15 Item Kit Gathering

Post questions and comments about this gathering here.
Jeff "LFB" Kindy
Instructor
Great Lakes Bushcraft

I have been getting a lot of questions concerning what is allowed and what is not.

There is no right or wrong item. It's not a graded event, so there are no rules. Bring what you got, or what you want. The whole premise is to get into the woods with as little as 15 items and be comfortable for an overnight. A tent or Hammock is allowable. But not what I am bringing. I am bringing what I would throw into the daypack for a quickee overnight if I needed to stay, but not really planned on it. So I'm bringing a tarp, and probably a small ground pad. I am bringing a sleeping bag appropriate for the weather. That would be the only thing specific to staying overnight I will be bringing.

Jeff
Jeff "LFB" Kindy
Instructor
Great Lakes Bushcraft

i like this idea! i am pretty excited about this camp, but honestly i wish it was in better weather!! lol
i am looking to buy a good 0* sleeping bag for this trip
www.cjsknives.com

Be careful which one you buy. I have one that is made in China. It says 0*, but I think it is 0*C! LOL

Gander Mt River series is a good buy, well built and will keep you warm. I have the Sportman's Guide -20, But it is so big it is cold. If that makes sense.

A good 32* bag and a wool blanket will do very well. The main thing is to be insulated from the ground.

I also used my heavy Thermal blanket this last weekend, and that is what saved me from getting cold. Just laying on top of my bag I could feel the heat reflecting back! Worth way more than the $12-15 they cost.

Jeff
Jeff "LFB" Kindy
Instructor
Great Lakes Bushcraft

if I can figure out how to attach more straps to my pack I'll bring either a heavy sleeping bag or wool blanket, it also depends on the weather.
its been years since I slept outdoors without a tent but I'm gonna give it a try

Wyndigo

Use some rope and a Canadian Jam Knot for straps. Works Great!

We will make sure no one dies! You may get uncomfortable, but we will help all that we can to make sure everyone is safe and enjoys themselves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC-GHDkBnXU
Jeff "LFB" Kindy
Instructor
Great Lakes Bushcraft

Thanks for mentioning the Canadian Jam Knot, going to test it out today and see how small I can get my sleeping bag down to and go from there.

Wyndigo

Hey Jeff, I was just wondering what type of natural materials we are going to have access to? Are we allowed to have fires?

As of right now there is no fire ban in the are that I am aware of. You can continue to check that here: http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/hmnf/alerts-notices

This is a forested area, so there are not too many young growth trees, mostly pines. There is plenty of fallend and standing dead wood all over the area we will be in. Shelter making material will be abundant as will fire wood. Debris on the other hand will be hard to come by for anything substantial. I suggest using plastic sheeting for a substitute for water repelency.

Jeff

Thanks. I have some ideas I want to try anyway. Maybe a coal bed or hot rock bed. Depends on what is available. I tried to email you but it says I dont have the post count lol. I will just email you on facebook or is there a better place?

jeff@jeffkindy.com, or info@greatlakesbushcraft.com will be sent to both Jamie and myself.

Thats great as I wanted to talk to both of you.

i too am looking for a good (but cheap) sleeping bag for this trip. i dont do cold weather camping so my current bag isnt going to work. i am also wanting to go light. i am finding it impossible to go light and cheap! lol

at dicks sports they have some great Field and Stream bags that are 15* for $45. they are a mummy, but arent to big when rolled up.

another thought i had.....

this is kinda set up to be a scenario situation where we are out on a hike or something and we have to spend the night for whatever reason.

in that scenario i do NOT carry a sleeping bag with me, because i am on a simple hike.

so i am struggling with only taking the 15 items that i would take with me during a hike, or taking 15 items that i would take for an overnight camp.

am i just over thinking this?

I am thinking of taking my sleeping bag for backup. But will use my fleece sleeping bag with a fire for warmth.

So bring what you got, and don't worry about overthinking it. I ALWAYS do that! LOL

You rbest tool for a cold overnight is a space blanket. A mylar or a heavy duty one. This with a fire will keep a lean-to in the 60's! Ask Shaun he used one last weekend.