What’s in your utility belt?

Weapons. Everybody wants weapons. Stun guns, real guns, batons, staffs, knives, swords. Flame Throwers?
Holy Nazi Frog Men! There must be a war going on in every back alley in the world? Is there? Have you asked yourself that question? Are you being realistic about what you will encounter on the streets? Or are you still pretending just a little bit?
If you are carrying a sword around on the streets you are pretending. “It’s just decorative.” Then why do you need it? “To make the costume look authentic” Ahh, you’re a cosplayer.. “I’m an RLSH!” No you’re not. You are lying to yourself and those around you.
I saw a video of the great Phoenix Jones. There is no denying that he is the most visible of us. The one most recognized by the public. And the one who is “setting the bar” by which we will all be judged. Unfortunately.
Anyway here he was on camera attending to an injured civilian. The man was lying prone on the ground. Bleeding from an injury to his temple. Phoenix Jones was dancing around in concern, seemingly confused. Then he calls to someone off camera for towels.  PJ is not carrying a first aid kit.
Bullet resistant vest? Check.
Stun Gun Baton? Check?
Thousands of dollars worth of custom made costume? Check.
Public Relations camera guy? Check.
First aid kit? Who needs it!…
I have no beef with PJ personally. I don’t even know him. This is not a PJ blog. This is a “What you need to have with you on patrol” blog. We should all be setting a good example. We should all be setting a much better example than that video of Phoenix Jones is setting.
Your number 1 priority, the number 1 reason to be an RLSH is to help people. Regardless of your ultimate mission you are there to help. The best way to help people is to be prepared. Training comes first. Then the gear.
Can’t afford the training? Volunteer some time to the Red Cross. They offer first aid training, CPR classes, and other life saving procedure classes. And they will teach you about the Good Samaritan Laws in your area. Free to volunteers. Free! No excuses not to do it. Go there now!

>>American Red Cross<<

If you are an RLSH to help people, then put in some of that time at the Red Cross. Look at it as patrol time. If you are not willing to volunteer your time doing that, you should be questioning your reasons for being an RLSH. We are not here to fight, we are here to help.
After you have a bit of training, and hopefully some real world understanding, then you can get these items for your utility belt. These are essential.
The Gadgets you should have with you always:

  1. Get a first aid kit. Know how to use it.
  2. Carry a cell phone to call for help. Always call for help first.
  3. Carry a camera to make a visual record of events
  4. Carry a flashlight to see in the dark areas.

Notice there are no weapons on that list. All weapons are optional. All of them. You don’t “need” any of them.
Are weapons helpful? In certain circumstances, yes. But those circumstances are a lot more rare, than someone needing first aid. Saving a life is going to make you a lot more of a hero, than fighting off a team of Nazi Frog Men.

Urban Avenger's Utility Belt

I am making this so new people can see what an “average utility belt” looks like. I carry what is the general consensus of utility belt RLSH. That is, what is typical gear carried on a utility belt. And some not so much. This is to give you a rough idea of what you may want, or not want, to carry with you on crime fighting patrols. Links to my gear and a short review of them are included:
This is my utility belt. it occasionally changes, and evolves, usually for the better.
[url=http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=60&u=15595275][img]http://i29.servimg.com/u/f29/15/59/52/75/utilit13.jpg[/img][/url]
Starting from left to right we have:
4″ S&W Tactical Rescue Knife:
<img src="http://cache-images.pronto.com/thumb2.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.pronto.com%2Fimages%2Fproduction%2Fproducts%2Fb8%2Fb5%2Fimag56458f0d21f9b076e105c53873e6-1291754975_160x160.jpg&wmax=180&hmax=180&quality=80&bgcol=FFFFFF"
Very big knife. Heavy and sharp. Intended for getting people out of auto accidents, plus makes a good general utility knife. Don't bother putting the belt clip to any use, as mine fell off after a few weeks. Comes with a seat belt cutter, and glass breaker on the end.
http://www.pronto.com/product/smith-and-wesson-swbg1-border-guard-p_1555204972
NEBO CSI Self Defense Flashlight

NEBO CSI Tactical self defense flashlight. This thing is extremely bright, not sure of the lumen rating. It has three modes, the standard light, a laser pointer, and SOS strobe function. The teeth on the front make for a good self defense tool if someone comes at you while you are holding it. One strike across the temple and they are down. Runs on 3 AAA batteries.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002R2Q0GM?tag=leddiscounts-20
Gerb Suspension Multitool

Good multitool. Comes with accessory bits which also fit on the pouch, which you can find here. This pouch also carried the NEBO flashlight, thumb cuffs and (not pictured, but goes in the back) a small notepad and pen.
http://www.gerber-tools.com/Gerber-Suspension-Multi-Plier-1471.htm
Double Locking Thumb Cuffs

Nasty little buggers. way worse than typical handcuffs as you cannot get out of them by being more flexible unless you want to cut your thumb off. Excellent compliance device. May be a little harder to get around big thumbs.
http://www.defensedevices.com/thumbcuffs.html
Caltrops

Typical ninja tool. Theoretically you drop them on the ground and are supposed to stick in the feet of whoever is chasing you. Won’t puncture tires (well maybe bike tires) but should definitely slow down anyone unfortunate to hit them. Yes they pose potential liability issues if not picked up after dispatching them. I’ve yet to have to use them in the field.
http://www.wildbillwholesale.com/ninjacaltrops.html
First Aid Kit
Various small first aid supplies including bandages, bandaids, neosporin and some OTC medications/aspirin alternatives. Could be more but I’m no medic.
Marbles
Nothin fancy, got these at toys r us.
Smart Phone

My smart phone of choice is the T-Mobile G2. Excellent power, full keyboard. 5MP camera with flash. HD video recording capability.
Doubtle Trouble Stun Gun

Between all the XJL member’s stun devices I have to say this is my favorite one. 1.2 Million volts. This stun gun claims to have a quicker disabling ability because the prongs are farther apart. Something to do with the arcing of the charge or some such business. This sucker packs a punch. I’ve tested on myself and will instantly paralyze anyone. Targeting specific muscles like the arms or legs in a scuffle makes that limb completely useless while it’s being stunned. The crackle of the stun gun alone is more than enough to deter anyone. It’s my weapon of choice.
http://www.wildbillwholesale.com/dtrstgun.html
UZI 2,000,000 SHU 2 oz Pepper Spray

You know pepper spray. It burns, a lot. I’ve tested this stuff out on me too. Although not to the extent of the stun gun. I’d rather be stunned than sprayed any day. Flip top lid beats the twist top kind any day of the week. I speak from personal experience. Flip top won’t accidentally discharge into your crotch 🙁
http://www.hand-tools.com/product-detail.php?prodnum=BRK-UZI1300
Handcuffs

Peerless Nickel finish handcuffs. Made in the USA, simple, strong and double locking so they don’t keep getting tighter. I carry two sets.
http://www.peerless.net/model-700-nickel-finish.html
900 Lumen CREE 5 Function Flashlight

This thing is an absolute monster given its size and price. I’ve hit the top story of a 20 story building from four blocks away. Run tike is pretty low considering the sheer power of this awesome light. Took me almost a month to finally figure out how to use the multiple functions. High power, low power, strobe, and two different beacon flashes. Half pressing the tail button switches between the different modes. I intend on buying a couple more of these to create my own North Star light, which I would eventually like to incorporate into my armor. The batteries are a bit expensive though. Half the price of the light itself.
http://www.bestofferbuy.com/UniqueFire-C8-Q5-5-Mode-900-Lumen-LED-Flashlight-(1*18650)-p-67649.html?currency=USD&utm_source=gbase&utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=gbase
Total weight: Approximately 8lbs