Preacher Man
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- Jan 28, 2005
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The Friday before Christmas a member of my church, Bob, tells me he read in my Facebook profile that I'm into wilderness survival. He then tells me a little about his military background and that he's into survival too. He tells me of this military buddy of his that gets him military survival kits and that he wants to show me one in particular. Sunday morning comes and I see Bob at Sunday school with a backpack by his side.
After Sunday School he shows me the kit, and to say I was impressed is an understatement.
Let start with the backpack. It is a Blackhawk 3-Day Assault pack in OD Green. It looks in perfect condition, almost brand new.
He opens it up and out comes:
Several lengths of OD Green paracord
Magnesium Fire Starter
OD Green Nomex summer flight gloves
An original Mil-F-6218 fishing kit (the one in the plastic case)
A space blanket
SaberCut Saw with carrying case
VS-17/GVX Orange Signal Panel Marker
Military poncho in Woodland camo
Mosquito net for a cot
North American Rescue Products first aid kit (I think it may be the old version of the Combat Life Saver)
Black Diamond Carabiner and about 13' of black climbing rope
Hennesy Expedition A-symetrical Hammock in woodland camo
An Eickhorn Solingen Aviator I (A.S.E.K. I). Comes with a diamond sharpener and a push dagger that can probably double as an arrow or spear head. The sheath can be carried on belt, mole, or with the included leg riggings.
Everything in the kit is in almost brand new condition except for knife that can use some sharpening. After putting everything back in the backpack, Bob tells me the kit also had a military compass and a light beacon, but he took them out of the kit. He ask me what I think of the kit and I tell him it's very complete, that there are very few things that can be added to it, and I'm impressed with the selection, quality, and condition of the components. That's when Bob looks at me and starts taking about all the things I do for others in ministry, tells me the kit is just collecting dust in his closet, wishes me a Merry Christmas, hands me the backpack, and tells me the kit is his Christmas gift for me.
I was speechless for a moment. Eventually I thank him, told him he made my Christmas (which he did) and assured him I would give the kit very good use. This has been probably my best Christmas gift ever. I'm curious as to what outdoor related Christmas gifts others received this Christmas.
As for the kit, I think I'll use it as a BOB and for primitive camping. There are things in the kit, like the mosquito net, signal panel marker, and carabiner and climbing rope I don't really need for camping, so those may stay home. I like the ASEK knife, but I think I'll substitute it for either my NWA Sierra Scout or my Breeden Lord Greystoke and companion knife, depending on where I'm going. I'm thinking of adding to the pack a leatherman Wave, jet scream whistle, a Fenix L2CE flashlight, Nite Ize headband (to use the Fenix as a headlight), Nebo Redline flashlight, Emberlit Stove, fire kit, mess kit, compass, either monocular or compact binoculars, some more paracord, and maybe a Katadyn Mini filter, depending where I'm going. I think I'll also customize the first aid kit adding a few items. What do you think? Am I missing something?
After Sunday School he shows me the kit, and to say I was impressed is an understatement.
Let start with the backpack. It is a Blackhawk 3-Day Assault pack in OD Green. It looks in perfect condition, almost brand new.
He opens it up and out comes:
Several lengths of OD Green paracord
Magnesium Fire Starter
OD Green Nomex summer flight gloves
An original Mil-F-6218 fishing kit (the one in the plastic case)
A space blanket
SaberCut Saw with carrying case
VS-17/GVX Orange Signal Panel Marker
Military poncho in Woodland camo
Mosquito net for a cot
North American Rescue Products first aid kit (I think it may be the old version of the Combat Life Saver)
Black Diamond Carabiner and about 13' of black climbing rope
Hennesy Expedition A-symetrical Hammock in woodland camo
An Eickhorn Solingen Aviator I (A.S.E.K. I). Comes with a diamond sharpener and a push dagger that can probably double as an arrow or spear head. The sheath can be carried on belt, mole, or with the included leg riggings.
Everything in the kit is in almost brand new condition except for knife that can use some sharpening. After putting everything back in the backpack, Bob tells me the kit also had a military compass and a light beacon, but he took them out of the kit. He ask me what I think of the kit and I tell him it's very complete, that there are very few things that can be added to it, and I'm impressed with the selection, quality, and condition of the components. That's when Bob looks at me and starts taking about all the things I do for others in ministry, tells me the kit is just collecting dust in his closet, wishes me a Merry Christmas, hands me the backpack, and tells me the kit is his Christmas gift for me.
I was speechless for a moment. Eventually I thank him, told him he made my Christmas (which he did) and assured him I would give the kit very good use. This has been probably my best Christmas gift ever. I'm curious as to what outdoor related Christmas gifts others received this Christmas.
As for the kit, I think I'll use it as a BOB and for primitive camping. There are things in the kit, like the mosquito net, signal panel marker, and carabiner and climbing rope I don't really need for camping, so those may stay home. I like the ASEK knife, but I think I'll substitute it for either my NWA Sierra Scout or my Breeden Lord Greystoke and companion knife, depending on where I'm going. I'm thinking of adding to the pack a leatherman Wave, jet scream whistle, a Fenix L2CE flashlight, Nite Ize headband (to use the Fenix as a headlight), Nebo Redline flashlight, Emberlit Stove, fire kit, mess kit, compass, either monocular or compact binoculars, some more paracord, and maybe a Katadyn Mini filter, depending where I'm going. I think I'll also customize the first aid kit adding a few items. What do you think? Am I missing something?
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