Gear Pods Modular Survival System (Photo Heavy)

Mistwalker

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Dec 22, 2007
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I got a new piece of gear some time back that has stayed in my truck, and has gone out with me on all of my trips to the field since. It is a modular emergency survival system called a Gear Pods Wilderness from GearPods.com , with each component specialized to a specific need or set of needs. The wilderness kit contains a fire and cooking component, a first aide kit, and a shelter system.

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It came with a canvas carry case that has quick release clips at each end for quick access to either end of the system. It will attach to a pack via a heavy canvas strap with a heavy duty snap fastener.

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This system does come with a small cutting tool, more on that later, but the carry case also has a pouch on the side for adding a larger, more substantial tool, and they sell the Ritter RSK MK5 on their site. I happen to already have one. The Becker BK-13 Remora will also fit as will larger folder like a Wenger Ranger.

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Each of the components is marked with a universal symbol for the contents within, and the case is set up to be market with matching symbols for easy identification of contents, a handy thing if multiple kits are involved.

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The nodular system consists of multiple polycarbonate containers and polypropylene terminators and connectors. The containers open at either end and can be connected in various configurations to suit personal needs. The contents all come in their own stuff sacks so the contents can be removed and the containers used for transporting other things like water if needs be.

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There are also empty containers and terminators available in three lengths; small-1.5”, medium- 3”, large-4.5”, and extra large-6”. All container are 3.25” outside diameter of terminators with an inside diameter of 2.75”. They can even be stored in two pieces in the nylon sleeve so you have more lids available and more options.

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Each component comes with a list of contents, and I keep the first aid kit on the end for quick access. The FAK is a simple one but fairly comprehensive. However it also has room for adding some user specific items. For example I am going to add some acetaminophen and benadryl to mine.

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While it does come with matches, a Spark-Lite, and a fresnel lens. The system marked fire component is a more complex than just fire.

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The Spark-Lit and tinder-quick work really, and even works well in damp conditions, and can be used effectively with just one hand.

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NATO matches and strikers individually sealed in a plastic pack

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Signal mirror

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Water purification tabs and a folding, free-standing, sealable, and reusable water container.

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Safety pins, needle, fish hooks, and split shots

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Spark-Lite, Tinder Quick, Esbit fuel, Fox 40 whistle, duct tape, and nylon cordage.

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Folding knife and saw, cordage, wire, flash light, pencil and paper

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The stove system has worked really well the times I’ve used it to heat up some bullion on the trail. Brought the water to a boil quickly and maintained it for a full seven minutes, do not over fill the cup to avoid a boil-over.

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The shelter system comes with a 4.5’ x 6.5’ silicon-coated, rip-stop nylon tarp with nine fastening loops, nylon cordage, line tensioners, and a milar thermal blanket. You do have to either add your own stakes or make them in the bush. I prefer large stakes so I prefer to make them in the field anyway.

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I made a simple lean-to starting with the ridge line only making cuts in the cord as I got the ridge line up and the corners tied down. Had I used a ridge pole I may have been able to save on cordage. The line tensioners work really well!

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The tarp has reinforced corners, and heavy stitching on the tie downs

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Some photos of the lean-to up. Not a huge shelter by any means, but considering I am 6’-2” tall and weigh roughly 270 pounds, it’s definitely large enough to help one escape the worst of wet weather, and get out of some cold wind. Supplemented with another small tarp, a heat sheets e blanket, or some natural materials, a fairly substantial shelter could be fashioned relatively quickly.

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It has a high degree of visibility from decent distances too.

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All in all I think it’s a great little kit. I think it’s perfect for my needs of a comprehensive kit for dealing with contingencies on my wilderness outings. I can see where it could work well for people on SAR crews as well. And the empty containers option is a good one for people who already have the gear and just want to make up a good modular system for carrying it to the field.


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I remember I asked about this a while back in one of your other posts. Thanks for posting the review, there aren't that many out there. I am assuming because most people make their own and don't buy these. That, or they seem expensive. Are the components included a good quality and worth the cost?
 
I remember I asked about this a while back in one of your other posts. Thanks for posting the review, there aren't that many out there. I am assuming because most people make their own and don't buy these. That, or they seem expensive. Are the components included a good quality and worth the cost?

Yeah, they're not exactly cheap, but yeah the components seem well made. Cheap is not always, or even usually the number one factor I figure in when it comes to choosing a kit. When I looked at these and started figuring costs it would take to go the "build your own" rout using their containers, which I happen to like a lot. I was at $156.00 just for the containers & sleeve, an AMK kit that had a lot of the same components in it (I had already bought one for the wife's car kit), the tarp, line and tensioners from another source, and even though I already had most of the stuff for the FAK I still didn't have the stove figured in and unable to find a similar stove that would fit it would have been another $53.00 for the gearpods stove. The system fits my needs and I just found it simpler to go this route to get what I wanted with less hassel, and cheaper once I started thinking about the time I'd have to put into putting it all together myself. Since I don't exactly have a lot of spare time what I do have is valuable to me. I can make more money, I can not make more time....
 
How much trouble to repack after using some of the contents? Is it one of those things where you have to pay close attention when unpacking to have a chance of getting everything back in?
 
Yeah, they're not exactly cheap, but yeah the components seem well made. Cheap is not always, or even usually the number one factor I figure in when it comes to choosing a kit. When I looked at these and started figuring costs it would take to go the "build your own" rout using their containers, which I happen to like a lot. I was at $156.00 just for the containers & sleeve, an AMK kit that had a lot of the same components in it (I had already bought one for the wife's car kit), the tarp, line and tensioners from another source, and even though I already had most of the stuff for the FAK I still didn't have the stove figured in and unable to find a similar stove that would fit it would have been another $53.00 for the gearpods stove. The system fits my needs and I just found it simpler to go this route to get what I wanted with less hassel, and cheaper once I started thinking about the time I'd have to put into putting it all together myself. Since I don't exactly have a lot of spare time what I do have is valuable to me. I can make more money, I can not make more time....

That's what seems to be what the few people I've seen who have reviewed them said. The price is worth it, since they are good quality, and having to do all the stuff on your own would take time and multiple orders online. Thanks for the review. :thumbup:
 
Awesome stuff man. Really enjoy your threads, reading, and photo wise.
 
Thanks for the kind words guys, glad you liked the post.

Thanks for covering me on that 1066vik, I didn't catch that and I need to edit that info in I guess.

Man, loading this thread at McDonalds with their slow wi-fi is interesting.
 
thanks for the review :) looks like the components are pretty high quality and thought out (I have many of the same bits in my kits)

ordering (and paying multiple shipping costs typically) and assembling kits is time consuming, if I didn't like messing around building kits this looks like a great system off the shelf
 
thanks for the review :) looks like the components are pretty high quality and thought out (I have many of the same bits in my kits)

ordering (and paying multiple shipping costs typically) and assembling kits is time consuming, if I didn't like messing around building kits this looks like a great system off the shelf

Yeah, I know what you mean. I used to enjoy it a lot more than I do now, and there was a time when there were local stores that carried most of this stuff at a decent price, and i enjoyed the interaction, but not so much anymore. For the price and what you get I think it's a fairly comprehensive and well thought out light weight kit with quality components, especially for off the shelf.
 
I'm pretty well set on this type of stuff on my own, but this looks like a good way to give a kit of decent components to someone as a gift.
 
Awesome thanks for the review. I just got the exact kit from my wife for fathers day. July 1st gear pods is coming out with a molle sleeve that will suit my needs a little better. As a matter of fact my set up is almost exactly like yours with the same Maxpedition bag.
 
I'm pretty well set on this type of stuff on my own, but this looks like a good way to give a kit of decent components to someone as a gift.

I was thinking that same thing after checking this one out. I'm thinking about getting another for the car.


Awesome thanks for the review. I just got the exact kit from my wife for fathers day. July 1st gear pods is coming out with a molle sleeve that will suit my needs a little better. As a matter of fact my set up is almost exactly like yours with the same Maxpedition bag.


I liked everything else so much that I forgot to mention that was my only complaint was that the attcahment was just a strap and not a molle compatable strap.


I swear if mistwalker isn't the continual purveyor of all things cool


I guess that's what happens when a gear geek is also a camera addict. You know, because uncool gear would just be...uncool :)
 
great review. looks like a great thing to have ina bug-out bag. how easy is it to repack? im just wondering if everythin is stowed away easily or is this more of a break glass in case of emergency deal
 
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