Possibles Bag

This is not a "survival kit" in the sense they are normally thought of. This is a "Possibles". A survival kit is intended for emergencies. A Possibles is meant for everyday use. 18th century trappers used to carry a bag that carried everything that was possible for them to need in a day. I liked the idea and decided to carry my own but adapt it for modern life.

This is the third year that I will be carrying one. I've gone through several different bags, the one I have now is a good balance of size and portability. I got it at a local military surplus store so I can't recommend looking for this exact bag, but I'll discuss why I like this one.

I'll also be deconstructing my bag and rebuilding it with some new ideas that I got from looking at the survival kit instructables.

Aside from having the resources in this bag at my disposal at all times, it also helps me to not forget things because they're all in one place. I usually don't loose my keys, because they go on my Possibles. I don't loose my phone because it's in my Possibles. I have on occasion misplaced my Possibles, but it's kinda big and not easy to miss.

Step 1: Don't Call It A Man Bag

I don't like the term man bag or Murse. It makes it sound like it's an aberration for a man to carry anything other than a wallet. I like the term possibles (even if it is a bit awkward) because it is a man's term. In fact it's a MOUNTAIN MAN'S term. You can't mistake a mountain man for a girly man. It's not up for debate.

In order to intellectually distance my possibles from a purse, it does not have a strap that goes over the shoulder (it originally did but I took it off). It has a carabiner that hooks to my belt, pants or pocket. It works just as well, maybe a little better because a purse strap puts uneven weight on one shoulder and actually hurts after a while. Hooking to a belt doesn't seem to have the same negative effect.

What I like about this bag
It's relatively small and light.
It substitutes for a wallet.
It has a number of different sized pockets that are suited for medium to small sized items.
It has two sturdy D rings on the sides that make hanging things off it and hanging it practical.
It's exterior is very sturdy and has held up under everyday use.

If you can find a bag that does those things you'll do well.

What I don't like about this bag
It can be complicated to open and get to things in the deep insides.
The belt loop is vertical instead of horizontal. I would use the belt loop if it were horizontal.
Some of the lining is all that holds things in the top pocket and has fallen apart. (Fortunately my wife is a skilled seamstress.)

Comments

[badwooki]

super glue is being used now for closing wounds that would take old butterflies ,.. and dental floss(waxed) can be used for most field repairs of gear and clothing i usually keep a needle in the floss container... very good ible .... i like it

[PappyGeek]

I switched to a Maxpedition Versipak with the shoulder strap. Very functional .
http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/JUMBO-K-I-S-S-4p1479.htm

[EmmettO]

That definitely has some cargo capacity to it! I think I would go for that if I wanted to carry a water bottle. My rig would be inadequate for that.

[PappyGeek]

Yep, one of the reasons I chose it. I can fit a 6x8 moleskin notebook, a point & shoot camera, a blood sugar kit, business cards, a flashlight, my phone, a magnetic extendable probe, a combination mini-screwdriver and still have room left over. It has a drawstring & waterproof skirt for bad weather as well as an additional compartment that I can put private things in. There is a carabiner for my keys and it also has a belt as well as the shoulder strap. I use the belt when in high traffic situations(on bus, train, game) for additional security.

[train10]

Cool concept. I've been back and forth between backpack, small satchel, and pockets only. A good source for your tactical nylon is County Comm. Plus they sell other cool gear. Check them out at http://www.countycomm.com/.

[lafnbear]

I take it back; previous item I linked to might be an alternative, but I looked a little further... here's a much closer match to your bag: http://goo.gl/3Zd3z

[EmmettO]

The one thing that pack doesn't have is the D rings on the sides. You probably could come up with a different way of hanging the pack, but I like the D rings for hanging my keys on. Still it's really up to the person that's going to carry/wear it.

[CrLz]

Sound wisdom, Pilgrim.

[fondyin]

I have just one question. Where might I be able to find a bag like this one?

[EmmettO]

That's a tough one, I haven't been able to find a bag quite like this one. When I got it, it was simply called a "tactical pouch" in an army surplus store. Being black, I don't think it was a military issue pouch but more intended for something like a swat team member. That's just my guess though.

[fondyin]

Thanks. I have a collection of bags that I use when hunting, fishing, hiking, and things like that. I am currently putting together a small bag like this to carry in everyday situations. Thanks again for the info.

[EmmettO]

This is really close.

[EmmettO]

Okay I did some more digging, I knew that if I could get the right search terms I'd find something. This is some kind of a "Tactical Admin Pouch". There are a number of pretty decent styles out there but I can't find this exact one. Most Admin pouches are made for carrying maps this one isn't. Maybe theres another term that I'm missing but I'm getting closer

[lafnbear]

Better match: http://goo.gl/3Zd3z

[lafnbear]

EmmettO: the other term you're looking for is MOLLE; see wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MOLLE_(military);
and here's a close alternative (probably a modern, newer variation; different configuration, but close, and very economical) for the bag you have: http://goo.gl/sIsVv