Short Hike Side Carry Rig

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Short Hike Side Carry Rig

By John D. McCann

As I've indicated before, I really like a small pack for day hikes... However, for short hikes, or exploring for edibles, etc. I like to carry the basic, but be relatively light. I've tried various side carry bags, like the Fatboy, etc, but keep going back to one I made many years ago.

It started with a Tiger Stripe Canteen Pouch which was made for me by Eagle Industries. I had also purchased some of the Tiger Stripe M-16 Mag pouches. These pouches had small pouches sewed on the sides. I thought I might takes some of those pouches off and sew them onto the canteen pouch to hold smaller items. I also sewed a "D" ring on each side so I could attach a shoulder strap. It worked, but I always like to have a HD Survival Blanket with me for so many reasons, to include a quick shelter.

I tried various configurations, and finally came up with sewing up a sort-of pouch on the back of the shoulder strap, with a cover that holds the blanket in the pouch, with an elastic strap. I also added a horizontal elastic strap to hold the blanket in line with the pouch.

Now I have a canteen pouch with cup, metal canteen, a poncho under the canteen, some aluminum foil, and a small piece of painters drop cloth. One of the side pouches holds my survival kit tin and a smaller tin for minor 1st aid essentials. The pouch on the other side holds coffee bags, creamer and sugar, and a folding titanium spoon. The larger front pouch holds my canteen cup cover, a bail, my Esbit stove with 4 fuels tabs and modifications (shown on another thread). Behind the front pouch (which is only sewed on the sides and bottom to leave a flat pouch between the front pouch and the canteen pouch) is a OD RAT IZULA (Can always use another knife).

Of course, my Compass/Signal Mirror pouch (Click Here for details) is on the front of the carry strap.

Anyway... Here are some pictures:

This is a front view of the side carry rig.

A side view of the side carry rig.

A rear view of the rig showing the blanket pouch.

A view of the custom blanket pouch closed.

A view of the custom blanket pouch open.

A view of the main canteen pouch with added pouches to front and side.

The left side pouch with the survival tins.

I find this rig adequately provides me with the stuff I need for a short hike. For cordage, I always carry a pocket pallet with 35' of parachute cord in my right rear pocket, so I'm always covered for cordage.

We hope you enjoyed this article and, as always, Be Prepared To Survive!

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