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EVERYDAY CARRY FOR LIFE’S JOURNEY

Ⓒ Gallantry 2024

EDC CAMP GUIDE: PACKING FOR THE WEEKEND WARRIOR

EDC CAMP GUIDE: PACKING FOR THE WEEKEND WARRIOR

David Spielman
15 minute read

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Vince Vaughn going full Weekend Warrior in Into The Wild
“You got to listen to me on this one, kid. Just don’t leave here and go full Weekend Warrior on me until you’ve got your EDC adventure kit packed with the good stuff from Gallantry, you know what I mean?”
- Wayne Westerberg (Vince Vaughn), Into the Wild (2007)

THE GALLANTRY MAN WEEKEND WARRIOR

The expression “Weekend Warrior” has been with us for a long time. In the 1980’s, it even had an anthem (see “ Working for the Weekend”).

According to Merriam-Webster, a “Weekend Warrior” is a person who participates in a usually physically strenuous activity only on weekends or part-time.”

In the context of the military, a “Weekend Warrior” is the name for a Reservist that attends weekend meetings of his or her unit in order to fulfill their military obligations.

According to Urban Dictionary, a “Weekend Warrior” is “a person who holds a regular job during the week which restricts their ability to party/go on trips/partake in awesome activities, and thus plans epic weekend adventures to compensate. As much variation and quantity of awesomeness is packed into the weekends as physically possible, warranting the rest of the work week to recharge for the next weekend.”

We dig it. We dig it heavy.

For all intents and purposes, any one of these definitions – solo or combined with another - works for us. In other words, the expression “Weekend Warrior” is highly versatile.

Since the Gallantry Man is known for his unmatched preparation skills, it only makes sense that this trait is also a defining feaure of the Gallantry Man Weekend Warrior. A quintessential Renaissance Man, the Gallantry Weekend Warrior is not only an EDC afficianado known for his superb taste in everyday carry, but an individual of superior intellect, someone that knows that being prepared translates into having total peace of mind, an exercise that allows such an individual to fully enjoy their leisure time with the security that accompanies knowing you’re ready for any circumstance that might arise.

With the arrival of fall, it only makes sense to highlight and celebrate one of our favorite Weekend Warrior archetypes. That’s right. We’re talking about…

Vince Vaught going Weekend Warrior in Wedding Crashers
“It’s Weekend Warrior season, kid! I got us down for seventeen weekend camping trips already.”
– Jeremy Grey (Vince Vaughn), Wedding Crashers (2005)

THE CAMPING WEEKEND WARRIOR

Few things in life bring about that one-of-a-kind sense of satisfaction that accompanies being on your A-game and absolutely crushing your work week. That well-deserved feeling you have truly earned a weekend enjoying one of your favorites activities, camping.

Turning the cell phone off (or leaving it behind altogether), reconnecting with nature, enjoying the fruits of your labor – it all adds up to a restorative experience that is positive for mind, body, and soul.

At Gallantry, we’ve never been more pumped to not only get our Camping Weekend Warrior on, but to show you the carefully curated everyday carry adventure kit that we’ve assembled for the occasion.

It’s damn-near perfect if we may say so ourselves.

Shooting the bull before a weekend retreat

Nothing better than some laughs and shooting the bull about Gallantry EDC with the boys before an epic weekend retreat.

THE GALLANTRY MAN EDC ADVENTURE KIT

We’ve spent a lot of time, thought, and energy into the final draft our final EDC Weekend Warrior adventure kit, judiciously selecting each product based on the sufficiency of its Gallantry Man “preparation x-factor”, so please excuse us if we seem, well, just downright giddy about the fact that we’re bringing our freshly organized everyday carry kit along with us when we hit the road the second Happy Hour hits this Friday.

Friends, fellow everyday carry enthusiasts, adventure is right around the corner. So, without any further adieu, let’s get into it!

First up, we’ve got the foundational item for our entire kit…


“If you’re not starting your bag off with a VSSL, there’s nothing even really to talk about. You know what I mean?”

THE VSSL CAMP SUPPLIES COMPACT ADVENTURE KIT FROM VSSL

VSSL Camp Supplies Black

It’s as if the pre-packed, ready-to-go VSSL CAMP SUPPLIES ADVENTURE KIT FROM VSSL was created in a lab for the Camping Weekend Warrior. Flawlessly stocked with over 70 pieces of essential outdoor gear, it’s really the base everyday carry item you’ll want for your next outdoor adventure. Made with indestructible, waterproof military-grade aluminum that ensures all of your essentials remain dry and safe in any environment, this brilliantly crafted EDC legend contains a Mini First Aid Kit, Compass, Rope + Razor Kit, Water Purification Kit, Firestarter Kit, Fishing Kit, Wire Saw, Misc. Gear Kit, Adventure Tape, an Expandable Bamboo Cloth, and a Pure Canadian Beeswax Candle. In other words, owning a VSSL is akin to a guarantee that you’re next adventure is also your best adventure.

Everything you need and then some. What more could you want in an EDC first draft pick?

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Packed with over 70 essential items for camping and adventure
  • Built from 6061 Military Grade Aluminum, Waterproof
  • 4-Mode LED Light (High, Medium, Red, and SOS)
  • Contains a Mini First Aid Kit, Compass, Rope + Razor Kit, Water Purification Kit, Firestarter Kit, Fishing Kit, Wire Saw, Misc Gear Kit, Adventure Tape, an Expandable Bamboo Cloth, and a Pure Canadian Beeswax Candle
  • 9" Tall, 2" Diameter

Available in Black and Silver

VSSL Camp Supplies Compact Adventure Kit

VSSL Camp Supplies Compact Adventure Kit

$135.00

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] VSSL CAMP Supplies is perfectly stocked with over 70 pieces of essential outdoor gear. It’s like the multi-tool of camp lights, and it'll change the way you prepare for outdoor adventure. Contains a Mini First Aid… read more

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Next up, our a la carte compass of choice…

Bill Murray“Well, well, well. If it isn’t the guy who forgot to pack his everyday carry keychain compasses.”
- ‘Tripper’ Harrison (Bill Murray), Meatballs (1979)

THE CMP-2 KEYCHAIN COMPASS FROM MECARMY

MecArmy CMP-2 Keychain Compass

Ask any EDC enthusiast that really knows their stuff and they’ll tell you the same thing – the compass is a critical piece of gear for any serious Weekend Warrior adventurer. As such, it is our good fortune that the MECARMY CMP-2T KEYCHAIN COMPASS exists, tough enough to endure any journey you choose to embark on.

Inspired by the design of mechanical instruments, this sandblasted titanium compass is built with specialized encapsulation technology with high sensitivity that guarantees to be able to provide you with precise readings anywhere. This well-oiled CNC machined piece of gear can also glow in the dark for up to six hours, so you’ll be able to navigate without so much as breaking a sweat under the stars. To top things off, this banger of a IPX-5 waterproof compass includes a D-type keyring attachment and a beaded chain should you want to wear it as a pendant in order to keep it close at all times. After all, you never know, right?

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Sandblasted titanium construction
  • Special encapsulation technology
  • Glows in the dark up to 6 hours
  • CNC machined
  • D-type keyring attachment
  • Beaded chain included
  • IPX-5 water-resistant
  • 1.48" L x 0.925" W x 0.51" H
  • 0.49 oz

Available in Sandblasted Titanium

CMP-2 Keychain Compass

CMP-2 Keychain Compass

$39.99

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] A compass is a critical piece of gear for any serious adventurer and the CMP-2T is tough enough for any excursion. Inspired by the design of mechanical instruments, this sandblasted titanium compass features specialized encapsulation… read more

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Gary Busey ordering Keanu Reeves around in Point Break
“Utah! Get me two [compasses from Gallantry]!”
- Agent Angelo Pappas (Gary Busey), Point Break (1991)

Hey, you know us. We like having backups for damn near everything, ‘cause, you know…you never know. Call it insurance. Call it being on-brand. Hey, look it, call it whatever you want. Just know this. For this upcoming weekend? Oh yeah. We’ve got our second compass pick lined up and ready-to-go.

We’ve got…

THE CMP KEYCHAIN COMPASS FROM MECARMY

MecArmy CMP Keychain Compass Brass

Not to beat a dead horse, but a compass really is one of the most valuable tools any explorer or adventurer can have on their person. It’s precisely why the MECARMY CMP KEYCHAN COMPASS is so money – you can keep one at your side at all times, day or night. This tiny 1.08" keychain compass, machined from brass, also contains highly-sensitive special encapsulation technology to ensure that your readings are always unequivocally hitting the accuracy bullseye. And it doesn’t stop there, either. With fluorescent glow-in-the-dark markings that keep it illuminated for up to 6 hours, this EDC beauty is also IPX5 water-resistant, weighs about 1/3 of an ounce, and has a D-type keychain attachment.

Convenient and compact, there’s not a reason in the world to not have one on you when you’re in a tent state-of-mind.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Brass construction
  • High-sensitivity readings from special encapsulation tech
  • Glows in the dark up to 6 hours
  • CNC machined
  • D-type keyring attachment
  • Beaded chain included
  • IPX5 water-resistant
  • 0.32 oz weight
  • 1.08" L x 0.886" W x 0.34" D

Available in Brass/Titanium

CMP Keychain Compass

CMP Keychain Compass

$19.90

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] A compass is one of the most valuable tools any explorer or adventurer can have on their person and, with the MecArmy CMP, you can keep one at your side at all times. This tiny… read more

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Now that you’ve got your VSSL and compass game tight, it’s clear what everyday carry item has to come next on the list – or at least it should be. So, if you’re thinking “flashlight,” hey, Bingo was his name-o and you, dear friend, are not only a genius, but also absolutely 100% correct (but you knew that already – that’s why you’re reading this right now!).

The kids from Stand by Me wishing they had bought some EDC Camp gear from Gallantry“I wish we would’ve just gotten two of everything on the list we saw in the most recent Dispatch from Gallantry. Those guys have never let us down. Ever!”
- Stand By Me (1986)

THE ILLUMINEX-4S FROM MECARMY

MecArmy Illuminex-4S Red

This might be a hot take, but truth be told, we still think the true value of having a good flashlight on you is underrated. What makes the MECARMY ILLUMINEX-4S such a solid addition to any EDC Weekend Warrior camping getaway adventure kit is that while the flashlight is small enough to fit on your keyring, it still packs a slam, bam, thank you, Ma’am wallop of brightness, so much so that even larger lights don’t pack as much.

We all drop tiny screws or need to take a peek under the hood of our vehicles in the middle of the night on occasion. With the Illuminex-4S, the stress that usually accompanies these circumstances goes right out the window. Poof! Gone! When you’re prepared, who cares? It’s no big deal.

Packing a 130-lumen maximum output into an anodized aluminum flashlight, one that's about the size of a AAA battery and can be attached to your keychain, is impressive enough. Add to the fact that this one is rechargeable via a micro USB in a mere hour, and, well, you’ve got yourself what we call an EDC must-have.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Anodized aluminum construction
  • CREE-XP G2 LED
  • 130 lumens maximum output
  • High and low output modes
  • 6 hour maximum runtime
  • 10180 lithium ion battery
  • Micro USB rechargeable in 1 hour
  • Simple twist switch operation
  • IPX8 waterproof to 2m
  • Impact resistant to 1.5m
  • Micro USB cable not included
  • 8.9g
  • 1.61" L x 0.5" D

Available in Black/Red/Blue/Gray

IllumineX-4S

IllumineX-4S

$23.99

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] The value of a good flashlight is underrated. And one that's small enough to fit on your keyring while still packing some real brightness is all the more rare. The next time you drop a… read more

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With us being who we are and all, you already knew we were going to get into the everyday knives we’re packing sooner or later. This weekend, our first knife selection is a no-brainer.

Powers Boothe in Southern Comfort“I told you not to touch the everyday carry knives in my fresh Gallantry pack, bro!”
- Corporal Charles Hardin (Powers Boothe), Southern Comfort (1981)

THE CARTER KNIFE FROM THE JAMES BRAND

The James Brand Carter Black Stainless

You see, whether you’re trekking through the foliage of the wild or driving on a seemingly endless road, you can rest assured knowing full well that THE JAMES BRAND CARTER KNIFE will deliver the performance goods in any scenario that might present itself. Not only does this versatile EDC cutting tool have a 2.8” VG-10 drop point blade and a corrosion-resistant G10 or Micarta handle, but it also features The James Brand’s new Ambi-Slider ergonomic ambidextrous locking mechanism. In simple terms, The Carter is the perfect sidekick for your next adventure. Rock and roll.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • 2.8” drop point VG-10 blade
  • G10 handle
  • 416 Stainless steel/ black-oxide hardware
  • Phosphor bronze washers
  • Ambi-slider Locking mechanism

Available in Black/Stainless

Sorry we’re not sorry, because, yeah, we’re packing two knives. Would we really be authentic when it comes to consistently doing the Gallantry Man credo justice if we weren’t? We think not. We do, however, think this next everyday carry knife is frickin’ awesome.


“Ladies, ladies. Please. I know you like my badass EDC knives from Gallantry but I’m only one man. Sure, yes, a Gallantry Man, but still just one man nonetheless. ”

THE FOLSOM KNIFE FROM THE JAMES BRAND

The James Brand Folsom Black Black

Born out of their passion and obsession with quality design and materials, THE JAMES BRAND FOLSOM KNIFE is one helluva sleek EDC folding blade. From its handsome, corrosion resistant Carpenter CTS-BD1 blade steel (one that really does hold an edge like a boss), to its G10 scaled handle that offers a unique combination of lightness, toughness, and superb gripping power, this might just be the ultimate everyday carry knife. Paired with its reversible ambidextrous pocket clip? All we can say is “Hello, Adventure!”

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Carpenter CTS-BD1 steel
  • G10 Handle scales
  • Black oxide coated 416 stainless hardware
  • Tip up ambidextrous pocket clip
  • Phosphor bronze washers
  • Liner lock
  • Thumb hole deployment
  • 3.4 oz weight
  • 2.81" Drop point blade
  • 4" handle
  • 6.75" overall

Available in Black/Black, Black/Stainless, OD Green/Stainless

The Folsom Knife

The Folsom Knife

$109.00

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Born out of their passion and obsession with quality design and materials, The James Brand's Folsom folding knife is an incredible EDC blade. Its VG10 blade steel is corrosion resistant and holds an edge extremely well. And… read more

We know what you’re thinking. How are you going to carry all these fire everyday carry items? Have no fear, because we’ve got the perfect backpack to store these goodies and, you know, CARRY STRONG!

Dan Aykroyd with EDC Gear
“Don’t you even start with me, pal. I sent you that issue of The Dispatch covering essential EDC gear for the Camping Weekend Warrior three times and you know it.”
- Roman Craig (Dan Aykroyd), The Great Outdoors (1988)

URBAN ASSAULT PACK 18 FROM MYSTERY RANCH

Mystery Ranch Desert Fox

The smaller, more versatile cousin to the 21 and 24, the MYSTERY RANCH URBAN ASSAULT PACK 18 is the perfect daypack for your urban adventures. Constructed with no-nonsense, high-tenacity 500D Cordura fabric and YKK zippers, this 18L 3-Zip backpack is tough enough to stand up to any obstacle in your way. With a floating padded sleeve to fit your laptop, a crisp document compartment, interior dump pockets, external bottle holders, and a full-length HDPE frame sheet, you’ll be able to carry all your crucial gear to traverse the concrete jungle. Inspired by military rucksacks, the Urban Assault 18 is a nimble, rugged choice for your everyday carry, both on and off the grid.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • 500D Cordura exterior
  • 3-Zip design with YKK zippers
  • Floating padded sleeve for laptops up to 15-inches
  • Full-length plastic frame sheet
  • Document pocket
  • Two interior zippered mesh pockets
  • Lid pouch
  • 1.8 lbs
  • 18 L capacity

Available in Black and Desert Fox

Matador Freefly16 Packable Daypack
“Hit me with me my Freefly16 Daypack, bro!”

THE FREEFLY16 PACKABLE DAYPACK FROM MATADOR

Matador Freefly16 Packable Daypack

If your outdoor adventures call for speed, stealth, and precision, then the ultra-light, super compact, and collapsible MATATOR FREEFLY16 PACKABLE DAYPACK is the adventure-ready (ready for anything, really) bag with your name on it. Made from waterproof 30D Cordura ripstop nylon with a siliconized waterproof coating and water-resistant zippers, no weather can stop this pack from performing brilliantly. Not only can it effortlessly collapse down smaller than a soda can, it also expands to a roomy 16L of internal space - perfect for short and quick excursions. And get this, that store? Yeah, it’s spread across two compartments, one large main pouch and a smaller external zippered pocket, enabling it to comfortably ride your shoulders courtesy of its non-absorbing contoured load-distributing shoulder straps.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Waterproof 30D Cordura ripstop nylon exterior
  • Siliconized waterproof coating
  • Water-resistant zippers
  • Large main compartment
  • Small external zippered pocket
  • Ergonomic weight distributing shoulder straps
  • Detachable roll top storage bag
  • Internally sealed seams
  • 16L capacity
  • 4.8 oz weight
  • 4.75" H x 2.75" D when collapsed
  • 17" H x 11" W x 8" D

Available in Charcoal

Kiefer Sutherland craving a bag of Gallantry EDC in Stand By Me“You! I want your bag of Gallantry EDC!”
– John “Ace” Merrill (Kiefer Sutherland), Stand by Me (1986)

EVERYMAN HIDEOUT DOPP KIT

With this nearly indestructible EVERYMAN HIDEOUT DOPP KIT, the days of you having to put your valuable hygiene products into flimsy, thoughtless bags are officially over. Made from super tough 1680D PU-lined ballistic nylon with a PVC base, this lightweight, tear-resistant, water-resistant bag comes with a laminated zip-out liquids pouch, a built-in padded glasses case, a toothbrush stand, and so, so much more. Your dopp kit should be as fresh as your appearance after you use its contents. With this bag, it’s never been easier to get the job done.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • 1680D PU-lined ballistic nylon exterior
  • 800g PVC base
  • YKK Easy Pull zipper
  • Mesh laminated zip-out liquids pocket
  • Padded glasses case
  • Toothbrush stand/charging port
  • Guaranteed for life
  • 12 oz weight
  • 9" L x 6" H x 4" D

Available in Black

STREAMING THE EDC CAMP GUIDE

Jeremy Renner in Wind River“Put the Camping Weekend Warrior Adventure Kit down. All that top-notch EDC comes directly from Gallantry, so I’m not going to ask twice.”
- Cory Lambert (Jeremy Renner), Wind River (2017)

We’re big fans of Texas-bred Writer/Director Taylor Sheridan ( Sicario, Hell or High Water, Yellowstone) at Gallantry Headquarters, so we’re getting in a Weekend Warrior state of mind this week by watching Wind River, his 2017 neo-Western starring rumored Gallantry Man Jeremy Renner (in his best role and performance since The Town) as a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service tracker attempting to solve a murder on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming.

Stream this pulse-pounding thriller on Netflix tonight here .

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