Discussion discussion, discussion... About every three seconds there's a discussion about gear and what an RLSH should carry... What should an RLSH carry? Well, that depends on a few things, the biggest being space. How much room do you have to carry stuff on you and still be mobile? Well, Bob Kane and co. solved that problem early on when they created Batman... They gave him a utility belt. More after the break.
Utility belt, duty belt, rig, whatever you want to call it, the Utility Belt is the RLSH's ultimate companion. Home to a wide variety of gadgets and useful gizmos, the properly stocked utility belt can make the difference between a prepared RLSH and a confused, lost soul in tights.
What should a hero carry with them on patrol? Is there a difference when your focus is crime fighting, as opposed to homeless outreach? What is the best weapon to carry? What is the number one tool for your belt?!?!?! So many questions! Let's answer some!
CONTENTS OF THE UTILITY BELT:
When you remove brains and training, any superhero is only as good as his/her best tool. So this is a list of the tools every RLSH, regardless of mission, should have strapped at their hips.
1) Cell Phone
In all honestly you can stop right here if you want to. The single best tool/weapon/resource any RLSH could ever possibly carry is the cell phone. This bad ass piece of technology changed the world forever when it was introduced back in the late 70's and it has since become a central info hub, providing not only communication, but internet access, digital camera, GPS and every kind of application you could possibly think of. The other day I actually saw an app that shows you, in real time, the position of every satellite in orbit... it was quite cool...
Anyway, the cell phone should hold a place of prominence on your utility belt and should be the first thing you reach for in most situations. Don't leave home without it.
2) Flashlights
"They mostly come at night... mostly." Newt had no idea how right she was. The RLSHs playground is the night, and what better tool for trudging your way around a dark alley than a good old fashioned flashlight, right? I heard someone mention once that you should carry two flashlights on you, well I'll take that a step further and say you should have three flashlights on you. Why? Well, of course it's very easy to misplace or drop a flashlight. also, batteries do tend to die when least expected. If you don't believe me, watch any horror movie. What I recommend is going for two reasonably high powered LED flashlights. they are small and fit easily in a belt pouch. For the third, I recommend a minimum 2 D cell Maglite. They are heavy metal and work great as a self defense weapon if need be.
3) First Aid Kit
If you weren't already thinking about this, then what's wrong with you? Every RLSH should be carrying at least a basic first aid kit on their belt. Our first obligation should be to help people, and the best way to do that is to provide first aid when needed. Your kit should have at least a variety of different sized bandages, gauze, ointment, alcohol pads and handy wipes, latex gloves(for you!) scissors, at least 1 pack of ibuprofin and 1 pack of acetaminophen. This is the absolute minimum you should carry. If you can fit a larger and more complete kit in a bag or backpack all the better. Along with this you should learn at least basic first aid.
4) Emergency Tools
These are a must have for any do-gooder. These usually include a windshield breaker, seat belt cutter, folding knife, and other useful tools. These are usually relatively small and fit easily in a pouch on your belt. Also, multitools... multitools are great. Get multitools.
5) Weapons
See item #1... Honestly, crime fighter or not, the first thing you reach for should be that cell phone. Any actual weapon you carry should be for self defense only. The most common choices are stun guns or pepper spray. There's been a lot of negativity around pepper spray of late, but it does serve its purpose, so it should be considered as a last resort. regardless of what personal defense weapon you choose, you should take the proper training courses and become certified in the use of said weapon. not to do so is irresponsible. Argue all you want, but tell it to the wall, because you know it's true.
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