This can be called a number of things; a possibles pouch, an edc (everyday carry) kit, survival kit or a new one I just saw was P.O.M. (peace of mind) kit. The possibles pouch comes from the fur trapper time period where mountain men would carry these pouches on their saddles for the possibilities that may arise while they were out riding and checking traps.

Fast forward to the present and the idea behind these types of kits hasn’t changed much however I like to think of it as a tool kit to use while out in the backcountry. Something to pull from to not only survive but to thrive on adventures.

I think it is important to note, this pouch along with all of my gear is ever evolving as I get out into the backcountry. A general guideline I used to help build this kit was the 10 essentials. Those are navigation, sun protection, lights, first aid kit, shelter, repair kit & tools, fire, nutrition, hydration and additional clothing. These all need to be stored somewhere maybe a backpack, a couple of pouches, etc. I have these spread between a couple of kits and my possibles pouch mainly touches on the shelter, repair kit & tools, fire, hydration, lighting and nutrition part of the 10 essentials. In addition, I have also added a sharpie and rite in the rain notebook based on past experiences.

Contents:

I chose a fanny pack (Hyperlite Mountain Gear 5L Versa Lite Fanny Pack) after watching a couple of YouTube videos (highly recommend going down that rabbit hole). This just extends the uses, in conjunction with a backpack or a tote and on its own.

Fire kit- pyro putty, gerber ferro rod and striker, two extra bic lighters.

Duct Tape- gear repair, equipment repair and back up fire starter source.

Repair- Zip ties, gear aid repair patches, paracord (550 reflective), super glue tubes (in Ziplock in case they leak). The paracord, zip ties and super glue can help repair gear as well as help or assist in shelter making if necessary. Could also potentially be used in conjunction with the first aid kit and splinting and closing wounds. The gear aid patches are for repairing jackets, backpacks, tents and other gear of that nature.

Tools- Silky Pocket Boy Saw is helpful in clearing a trail or cutting wood to assist in splint or for firewood. Leatherman Signal is built for adventure including a ferro rod, an emergency whistle, a hammer surface and a combo blade. The ferro rod and emergency whistle are backup. The hammer surface can be used to pound stakes, and the combo blade helps to assist in cutting paracord. Benchmade Mini Bugout is a great slim profile folding knife with S30VN steel.

Nutrition- Granola bars as an extra snack in case I forget one or someone I’m hiking with forgets a snack. This can also be beneficially if staying out longer than expected. Mtn Ops Electrolyte S.T.M. pouches (3) and Honey Stinger Energy gel are great options for energy boost and assisting with hydration.

Shelter-Survive Outdoors Longer emergency bivy sack

Lighting- I have my main headlamp in my hiking backup and the Coast FL1R headlamp is my affordable backup headlamp with 3 modes, can be clipped on, is rechargeable and small so doesn’t take up a lot of space. I can also loan this out if someone needs one and if I don’t get it back it wasn’t expensive and can be replaced relatively easily.

Sharpie with electrical tape wrapped around it- the sharpie is for note taking as well as for marking flies or lures, first aid uses such as marking a tourniquet or other important notes on arm. The electrical tape is another

Rite in the Rain Notebook- for note taking or leaving messages for other people or rescuers.

Hydration-Aquamira water purification tablets, this system is a two-part system. It doesn’t take up a lot of space and there are a ton of tablets so I can purify a bunch of water for myself and or other people.