- Joined
- May 12, 2007
- Messages
- 355
I've accumulated a couple of the very well-designed and inexpensive Survival Paks that Doug Ritter designed and promotes, but as the very packaging says, it's not a complete kit because of the shipping issues they face.
I've been changing a lot of my old views because of a back-to-basics urge that has me reading a lot of Cody Lundin's work, causing me to crack open the kit with a more critical view. Spent so much time working on gimmicks like my sheath kit and the best light or knife, I've ignored the overall package.
Aluminum foil...I've read that people who try to use it for a water container quickly find how easily tiny holes form when you fold the stuff, and even though the kit contains the heaviest duty possible, those who know to carry a boiling vessel should get away with ditching it. Then again, the kit is designed for those who wouldn't be carrying one, so it makes sense for the general public.
The thread and the white cord is a nice touch, even with all my paracord I trust the quality as a last-ditch shelter material.
The safety pins and fishing kit...I don't fish, and am told he had to add the kit because every other kit had one. As for the safety pins, versatile enough to keep in.
The whistle, signal mirror, firestarter/tinder and compass are worth buying the kit. Can't complain about a thing.
As the packaging recommends, a Photon light, Katadyn tablets, and a lighter should round out the initial weaknesses of the kit. The scalpel is an improvement over a bare razor blade, but there's no use arguing about fitting a usable knife in a micro-kit. On a forum like this it goes without saying I'll have a decent knife anyway.
While the kit is designed to outfit some one who may not have anything useful on them, how can it be implemented for the more experienced? How can this user-friendly little kit be implemented into a more specialized kit setup? My idea right now is that those little Countycomm organizers can fit into cargo pockets but hold the kit and some much needed extras. Even if I am stranded without a pack, I can pull out the overly tactical-looking 'survival pocketbook' which can also be snapped onto MOLLE straps or a belt. The extra room in the organizer should allow for a couple drum liners, zip ties, a more substantial light, maybe even a folder or very small neck knife. Add on some minor first-aid bits, and this little pouch could be a stand-alone kit for the resourceful.
Anyone else making good use of this kit with any suggestions on how to improve it or carry it?
I've been changing a lot of my old views because of a back-to-basics urge that has me reading a lot of Cody Lundin's work, causing me to crack open the kit with a more critical view. Spent so much time working on gimmicks like my sheath kit and the best light or knife, I've ignored the overall package.
Aluminum foil...I've read that people who try to use it for a water container quickly find how easily tiny holes form when you fold the stuff, and even though the kit contains the heaviest duty possible, those who know to carry a boiling vessel should get away with ditching it. Then again, the kit is designed for those who wouldn't be carrying one, so it makes sense for the general public.
The thread and the white cord is a nice touch, even with all my paracord I trust the quality as a last-ditch shelter material.
The safety pins and fishing kit...I don't fish, and am told he had to add the kit because every other kit had one. As for the safety pins, versatile enough to keep in.
The whistle, signal mirror, firestarter/tinder and compass are worth buying the kit. Can't complain about a thing.
As the packaging recommends, a Photon light, Katadyn tablets, and a lighter should round out the initial weaknesses of the kit. The scalpel is an improvement over a bare razor blade, but there's no use arguing about fitting a usable knife in a micro-kit. On a forum like this it goes without saying I'll have a decent knife anyway.
While the kit is designed to outfit some one who may not have anything useful on them, how can it be implemented for the more experienced? How can this user-friendly little kit be implemented into a more specialized kit setup? My idea right now is that those little Countycomm organizers can fit into cargo pockets but hold the kit and some much needed extras. Even if I am stranded without a pack, I can pull out the overly tactical-looking 'survival pocketbook' which can also be snapped onto MOLLE straps or a belt. The extra room in the organizer should allow for a couple drum liners, zip ties, a more substantial light, maybe even a folder or very small neck knife. Add on some minor first-aid bits, and this little pouch could be a stand-alone kit for the resourceful.
Anyone else making good use of this kit with any suggestions on how to improve it or carry it?
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