Field Kit
Field Kit organization follows the "Circle of Accessibility" framework for optimized gear distribution based on usage patterns, time criticality, and operational constraints.
This system evolved from practical motorcycle-based field work where every item must justify its weight and space while maintaining multiple capability clusters.
Core Philosophy
Weight and Access Optimization
Equipment should be stored at the furthest accessible tier that doesn't compromise its utility. Each tier move inward approximately doubles the importance of weight and space efficiency.
Multi-Use Prioritization
Items that serve multiple functions across different scenarios receive higher placement priority, maximizing capability per unit weight.
Operational Resilience
The system assumes degraded conditions: limited mobility, reduced cognitive capacity during stress, and potential equipment loss or damage.
Tier Classification System
Scoring Framework
Each item receives a composite score based on four factors:
Time Criticality (T): 1-5 scale
- 5: Immediate need (< 5 minutes)
- 4: Very soon (< 1 hour)
- 3: Same day (< 24 hours)
- 2: This week (< 7 days)
- 1: Eventually (> 7 days)
Consequence Severity (C): 1-5 scale
- 5: Life-threatening if absent
- 4: Major health/safety impact
- 3: Significant discomfort/limitation
- 2: Notable inconvenience
- 1: Minor inconvenience
Weight/Space Penalty (W): 1-5 scale
- 5: Negligible
- 4: Light/Small
- 3: Moderate
- 2: Heavy/Bulky
- 1: Very Heavy/Bulky
Multi-Use Factor (M): 1-5 scale
- 5: Critical in 3+ scenarios
- 4: Important in 2+ scenarios
- 3: Critical in 1 scenario
- 2: Useful in multiple scenarios
- 1: Single specific use
Total Score = (T × 2) + (C × 2) + (W × 1.5) + (M × 1)
Tier Assignments
Tier 1: On-Person Kit (35-47.5 points)
The No-Question Layer - Must be immediately accessible and carried daily.
Core Survival:
- Fire starter (lighter + ferrorod)
- Emergency shelter (space blanket or ultralight shell)
- Water purification (tablets or filter straw)
- First aid basics (pressure dressing, medication)
- Communication device (phone, radio, or whistle)
Navigation and Documentation:
- Essential maps/coordinates
- Emergency contact information
- Cash and identification
- Writing implement
Multi-Tools:
- Primary cutting tool
- Cordage (10ft paracord)
- Flat tape (3ft rolled)
- Emergency patches
Tier 2: Vehicle/Pack Kit (25-34.5 points)
The Day-to-Week Layer - Accessible within 24 hours for extended operations.
Expanded Survival:
- Sleep system (20L dry bag capacity)
- Extended first aid kit
- Backup fire starting methods
- Area lighting and backup batteries
- Extended water storage and filtration
Professional Tools:
- Camera equipment and documentation tools
- Technical repair kit
- Extended communication gear
- Weather protection layers
Comfort and Logistics:
- Cooking system and utensils
- Personal hygiene supplies
- Clothing layers and spare socks/underwear
- Tool kit and repair materials
Tier 3: Base Cache (< 25 points)
The Extended Operation Layer - Accessible within 60 days for maintenance and resupply.
Bulk Supplies:
- Large quantities of consumables
- Seasonal gear and specialized clothing
- Full repair shop setup
- Document archive and reference materials
- Bulk food and water storage
Container System
Primary Containers
- 5.11 Rush 24 (128oz base): Main urban/wilderness capacity
- WLF Enduro Pack (70.5oz base): Motorcycle-specific kit
- Timbuk2 Waist Pack (70.5oz loaded): Active access layer
- Dry bags: Modular organization by capability cluster
Capability Clusters
Documentation System [~20oz total]
- Camera and lens
- Audio recording device
- Watercolor/sketch materials
- Field notebook and writing tools
Survival Core [~50oz total]
- Sleep system with weather protection
- Water procurement and treatment
- Fire starting and maintenance
- Emergency food and medication
Technical Support [~55oz total]
- Vehicle maintenance tools
- Power systems and charging
- Communication devices and backup methods
- Electronic repair and backup storage
Distribution Rules
Critical Redundancy
Backup versions of Tier 1 items should be stored in Tier 2. Essential capabilities must survive single-point failures.
Bulk Supply Tapering
Consumables distributed across tiers with quantities decreasing toward inner tiers:
- T1: 24-hour supply
- T2: 7-day supply
- T3: 30+ day backup
Seasonal Modifiers
Items may shift one tier inward during their primary season (winter insulation, summer cooling, etc.).
Weight Distribution Targets
- Tier 1: < 15% of body weight
- Tier 2: < 25% of body weight
- Tier 3: No specific limit
Maintenance Protocol
Quarterly Reviews
- Re-score items based on actual usage patterns
- Adjust tier placement for seasonal changes
- Verify expiration dates and condition of consumables
- Update emergency contact information and documentation
Post-Incident Updates
- Document what worked and what was missing
- Adjust scoring based on real-world performance
- Modify container organization based on access patterns
- Update procedures and checklists
Integration with Emergency Procedures
Field kit organization directly supports emergency runbooks:
- Vehicle Failure Runbook: Tools and spare parts in Tier 2, emergency communication in Tier 1
- Digital Security Incident Runbook: Backup devices and authentication in Tier 2, emergency contacts in Tier 1
- Solo Medical Emergency Runbook: First aid distributed across all tiers, emergency medication in Tier 1
The kit serves as the physical foundation that enables runbook procedures to be executed effectively under field conditions.
Personal Combat Kit
Operational loadout written with "Delta-cool / operator-gram / foggy pirate patch" energy. This is not cosplay — it’s functional war-paint.
Plate Carrier / Armor
Name | Type | Weight | Price | Status | Link | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Crye Precision JPC 2.0 | Plate Carrier | ~1 lb | $280 | AVAILABLE | Link | Ultralight, laser-cut, zero-drag |
Name | Type | Weight | Price | Status | Link | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RMA 1155 Level IV Multi-Curve Plates | Armor Plates | 8 lbs each | $220 x2 | AVAILABLE | Link | NIJ certified, multi-curve comfort |
Name | Type | Weight | Price | Status | Link | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Team Wendy EXFIL Ballistic Helmet | Helmet | 3 lbs | $1500 | AVAILABLE | Link | NVG ready, mission-spec protection |
Name | Type | Weight | Price | Status | Link | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Crye G3.5 Combat Pant | Apparel | -- | $500 | AVAILABLE | Link | Engineered second skin, reinforced knees |
Name | Type | Weight | Price | Status | Link | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Crye G3.5 Combat Shirt | Apparel | -- | $200 | AVAILABLE | Link | Moisture-wicking, stretch panels |
Name | Type | Weight | Price | Status | Link | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Esstac Triple 5.56 Tall KYWI | Magazine Pouch | -- | $70 | AVAILABLE | Link | Friction-locked, ultra-fast reloads |
Name | Type | Weight | Price | Status | Link | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Crye Modular Ballistic Collar | Neck Protection | -- | $340 | AVAILABLE | Link | Extended coverage, modular integration |
Name | Type | Weight | Price | Status | Link | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
WTF Slick Zip-On Panel (for JPC 2.0) | Back Panel | -- | $70 | AVAILABLE | Link | Streamlined storage, modular rear panel |
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Rifle / AR-15 Components
Name | Type | Weight | Price | Status | Link | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BCM MCMR-15 Free-Float M-LOK Handguard | Handguard | -- | $230 | AVAILABLE | Link | Aerospace-grade, lightweight, zero-flex |
Name | Type | Weight | Price | Status | Link | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Streamlight TLR-7X USB | Weapon Light | 2.4 oz | $160 | AVAILABLE | Link | 500 lumens, USB rechargeable, ambi paddles |
Name | Type | Weight | Price | Status | Link | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount 2 | Weapon Light (Alt) | 5 oz | $130 | AVAILABLE | Link | 625 lumens, remote pressure switch included |
Name | Type | Weight | Price | Status | Link | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RailScales G10 Covers | Rail Covers | -- | $50 | AVAILABLE | Link | Textured grip, heat mitigation |
Name | Type | Weight | Price | Status | Link | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Magpul XTM Covers | Rail Covers | -- | $20 | AVAILABLE | Link | Affordable, modular rail grip |
Name | Type | Weight | Price | Status | Link | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RailScales Karve Handstop | Handstop | -- | $85 | AVAILABLE | Link | Minimal forward grip, aggressive texture |
Name | Type | Weight | Price | Status | Link | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Strike Industries LINK Anchor | Handstop (Alt) | -- | $40 | AVAILABLE | Link | Compact, ergonomic, hybrid M-LOK/KeyMod |
Name | Type | Weight | Price | Status | Link | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dirty Bird M-LOK QD Sling Mount | Sling Attachment | -- | $25 | AVAILABLE | Link | Quick-detach, low-profile |
Name | Type | Weight | Price | Status | Link | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Magpul M-LOK Bipod Mount | Bipod Adapter | -- | $20 | AVAILABLE | Link | Optional precision support mount |