So whats in Dowser's Ruck?

[Dowser]

So what is in my Ruck Sack.  I think I have finally got what I feel is my ideal kit set-up.  After two days of getting my gear dried after a very wet and windy over nighter on Binnian, on Saturday, I thought I would take a photograph of it all before packing it away.

I know it seems a bit nerdy but it kept me off the cigarettes for an hour or so.  Been off them a whole week now Whey Hey 



1.   Leki Walking Pole (389g) - £24.50
2.   1lt Army Issue Pattern 95 Water Bottle and Non Stick Titanium Crusader Cup (378g) - £15.95 & £17.95
3.   Knife (123g) £20
4.   15ft Para Cord (53g) - £3.50
5.   Binatone Action 950 Two-Way Radio (152g) - £45.00 per pair
6.   Recta Compass (32g) - £22.99
7.   Nokia N95 Mobile Phone (121g)
8.   Solar Charger for Nokia N95 (47g) - £6.00
9.   Nikon Real Tree Waterproof 10x25 Binoculars (287g) - £140.00
10.   Zippo Windproof Lighter (61g) - £14.99
11.   Karrimor Distress Whistle (11g) - £3.99
12.   Solitaire Maglite AAA Torch (25g) - £11.99
13.   Highlander Mosquito/Midge Head Net (21g) - £6.99
14.   Primus Omnifuel 0.6lt Fuel Bottle (625g) - £125.00 for complete stove.
15.   Energizer Head Torch Bright White and Red LED (77g) - £7.50
16.   First Aid and Basic Survival Kit (247g) - £11.95
17.   Tiso Gloves, British Army Issue Balaclava and Mesh Scarf (224g) - £25.00
18.   British Army Issue DPM Basha and 8 Aluminium Pegs (990g) - £40.00
19.   British Army Issue DPM Gore-tex Bivvi Bag (800g) - £35.00
20.   Primus Litech Kettle (1lt Non-stick Pot and Frying Pan) and Omnifuel Stove (738g) - £21.00 excluding stove
21.   Micro-lite Mummy Sleeping Bag (853g) - £14.99
22.   Karrimor  ¾ Length Self-Inflating Sleep Mat (471g) - £35.00
23.   British Army Issue DPM Gore-tex Gaitors (568g) - £34.95
24.   Collins SAS Survival Guide by John "Lofty" Wiseman (217g) - £5.99
25.   British Army Issue DPM Gore-tex Waterproof Trousers (316g) - £35.00
26.   British Army Issue DPM Gore-tex Waterproof Coat (745g) - £49.99
27.   Animal DPM Hat (118g) - £15.99
28.   35lt British Army Issue DPM Patrol Sack (1375g) - £35.95

Total Weight: 10,064 grams

All prices shown are the approximate retail price for new items (Not Pre-used).  If you shop around online you will definately be able to get most items a bit cheaper than shown above.  Most of the Army Issue items can be purchased in Used, Grade 1 condition at greatly reduced prices.

So now you know... What is in Dowser's Ruck 

[LandyLiam]

there's something missing there, oh yes, you drank it all 

[LennyJ1]

Well done for staying off the smokes, You never said how the solar charger got on. (at least I dont remember you saying about it)

[RedLeader]

Looks like you've cut to the chase. Wish I could have got to my current kit list without buying so much crap - out of the gate the army stuff seems to have worked out well, it's nowhere near as heavy as I thought.

I did wonder what you needed a rectal compass for but then I realised I was misreading 

[Dowser]

Looks like you've cut to the chase. Wish I could have got to my current kit list without buying so much crap - out of the gate the army stuff seems to have worked out well, it's nowhere near as heavy as I thought.

I did wonder what you needed a rectal compass for but then I realised I was misreading 

It's for when your standing on Cove and the fog comes in and you realise you don't know your Arse from your Elbow when it comes to map reading. 

[LennyJ1]

Well done for staying off the smokes, You never said how the solar charger got on. (at least I dont remember you saying about it)

so how did the charger get on?

[Dowser]

Well done for staying off the smokes, You never said how the solar charger got on. (at least I dont remember you saying about it)

so how did the charger get on?

Jurys still out on the charger.  Worked well for the first couple of weeks and it was all I used to charge my phone but, this week it hasn't been as efficient.  Either I haven't give it enough time to charge or the interanal battery is duff.  I'll keep you posted.

[LennyJ1]

Well done for staying off the smokes, You never said how the solar charger got on. (at least I dont remember you saying about it)

so how did the charger get on?

Jurys still out on the charger.  Worked well for the first couple of weeks and it was all I used to charge my phone but, this week it hasn't been as efficient.  Either I haven't give it enough time to charge or the interanal battery is duff.  I'll keep you posted.

Really happy for you staying off the smokes. big well done

[Dowser]

Really happy for you staying off the smokes. big well done

Thanks Lenny... I have to say it's definately not as easy as I thought it was gonna be.  I'm really struggling but haven't give in. 

[LennyJ1]

Really happy for you staying off the smokes. big well done

Thanks Lenny... I have to say it's definately not as easy as I thought it was gonna be.  I'm really struggling but haven't give in. 

Keep it going, if you need moral support give me a shout? "I have was of making you quit" (in a bad german accent lol)

[suspectmonkey]

Thats really nerdy... but I like it

Good job staying off the smokes, actually I meant to ask at the weekend as I didnt spy you rolling up on Binnian!   

[LennyJ1]

Just noticed no Camera or food.

[RedLeader]

I'm just thinking that if you added rough prices to the gear list it would be helpful to those just starting out.

[Dowser]

I'm just thinking that if you added rough prices to the gear list it would be helpful to those just starting out.

Will do.  I'll try and throw some figures up this evening 

[Dowser]

Just noticed no Camera or food.

I'm gonna be rethinking my Nikon D80 DSLR.  It's to big to be practical in a rucksack and the slightest hint of rain I'm tucking it away. Missed some great shots on the ridge crossing in Kerry because of the rain/hail.  I'm gonna be doing a bit of research into a top quality compact.  I'll be using the Nikon for the next few weeks, if I'm out, or my Nokia phone.  The Nokia actually has a great camera with all the usual options.

Food changes every time I go out... Sometimes it's Sirloin Steak with all the trimmings, other times it's Super Noodles and Kebab Meat.

Once I've developed the constitution of a Billy Goat I'll be able to survive on Wild Heather Soup and Nettles according to the SAS Handbook, therefore no need to carry food