Whats in Guest Blogger Caseys Bag

Why I carry a bag everyday.

First let me start this off by saying that this is not a bug out bag (BOB) or anything like that. I like to think of my bag as a toolbox I haul around with me most places because I never know what I will need. I typically have this thing crammed with pretty much everything I may need. On a serious note, you would be amazed how beneficial it can be to carry one of these bags. Obviously there are many important components to a EDC bag but the most important is having a solid foundation, the bag.

Lets start with my bag.

Kifaru Koala

Why I chose this bag.

Versatility and size were the two most important factors that went into choosing this pack. I wanted a bag that could transform to multi-task yet be lightweight and comfortable to carry on the go. The Koala is an 800 cubic inch pack that weighs in at less than 2 lbs. Two things make this pack stand out from others in its size class. First is the availability of straps and slings that can transform this pack into a waist pack, chest rig, or shoulder bag. It is nice to have to options available to fit the necessary tasks an everyday carry bag requires. The second most important aspect to this pack is the available CCW pouch and it’s easy accessibility. This pack offers a CCW pocket that utilizes a Velcro patch to organize your pistol and additional magazines. For those who do not know, “CCW” is an acronym for Concealed Carry Weapon.

The contents.

Starting from the bottom left.

Moleskine notebook (Got to love the embroidered Arc’teryx logo)

Rite in the rain – Black ink Clicker pen 97

Tree finder manual – Identification of Trees by their leaves.

(Just for fun BTW I’m a nerd)

Replacement Lacets for Salomon XA Pro shoes

Blind Horse Frontier Valley 3”fixed blade

– O1 Tool Steel

– Orange Micarta handle

– Custom Kydex sheath

Benchmade Combo Field Sharping Kit

Jetbeam RRT-0 XM-L (CR123) Flashlight

–Jebeam AA Extender

Zebralight H502 CW Headlight (AA)

-260 Lumens with 1 x Eneloop AA battery

-3 months runtime at min output

-Glow in the dark reflector

-2.8oz with battery and headband

4 x Sanyo Eneloop AA NiMH batteries

The benefits of using Sanyo Eneloops.

One Eneloop battery is equivalent to purchasing 1500 Alkaline batteries. Each battery can last over 3 years, compared to 6 months to a year with traditional rechargeable sets. Additionally, each battery can discharge at a higher and faster rate.

4 x Surefire CR123s

AMK Survival Medic Kit

-SOL Emergency Blanket,

-Fire Lite sparker

-Tinder-Quik tinder

-SLIM Rescue Howler whistle

-Duct tape

-Button compass

-Antiseptic wipes

-Gauze, Bandages

Aquamira Water Purifier Tablets 12 Pack

Personal Medic Kit

Burt’s Bees lip balm

Harmonica

Hand Sanitizer

Ice Breaker Quantum Merino Gloves

Benchmade – 7 hook Black Oxide X15-T.N

Leatherman Carabineer tool

Glock 19 Gen 3

2 x Glock 17 magazines

I am always adding and taking away items from my pack. I personally enjoy seeing what other people are using in their EDC packs because there is always a different perspective and purpose.

What is in “My” Bag

I have always been drawn to what people carry in their bag . As you might have gathered, I am a big fan of putting systems into place so you are never without anything you would need on a daily basis, like the Boy Scout motto of “Be Prepared”. Over the years I have started to dial in what I carry on my person, as well as in my bag to make my systems a little more efficient. I’ve read a lot o blogs on what others carry that was super helpful. If you’re not careful you’ll carry way too much stuff – stuff you don’t use or stuff you double up on. You always want to make sure when it goes into your bag that is well thought out, and that you use it. To make it simple I have a rule: if i don’t use it at least once a week I take it out.

The Bag Itself:I have tried just about every type of bag in different configurations to find the one that would fit all I wanted to carry as well as organize all my gear ina logical way. I tried backpacks, messenger bags, just plain computer sleeves, etc and I finally came across one of the best bags on the market in my opinion – the Ram from Timbuk2. This bag is amazing. It is made out of ballistics nylon and has a TPU lining but the best part? It’s a hybrid – both a shoulder bag anda backpack, all in one.The bag looks like a messenger style with a flap in the front that opens to a little front pocket. To gain access to the main compartment you open a zipper. Themain compartment is where all the organization is held. On the back wall of the bag there are two fairly deep zippered pockets. On the front of the bag thereis your traditional organization pockets – places for pens and pencils and a couple of different sized pockets for various small things. Inside the main compartment in the back of the bag there is a zippered laptop sleeve. Then on the back of the bag itself is a sleeve that can be used to slide your bag over your rolling luggage (which may be closed via velcro when not in use). The bag can be worn vertical as a backpack with the backpack straps that are attached. If you do not wish to use the shoulder straps they can be tucked away in a secret compartment or you could use just the shoulder strap – which is how I personally like to carry the bag.What’s inside? These are the thing I’ve come up with:

The Main Compartment:

‣ iPad

‣ Moleskin Plain Note book

‣ Cannon Powershot G10

‣ Book (changes depending on what mood I’m in)

‣ Pens (I have a bunch of different pens I like to carry)

‣ Nintendo DS (to relax)

‣ Notecards and sticky tabs

Zipper Pouch 1

‣ Hygeine kit

• Body Spray

• Gum

• First Aid

• Toothpicks

• Floss

• Mouth wash

• Toothbrush

• Titanium Spork

• Nail Clippers

• Tweezers

Zipper Pouch 2

‣ Electronics Kit

• IPhone ear buds

• Gorilla pod (mini tripod)

• The Glif

• IPhone lens kit

• Batteries

• Moshi Charger

• Griffin mini connecters

• IPhone plug

• USB cord

• SD cards

• SD card reader

• Square reader

• IPad SD card reader connector

• car charger

Front Flap Conpartment

‣ EDC Kit

‣ Fire Starter kit

Computer Sleeve

‣ Blue Tooth keyboard For IPad

Everything in my bag i use on a regular basis. Trust me when I say, this bag has come a long way since I started! It takes time to come up with what works for you in your daily life. I encourage you to start gathering things for your bag and through trial and error you’ll get your systems in place, too. Good luck.