But first, here are the links
I've had people complain that I don't leave links for the items I cover in my videos. People are weird. The effort they took to ask for a link, the could have done a simple internet search, but whatever. However, if you have made the effort to check out this blog, I will provide you with more information to make it worth your time. Including sharing links to the items discussed. Amazon links are affiliate, the rest are not.
First, the obvious question with the obvious answer
I'm sure many who watched Mike K8MRD's video (link below) asked or commented "Why don't you just throw the POTA20 into, or strap it to the side of a backpack?" I don't think that was Mike's problem he is working through. Of course you can throw the mast into a pack. What Mike is working on is having all the gear he needs for portable radio in a single, compact, modular location.
That way he can throw the entire kit into a pack of his choice without looking for, and possibly forgetting an item. Including the mast. Not to mention he clearly stated in his video he then could have the option to simply walk out to his operation location with a water bottle in one and and the radio kit in the other.
So here is what I do
I have 2 kits set up for grab and go QRP portable radio. One is for my Icom 705, in a format that the "why not attach the mast to a pack" crowd will approve of. I have my HRD Industries Lil Dude 6 taking up residence in the mesh pocket on the side of the 705's backpack.
Speaking of HRD, Sean did make a pretty funny short in response to Mike's original video. Clearly tongue and cheek, but I'm sure the joke will go over the heads of "some people."
Here is the solution I have been using for attaching a mast to something that is not a backpack. I lashed it to the bottom of one of my Original SOE chest rigs with some small diameter cordage.
I am a big fan of this style of pouch for its versatility. They can be worn across the chest, as a fanny pack, or simply over the shoulder. Or they can simply be placed in a larger pack. Easy to transport in several ways and make a great option for storage. Everything one could want for a "go bag" type setup.
While not something I currently do, another option is to place it in a roll up style pouch. Like one of my most favorite and used gear I own. The Osprey rollup.
