Although house keys aren’t a subject that jumps out at you, it’s obvious that Ranulph Fiennes, Ray Mears and Chris Bonington are probably all carrying them right now. Since you’ll always have your keys with you, you can put additional equipment with them, which can save hours of your time.
The right balance is important though, too much stuff on there, and they become cumbersome and untidy. Over time, I’ve found what I think is the right balance (for me at least), so this week’s short post is about the contents of my key fob.
First decision, which actual keys to put on there ?. The keys to the garden shed can be stored in the house and don’t need to be with you every minute of every day.
Minimalist is best. I have a polymer Rockdoor at home, so the key on the left locks the door in 12 places and can withstand a police door jam for upto an hour.
The only other key I carry, is a spare for my bikelock.
A nightmare scenario for me would be out on a ride, stopping for a pint and realising I’ve locked my bike and the key has dropped in a stream or something.
I can nearly always locate something to write on, but something to write with, not so often.
Obviously, I have a notebook and pen with me wherever I go, but if their out of reach and I need to fill in a form… write down a phone number…
The Trueutility telescopic pen is superb for this.
The ink cartridges aren’t very big but I’m not writing an epic. It also features a sort of stylus for writing on tablets, but I found it to be too big and largely useless.
You can get the newer version here.
So for the actual key fob. I can’t take the credit for this.
Years ago, Sue Llewelyn from Fairbridge Drake (an outdoor charity where I used to volunteer) used a small climbing sling a key fob.
It was a perfect fit, as it was light, hard wearing yet weighed practically nothing. It’s only the 2nd one I’ve needed in 30 years it’s that hard-wearing.
Rock Empire don’t seem to make them any more, but you can get one like this from DMM.
A USB key, just a few observations about the one I have, and how I use it.
A few DONT’S
1. Put a plastic one on your keys, the other items on there will destroy it (this one is mostly stainless steel).
2. Get one with moving parts, sliders, or any faf like that.
3. Buy one with any complex encryption. Keep it simple, you can zip/password pictures of your passport, driving licence etc.
A few DO’S
1. Get at least USB 3.1 (the blue one). you’ll only be using this as a last resort, so you don’t have hours to wait while it copies the data.
2. Create a simple text file named NOK with next of kin details and contacts, and medication you’re taking, any medical conditions you have.
3. Get something at least 128 gig (that’s 128 billion characters) if not, at least 64 gig.
On my USB key I have:
A couple of films I haven’t seen and some software I use like Greenshot, VLC media Player, 7 zip, just in case I don’t have access to the internet.
A zipped version of the documents mentioned above and a folder called \Pictures to develop. I put things in there, so when I pass Max Speilman, I can just pop in and develop the pictures I want without incident.
Like the pen example above, I normally have a Swiss army knife or Leatherman with me at all times, but for the occasions that I don’t, this thing comes to the fore.
In terms of a keyring tool, I’m looking for something sharp to open parcels, something that can open a bottle…
They don’t seem to make these any more, but there must be some knocking about on eBay.
It has a blade, a nail file (rarely used), a small screwdriver (used for opening things) a bottle opener and can opener.
The scissors are useful for cutting cardboard, which can be quite hard with the main blade. Obviously keep it oiled and sharp.
The sort of cover flap on the left, doesn’t seem to offer any useful function and adds weight, so I’m considering removing it.
So the whole thing fits quite flat, weighs practically nothing and sits in my pocked unobtrusively.
Some things I considered and decided not to add, but you might consider adding to your key set.
1. A small torch
2. Some sort of lighter/firesteel
3. A whistle.
4. Cash stash with £20 in it.
5. Something engraved with NOK details.
6. Mobile phone charger.
I hope this week’s blog entry has been interested. I’m now 3 entries away from 500 on johnsunter.com so stay tuned.
See you next week, the search for adventure continues…