Article: Plus the kitchen sink

[Eric Pfleger]

Everything plus the kitchen sink (What to take and how to take it)

In this study we shall examine the kit required for the modern Guerilla fighter, operating for protracted durations, in a rural or wilderness environment. We will approach the topic from the solo operator or small unit, with zero re-supply, no pre deployed caches, or external logistical support, other than what may be harvested from the Earth or assets liberated along the way. We shall assume that transportation is via LPCs (leather personnel carriers) and that negotiating many miles, in hostile and varied terrain will be the likely event. Unfriendly conditions that dictate 100% self and /or team reliance.

One must recognize that mission, topography, weather, environment, physical health, and abilities of the operators are going to influence and often dictate clothing, gear, and weapons selection. Depending on what it is that we are up to- recon, raids, bugging out of an area, laying low, scouting, sniping or just causing mischief, the tools needed to succeed in the given environment/situation will differ considerably. Environmental conditions, weight, availability , and man power are indeed factors that effect our load out. With that in mind we will try to examine this with an open mind to change and adaptability to the kit as needed. The topic shall be examined from the standpoint of general survival and sustainability of the rural operator, that must carry everything with him that he needs to sustain daily life, accomplish the tasks at hand, and respond to emergencies.

Organization of gear is a critical component.I am an advocate of layering my equipment into three tiers. These are adjusted as situations and conditions warrant, and of course modifications can be made depending on individual needs with in the tiers. Layer one is on the body always, the second tier is your load bearing harness, vest, chest rig, etc. and the third tier is your backpack containing all of the remaing items in your possession.

The first layer of kit is what is on my person proper, be it contained in pockets, pouches on the belt, lanyards around the neck, etc. The selection and placement of the tier one items is based on emergency ’must haves’ with the idea that you will always have them should you have to scoot at anytime and E&E a pursuing threat. If you are dressed the kit is there. A folding knife or multitool is essential. Matches, lighter, magnesium fire starter / flint striker, etc. is a must. Fifty feet of parachute cord, a short length of wire (picture frame or gardening variety), and several feet of duct tape come in handy. A small flash light such as a Surefire E1 and/or one of the button key chain lights should be included. One of the commonly available space blankets is good insurance against the elements. I carry one of the small compressible Platypus water bottles (empty) with a filter straw and some water purification tablets contained inside. Some cliff or power bars and some hard candy can help with hunger and provide energy. A small compass (back up) and a topo map of the AO are important. A watch equipped with electronic compass and GPS are excellent in this role. A small note pad, pencil, and any information sensitive to the mission, contacts, or general Intel should ride on board your person.

Carry a combat tourniquet, maybe some Celox, any personnel medications that you need, and of course eye glasses or other items that you may require to function at your best. I like to wrap a pair of lightweight gloves such as nomex aviators in a watch cap and stuff them in a cargo pocket if I’m not wearing them. Other items such as wire saws, emergency ponchos, or dedicated survival kits are good to tote on board. I consider it wise to have a supply of the local currency and some silver/gold coin on my person, as it may be easier to buy your escape or safe passage, than hijack your means.

I consider it extremely important to carry a pistol and spare magazine on your person. If your kit is set up so that your pistol is on the web gear, consider having an empty holster on your pants belt to house it anytime you shed the battle rattle. The same could be said for a fixed blade knife mounted to the belt. The bottom line is you will likely want to have your pistol with you if you deplete the contents of your chest rig or become separated from your rifle and have to ditch the load bearing equip to run like heck for the border!
Have your tier one equipment with you at all times. If you are bathing, sleeping, or in any capacity that doesn’t allow it to be on your person, it must be with in arms reach period! You do not ever want to be the freezing, bootless, unarmed guy on the run!


Tier two is your second layer. It is the fighting load. Generally speaking this will be a chest rig, vest, harness and battle belt or similar load bearing device. It will support your long arm by carrying the majority of your ammunition and magazines. It will likely contain a more substantial medical kit than what is in your pockets. If utilizing communication gear such as two meter or FRS/GMRS radios it would likely be on the rig. The load bearing device needs to have your primary navigation equipment such as topographical maps, GPS, compass, pace counting, and path finding gear.

I like to have mine set up with its own hydration system (this can be of smaller capacity than the one in your pack). A larger illumination device than the pocket light is usually carried here, as well as a multi tool, and I like to carry my weapon maintenance essentials (like a Rapid Rod, CLP, lens cleaner) here. You will likely have a fixed blade knife or tomahawk mounted on this layer. I supply my LBVs with Para cord and 100mph tape. Extra batteries for Nav, illum, and comm equipment are best stored here. A ration and any other items that you may want to access on the march may be located on the rig. I often toss a pair of goggles or shades and a pair of HD gloves in my dump pouch if I’m not wearing them.

Binoculars or night vision equipment (depending on time of day) are best stored at this layer. Think ‘what do I need to fight, navigate, communicate, and provide immediate medical care, plus stay hydrated’ and you will be accurate in setting up your tier two layer. As addressed earlier, the pistol may be housed at this layer as well as basic survival equipment and possibly a water filter, climbing , or breaching tools

[Eric Pfleger]

　
Your tier three gear is the house on your back. It contains everything else you need to exist, sustain, perform your mission, etc. While it contains important items, it is looked at as being somewhat ‘disposable’ as it may be cached at certain times and in the event of contact with the enemy, it will likely be set up to quick detach and dumped at the first opportunity to allow the operator mobility, with of course the intent of retrieving it post action. It will often contain such items as shelter, spare clothing, rations, large gear, etc.


Lets examine the pack itself. I will leave the internal/external frame debate to another time, acknowledging that I own and use examples of both. The pack needs to be large enough to carry quite a load, particularly in winter environments or on details requiring large quantities of equipment essential to the task. I tend to prefer packs with large main compartments that contain the bulk of clothing, sleep systems, and rations. Secondary pockets on the exterior are desirable for storing equipment that may be needed on the move and can be accessed easily by fellow operators. I find a pack that can be modified by cutting leg holes and used to evacuate a wounded man such as I teach in the HRO Patrolling class very useful. The pack should be be outfitted with lash tabs to secure gear and must be rugged beyond belief. Remember that loads of 80 to 100 pounds are not uncommon and if you must cover miles with a wounded man on your back, the weight may exceed that two fold.

I will mention two examples of packs that I have developed a liking to. Both are manufactured by Eberlestock located in Boise, Idaho. One is the Gunslinger 2 which is what I would classify in the intermediate to large category and the other is the massive (over 6000 C.I.) Skycrane, which has since been discontinued and I believe replaced by the FAC Track and Terminator models. These are massive packs that can haul what ever you fill them with if you can upright yourself and not blow out a knee. I have found the quality and design of these to be second to none. They sometimes receive flak from the ultra light, granola types, as being very heavy, but I can tell you that they are worth every ounce given the application we are discussing. They above all else must be tough and comfortable for our purpose and they are every bit of both. If your mission is too photograph song birds between sips of latte, you may be better served with something from the shelf at REI.

Other serviceable packs are available from Mystery Ranch and I have fielded the CFP-90 military pack with success. Make sure that the systems ‘rides’ properly , allows ventilation, and doesn’t squeak like a caldron of witches being boiled every time you take a step. I like to equip the pack with a small day pack (I use this in place of a stuff sack for clothing) in the event I need to take a short trip from a patrol base. The Eberlestock packs are modular in this regard, taking down to sub components and additionally they support the protected carry of a long arm, function as a drag bag, and are easy to tailor to your needs. Set your pack up to quickly ‘eject’ from your body when things get loud. Quick release buckles on shoulder straps and waist belt are mandatory.

We have examined the ‘how and where to carry’ much of our gear and have touched on quite a bit of the gear itself. Lets look at some additional items that are extremely important to the back country operator.
Clothing should be layered, to allow for maximum adjustability. I like wicking base layers that keep me dry . For insulation I am a proponent of merino wool long underwear, such as Minus 33 mid weight top and bottoms. The stuff will work when wet, it dries quickly if you work up a sweat in it. It remains comfortable for long term use (days) and unlike many of the ultra modern synthetics , it doesn’t stink like cat urine after an active day wearing it! I usually double up on these items if afield for long durations. It is nice to have a set drying on the pack after you’ve washed it , while you wear the other set. Doubled up you can fight the intense cold.

For socks I tend to pack several different weights of Smart wool or similar to allow adjustment for conditions. Again having several is a good plan so one can rotate between wearing and washing. I also almost religiously pack a pair of SealSkin or Goretex socks that I can slip into in the event of soaking my boots. Keep some Goldbonds or foot powder on hand for maintaining moisture in both your insulated underwear and foot gear.

A quality pair of BDU or cargo pants is the standard pant and in conjunction with a button up type of polar fleece long sleeve seems to work well. In warmer climates some off the ‘zip off’’ type of pants that convert to shorts are a welcome addition.
For the storm layer, I like a full Goretex parka and pants with leg Gaiters .rarely do I set out lacking them. In my corner of the world I have been in snow every month of the year at one time or another and only fools and newcomers attempt to guess what the weather will do 12 hours out as we say.

Hats and gloves for the conditions are critical. I like wool or polar tech watch caps for the cold and ‘boonie’ hats are great for warm environments. Gloves for the cold need to be waterproof, insulated, and you might be wise to carry two sets. In the extreme cold a pair of arctic weight mittens are great.

Boots need to be waterproof, insulated for the environment, and rugged. Make damn sure they are comfortable and breaking them in ahead of time is highly suggested. If you ride a horse all the time and then try an saddle an octopus……things sometimes don’t fit as hoped. Test your gear ahead of time. On occasion I will pack a pair of ultra light weight Goretex stalking boots (Rocky Broadheads) in addition to my regular boots for wearing around base camp and in the event I need to dry the primary pair. As mentioned above , Gaiters are a good defense against wet pant legs, when negotiating tall moist grass.

[Eric Pfleger]

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Shelter can be critical and may very from a ultra light tarp to Goretex Patrol Bivys and right on up to Four season multi person tents. Select according to needs…but think water and wind proof, plus light in weight. You may not always have the time or option to build a shelter or seek cover from exposure.

Sleep systems are of extreme importance. You need them to maintain your combat effectiveness over the long term. And they can be the difference between surviving and not in the extremes. Match the intended bag with the operating temperature. I like the three piece systems that have a Waterproof shell, intermediate and cold weight bags. I ad a bag liner to this so I can launder the liner and keep the main bags as clean as possible. Operating for long term in the wild can sour a fellow up in short order and keeping the sleep system clean will help its efficiency greatly. My brand of choice is the Wiggys Ultimate bags with Goretex cover. They have kept me warmer, dryer, and maintained better sleep and morale than any I have used.

While we are discussing sleep systems, I need to mention Thermarests. I like the ¾ length pad for most applications. Modified with lash points or grommets around the edges, these become one of the most versatile pieces of kit that you can carry. As intended , they serve to keep you warm and dry up off the ground when catching some shut eye. They serve as an excellent shooting mat in a hide, they work as an emergency litter to carry a wounded man, they function as an air splint, and for water crossings they float equipment and people quite well. I have used them as a sled for gear and downed game on snow. A very useful item for sure.

For my primary hydration bladder carried in my pack , the MSR Dromdary in the 6L or better yet the 10L capacity is the way to go. They are tough as woodpecker lips, you can sit on them, abuse them, and they don’t leak. They work well as a pillow. Emptied, they are yet another flotation device for gear. The large capacity is desirable for the simple reason that you don’t have to fill them to the top if on the march, however if you are occupying a hide for a long duration and water is not readily available, they hold plenty. The design allows water to be carried without the slosh associated with bottles and canteens and one can lower the level if freezing is a factor. A quality item to take along!

I consider a water filter crucial. Clean drinking water is a must. The filters we are talking are of the pump type as opposed to the mini straw we would keep in our tier one layer. I use the Katadyn Pocket Micro filter. It is good for thousands of gallons of H20, it doesn’t rely on chemicals or batteries, and it will ‘main line’ into my hydration bladders. The filter will produce about a quart of clean water per minute. Take my advice, having suffered through the misery of beaver fever twice, you do not want to contract giardia or any of the other nasties that can lurk in the drink. Have at least one of these in the team. The ability to resupply water at your desire (assuming it is readily available) cuts down tremendously on your carry weight.

Depending on theater of operations, a stove can be a real asset, I like the self contained Jet Boil units. They are of course dependant on fuel, but they consume it at an extremely efficient rate. They will bring water to a boil in 60 seconds, even above the tree line. I really like fact that I can hold the base( compressed gas tank) and heat water on the march. Other than a slight hissing sound, they operate under the radar well and don’t produce any scent signatures (other than what you may be cooking in them). They can be used as source of heat and can aid in drying wet clothing. Additionally very compact lanterns that utilize the same fuel source are available. If one can justify packing a stove (maybe as team gear) this is a lightweight unit that performs big time.

Food supply is critical to maintain health and combat effectiveness. In my neck of the woods large and small game abound, as well as upland birds, and fish. I tend to carry a small takedown fishing rod/reel combo and tackle in the outback, as I can generally hook into trout anytime of the year. I usually carry at least one conibear trap and a few snares with me in my kit. Traps are a force multiplier in that they are on the job while you tend to other activities. They also function silently.
An Advantage Arms conversion kit for your Glock or Ciener Kit for an AR15 fitted with sound suppressor and a brick of .22lLR. Will keep the team in protein for along time. One of these per team ought to be plenty.

Rations that I carry tend to be along the lines of oatmeal, rice, potato flakes, etc. These are light in weight (not having the water on board them) and can be easily ‘prepared’ on the go by placing them in a ziplock bag with some water and carried under the armpit for a mile or two. It may not win four golden forks but its warm and it keeps you fed. Jerky and seeds are a favorite of mine. I can place a handful of dehydrated meat in a shirt pocket and have it on hand for days. I like to carry some fatty oils to add to oatmeal and such (think how the Eskimos dine) for there long term benefits to keep me fueled. Peanut butter is a great staple and it is excellent to bait traps, as few critters seem to be able to resist it. I pack some basic spices and sometimes a pouch of taco seasoning should I need to dress up something on the menu. A pouch of dehydrated goat milk is handy for preparing some dishes. Whey protein powder, coconut milk powder, and energy mixes of the various sorts are great to supplement the diet. I also carry some Enerfood powder to provide some ‘greens’ if miners lettuce or other forage plants aren’t present or in season.
Carry a basic butchering kit, and some ziplock bags, and a 6 mil contractor bag for storing and transporting meat as you acquire it. Learn what is edible and not in your AO, and always have some emergency food tabs or bars on hand just in case.

I like to pack a medium sized mesh stuff sack. I find them useful for laundering clothing, keeping perishable food from floating down stream if deep sixed, and it can be handy for securing food overhead to prevent theft from critters. A dry bag is great for cloithing and sleeping bag.


A repair kit consisting of zip ties, paracord, light wire, 100MPH tape, sewing kit, super glue, etc. can go a long way to upkeep the gear. I pack extra fast-tech buckles for the shoulder straps of my packs as I’ve busted them in cold environments. The Diamond Hone medium and fine grit sharpening system is great for keeping the cutlery sharp. Having a few dry wall screws and a couple of ten penny nails can be useful around the patrol base.

Cutlery such as machetes, axes, and saws may be useful pieces of team equipment. I’d select them based on foliage as well as how much noise you are going to get away with making. Entrenching tools are handy in some environments (snow, sand, soft ground) and can be employed as paddles, skillets, or any number of improvised devices.

I pack climbing rope, flat tubular webbing, carabineer, and sometimes harness, figure eight, and anchors, as much of the terrain I spend time in looks like the teeth of a saw. If you operate in a wet environment, packing a light inflatable raft may be prudent. When in the thick of winter, snow shoes, Nordic skis, gear sled, etc. is essential for my environment.

Medical kits are a topic unto themselves. We have better qualified folks than myself available to comment on trauma management (paging the Doc’s) , with that said- have medical gear. My back country kits contain Sam splints, important narcotics, Epipens, sutures, a 35W surgical stapler, primrose drains, airways, chest seals, tourniquets, and sometimes an IV set. Knowledge is everything here. Learn what to do to sustain life. Try an include a properly trained medic with in every team and have them cross train everyone. Include sun screen, anti-diarrhea meds, insect repellent, lip balm, soap, etc. You must maintain health and hygiene if you intend to function over the long term. Deficiencies, injuries, and ailments that may be minor in the comfort of civilization can take there toll in the wilderness

[Eric Pfleger]

In conclusion we see that there are a tremendous amount of considerations when you are your own supply. Balance every piece of equipment as to the utility it provides vs. the energy, space, and weight it consumes. Weight and mass factor in big time. Try to secure the lightest kit that will still get the job done. Examine what you have with a critical eye- Maybe the Kevlar brain bucket, rifle plates, and cast iron Dutch oven would best be left behind to free up the load for more ammunition and clothing. Operating as a team helps minimize the redundancy of gear and allows loads to be distributed. Test your kit before game day. The more time you spend packing, hoofing, and living out of a pack the easier it gets.

May your packs ride light, trails switch back gradually, and game be in abundance. See you at the top. Pfleger, OUT

[Wraith 2-1]

Wow man...excellent write up!

I like that you throw in the conibear and snares, that is often overlooked by most. I have eaten for a solid two weeks from just snares and a .22 (got rabbits with the snares and grouse with the .22). I pack and do things very much like you it appears. I too am the guy with the stuffed cargo pockets and loaded down belt every time I go out. I am the guy everyone else turns to when they need something they werent planning on needing. Would rather have it and not need it then need it and not have it. I like the idea of adding grommets to the mat...I will definitely be doing that.

One area I am lacking in is the medical side of things. I have a bare bones basic set of kit, but I really need to expand it. I would also like to become more educated in that area as well.

+1 on the nomex gloves and watch cap in the pocket. I like a nice fleece balaclava rolled up in a pocket as well.

Also just curious, what is that knife you have mounted on your chest rig?

[Invisible_Man]

Excellent writeup Eric.

[choirboy]

Eric,

Well written, well illustrated, concise and I will take experience over footnotes any day.

Choirboy

[snare]

Yes, thanks for writing this article as this is an extremely pertinent topic for me, my mission and my AO of the Appalachians.

I am glad that you included a bit about the importance of hygiene. As a medic I often recommend a hygiene kit that includes foot powder, wipes, soap (and cloth), sunscreen and insect repellent.
Hygiene is akin to your Prevention Kit.

I also often suggest ibuprofen and loperamide (anti-diarrheal, generic Imodium) in E&E/survival kits as when you are moving quick and light, food gathered or scavenged may lead to discomfort/diarrhea.

[Eric Pfleger]

Also just curious, what is that knife you have mounted on your chest rig?

Coldsteel Hunter. It works well on the chest rig as its on the shorter end of fixed blades. I was packing an RMJ Shrike tomahawk on my port side for the big chores.

[FOG47]

Excellent article! This would make a good "Stiky"