Just curious what people find useful for backcountry flying/camping in the way of guns, knives, and hatchets, etc.? I know there was a knife topic out there somewhere but for the life of me I cant find it!

My wife asked me to update my Christmas list and I'm trying to find some backcountry essentials. I carry a Smith M&P .40 in the airplane so I'm mostly interested in other things that you guys don't leave home without.

Do you guys carry a hatchet or camp axe?
What about knives? Fixed blade? Folding?
Flashlights?

I use my Kershaw knife all the time in the backcountry. Folding, there aren't ons to choose from. I also have a hatchet/hammer. I use the hammer side to pound in stakes when tying down the plane, and the hatchet side for wood, small animals, annoying neighbors, etc.

This is the knife I carry:


It is an original original Tracker knife. Meaning I bought it from the knife builder himself, long before the "Original Tracker" knife (which is somewhat different) appeared on the market. I can't speak to the quality or functionality of the "Original Tracker" since I've never had one. The one I have is great; The big knife works like a hand axe, a draw knife, and a not too functional saw. The small one is great for creating snares, bow drills, hand drills, around the camp kitchen and in a pinch can be used for gutting fish or as a skinner. The sheath either hangs from the belt or can be worn horizontally.

This is the flashlight I've been carrying, but it's not armored. Would like to find an armored, single AA, LED flashlight.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Streamlight-Pro-Tac-1AA-Flashlight/1441159.uts

Had an awesome Browning axe that used to carry in the plane. Was very light and sharp, worked great as a hammer and for fire wood. Broke it using it as a wedge when it got stuck in a log way to big that I should have attempted cutting. I need to find another one. I also always have a swiss army knife in the plane, and a leatherman in my pocket.
David

I haven't left home without my Swiss Army knife since the first season of Macgyver. It's not the best tool, especially considering all the cool multi tools available these days, but it's small and unobtrusive and has a toothpick. I do wish it was a lockblade but whenever I think about upgrading, damnit, I already have a knife in my pocket.

Gerber hatchet usually goes camping with me. Doubles as a hammer for pounding tie down stakes, although lately, flying the cub, I've left it home more often.

I carry a few headlamps and lightweight LED lanterns. They weight nothing and having multiples is nice.

From Gerber, had it 6 months, works great.

Together with my S&W 629 in .44 mag! I carry a machete (real one made in El Salvador), a small hatchet/hammer, a hunting knife and a multi tool. I find the machete to be much better for cutting branches and saplings of no more than 4" in diameter.

As to light, I always carry a head lamp and a small and medium sized Mag Lite. Many call me "What if" Poma! I tend to overload!!

What-if

ping170 wrote:
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+1 on the Gerber hatchet. I have one mounted on my BMW 1200 GSA. Saw works great.

RE: knife... I love the Gerber LMF. Awesome survival knife. Sheath has a sharpener, butt end for busting plexi (also has a hammer on it) and holes for fastening it as a spear.

Didn't we do this already a couple times?

Gerber hatchet
Leatherman Wave
Folding bucksaw
LED headlamp

Browning Auto .22 takedown for plinking good times, or
Winchester Trapper .44 (no handguns in Canada) but only if destination warrants

ping170 wrote:
From Gerber, had it 6 months, works great.

I carry one of those composite handle hatchets, also, but finally gave up on using it as a hammer, the striking face is too small for my stakes. Great hatchet not so good as a hammer. I drilled a bunch of lightening holes in my handle so now even lighter! I got to use it a couple weeks ago and was very glad to have it onboard I carry a separate hammer for my tiedown stakes, it's also lightened up. I have not opted for a folding saw, yet, but do carry a cable type saw in my emergency gear, but I hope I never have to use it. Hmmm, I think I'll see if I can drill out that hammer handle next

I've carried an LL Bean Hudson Bay Cruising Axe in my airplanes for 43 years now. My original lasted about 20 years, until a buddy broke the handle while axe'ing under the influence while we were camped out somewhere in AK. I called LL Bean to order up a new handle, and they said "no" on the handle. It was guaranteed for life, so they sent me a new axe at no cost, and gave me a pre-paid postage label to send the broken one back. Don't think they have the same level of customer service now days...

Anyway. That cruiser is a great size. Big enough to be useful, and small enough to fit in the back out of the way.

Gump

I pretty much keep my hunting backpack packed year round. It has a couple of knives, a couple of head lamps, rope, and stuff to start a fire and stay warm. I throw in a fresh bladder or bottle of water and I'm ready to go. The knives are nothing too special: a folding buck knife and a solid 4" blade and I always have a sharpener.

CW

I have a Gransfors Bruks hatchet, which is a beautiful thing, but I find that I get a lot more utility out of my Sven folding saw. It's really the bees knees for campfires in the backcountry, where you're more likely to be cutting rather than splitting wood.

http://m.rei.com/mt/www.rei.com/product/404040/sven-folding-saw-15

For a great, strong, easy to sharpen and inexpensive knife, it's hard to argue with a Mora knife. Go Sweden!

GumpAir wrote:axe'ing under the influence

I sobered up quickly once while A.U.I. A glancing blow deflected and I nearly carved a filet out of my shin. It made me feel about the same way a bullet passing through my hair would feel. It would have been a difficult and long trip to the ER to say the least.

I always carry the following as part of my normal trauma/survival kit:

Good quality knife with +/- 4" blade. I prefer carbon steel (it sparks) and fixed vs. folding. I like the Esee 4P or the Skookum. Mors Kochanski has some good info for knives, axes, hatchets, etc.

Boy's Axe (I like the1 3/4 lb. Hudson Bay head and a 23" handle).

A good LED flashlight (or two) is a must have. Also a LED headlamp comes in handy.

BlastMatch fire starter, fire starter (Vaseline soaked cotton balls are cheap & good) , and waterproof matches.

Tom