Hi guys. Ideas on cheap kit.
- Tarp
- Knife
- Water purification
- Billy can
- Axe
- Etc
OK, here we go...
TARP: Not a tarp expert but if you want cheap *and* good, the British Army issue basha gets good reviews (I acquired one recently, mainly for an admin area outside the tent, but haven't used it yet). For myself, I have a Norwegian Army poncho which doubles as a small tarp, and have slept under comfortably in winter. It can also be folded and buttoned up into a bivvy bag. Canvas, heavy, but just about everything-proof. Makes a good groundsheet, too, if you really feel you need such a thing.
KNIFE: Second hand German Army Victorinox pocket knife. Comes with saw blade, screwdriver, can opener, awl and bottle opener. One of the best investments I ever made.
WATER PURIFICATION: Millbank bag to filter out the crap, then potassium permanganate crystals (about 4 per litre). If it's light pink, it's OK. (Permanganate has several other handy uses, too). Then boil for 60 seconds.
BILLY CAN: I use the aluminium cup that comes with the old French Army canteen, but if you want a cheap billy as well, the German Army do a canteen/cup/billy set which will set you back on eBay for about £12. I also have the Swedish Army 'Enmanskok' (affectionately known also as the Smutbucket) which comprises billy, frying pan/billy lid, windshield/stand and meths burner. You can get these for just a couple of quid more on eBay.
AXE: Years ago I was given a rusty old hatchet blade which I cleaned up, sharpened and hafted onto a 20inch length of ash (about the size of haft you'd normally expect on an axe head double the weight of a hatchet - say 3lbs). The longer haft makes it more versatile as a bushcraft tool without adding much extra weight. Car boot sales are the places to go - or consider a billhook instead. Whatever you do, avoid buying a new, cheap hatchet. I have never seen a good one. Or ask yourself: What do I really need an axe or a billhook for? If asked I'd always say a novice might want to save up and get a decent khukuri instead, which will do the work of most knives and most axes together, if used properly.
ETC: As you may already have guessed, I'm a fan of ex-military kit as offering (usually) the best combination of affordability, durability and reliability. For rucksacks, dossbags, boots, I tend always to check out what NATO surplus has to offer online first, before looking elsewhere (though some items are becoming chic these days and are overpriced). But for other things, such as a torch or a sleeping mat, I grit my teeth and pay full whack for something designed for the civilian market.