Maxpedition Monkey Admin Mini-Survival Kit

[The Stig]

I built a small survival kit based on the Maxpedition Monkey Admin Pouch (http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/MONKEY-COMBAT-ADMIN-POUCH-7p451.htm). It's main purpose in life is to ride in my overnight bag for work. If I'm traveling by car I've got a BOB and other supplies in my car, however, I have to occasionally fly and having something I can toss in the suitcase and at least have "something" with me is nice.

Here's a shot of the bag next to a BlackBerry to give you a size comparison. It's not small and is probably a bit large to consider it a "mini" kit. However, it's manageable in the bottom of an overnight bag or small suitcase.

http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee427/ltlabner/th_IMG_0262.jpg?t=1298911139

Looking down from the top you can see the various flaps and compartments in the admin pouch. This makes it handy to jam a lot of items inside the kit.

http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee427/ltlabner/IMG_0263.jpg?t=1298911244

Starting at the back of the pouch and moving forward....

There is a small pocket that has two large trashbags to use as expedient ponchos/shelters.

The first big pocket houses the big items. It contains a: ponch/space blanket, Surfire G2 light, Esbit stove, altoids tin full of dryer lint, 550 cord, kobalt multi-tool and knife.

http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee427/ltlabner/IMG_0264.jpg?t=1298911303

Next is a pocket with a velcro seal on top and two pulltabs to open it. Inside resides a compass and several batteries. I could likely fit something else in there but haven't decided what that will be as yet.

In the very front pocket (a shallow one) I have a sewing kit and a small screwdriver tool thingy.

Picture of all of the above.

http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee427/ltlabner/IMG_0265.jpg?t=1298911303

[The Stig]

In the larger of the front pockets (the one with several elastic tabs) rests a small notebook and pen. On the front of the pouch is a pull-down flap that is intended for a small map or ID. It's a plastic pocket of sorts and I keep a magnesium fire starter and flint.

Since I know you've all seen those items I'll combine into one picture.

http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee427/ltlabner/IMG_0266.jpg?t=1298911303

I don't have any medical supplies because I have another small med kit that rides in my overnight bag. However, in general I'm not totally satisfied with the layout of this kit (or having gear in two separate ones) so when life slows down after the move I will likely tear both of them apart and try to combine them. For it's size I can probably pack the gear in it more efficiently.

I have flown domestically with this kit in my checked in luggage and never had a problem. I honestly can't remember if I took it with me to Germany or not. Either way, flying domestically at least is no problem at all (and is also why the kit has no matches, lighters, trioxane, etc).

I've used the multitool several times while in hotel rooms to fix various things. In general, however, this is an "life has just gone totally to hell" sort of kit so I don't use many of the items out of it.

[mitunnelrat]

If I remember correctly, you also have a Versipack. Do you know, or can you check how well that fits in the main compartment for me? I'm developing my own love affair with Maxpedition, and that looks like it would be a solid piece to get next.

[The Stig]

If I remember correctly, you also have a Versipack. Do you know, or can you check how well that fits in the main compartment for me? I'm developing my own love affair with Maxpedition, and that looks like it would be a solid piece to get next.

Just "happened" to have an extra Jumbo Versapack laying around....

This mini-kit does fit inside the main pocket of a Jumbo Versapack. It eats up a ton of real-estate in there, however. You could get a few more things in the pocket, but not many.

I'll try to get some pics up later for you.

[RedJohn]

I purchased one recently, but I am not liking it too much. it is good though, but maybe not for me. I guess that I am used to backpacks too much.

[mitunnelrat]

Great, thanks! I'll be interested in seeing that. MY GHB build is nearly complete, so the space isn't much of an issue for me, but the BDU pocket organizer I currently have in there is bulky (too), inferior in workmanship and organization to your pouch, and largely incapable of being attached to other gear. I like knowing I can retask things when necessary.

On a side note, how long have your batteries been in the baggie, and have you had any trouble with them by doing that? I was going through some mini kits I made a while back for a couple family members, and the batteries had begun corroding.

[gunbuilder69]

That's a sound device right there. I have the fatboy in service right now and I pretty much use it for a pistol carrier.I have a winchester(made in china) multitool,a ColdSteel CIA spike,CRKT carson flipper,2 gel pens for writing,a lighter,a pelican 2360,a bottle of tylenol,1 pair of rubber gloves(I dont why,don't ask)
25' of cord and apack of kleenex.
I keep thinking I'm going to organize and place some more survival type items on board,but I personally find this particular pack get to bulky for what I bought it for.I think I just might go back to a day pack.we'll see.

[The Stig]

Here are some pics of the Monkey Admin pouch inside a Jumbo Versapack to give you an idea of how much space will be taken up.

http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee427/ltlabner/IMG_0267.jpg?t=1299032393

http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee427/ltlabner/IMG_0268.jpg?t=1299032393

In the second image I am having to force the opening of the Versapack open to obtain that space.

Hope this helps.

[mitunnelrat]

Quite a bit. Thank you for taking the time to do that.