I went out to check on the shelter today as I was curious to see how it had faired after a week outside. We've had a few snow showers and temps ranging from the 30's down to the teens for the past week. As I approached, I could see that something was amiss. Although there were no tracks, I could see that someone had found the shelter and cut the guy ropes.
All four ropes were cut...
The front had peeled back because it was no longer held by the ropes but, to my surprise, the shelter still stood and could have easily been repaired. From the lack of tracks, it had stood for at least a day like this. I decided to dismantle it at this point and remove the waste. The JK Sparkler made short work of the pole bindings and the whole thing was down within a few minutes.
The Plastic
This was one of the surprise items for me as I thought there was no way a plastic painting tarp from the Dollar Store would last a week in the winter woods. While I was taking things down, I was very rough with the plastic sheet and it was actually somewhat durable. While it doesn't rival even a cheap poly tarp in toughness, it did work to provide a dry place out of the elements. This might be an item to consider as it is cheap, lightweight and could prove to be a nice thing to have in a car kit or backpack to use as a shelter, body wrap, solar still or temporary cover.
The Saw
It wouldn't replace your Silky or even a Sierra saw but, again, kind of a surprising tool for $1. It's basically a light, plastic handled pruning saw that probably wouldn't hold up to alot of heavy cutting, it was more than robust enough to cut and prep poles for the shelter and would handle branches and small logs up to maybe 4-6". The handle was comfortable in use and it included a plastic edge guard that is reusable. As a back-up, kit or car item it is worth considering if you find them.
The Matches
As said earlier, matches are basically matches, but with 8 packs of 32 wooden matches, this was another item to consider picking up. As an alternate or secondary method of starting a fire these have a place. I put packs in my jacket pockets, backpack, both cars and still had some leftover for my woods bag and pocket kit. I like to keep mulitiple forms of fire available and I prefer these to a lighter for firestarting. Couple these with a firesteel and some reliable tinder and you would have a fairly foolproof fire starting compliment.
The Knife
Total garbage. After playing around with it a bit, I will give it "better than nothing" but that lid from the stew can would make a better knife. I would pick up a $.40 kitchen knife from a thift store instead of this. The tools were weak and border on useless, the blade threatened to snap under light cutting pressure. Leave the knife and buy two tarps or some extra matches.
The Tie Wraps
Maybe not as junky as the knife and they did hold the shelter together for a week but I could have easily got by making the shelter with the rope alone. They might be ok for organizing the cables on your PC but not too much more than that. Buy two lengths of rope.
The Water
This is another item that, like the matches, is pretty straightforward. I do like the 6 pack packaging and it is another nice item for the car or pack. I understand the thinking behind the much quoted "gallon of water per person, per day" but that can get pretty heavy. This 6 pack could provide water for at least a day or more and it stows easily and packs well.
The Rope
The rope was better than exepected. Easy to handle and tie, weather resistant and, at $1 for 50', pretty economical. In the car, it could be a back up and serve as a utility item to hold a trunk lid down ar other light tying. With the strands separated, you could have up to 150' of reasonably strong twine to bind and build with. It's not paracord but it ties stuff up.
The Stew
Haven't had the pleasure yet.....I will have to get back to you on it.
The Verdict
Some of the items really did exceed my expectations and some were just junk, but I do think I found some things that could have a spot in the pack or car kit. There are other items, hand sanitizer, first aid kits, baggies, containers and many more that may be worth consideration as you put together or update your own kits.
