#loadout

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Just a thought

At some point during a load out where everything just starts looking like a potential murder weapon.

You have officially been working to long

Tell your crew chief you need a minute and drink some water.

Does not apply to the theatre

Okay i’m going to say this once.

The Saying: “if you can’t tie a knot, tie a lot”

DOES NOT APPLY TO THEATER DRAPE
DO NOT MAKE A ROW OF TINY KNOTS TO THE TRUSS CAUSE YOU NEVER LEARNED TO TIE YOUR SHOES!

I should not be spending 15 precious minutes of load out trying to untie (before eventually giving up and cutting it off) tie line.

Editor and Designer Desk Carry

I’m so grateful that what started as a tiny side project has grown into an ever expanding portion of our working lives, and I know I’m really blessed to be able to do something I love as my day job. While any work will always have stresses and challenges, but with the amazing, loving support of my wife and business partner, we are carving new paths into 2022.

Laid out here are some the items that don’t often get shown in my loadouts as they are “carried” in/on my desk instead of a pack. That said they are key to my role in the other portion of our business, Surefoot Studio ltd. This is the design company my wife and I started some years ago. I hope you enjoy learning a bit more about these items:

  • Swatchos cards.
    These were a gift from Mrs Config, something I’d never heard of before. I work with swatches all day, combining colours, or coming up with new ones for clients to fit with what we’ve already put together, or to stand out. I love anything tactile and I love cards (as you’ll see) so the perfect gift really!
  • Apple Magic Mouse.
    My sister’s doctorate (very proud of her!) touches on the fact that tools or clothing we use every day become an extension of who we are. This mouse is very much that, as I use it to create patches, artwork, design, edit photos. There are probably other better mice out there, but this is like that favourite pair of shoes that are riddled with holes that you just can’t bear to part with.
  • Playing Cards.
    As you’ve probably noticed from my photos, I have a growing collection of themed playing cards. Loving print and tactile things, there is usually a few cards on display and a pack on the desk that I practise cardistry with to keep my hands active.
  • Super secret patches.
    I’ve been really privileged to work with some great people over the years, and some of those people have loved my patch designs and want to collaborate on a design. If you’ve been in the pack world for any amount of time I know You Know The Bo! I was really excited to work with Bo Ismono on this project (and maybe others!). You’ll have to speak to him about getting hold of one mind, this is my only one!
  • MoreCards (!) and Erasers.
    Transferring Pack Config photos to my iMac always involves scrabbling blindly to find the SD card slot, plus I’m always sketching ideas in my notebook. Sometimes I’m in the flow of an idea or patch design that I don’t want to stop and start again to change it, so out comes the trusty Staedtler.
  • Zebra Sharbo X LT3.
    This is like those colour changing biros you get with the 4 colours, but for professionals. With a mechanical pencil, red and black ink (my choice, you can adapt as you like), this adapts quickly to what I’m doing without needing to find the right pen. I had a black one that the clip went on back when I used to carry it daily, but a permanent place on the desk is where it lives now.
  • Wacom Intuos.
    I don’t often get out the Wacom as I find the mouse best for most tasks, but usually when working on illustrations this comes out. I did have an older, larger wired model, but smaller and bluetooth is so much better!
  • “10 blade”.
    Nope, I’m not a wannabe surgeon! The Swann Morton surgical scalpel with 10A blade is frequently out on the desk as I mock up ideas in paper form. These were the tool of choice all through my design degree and this one has stayed with me throughout. The big box of 100 blades I picked up is still going too. Ru Titley made me a Kydex sheath for it which works a lot better than the one I made out of loop material and sellotape!
  • Zippo Lighter.
    This is used to burn every lanyard I churn out for the many Ru beads we sell in the store. The butane insert is by far the best for last-ability and a quick singe. This actually stays in my pocket as I love to fiddle with, the iconic noise it makes can often be heard wherever I go.
  • Minimal Desk Setups Wool mat.
    Having something more comfortable than a hard desk (however cool that desk might be) is great for a day of editing, designing or illustrating. I recently switched over to this wool mat which I love for it’s texture, but it does bobble a bit around the mouse. The 10 blade sorted that out, but I think the occasional trim is worth the added comfort, plus you can stick patches to it!
  • Finally, hiding, the digital callipers.
    Not one of the very expensive all metal ones, but this is super quick for measuring, especially things like new products from Ru, or when I’m comparing patch sizes when working on a new design.

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Blaze A Trail

The Trail Blazer patch is about carving out a new path where there isn’t one. Oh and orange is slowly taking over my kit.

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LOADOUT: Every Winter Day Carry

Often EDC posts are not items carried every day. It’s a tag that is often attached to just some nice gear, and I even do that myself, so this is not a shaming post!

However this is truly my everyday carry, nothing added for show, just what is always in my Bullet (or SHADO) and pockets – every day!

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LOADOUT: Quick and Dirty Kit List

Here’s a loadout that Documentary Photographer Matthew Aslett used for a recent day hike.

Editor: Matthew has some fantastic photography, including some really moving pieces on conflict, so do take the time to visit his site here.

Matthew: A few things missing like a space blanket which was in the lid and a spare camera battery which was stashed in a pocket with my chapstick.

  • Pack – Mystery Ranch ASAP (+OV Cache)
  • Green pouch – Food (dehydrated meal, snacks)
  • Black pouch – Warm things (merino hat, gloves etc)
  • PInk dry bag – Waterproofs (full set)
  • Orange tube – First Aid (plasters, meds, moleskin)
  • Comms and navigation – InReach Mini, iPhone XR
  • Power Bank – Nitecore NB1000
  • Brew kit – Evernew Titanium (+fuel = 1ltr hot water)
  • Insulated Flask – Coffee
  • Hydration – 2 x Vapour Eclipse (2 ltr)
  • Trekking Poles – Black Series Micro Vario Carbon
  • Illumination – Black Diamond Storm 400 Headtorch
  • Locator light – Nitecore NU5 LE
  • Emergency signal – Ru GITD Marker, ChemLight x2
  • Matador Pocket Blanket
  • Camera- Fujifilm X100V

Not shown:

  • Base layer – Icebreaker 200 weight
  • Socks – Darn Tough Hiking
  • Jacket – TAD Ranger LT (2011 Edition)
  • Trousers – 5.11 Defender-Flex
  • Boots – Lowa Zephyr

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Loadout: Black + Blue

In this loadout I’m sharing about some of my favourite items that have weathered the tests of time, plus a couple that have just started on the same journey.

I love orange gear, however a lot of my carry purchases gravitate towards black and blue. As will all my gear, it only gets my approval once it’s survived the kind of beating only hard use or many years can give.

  • GORUCK Bullet 10LwithTracker Patch
    Years old and has been in pretty much constant use. I love the patina that black Cordura gets and this pack has only sweetened with age. Very occasionally the zip catches these days, but only when I’m stuffing 15L into it! They only have a 15L available right now, but to be honest I’d opt for that now anyway!
  • Petzl Carabiner
    Has pretty much been attached to the Bullet for the life of the pack. The spring went on the clip one day after quite a serious hit. I stopped using it for a while and then bam, it just came back and hasn’t failed since. Used for those last minute attachments.
  • Mora Kniv Garburg
    This was actually gifted by one of the Mad Dog Adventures team who had already tested it to its limits. Unfortunately, it had been replaced by other equally reliable blades and so he moved it onto a new home.
  • Filip Raboch PouchwithMudhorn Clan Patch
    This is a new addition to my carry. Filip worked really hard with me to create this custom piece exactly to my requests, and I’m a seriously picky guy! He responded with grace, put up with my indecision and then produced something that blew away my expectations. A purpose built pouch has both streamlined and improved my daily carry, and I’m looking forward to sharing more thoughts on this pouch in a future video.
  • PeliCasewithClan Bead
    I picked this up second hand from local military store so it has already seen some hard use as an ammo case. I currently use it for storing some of my knife collection away from little fingers, however I also use it for transporting gear I want to keep protected.
  • Olight i5T
    I’ve EDC'ed an Olight i3T for a long time now and it has performed more reliably than any other torch I’ve owned. I consider this upgrade for a while, plus my beloved leather caddy would fit the larger model (and unfortunately not many other lights in the same category), however I felt they were a smidge over priced, plus the power output wasn’t much of a jump either. Then Olight had one of their fantastic sales which brought the price right down, plus they had a new model with a rechargeable battery so I took the plunge. I’ve not looked back, or even swapped back, despite the fatter profile it hasn’t ever felt too much in my pocket, plus the click on/off feels firmer too.
  • Atwood Mini TRD
    This was a gift from my wife and hasn’t yet been put to its full use yet, however it’s built so solidly and I’m looking forward to testing it out more.
  • Leatherman Wave BO
    I think the Black Oxide finish has added to the look of this well beaten tool with a superb Patina. Looks aside this has been a constant companion buried away in my pack. It rises confidently to complete any job that my SAK can’t achieve and is a great work tool for any days I’m out and about without a tool box, but want to keep doing. Solid, reliable, dependable.
  • Thyrm Cell Vault
    I received a couple of these years ago to be featured on the store. I did that and gave away a bunch of them (regretted it a little) but this is one I’ve kept. It has performed without fault, been thrown into a pack, attached to the outside and inside a pouch pretty much since I got it. It looks almost exactly like it did the day I got it which I think tells you everything.
  • Nalgene Wide Mouth
    I think I was fairly late to the game with trying these out. They seemed to be a staple for many, but I loved my Klean Kanteens (and still do!). However this provides me with a larger amount of water a more stable base and is tough as anything else in this list. The lid annoys me less than I thought it would, plus it’s quieter than removing a stainless steel lid from a Klean Kanteen! It’s quite a job choosing a colour (plus I went for their standard anyway!).

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LOADOUT: Urban Autumn Walks

Here is my new every day (twice-a-day!) carry. The Pack Config family now has an amazingly effective (if not a little nippy) reminder to get outside regularly!

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LOADOUT: EDC Hygiene Kit

This loadout is what Nonprofit Media Manager, @thecarryist uses as a grab-n-go hygiene kit.

The Carryist (Manny): Yes, multitools, flashlights, and knifes are staple EDC items for any kit but never underestimate how useful a small grab-n-go hygiene kit can also be .

If you aren’t carrying an IFAK (because you’re just running errands, picnicking locally, etc.) consider also adding Neosporin, Benadryl, aspirin, and feminine products.

  • Prometheus Design Werx Stash Pouch Size 1
  • PackConfig Pirate Tab Patch
  • Knot Good Co. No Love PVC Patch
  • Tactical Outfitters Imperial Crest PVC Patch
  • Nexcare assorted bandage set
  • Prometheus Design Werx Versa Bear Squeeze Bottles
  • Aquaphor Lip Protectant
  • Burt’s Bees All Weather Balm
  • Advil Ibuprofen travel bottle
  • Dramamine all day non-drowsy travel bottle
  • Benadryl Itch Relief Stick
  • Kleenex On The Go Pack
  • Off! Deep Woods Insect Repellant Wipes
  • Wet Ones Antibacterial Wipes

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LOADOUT: Editors EDC Photography Kit

This was my loadout for a product photography and vlogging on the way to work carry.

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LOADOUT: Field Biology Carry

This loadout is what teacher Mauricio uses for his biology practices.

  • 5.11 Rush 12
  • Pouch Aids Firts
  • Black Shemag
  • Corona Cap
  • Columbia Gloves
  • Multi-tools
  • Water Bottle
  • Pet containner
  • Paracord
  • Weight scale
  • Bear Bottle
  • Candle
  • Nylon bags
  • Sun Cell Power bank
  • Sharpie
  • Compass
  • Waist Bag Puma
  • Pedernal
  • Paliacate

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LOADOUT: Light Hike Kit

This is what military photographer Adam (81mm_media) uses for a like hike.

  • Pack: 5.11 Rush 12 (non pictured)
  • BaoFeng UV-5R
  • 5.11 Tactical AAA torch
  • Exotac fire sleeve
  • DJI Camera tripod
  • Mountain Warehouse Poncho
  • Maxpedition EDC pouch
  • Field dressing
  • Paracord and carabiner
  • Spyderco Tenacious
  • Garmin Tactix Bravo

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LOADOUT: Woods Walk Carry

This loadout is everything that ModChop packed for a day exploring the local woods and hills.

The pack:

• The pack is a Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 21 in their Wood Waxed fabric (the fabric does not have a ‘waxy’ feel despite the name).

• The pack is in their classic tri zip design and opens up cadaver style to give great access to the contents. Inside there are two small zippered mesh pockets towards the top on either side, a suspended laptop sleeve plus another sleeve that would take a tablet/iPad, both can be secured by a webbing strap and Velcro tab.

• The pack has a very ‘clean’ look externally with just a lid pocket accessed by an aqua-guard zipper and a single row of PALS webbing on the underside should you wish to strap anything to it. The back system and shoulder straps have an air mesh fabric facing to help with ventilation with the shoulder straps also have load lifters to help stabilise the load as well as a sternum strap. At the top, rear of the pack is a simple 1” webbing grab handle. There is no provision for a waist strap but at 21 litres I doubt you’d ever need one.

• The pack itself carries very nicely and is comfortable on extended walks/days out, I also occasionally use this pack for every day carry, something it works well at. Somewhat strangely of the many packs I own and use this is the one that has generated the most admiration and questions from non bag nerds (I count myself as very much a bag nerd by the way…), even my mother complimented how it looked, praise indeed!

The gear:

• Starting top left are my sunglasses, polarised with semi-hard case, both from Decathlon (highly recommend).

• Next is a small unbranded (and old!) first aid pouch containing just the essentials for a walk in the woods.

• Then we have the ubiquitous $20 Dollar Bandit Micro pouch that moves from pack to pack constantly, this has a Leatherman PS4 small multi tool, a small AAA powered Streamlight Microstream torch plus spare AAA battery, mini Sharpie, Field Notes notebook, Bic lighter and a Pocketwrench II pry bar.

• The jacket is a Rab Ventus lightweight soft shell.

• Below that is a Goruck 4L Shadow Pocket which contains a merino wool Buff and a merino beanie and Endura MT500 waterproof jacket.

• Moving right is a Mystery Ranch Zoid pouch containing Anker 10000 mah battery pack, Anker lightening cable, Joby GripTight phone tripod.

• Drinks are covered by a 1L Nalgene Oasis water bottle and a Sigg 750ml vacuum flask and mug.

• Next to that is an ancient Highlander sit mat that is a veteran of many walks, camps and beer festivals.

• Above that is my Triple Aught Design Field Cap, to the left is a camo Muc Off Essentials pouch with holds the all important brew kit.

• Above that is a can of Smidge midge repellent.

• Finally upper right is the black Multicam pouch made by @firefly15_hanks this holds a Victorinox Explorer Plus, antibacterial hand gel and wipes, a knife, fork & spoon set, spare batteries, reading glasses and usually a few snacks for the day.

• The Velcro front panel is currently sporting various morale patches.

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LOADOUT: Rebel Mission to Endor

Here’s a quick loadout of items editor Nat Wagstaff imagined would be helpful for joining rebel assault on the second Death Star.

To celebrate the release of our Falcon patch (launching Friday) I used the aptly named Rebel Lightweight Backpack that Wotancraft kindly sent me to test out to assemble this imaginary loadout.

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LOADOUT: Bunker Hills Trip

Here’s a loadout that przemek.ma used for a short trip through the bunker hills on Hel Penninsula, Poland.

  • Mystery Ranch Spartan with ITW & PDW collab patch
  • Crud of Sweden gloves
  • Hellikon Tex Trooper Jacket with CustomKnives.pl patch
  • Wild Willy Beff jerky
  • Esbit Titanium pot PT750-TI
  • Snow Peak Titanium Spork
  • Fire Marple Titanium Ultralight Stove
  • Klean Kanteen bottle
  • Swedish Fold-a-cup
  • ITS Gizmo Lite Bag with photo gear
  • ITS Slim Pouch with trauma kit
  • Chris Reeve Sebenza 21

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Forest Brewer Loadout

Heading out to some local woodland to make a brew and shoot photos is a regular weekend activity in our house! Here’s some of the kit that always comes with me.

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Camera Kit Upgrades

We recently pulled the plug on some camera upgrades and as a result here is our new set up for photography and video.

  • Arca Swiss Mount
    A truly adaptable mount that works great with the Peak Design mounting system (not pictured).
  • Rode VideoMicro Compact
    Minimal testing of this has happened, but it appears to be a great entry level mic for what we need. Watch this space!
  • Canon EOS Rwith35mm Lens
    Used to take this photo. Aside from being a huge upgrade from the Nikon D3000 we used for years, my words to Mrs Config were “It’s hard to take a bad photo!”. 35mm is what I’m used to and works just right for all our photos so far.
  • Joby GorillaPod (old model)
    This has been used for years. Not sure if it’ll stand up to the weigh of our new set up as it wasn’t designed for it. So far it has worked ok.
  • Swiss Army Knife TinkerwithVader Bead
    I finally upgraded the scales on my Tinker after over 10 years of use (including black toothpick and tweezers!). Of course the actual tool just needed a clean which it gets regularly. This is the perfect companion for a photoshoot, with just the right level of tools without being too heavy. Featuring the Vader Bead from our store, which I haven’t promoted since its launch many years ago, but still we regularly sell them!
  • Olight i3T
    I always prefer to shoot outside (despite the lack of lighting control!) but having a torch can be helpful for an extra boost of light in the right place, plus it’s already in my pocket, so no need for extra gear.
  • iPhone Mount
    This thing is solid and I’ve used it to hold my iPhone 11 in for vlogging with total confidence.
  • Joby Compact Tripod
    Currently used as a desk mount for the Mic, still it works for the lighter stuff.
  • PeliCase
    Always a good piece of kit for rock solid transport of expensive gear.

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Shepherd’s Carry

This is Dom’s load out for his sheep work and lambing. He particularly loves the chest rig as it keeps everything close to hand when catching and dealing with issues at lambing time.

  • Osprey archeon chest rig
  • Moleskine journal
  • Esee churp
  • Fallkniven dc4
  • Aiguille alpine pouch
  • Foot shears
  • Eid tags
  • Needles
  • Alpkit head torch
  • Thermometer
  • Multi-tool
  • Logan sheepdog whistles
  • Keys mecarmy sg4

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Short Hike + Bugout Kit

Here’s what contributor Mervyn uses as his carry for short trips out, plus it doubles as a bugout kit.

  • Tarahumara Pack (Hill People Gear)
  • Double walled, vacuum sealer bottle (Prometheus Design Werx x Mizu)
  • Duckbill Cap (Patagonia)
  • The Mighty Pouch (Garage Built Gear)
  • Topsider (Open Sea Leather Co.)
  • Warden Keychain & Key Covers (Hitch & Timber)
  • H&T Utility Pouch (Hitch & Timber)
  • 7995/0 Ranger (Tudor)
  • Zipper Pull/Key Ring Compass (Trunord)
  • Todai Flashlight (Prometheus Design Werx x Laulima)
  • Runoff Waterproof Pocket Slim (Nite Ize)
  • Ti-Double 300 Mug (Snow Peak)
  • Butane Lighter (Zippo)
  • Para 3 Maxamet (Spyderco)
  • Ti-Scribe Mini Brass (Urban Survival Gear)
  • A6600 Mirrorless Camera (Sony)
  • FE 90mm F2.8 Macro lens (Sony)
  • Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod (Peak Design)
  • Cairn Sandals (Bedrock Sandals)

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