This is a follow-up to my original QRP Hiking and Go Bag post. The guiding principles remain the same but some specifics have changed. This post details those changes. Though I continue to use this pack for Summits On The Air and as a general go bag, I may swap certain components in and out depending on the operating conditions.
- Switched to a real backpacking pack. These work better at distributing the weight across my body. I found my other pack put too much strain on my shoulders
- Switched to using OSMAnd+ for offline maps on my phone. I did this because the application was open source
- I ditched the external battery, opting for all devices using their own batteries. This was already a theme regardless of my choice. The Garmin InReach, phone, flashlight, etc already use their own batteries. This pack is designed for 24 hours so internal batteries will suffice. In an emergency I will always grab my battery box and solar panel
- Everything except the Elecraft KX2 can be charged with 5v USB
- Communications
- Garmin InReach
- This device, along with the subscription I pay for, gives me access to the Iridium satellite constellation for sending my GPS coordinates and sending/receiving messages without relying on a cell network. Additionally, the device provides an SOS feature to call for help when all other means of communication are not available
- Elecraft KX2
- The Elecraft KX2 is extremely light and has a great installable tuner. I can easily tune a random wire (which is very light) and get on the air quick. Should I need to leave quickly I can ditch the wire as it's easy to find more
- I'm still getting used to CW but it's great to have attachable paddles and an internal decoder
- I can easily connect my phone to the KX2 and use DroidPSK and DroidRTTY for digital modes. It's a bit challenging on a small screen without a keyboard but for an emergency it will suffice
- The KX2 is powered by internal battery
- HF Antenna
- A QRP Guys EFHW for 40m/20m/15m/10m
- 7.5 meters of coax to serve as a counterpoise
- Wire winders for paracord
- A throw weight to get the paracord into a tree
- A stake to pin the other end of the paracord to the ground
- For some situations I may bring a small mast if there are no trees
- Baofeng UV-5R
- Simple 5 watt VHF/UHF transceiver that I program with local repeaters and weather channels
- Shown in the photo is also a digital interface that allows me to connect the radio to my phone for APRSDroid or laptop for YAAC
- With the extended battery I can charge this with 5v USB
- Garmin InReach
- Naviagation
- Garmin InReach
- This device contains a GPS receiver and compass, as well as some offline maps
- My Phone
- I use OSMAnd+ for their offline maps which I download ahead of time. My phone, like many others, has a GPS receiver and compass
- My Laptop
- I have offline maps for YAAC that provide superior mapping capabilities, as well as being able to overlay real-time tactical data from APRS using the Baofeng. I have a USB GPS dongle for this device also
- Compass
- There's a traditional magnetic compass attached to the fire starter flint
- Garmin InReach
- Water
- Sawyer Mini Filtration System
- This device allows me to filter water I may find while out on a field. The manufacturer claims the filter is rated for 100,000 gallons. I have a hard time believing this figure but I would only need a gallon or two for a 24 hour operation
- 3 liter bladder
- 3 liters is very close to the amount of water a person needs for an entire day. I believe it's actually 3.5 liters
- Water purification tablets
- A backup when all other methods fail
- Sawyer Mini Filtration System
- Food
- 5000 calorie MRE
- This is more than enough for a 2000 calorie a day requirement
- 5000 calorie MRE
- Sanitation
- Wet wipes
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Sunblock
- Shelter
- While not shown here, if I plan on a over night operation, or there is an emergency, I have a small tent and sleeping bag I can pack
- Lighting
- Flashlight
- Chargeable via USB-C
- Fire starter
- Fail safe way of starting a fire
- Electric lighter
- Can be charged via USB
- Flashlight
- Tools
- Whistle
- A good instrument to grab someone's attention or signal for help
- Multi Hex tool
- This item is somewhat random but I have some ham radio gear that require these
- Pen
- Fuses
- Typical sizes for cars and larger radios
- Earplugs
- Whistle
- Medical
- Kardia
- Essentially a small EKG device. Though I'm not so concerned that I may need it at my young age, it may be helpful to anyone in distress I come across. The same batteries I use for my glucometer can be used on this device
- Glucometer/Blood sugar meter
- I always have one in my pocket but since this is a critical item for managing my blood sugar, I keep one packed as a backup.
- Glucose test strips
- Additonal bottle of test strips. Again, just a backup
- Glucometer batteries
- Backups
- Glucagon pen
- For any insulin dependent diabetic, low blood sugar can be lethal. For this reason I keep a glucagon pen that can boost my blood sugar extremely quickly.
- Glucometer control solution
- I've never had a bad glucometer and I replace them on a pretty regular basis but just in case I keep a bottle of the control solution to check the accuracy of my glucometer
- Glucose pills
- Used for raising blood glucose
- Glucose gel
- Also used for raising blood glucose but is way easier to stomach than chalky glucose pills
- Glucometer lancets
- Band aids
- Alcohol pads
- QuikClot
- Burn gel
- Disposable thermometers
- In the COVID-19 age these may come in handy
- Israeli bandaids
- Used for larger wounds
- Can be used as a tourniquet
- Tourniquet
- Can be used to stop bleeding
- I carry one around just in case I get bit by a snake
- Kardia
- Cash
- Some parks don't support digital payments yet so I keep some cash just in case