I have had cordage taken off me (Singapore airport) before on the basis that I might tie someone up or use it as a garrott.... I did ask the agent if they also wanted everyone's shoe laces and belts... Suffice to say that the question wasn't hugely well received. 🤣
Similar thing happened to me. I had a keychain multi tool that didn’t have a blade on it but tsa still confiscated it because the tools could be dangerous or something. I replied that all phones and laptops could be dangerous because they could be used to detonate a bomb. Let’s just say that reply got me in quite a bit of trouble.
@@qwertyutopia4667I could think of a million ways to make weapons/dangerous items from things in an airport, but no, the thing we need to be worrying about here is a screwdriver and a bottle opener or whatever else you have on your keychain, that’s “so dangerous”.
Tsa is stupid. they took a butterknive from me. funnily enough there are countless restaurants in the security zone. so sourcing a new one would be rather easy. stupid braindead people work there
Security dummies hate it when you ask them an obvious reasonable question. Years ago when signing in to office buildings, sometimes just for fun I would ask the guard, why he doesn't compare the id that he asked me to show him, to the journal he asked me to sign in on. The response was always just a blank uncomprehending stare, sometimes accompanied by lowbrow animal hostility as he sensed a challenge to his authority. It was fun to look at the previous sign-ins, everyone from the queen to the president and famous cartoon characters and movie stars.
In Sweden a Leatherman Style PS can be taken at security, i lost mine when i flew to Estonia. They said that the file/screwdriver could be taken for a knife. I said it was TSA approved, the security guard said we are in Sweden not the USA. Just to let you know.
I am not so sure it’s always being stupid-maybe over worked &/or probationary, too. I imagine they get a lot of grief from travelers during the week, which can take its toll on the workers. Thanks for another great video!
Just discovered your channel a few days ago and I am HOOKED! I've been steadily binging all of your content and all I've seen have been quality. I love your presentation style, your attention to detail, and focus on practicality. A new fan for life here! Thanks for all you do:)
I did exactly that early this year. I binged watched his videos over the course of several days. I loved his First Aid Kit one he had recently as well.
I’ve started to cross over from the world of preparedness/firearms EDC to urban/non-firearms EDC. It’s nice to get the perspective of someone like yourself and you’ve sold me on the Maxpedition pouches. I’ve noticed a bit of soft gatekeeping in the world of EDC through limited release items and hoarding. I love that you pack your pouches for purpose and not just for showing off your most rare ranger eyes, patches, and beads! 😂 Well done Jon!
Lifelong girl scout & daughter of an Eagle Scout. I really like the Maxpedition pouches. I have several in different sizes and colors for different uses. I carry a mini in my day bag that's very similar but adds a multi-tool, a folding knife about a 3" blade that includes a glassbreaker and a seat belt cutter, and a tactical pen I carry in my hand when walking after dark.
I love your down to earth assesments. I don't expect to survive in a jungle for a week when I'm on an urban travel weekend, so your point of view are much more in line with my own.
As usual, another well thought out kit. A couple of additional considerations: a non-antibiotic healing ointment packet (as recommended by my dermatologist wife, e.g., Aquaphor) as an addition to the minimalist first-aid component and toilet paper tablets (Portawipes or something comparable).
I'll highly suggest to always brings a 20*30cm(A4 size) plastic bag, it could be so helpful in day to day life, along with goods carrying ability, it can also act as a mini tarp, a patching material, with some tape it can be a part of wound dressing, and protect your delicate electronics from weathers. beyond all that, the second most used function, if you carries those neatly puzzle-packed edc kit, when in a hurry, you can just dump all your items into it and move on when you don't have the time or the patience to re-package the whole kit after using.
Great advice...I have 2 dog poop size plastic bags, that I use for my dog and as emergency garbage bag. They take up no space and very useful as described by OP.
EDC kits are one thing but a Jon Gadget kit is just next level. Always appreciate all the thought you put into your amazing kits Jon thanks so much, I generally pick up a few tips from any of them and this one is no different. One thing I did think about however was whether or not you had ever considered or come across the tool card that Lever Gear puts out? It’s got many of the same features as some of the other tools you’ve included and would certainly lighten up your pack by more than a few grams. Another item you might want to consider is the Titanium pocket tool by Best Idea Designs. The box cutter blade can be removed entirely before travelling and a new one sourced at your destination. Fully extended, the blade is short enough to pass most international knife laws though I'll admit it's locking mechanism may not. Still a viable alternative to a full folder. All the best and thanks again 😊
Thanks for the feedback 👍 Levergear would be an option - a utility knife (purchasing blade on arrival) is a great shout for longer trips (as you say may be a problem in some countries as locking)
I've had the Gerber Shard on my keys for about 2 years now, and have never had a problem travelling with it back and forth from the UK. Highly recommend getting one, as it's so small, it won't pull your trousers down if you have it attached to your keyring.
Over a period of 25 years I progressively shrunk to 16L carry-on which fits tiny overhead or underseat. The hardest part was footwear, something which can cover a wide spectrum of situations. I don't use any pouches they are dead weight. I don't take a folding Titanium spork as they heavier and harder to keep clean than a plastic spoon one end fork other end and a crude food cutting edge. Don't carry a torch just use an led USB which is powered from power bank. The getting by without laptop was a challenge but I went with an Android tablet and a Bluetooth keyboard. I had the leatherman TSA approved bladeless was fine within USA but got confiscated leaving UK so I found a belt buckle which complements the plastic spork.
No have plastic spork, it's got a spoon one end and a fork other end, plastic is less threatening. Has a serated edge but that's useless. That's easy. @@PRH123
One thing that’s very handy about the pin included in the Swiss Card is that you can use it to poke a hole in any blisters you might get. I just sterilise it by holding it in a flame, poke a hole, drain the blister and put a plaster over top. Instant pain relief and no special plasters required!
I bought the Nitecore power bank a few months back, and I carry it everywhere now. It's too big to go in my daily kit, but it gets thrown in a pocket most of the time. Fantastic, and enough smaller than the competition to make a significant difference. I have an Anker which is visually not that much bigger, but try to put them in a shirt pocket, and you really feel the difference.
I’d add a clear plastic “bread bag” (US terminology) and a wire tie. Effectively weightless, no breakable zip top, 100 uses - most particularly to collect all your stuff when TSA makes you dump all that out to screen. You can take your time to refill your EDC while waiting for your delayed plane.
@@smoceany9478 okay, gotcha. Just search on clear plastic bread bag. They’re cheap, practically weightless, no ziplock; $3 or $4 for 75 to 100 bags. Sold at most chain grocery stores.
@@smoceany9478Have you ever been to a grocery store and wondered what those plastic bags all those loaves of bread are in when you’re in the bakery section?
Great kit. Lots of good things. On a negative note - the Gerber Shard 😞I carried one for two years on my keys. Never used it once, found it fairly useless and the only thing it was good at was making holes in my pockets. It really is a waste of time.
I carry something similar, but more useful. Also based on a flat piece of aluminum, but has 2 screwdrivers on the corners, 4 sizes of bolt hex wrenches (hexagonal holes in the plate), the usual bottle opener, and a square opening they say can hold your phone up on a table. I've actually used it (carry it in my cycling kit). A couple more bolt sizes and a couple of Allen wrench heads and it would be brilliant. Bought it a sporting goods store, so if it had a brand name, don't remember now what it is :)
If AAA usage isn't your highest priority, the Nitecore tube is amazing value for money. It's $10, super bright. And rechargable. Also very simple to use, press low, press high, hold high If you get one of the translucent or clear ones, the entire flashlight lights up when it's turned on
A few suggestions that I like. Pokka pens are small fisher space pen style pens. But more affordable and colorful. They have a few cool colors, and fit nicely into the top area of the pouch itself. Glow Rhino recently released the 'spark'. its a small colored tritium fob. Something that you can put onto the loop of your torch so that you can always find it in the dark. Since its tritium its glow is always on and doesn't need to be charged. and maybe a hero clip, so you can easily hang it or attach it to things.
@@kirk1968 Thanks. I got one to play around with, and was pleasantly surprised with how bright it is. I tossed it on my bag light so I can always grab it if I have to root around in there.
Hi Jon, the only addition/replacement I would suggest is those special plasters for blisters. (I think the original and best brand is called something like “Compeed”.) They are brilliant for blisters which may be an issue in a tropical climate, but are also vastly superior in their ability to adhere than regular sticking plasters. Btw, if you pop down to Australia since you’re close enough from Thailand, you’ll have to check any size of scissors despite what the guidelines say. Trust me on that one…! Thanks, Jon
Thanks John, exactly what I was looking for. Rather than have this remember to remove a knife etc. It is great to have a purpose built carry on only kit ready to go.
Several afterthoughts. The torch needs to have a magnet or several on different faces to hold it. Missing, rubber bands and safety pins. The duct tape is an excellent inclusion and will add that to my kit. I am very much into self surgery for cuts, splinters and infections, so one of the missing functions in my kit is things to hold other things to free up hands. Big problem with few off shelf solutions.
I've traveled the US successfully with that exact Leatherman. The TSA goons recommended that I deploy all the tools and run it through in its own tray.
A couple of items to consider is would include a SIM tool, for changing out your phones SIM card, I find them useful for other purposes, if not the tool, a large paperclip. I would like to have a method of charging my iWatch as well. With my vision as well, I carry in my wallet a credit card sized magnifying glass (Fresnel Lens Credit Card Magnifier, 3x)
In almost two years in Thailand, I have only seen ticks on the neighborhood dogs. The owner looked them over before allowing them in her bed. Depends on what you're doing, in other words.
Nice little kit, but missing is a pair of foam earplugs, which weigh nothing and occupy no space. Also I would find room for a flash drive with scanned copies of all travel documentation including insurance.
Greatest kits on RU-vid hands down Thanks again for the great content sir 😁 Might want to move the pen to the left of the right side of the pouch, as you would need to barely open the zipper to access the pen in a hurry
I’m glad you mentioned the Leatherman Style Ps for air travel. I’ve been bring mine in carryon (USA) for years. I leave it packed in the bag and I’d say 98% of the time TSA doesn’t even catch it. The few times they do they are perplexed as most people have never seen a knifeless Leatherman. Great tool and good quality.
I had my Ps confiscated in Europe (Germany) finally after many trips without incident. I brought another one with me via Dubai and same thing, it got confiscated.
Great video as normal! I keep my prepaid card in an ultra lightweight non-bulky RFID sleeve just in case, also protects it from damage caused by other items in the kit rubbing etc. Keep up the great work 👍
Jon, you need to do a modern kit interpretation of the two classic kits from ‘Lofty’ Wiseman’s classic SAS survival handbook. The survival tin and survival pouch…
I think the magnifying device is often overlooked although I note the Swiss card has one, if plastic it would get a bit scratched up. Theyre invaluable for removing small ticks and repairing iPhone blocked sockets.
Some excellent items to pack and some really good ideas. When I questioned how much harm a pair of banned nail clippers could do, I was told that the issue was more about being able to strip wires to make bombs than harm to a person. So carrying anything that can strip wires is risky (teeth excepted, it seems). For the UK, anyway.
Jon…..I always enjoy your presentations. And while I don’t need or want several of the items you showcase, many are clever additions for those who do. And I enjoy seeing new items. I can’t imagine I’m the first viewer to make this suggestion, but just in case…….. Both these bags, the Mini and the Micro are good products. But if there is one feature that Maxpedition needs to dispense with on both, that would be the Velcro closure on the front mesh pouch of the Mini. Once engaged, the closure defies the effort of the strongest fingers to separate it. And if one is trying to access the item therein, it’s very frustrating. So I grabbed a tool I know you love, the trusty Victorinox scissors on my knife. I snipped away the stitching on the Maxpedition label until it could be removed. That label stitching also secures the male Velcro on the inside of the mesh panel, which I gleefully discarded. And now that mesh pocket is no longer the recipient of my wrath. Ok….I’ll be honest. My profanity. This is great because now I use that profanity on other deserving items……..😉
Jon, thanks for a great video. Last autumn I flew from LHR's T2/3 and T4 with a PocketToolX Piranha OPMT in my pocket and didn't have any issues at security. I hope you enjoy your trip.
I can confirm that ther's no problem with Gerber Shard on the airports, but pliers (even the smallest one) are big NO NO. Great idea with the magnet. Now I have another item to add :) Thanks!
I had scissors about the size of those in a Keysmart set of keys, and TSA refused to allow them through earlier this month, in spite of the fact that I'd had them through with no problem many times previously.
🎉I absolutely love this series. Ideally, I would trade the spoon for a spork, maybe a UCO 2-piece or a Sea to Summit one. Light My Fire also has a great titanium spoon and fork combo with a serrated edge, but since it's titanium it could get aprehended if the security's in a bad mood. Overall, amazing video, as always. congrats Jon!
@@theeverydaytechie The UCO 2-piece is ~17cm long, UCO spork is ~17cm long, UCO kids spork ~15cm long. None of them seems to fit in a Maxpedition Mini or Micro I'm afraid...
I have a Titanium folding spork from Toaks, a Titanium non-folding spoon fork from Boundless Voyage and a plastic non-folding spoon fork from Alpkit. The Alpkit one I prefer most. Folding cutlery are harder to keep clean the hinge gets gunked up. Plastic is quieter to eat with. I keep the folding spork in my Titanium mug just to keep things together. I have a 20g Titanium alcohol burner so it were to fly I can get local fuel and have ability to cook.
Jon, the Victorinox Credit Card knife fulfills all TSA and other authorities criterias. It has passed through security along with me all across Europe but also Middle East and Africa. Should you be unlucky, then you would only loose that little knife but keep going with the rest of your kit.
Well Mine has been confiscated twice by TSA in the last 5-6 years and Victorinox has been out of stock on replacements for over a year now, so there is really no garantee…
Nice video. I started using the osprey washbag carry on, with clear sides for my EDC after having to dump the stuff out too many times at airport security. It doesnt look as good but it will be less stressful.
Aspirin IS restricted in Thailand, actually. This was a topic often discussed last time I was there. It was the result of some unguardee comments. Adult dose aspirin got cancelled, and you can only get kid dosage there. They sell sheets with I think 10 small tablets paracetamol at 7-Eleven. Those are really nice for handbags, actually.
Your videos are very practical, the kits well equipped and very well explained. A very good travel partner. We combine the useful with the pleasant. Thank you very much!
Nice kit with some good ideas for me to add to mine...one thing I will add is "axe brand universal oil" a very small vial which is great for clearing sinuses due to pressure changes on the plane.
I love all your videos, but I especially enjoy your kits! I've built a couple myself since finding your site, and only wish there were more vids here for me to watch. I've binged them all, many more than once. Safe travels!
Needle & thread housewife (pre-threaded needles) always useful and a couple of nitrile gloves for when you have to fix, clean or touch something you'd rather not.
My wife had some tiny sewing scissors taken from her when boarding a flight within Australia. They were even smaller then those on the knife-less Leatherman. So I wouldn't chance it.
Another excellent kit video! I managed to get through Luton security a few times with Victorinox Rally attached to my keys when flying to Poland, but now once it's replaced by a Mini Champ I don't think I'll risk it, so it's great to see non-knife recommendations!
Nice kit Jon - the only thing I think I would add is another wet wipe...they don't take much room and two is better than one 🙂 I have been travelling with carry on and had success with the SAK Manager - has been on my keyring and is often ignored by security, along with the rovyvon A8 and a nite eyes pry bar. Really good tip about a separate FAK.
@@JonGadget Fantastic video Jon. This kit build is not possible to improve upon. Phenomenal content, I'm impressed, and as you know ,I'm hard to impress . Your skill and ingenuity demonstrated here by the way you've incorporated so many useful items in such a light, compact kit is truly epic. I've criticised a few of your kits in the past as I've been an avid survival kit builder since 2009 and as such have a great deal of experience .... Hats off to you sir , I definitely couldn't have put a better kit together within these parameters if I tried for 6 months solid... You deserve 10 million subs... Respect earned . 😎👍
I'm into building my first EDC and among all the channels I've been through, I'd say yours is the best so you just earned a new sub. Keep up the good work, Jon!
I would suggest to put a really cheap backup smartphone in there. When I traveled, I put my old used phone in there and had all the airline apps and hotel information etc on there as well. Because if your phone drops or breaks or ANYTHING with your phone. You are basically screwed. It's MUCH easier to get a hold of everything else than of that and I would trade virtually anything in that kit for a backup phone with backuped data.
Very interesting, thanks. The spare glasses are a genius idea. The spoon was unusual but makes perfect sense, so many times I've needed one in a hotel room. No sewing kit...? The magnet i can see as very problematic, they're actually considered dangerous goods for shipping on aircraft and arent allowed. I carry an electrical tape roll, that's mostly used, but a bit is left. Keeping everything in a pouch with a lanyard that you can wear around your neck is extremely useful for grabbing something when standing in line, like a kangaroo accessing its pouch. I have a nice leather one for that purpose.
Great quality video and kit as always. I love the gerber shard and have travelled to many countries with it and never been challenged. It is one of the few tools I allow on my keychain. A couple of suggestions: e a small vial of superglue ( I bought a pack of 10 a while ago) and a small sewing kit - I both one in my general fixit kit which is flight friendly. I may "borrow" a couple of ideas for a video on my channel - and of course I will credit you as I did when I did my own fixit kit and Pioneer X review.
Thanks for sharing - any liquid would theoretically need to be in liquids bag adding a bit of hassle - sewing kit I have in toilet bag but otherwise an easy addition
I have had two of those Victorinox scissors confiscated from me at security check points in Australia and they are not cheap. So I'd advise against risking using them in carry on.
Even though I don’t yet need glasses to read, I just picked up a ThinOptics pair from the clearance section at walmart ($10!). I also ditched the case, wrapped it in the microfiber cloth and sticked it my backup driving glasses case. Wouldn’t have bought them if it weren’t from seeing them on this channel so much. Not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing, lol
Lovely kit please research and consider a piece of Surgi cell dressing from Johnson& Johnson. Thin light absorbing hemostatic cellouse dressing to stop bleeding on deep cuts. Pricey worth it.
You should come to Aus for a visit! 😁 I'd like to see what our agents make of the Swiss nailcare card, particularly the scissors. The wording says "blunt-ended or round-ended scissors with blades less than 6cm long" are OK, but also calls out Tweezers and cuticle scissors specifically not allowed - all with the "subject to the discretion of the security agent" disclaimer, so if they are in a mood, it's going. It also says "metal cutlery" is banned but I like the idea of your folding titanium spoon, so I'm going to get one and test them out night time I fly between cities. Cheers for al the info!
For many years I’ve traveled all over the world with a SAK mini, occasionally I get pulled but they just check it, look at me and put it back in. No worries
I learnt the hard way that multi tools are 100% no go in Thailand in carry on. Thankfully it was one of the tiny TSA compliant ones but still… if you’re going to Thailand and don’t check luggage, leave the multi tool at home.
You have a beautiful obsession😄 I bought the “RovyVon E7” after watching this video. It’s so much smaller than my “Streamlight Sidewinder” and has more chromosomes than my “ThruNite T10 II”. Arigato~✨
Brilliant, all good and food for thought thank you. Id have some foam ear plugs too incase you're sitting next to Mr snorey snoreison for 11 hrs straight !
Looks like you've covered a lot of bases there Jon, I've not read all the comments (too many to go through, the price of popularity I guess) but a wee housewife kit wouldn't take up my space. You mentioned using the stationary clip for any 'fashion faux pas but some safety pins, a needle or two and some light and dark thread work well, you can even throw in a few small and larger buttons.
If you aren’t carrying a separate first aid kit I would suggest a tad of mole skin to have handy since travels can require lots of walking. You never know when a shoe might start rubbing the wrong way.
The Swiss card, knife and scissors wouldn’t make it through security on yourself or carry-on. You have to remove those components and stick them in your suitcase. I’ve done that with no problems. Great video. Thanks again.
Tip regarding the tick removers, there are creditcard size versions that fit in a wallet, perhaps Jon showed that size, sorry, couldn't see:-) Having them here in the Netherlands, because yupp, ticks here as well and 25% are infected with lyme, which is incurable. I would suggest carrying the removers a mandatory item.
thanks for the channel and the Videos, I put the kit together before my trip to the Philipines last week and used almost everything in it. My wife wondered why I had turned into a boy scout again - let see how many times she says that when were on holiday next month - keep up the great reviews :)
im a long time full time prepper ^^ little tip , dont use microcord ;-) it is over priced and most the time low Quality, look for a "catfish chalk line" its more durable and can handle weights to 100kg (220lbs) ! 50 meters for 20€ or less. 1mm diameter. have a nice one
USA, Canada, and many other countries allow knives and blades up to 6 cm or 2.36 inches long. So those little multi tools and Swiss Army knives are cool now. For now anyway.
