Ultralight/minimalist GHB

[@Two40Nine]

Devil’s Backbone…aaahhh!! An excellent beer!

[@acrprotect4476]

Good evening Sir!!! Ha, yes it is! To be honest, anything from Real Ale Brewing is pretty damn good! Thanks for comment and my best to you and your family!!

[@dangerpudge1922]

Great video, and excellent loadout. I've been working a lot on this lately with augmentation which carries into the 'truck gear' which I kind of use as a 'store' to have options before having to hoof-it home. The following isn't remotely a dig at what you've got, it's just suggestions based on a lot of areas I've improved on this journey; maybe you'll find it useful. I tried to explain why I made the choices I did (and many of those were based on using almost identical items that you have listed here). Bag: I'd replace that one. I guess it depends on how far you want to go but carrying a sling is always going to suffer by comparison, and something like a Camelbak M.U.L.E. (or whatever similar floats your boat) is a better option and you get a bladder as well. It also eliminates the 'paramilitary' look you've got going there which can make you more of a target. Most importantly, I bet it shaves a pound off your total setup and is actually designed to be on your back for many miles at a time. I know a lot of folks like a lot of pockets, but it is unnecessary weight (and material to get wet & trap dirt). I know I loved pockets, but lately I've found that smaller internal pouches which weigh way less are far better and easier to identify what's what. The poncho: Once again shaving weight is a great idea. Froggs Toggs Ultralight Poncho is probably less money, lighter, and works every bit as well as what you have. Also remember that folding items fewer times so that they fit the total LxW of your pack, instead of tightly folding rolling to fit into its stuff sack will allow you to fit more into a pack and keep the pack flatter. Consider using 'space saver' bags which don't require a vacuum. They don't weigh anything and will keep all your stuff dry and compacted like crazy. Anyway, true mil ponchos (and several aftermarkets) also double as shelters. If you're really investing in a nice dual-purpose bit of kit, Six Moon Designs makes the Gateway cape which is a poncho that's designed to be poncho to protect you and your gear as rain gear, a tarp shelter, and an outer tent fly which can also contain the Serenity tent which is a net tent with bathtub floor to fit inside if needed; a good choice for TX critter abatement. I'm not affiliated. Yes, it's a bit on the pricier side but it reduces what you might need to carry and is excellent quality. www.sixmoondesigns.com/products/gatewood-cape Fire kit: get yourself some small zip loc bags. They're cheap on Amazon. I like the 3x4 size for stuff like that. Packs flat. Alternatively some zip-loc style ESD bags are super durable and have alternate uses; also cheap on Amazon. And both are more water resistant than the pill bottles. Line kit: zipit cord. Packs very small, super light, incredibly durable, and doesn't stretch to any appreciable degree. 1st Aid Kit: There's nothing wrong with that little Coleman kit at all except for what it is in. A hard container like that will rub through a pack, or crush/deform and make it impossible to put back together. Once again a little sack/zip-loc will help keep all the contents dry and pack smaller and lighter. Backup battery, particularly solar. Headlamps are king. I've got a few cheapie lamps from Amazon which I really love. Having your hands free is a game changer. Trekking pole: I know it seems weird, but they're super useful and light. Cascade poles (external lock only; don't do the twist lock on any pole) are cheap; I think you can get them at Costco for something like $35 for a set. Great for building tarps, fending off critters/people, or pursuing a second career as a park cleaner. In all seriousness, they do extend your reach, and allow you to probe areas/retrieve things that you wouldn't be able to otherwise. It's an odd addition, I know, but... Spotting scope: Your local Wally-world will have a $10 10x Bushnell scope. Spotting trouble and avoiding it is worth its weight in gold. In urban environments lets you peep tall rooftops for potential traps/ambush points. Weighs nothing. Navigation: The compass on your lanyard is pretty much worthless; I've never met one that's remotely accurate or reliable. A cheap compass from Scheels is heads and shoulders above that, however I'd recommend something like a Garmin watch. I recently picked up the Garmin Instinct 2 for $150 on Amazon's Cyber Monday deals (though I've found them for about that elsewhere). Very good compass, tracking, and long life. It also tracks where you've been and tells you sunrise/set, elevation, etc. Great tool for getting around and it is also a flashlight of sorts (has that mode which works surprisingly well in dark situations). Knife: I don't dislike the knife you chose, but if you can get one with a metal butt it becomes more versatile as a striking tool. I always carry a knife on my person so having an extra one in the bag is somewhat superfluous for me, and as such I carry a pry bar/breeching tool (which also works surprisingly well as a melee tool). I currently carry a 10" Stanley Fat Max, but it is heavier than I'd like (not sure that can be avoided for this type of tool). Water: Why the Nalgene bottle over a second Smart Water bottle? Pot: Consider a Toakes 550/750 and a BRS 3000T stove with a fuel canister. They'll all nest in a smaller, lighter area for very little money. In fact I found an even cheaper titanium pot recently on Amazon by Rocreek & Lixada which sells for ~$25. IMO a titanium pot is a titanium pot. Alternatively, if you're committed to the weight, the Stanley pot is amazing for ~$15 and comes with two 'insulated' cups which nest inside. You can also drop a stove into that and a 4oz fuel canister (though I think one of the cups has to go; frankly I didn't use them so no loss to me). Hammock: I have a Grand Trunk Nano which weighs nothing but admittedly is a bit too small to be good for anything but emergency sleeping in a pinch. I've got a few other hammocks I like a good bit better. Not sure it's ultimately better than a tent/tarp shelter for a GHB though since you need a hang and chances are you don't know where you'll be when you start your journey home. I modified a super cheapo bugnet by trimming it so it wasn't any bulkier than necessary. IMO for this purpose I'd just use a head net since you'll be sleeping in clothing. If you do go with a hammock (great idea to be off the ground) get something like an ENO Helious strap system. They're super-compact and light. You can also get variations from cottage industries who make similar products. You'll want some sort of rain protection. The 5x7 Amazon Andake tarp/rainfly is just 9oz and is surprisngly good quality (and dark green, so blends well) for ~$15. Comms: Baofeng UV-5R (or whatever variant). Easily 'hacked' to cover all the walkie-talkie frequencies (FRS), MURS/GMRS, and 2m/70cm bands. Super cheap, easily programmable with a cable, and high capacity batteries allow you to recharge via USB if needed. They sport NOAA frequencies which is important. These are typically cheaper than dedicated FRS or GMRS radios which have more limited frequencies which means you have lower chances of hearing news or contacting others. ham radio types typically love to prep for emergency situations, and are going to be a great resource when things go badly.

[@acrprotect4476]

Good morning! First, wow! Thank you so much for an in depth comment! There is a ton of information in here, thank you for sharing that with me and the group! I actually have a follow up video to this one, where I moved everything from that sling to an actual backpack….. all for the same reasons you listed. My goal with this bag/concept was an attempt to try and keep things to a basic/minimalist level. However, as I have gone through this journey like you and many others, there is certain stuff you can’t avoid packing. I also know that I have room for improvement on some of the quality of my gear too. Again, thank you so much for your comment and information. I will be referring back to it for more information I’m sure. Take care and my best to you and your family this holiday season!

[@TheFossilChannel]

that fire kit is smart. i use some candy plastic containers, the sour warheads hard candy ones are good to have.

[@acrprotect4476]

Thank you Sir! Yeah, those pill bottles work pretty good. I’m curious now about the plastic candy containers! I also like the Altoid style tins. Thanks for the comment!!

[@williammansfield9711]

Just remember, your Sawyer can freeze after water goes through it. Wrap the shamaugh around it if it's cold out

[@acrprotect4476]

Good morning! Thanks for the comment and the tip! It typically does t freeze where I am, however, all the more reason to remember things like that! Thanks again, and my best to you and your family!

[@TheFossilChannel]

schmaughs are great! excellent kit. i use alot of the same stuff. i have the sawyer sp128 in some of my kits, and the deet spray bottle which is incredibly handy

[@acrprotect4476]

Hello again!!! Lol. And again, thank you! I think many of us in the community use a lot of the same gear…. Some modifications here and there…. And then when you watch someone that has something or does something brilliant, your mind is blown! Lol. I’m trying to catch up on your stuff (you’ve been doing this a while), I’m fascinated with your thoughts on this stuff, just because of your line of work! Thanks again!!

[@thisandthatwithmatt]

Love that bag. I use a 6 liter Osprey sling bag. Another great video!

[@acrprotect4476]

Good afternoon Sir!!! Thank you!! Osprey makes some nice stuff too. Thanks again for the comment and take care!!!

[@sobrevivenciaurbanabr]

Perfect 🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@acrprotect4476]

Good evening! Thank you so much for your comment! Glad you liked the setup and video! Take care!!

[@simplepreparedness]

Great video brother, I have the exact same bag. Nice load out. My best to you and your family. Be safe out there.

[@acrprotect4476]

Good evening my friend!! Yep, as a matter of fact, YOU are the one that convinced me to get the bag! Lol. It’s a good design. Thanks for the support and my best to you and your family!!

[@lucyalderman422]

Craft beer is made by small businesses and that is an important part of the economy

[@acrprotect4476]

Good morning! Thank you for your comment! I completely agree, and typically their products are delicious! Thanks again, and my best to you and your family!

[@alvinbains5614]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@concernedcitizen2898]

Video starts at 3:16

[@texasfirst1836]

IAH my Beltway 8 Bro! Dig that you don’t steal from bags to make a “New” video with the same gear. Side note: for cordage Hobby Lobby has #95 & #350 paracord. Added more cordage to my bag at a Better price.

[@acrprotect4476]

Good morning Sir!! Thank you for the comment and the info!! Glad to see another Houston area brother! Yeah, like I said in the video, not trying to pick on anyone, but you shouldn’t steal from your kits. Thanks for the tip on the cordage at Hobby Lobby! It’s been a while since I have checked their supply, I will get back there and do so! Again, thank you and my best to you and your family!!