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Squirrels: I'm putting together something I'd call a Bat Tool Belt for lack of better words. I'm thinking about a Gerber Multiplier 800, Gerber's coupler and about 8 hex tools (straight and phillips drivers for now) - I already own all this, so don't bother telling me to get a Leatherman - not interested!
My questions include what to add to the kit, and how big is too big?
Items I'm thinking of adding:
BSA Hot Spark and striker AAA Minimag Solitaire small roll of snare wire small pack of PJ saturated cotton balls (heatsealed vacuum pack compressed to minimum size) 100 ft of 10-50 Spyderwire w/ 3 hooks & 3 split shot on card
I was going to design this like a Nite Eyze pouch, only slightly larger and more robust.
The hex tools were going to be attached to the flap in elastic loops, and I was going to put everything but the Gerber tool and Minimag in a hidden pouch between the layers of Cordura, with a Velcro tab closure.
Materials will include Black Balistic Nylon or courdura nylon, 3/4" black elastic, velcro, seam tape.
I was going to use 3 layers of material. The outer layer would be a continuous back including the flap. The middle layer will be a liner, and the outer pouches will be stitched to it, and will allow for a small "secret compartment".
Questions: should I use a plastic backer between the inner and outer layer to improve stiffness of the case, and should I mount this horizontally or vertically on my belt (1.5" wide belt). Existing pouches are horizontal, but much smaller.
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You could use a cordura double mag pouch and probably fit everything in both pouches. Or just buy a Liberty or Nite Ize pouch. Cost will most likely be the same and you can sew a "secret" pouch onto the back or my favorite place to put them is just under the flap. Add a fastex buckle and you are secure yet easy to get to. Not the question you asked but it's the answer I have. So to answer your question, yes you should have a plastic liner or backing in key areas that are going to see a lot of use. Cloth anything wears holes in fairly quickly if you use it often enough. That's why what few cloth peices of belt gear I have left, I have made Kydex liners for. YMMV.....
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I've been called 'bat man' and 'inspector gadget" before. I carry a 2AAA minimag, much brighter than the solitaire. I have a tiny am/fm radio that clips on belt, usefull for news/weather, takes the same AAA batteries as the mag. An Arc AAA is also a nice addition, much longer runtime, same size batteries. Pager and cell phone as well. I have the leatherman wave and the tool adapter like your gerber, both clip on the belt as well.
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SSKM: When I order the sheath for my CS LTC Kukhri after Christmas, I'll send you the measurements for the bat tool belt insert. If you could include an extra piece of Kydex in the box,I'll pay you for it!
Not happy with size/quality of Nite Eyez, etc. holsters. They tend to rip/tear easily.
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I recently switched to Surefire for all my flashlights. Their cheap Nitrolon model has become my general purpose light. I've tossed most of my old Maglights into drawers as spares. Hex heads, nut drivers etc. are great. If your'e in a techy urban area those tiny screwdrivers are useful. I like a three or four Benadril caplets on me daily in case I get stung by something nasty. Maybe a nice small wad of duck tape.
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I used to carry a fanny pack with lots of stuff in it. I also carried around a small day pack for essentials in my car.
Last summer I picked up a Camel Back pack to use on my Dual Sport motorcycle for back road and off road riding. It was so handy that I've since started bringing it with me where ever I go. The one I have holds 100 ozs. I carry a rain poncho, an MRE or some other food, firemaking gear, a leatherman, my GPS, first aid kit, knit hat, leather work gloves, some para cord, small light, a FRS/GMRS/FM radio that has weather stations on it.
It actually is very easy to carry and conveinant. When we had the blackout a few months ago I got stuck at work but was good to go.
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