightweight . The saddle stitching is a bit ropey but the linen thread is incredibly strong so I don't think it will fall apart in use. Its for short trips and car camping mainly.
The first couple of eyelets ain't pretty but once I'd started using a small ball peen rather than the male part of the closing tool provided they went on much better. They went through either 3 layers of cloth or 6 at the corners so I didn't add and reinforcing.
I've been using a old '37 pattern haversack for decades but decided to upgrade since herself was looking for a xmas present for me. The one I liked proved hard to get hold of in OD but she persisted and got me a Helikon job which fitted the bill. I wanted something I could stuff a Sleeka in along with the kit and food i'd carry for a day and most of the designs where a bit on the small size.
Anyway here it is. I've added a Condor gadget pouch for things I want to have easy access to on one end and another Condor EMT pouch to the other to carry basic first aid and bite kit at the other.
The pull tags were too short for me to grab easily with gloves on so I replaced them with paracord and one on the main compartment with a green light Innova torch which can be flopped into the bag to light up the contents without advertising my presence or completely destroying my exceptionally poor night vision, Fromm a old carrymat I cut a sit mat to fit inside in a U shape that pads the sides out. It's thin and weighs hardly anything and is easily removed.
Since Ive been using a cracked Petzl Tikka (?) for years I decided it was time for a new head torch so went for one of these. I sewed on a little tritium light on the head band so can see where I've hung it and in the vague hope that someone walking behind me can see where i am although it may be a bit wimpy for that.
Also I decided to get a rugged dumb phone for use out in the woods, I don't even have the smart functions activated on the huge, fragile hand me down Samsung i was issued with by herself anyway and the battery life still sucked. I think this new one is a CAT B-26 or something like that. It's supposed to be water proof so I've not got a case for it.
For over nighters when I'm using a ruck I've got a Condor rip off IFAK with all the usual contents less a nasal airway since I'm not qualified to insert one. I can chuck it in my satchel if I'm going to be carrying a axe or saw and therefore more likely to need serious dressings.
Since the pic I've acquired a velcro red cross badge so others will know what it is. Herself bought herself a fake one without the rip off facility to go in her knife and axe throwing kit.
I'll two part this one as its getting long!
ATB
Tom