~ The Personal Kit Roll ~

A Simple Solution for Keeping Track of Small Items in the Field

Not too long ago I purchased a new, Duluth style backpack, a bare bones type of pack made from tin cloth and leather, to use on future trips. Anyone familiar with these packs from the past will know that there are very few if any small pockets, slots or other cubby-holes in which personal items such as gun cleaning rods and supplies, fire starting tools, pliers, and other knick-knacks that are easily misplaced or lost can be stored.

Well, the other day at work, while straightening up after a surgery, I noticed a simple canvas tool roll used to contain and protect a set of chisel-like dentistry tools used for extracting teeth. I couldn't help glancing back at the the roll while I was cleaning wondering if something similar would work to contain some smaller items I use in the outdoors.

Even though that particular type of tool roll would have worked fine for a few of my items, it lacked the type of versatility I was looking for. So after searching about several tool oriented websites, I finally came across this nifty little tool roll sold through The Duluth Trading Company.

Personal Kit Roll (PKR) in its "stowed" position

A tool roll is basically a piece of fabric with a row of pockets sewn in to hold small hand tools. Once the tools are in place, the entire package is rolled up and secured with a strap.

PKR unrolled

This particular tool roll that I'm working with has pockets on both sides. The openings to these pockets all face to the inside which in turn prevents items from falling out the ends.

While it would be easy for me to start cramming every little gizmo I could find into the roll, I made sure I limited myself to items that I've used on a regular basis on past trips. In doing this, I had a few empty pockets left over should I wish to add something to the kit in the future.

Row 1 (left to right)

ceramic sharpening stick

brush (used for cleaning dust and debris from firearms, camera, etc.)

pencils

spare battery for flashlight

flashlight

spoon

lip balm

550 cord (4 separate bundles for easier handling)

trash bags

Row 2 (left to right)

candles

insect repellent

magnesium fire starting tool (top), pouch containing 50 rounds .22 caliber ammunition (bottom)

signal mirror (above), compass/thermometer (below)

oil soaked cloth in ziplock bag / .44 caliber cleaning patches (can be cut down to .22)

pliers

bore jags and brushes

There's a trio of small pockets at the top of the roll which proved to be the ideal size for holding the plastic film containers I use to contain several varieties of fire-starting tinder. I also like the grommets at the top which I feel would work well for suspending the PRK from a nail or branch.

What I like most about the Personal Kit Roll is that my small, essential items can be transferred to another backpack or bag without having to re-organize everything. Also, by adding a simple shoulder strap, I feel the PRK would make an ideal grab-and-go-kit for day hikes and other short trips when an unexpected fall or mishap may occur.

At this point it would be easy to say that the PKR is going to work perfectly but until I'm able to get it out into the field for some real world testing, it will have to remain just that. An idea.

Eric