Best Ham Radio Everyday Carry Backpack & Gear 2024

[@scotch8]

"Is ham radio too expensive? No, not really. Now let's look at the $10k of gear I keep in my day pack for walking around." Lol, just kidding. Great video.....which will probably end up with me spending more money. I already had my eye on that pack so that alone was very helpful.

[@kchaney56]

A frivolous item? Nay I say, Engineers always have purpose for what they carry and remember that Engineers don't make mistakes they make inline modifications. Thanks for gear bag and gear review, this is one of the best I have seen,

[@calebcarlson5222]

Thanks!

[@Ammed_KN6STX]

Great video Josh!!! You are officially “The Gadget Man”!!! It’s crazy how many gadgets you have, thank you for another informative video.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks!

[@tchambers807]

This was helpful. Discovering new ways I can integrate ham radio and ham radio adjacent carry items to enjoy the hobby while I'm out in the world has been a fun exercise the last several months. I like the Expedition pack at Giga-Parts but it's a little too tacti-cool for everyday use. The laminated card with minimum gear required for POTA was a great idea that I'm going to steal from you. I don't know how many times I've had a spontaneous idea and run out of the house just to find I have a bunch of stuff, half of which is what I needed for the day.

[@JKFlipFlop..]

I had never heard of the key, but now I’m imagining a horrible situation and I must have it. When cross country skiing, I put a backup battery in my passport pouch and hang it close to my body. Another winter pack tip, an orange or grapefruit can hydrate you even if frozen, whereas a frozen water pouch is not so easy to deal with.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Good point on temps. I move batteries to internal pockets for that reason.

[@metrotek5]

perfect timing. I was quite literally telling my son I wanted to expand on our bugout bag with such elements. Thank you ! ! ! That Pasadena earthquake got me to thinkin'

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michael_KD8GIJ]

Too funny, I was in Cabela's about three weeks ago and saw this same pack (Daylight Plus) on sale (in Black, none-the-less). 20 Liters is a nice size and helps keep the weight down by not packing too much. I didn't think twice and just picked it up, much to my wife's chagrin. Osprey packs seem to be the only ones I can carry comfortably with my back issues. I use several of those Matador blankets, too.

[@Dave-AA0IW]

Gregory Zulu 30 here with KX2, MTR4B and all of the associated accessories. Med kit, headlamp, Bushnell (small) binoculars, compass, etc. Great video, Josh! You gave me a couple of ideas for additional kit items.

[@TravisBuhler]

Great video, Josh. Love your vids! I use an Osprey Radial 26L. I love this bag more than I should. I dont’ really go anywhere without it. As a bike commuter and avid rock climber it is absolute money. Fits my work laptop, clothes, and food. Alternatively, fits all my climbing gear except the rope. It has a handy helmet holder and lots of other little features. Also doubles as an excellent day pack for hikes and other adventures. Durable as all get out. As for handy gear I’ll mention, I’ve got a little Sunnto clip on compass on the shoulder strap that has come in handy many times on my adventures.

[@thuff3207]

First thank you for sharing what you use for your HF pack. I have a similar one for portable opps. I have a KX2, QRPWorks Side car extreme for logging, Keyboard, Begali Adventurer Key, LIFEPO4 battery to power both, throw bag to get my Packtenna random wire in a tree. I also have the AX1 and a Sodabean carbon 6 mast, ~50ft of coax and the THD74 and an Ed Fong rollup J Pole. Oh and the Comet door pass through to get inside when it rains.

[@calebcarlson5222]

Hey brother. I would stage your Tq with the white flap open (i.e. tabbed over so the windless notch is open). From experience, you would not believe how hard it can be to get the velcro off when you are freaking out and bloody. Just a way to do it. Definitely not the only way. Love the vids.

[@n9iui]

Josh, these videos of yours often cost me money! You find some of the best toys. The floppy pocket on your backpack reminds me of one on my main camera backpack. It’s a great place for a boonie hat.

[@skepticalmechanic]

Always wanted a glow in the dark compass.. I would buy it just for that 😮

[@toddhowell2299]

I like to have a monocular with me. Vortex Solo does a nice job, just a little bulkier than those binoculars but much less bulky than full size binoculars. Has a clip for your belt, or a pack strap.

[@matsherwood6277]

Love my day lite plus! Awesome day pack!

[@mgreenl24550]

I’m three minutes into this video. I’m not sure why I’m watching it, other than it’s Josh and he usually has interesting stuff to say. And yet I can’t stop watching…

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks for watching.

[@Trash_Mimic]

I have that same backpack (though different colour) which I bought a while ago and tried out. I love it, even the flappy bit on the front is very useful for like you said a light jacket or scarf, whatever you need. The only issue I have with it is that I could not for the life of me get the thing to not fall over when placed on the floor or ground - it would always fall down on its front, but if you lay it down to access it then it's not an issue of course. It's my only gripe with it. Other than that I truly love it. I may have to give it another shot, it's very sleek! But I ended up buying another backpack that I've been trying for the last 5 or 6 months (it's funny 'cause I just wrote a lil impromptu review in the comments of another channel about it earlier today before this just popped into my feed), and it's the Thule Subterra 25l. Very good backpack, though not as sleek as the Osprey. There's plenty of info about this pack out there and what features it has, but in short it's got zippered sides for the two main compartments so that you can open them up fully to pack or look for things, as well as a quick access zipper for the laptop compartment, two pockets on the front where one is further down with a velcro flap for quick access and another above it with a zipper that is covered by the flap when the pack is closed up. There's also a net pocket on the inside of the top front in the main compartment. It's got a hard shell pocket on one side (the insert that pokes into the main compartment can be removed if you want more space in the main), and just as good of a water bottle holder on the other side as the Osprey. Very durable from my usage so far, it is flap closing (with buckles) for the main compartment which can be good or bad depending. I don't mind it so much. I use it daily for work and radio hobby stuff too, that previously mentioned hard shell pocket is perfect for a handheld radio for instance. Only downsides to it for me personally are that I'd like it if the zipper for the quick access to the laptop compartment was more hidden, with like a fold-over piece of textile or something to just hide it away. And I would have loved to see the same for the two zippers for the front compartments, just for the sake of making it look more sleek. An optional zipper for the main flap would also be nice, even if I've had no issues with things fall out or water entering (it's basically shut tight when you strap it down with the buckles), but if there was a zipper you could stuff it tall with things if you needed which would be very neat. The main compartment could be a little smaller to give the front compartment more space, honestly. With no dividers internally in the main compartment I feel like it bulges width-wise more than I would like say if it was slightly smaller and allowing cubes/pouches/items to stack upward instead for better carrying. And the attachment points for the straps could be a little wider and more sturdy, mine are completely fine and I see no wear on them but I have a sneaking suspicion they may be a weak point like in many backpacks. I'm one of those types of people who will not be happy until I've found the perfect thing of whatever thing I want, for me. This Thule backpack is close, but not quite there. Same with the Osprey. It's getting to the point where I'm seriously considering frankensteining something together with the bags I've bought so far, 'cause they're so close to hitting the mark for me!

[@TSGEnt]

I have an osprey daylight that’s black and gray. It fits everything I need when using my drone and other outdoor activities. It’s very lightweight. However three days after getting it One of the zippers on the main pouch broke. It’s a two zipper construct and one of them is busted not a good thing. Other than that perfect for lightweight quick dry protection for my drone and any of my radio gear.

[@samuelgourley8831]

Osprey have a lifetime guarnatee for defects like that, worth reaching out

[@deankq4adj125]

Excellent video Josh, just picked up that Gateway Computer on Ebay for 74 dollars.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Score! Please DeBloat it!

[@milliardo279]

They have the Gateway for $179 on Amazon right now. When I checked it had a good bit in stock.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Kind of expensive though.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Wait, where are you seeing it on Amazon, I only found like one of that exact model.

[@batica81]

I wonder, does the "mist filter" add or remove mist effect?

[@TheJimbo76239]

Me a couple of friends are trying to get started in this. what would we need to get to stay in contact about 300 miles away

[@VladimirLadev]

Move your compass on a lanyard loop away from metal stuff like keyrings etc.

[@badlilcarboy1]

Hi Josh, I have seen you talk about BNC adapter in a lot of your video's. I have a Baofeng UV-5r and I am wondering do I need a Male or Female Adapter? I have been puzzled trying to firgure out the right type

[@KO4VNX]

This is a great time for this topic! I somehow lost a backpack (with an FT-100D and an EFHW in it), and I can't seem to find it. I know it wasn't stolen, but while I wait to solve my ADHD scooby do mystery, I need to setup another pack! So, yes, are you spying on me, or what? Because this is just what I needed!

[@subiesojourner777]

OT, but since this is the most recent video I thought I'd post here. Recently at a garage sale I bought a brand new never used HF portable antenna with everything for the whopping price of $15.00 BUT the manual wasn't included. It has the tripod, little jumper pins, whip, radials, everything. The problem is there isn't a brand name on it and I can't find any info on where the jumper pins go to switch the bands. Is there anyway to send an email with a picture to you to to see if you know what brand antenna this might be? It looks very well built. too

[@hawktuner11]

Here in the South, our EDC includes knives and guns!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I already posted a video of my on-person edc.

[@hawktuner11]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse saw it, I was making a funny that there were no guns

[@hawktuner11]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse BTW any recommendations on a inexpensive antenna for a mobile base unit at home starting out?

[@yayinternets]

The other reason for those straps at the top is to help you adjust where you are carrying weight on your back. It’s a standard part of a full pack system with a waist band. If you are hiking say anything over a few miles, being able to move the weight of your gear around, especially while walking over rough terrain, is essential! Also, if you are in the mountains you should be dressing in layers; typically you would carry a waterproof shell + a small puffer coat or fleece, both which can be packed really small. Ospreys are designed in Colorado and that pack is designed to be an out and back hiking pack, hence those features. 🙂

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

They’re not really load lifters. They don’t seems to provide that benefit from my testing due to the spot it applies compression

[@yayinternets]

@@HamRadioCrashCourseMakes sense, especially since it’s a light pack. 🙂

[@W4TRI_Ronny]

Are there any Amateur radio applications for that Cardputer? Interesting!

[@robertmonette2383]

question on a Baofeng UV-5R would a Bingfu Dual band 42.5-inch foldable antenna give me a better range or a Nagoya 15.6-ionch be better thank you

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Likely yes.

[@steveisdrunk3593]

Love the Ediucation. Keep doing it. RM3-USN

[@slick8086]

Question: why don't you promote buying the Ed Fong j-pole from Ed Fong?

[@bobsyris]

That card computer looks great to tinker with. What do you use it for? What do most people use it for?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Mesh with technologies mainly. 😅

[@lexington476]

I've never even heard of a card computer, and as a day job I'm an IT professional 😊... Thanks, you gave me something else to go look up 😀😎🤓.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Enjoy the deep dive. It will work as an ssh client as well. 😳

[@johnnemeth6913]

The IT world is extremely broad. It is impossible for anybody to know everything.

[@aa3konthego]

I weighed my QRP backpack (an old laptop backpac) and it hit 17 pounds including the FT-817. Add a full size laptop and it weighs 22 pounds!

[@elitecombatfitnesscentral6170]

Hey, I know this is kind of in the gear topic. Do you have the name and the brand and where can I get that antenna stand that you used in that video when you went POTA and SOTA with NotaRubicon a while ago?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It’s part of the Buddistick Pro antenna kit. Thanks for watching. 👍

[@hamradioexperience]

Josh, does your Gateway log you out when you TX on 2m? Mine does...not an issue for what I use it for, but a bit disconcerting nonetheless! 73,

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I do not have that issue.

[@HammockRadio]

Richo GR III represent!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Werd!

[@leveretth]

In my experience, the screw lock clips aren't reliable as they can unscrew themselves over time. I much prefer the "Lucky Line 5” Twisty Lock Key Ring, Flexible Nylon Coated Steel Wire Loop" for similar use.

[@Shoppe_Talk]

Hard to tell with it folded up, but just warning that that C.A.T looks counterfeit.

[@debestgamer4533]

its just a UV5r in a big frame

[@jackkelley890]

Hey Josh, Can you direct me to who might be an authority on preparing radios, gear, life for an EPM? So much information out there, but I question how much is proven or regurgitated guesses. Thanks. 73

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

TechPrepper, S2Underground and some of my videos.

[@BuckeyeBryan]

My experience with Dell and HP and opposite of yours. I've always had good experience with Dell but not with HP.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

My experience goes back to the 2000s. Never been very good. Floppy, noodle like laptops.

[@gerardouribe9939]

Exelente equipo en tu mochila para salir al campo!! Un abrazo grande!! LU7EUG Argentina

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you!

[@LinkEighty8]

I'm currently working on a man portable setup experiment.

[@DonzLockz]

And I thought that I had too many gadgets! Lol

[@slappomatthew]

Snake staff tq are the new edc. Much smaller than cat and quite good

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I have one of those in my chest rig for that reason. Size.

[@jamiezachary]

Have I been saying “Anker” wrong?!?

[@jeremyhunter1459]

I have a bag like that, that i keep by the outhouse. I call it my pee ditty bag.

[@HamRadio2]

It's a video...about a bag. So I had to click on it...

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Indeed! Thanks!

[@billcosgrave6232]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@jarredjones8476]

Just don't take that bag to.florida... having a concealed handcuff is illegal lol.. see you this weekend.

[@timthomasjim]

I really hate to be that person, but you mentioned giving Alka-Seltzer to your kids because they struggle with pills and I just want to make sure you know about the issues with ASA and children. Alka-Seltzer or any other ASA-containing medication should never be given to anyone under 18 without a doctor’s authorization. Reye’s syndrome is very rare but extremely serious-not something you want to be messing around with on a good day, not to mention a situation where medical care could be hard to come by. No hate or anything like that at all, just wanted to make sure you were aware! 73

[@JimMarshallUK]

Shit man, I never heard of that, thanks for putting it out there

[@threadripper979]

I stopped at the handcuff key. Josh, as a retired cop, I'm not amused.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Ok? Maybe it hit you too close to home, but people who are not police officers own handcuffs.

[@threadripper979]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse There are handcuff keys made of steel that come with handcuff sets, and ones like you showed made of polymer. The latter ones are commonly used by criminals as a countermeasure to being taken into custody by the police. You're an engineer not a crook, so I don't expect you to think that way. These things are found on arrestees, especially outlaw motorcycle gangsters. Because they're made of material that is undetectable by x-ray and metal detectors, it screams ill intent to me and law enforcement at large. No big deal, I suppose - it's no secret this stuff is out there. Sorry to comment about this issue, it certainly doesn't detract from the enjoyment I've gotten from your channel over the years.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks for adding context. I can see those with ill intent using those keys and that’s something that definitely matters to law enforcement. With that said being prepared seldom means you’re planning to be the aggressors. Many times it’s in how you prepared to respond after being the victim.

[@Sonicgott]

A lot of little things that make the hiking/camping life easier. Nice stuff! - KF0QNM