PSK Basics thread series (read 1st)

pict

pict

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Jan 7, 2003
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Commenting on another thread I got to thinking how much the contents of my PSK have been influenced by SUFFERING that I have caused myself at one point or another. It is good to learn from your mistakes. It is better to learn from the mistakes of others. I made most of my mistakes early on learning to camp and backpack without the benefit of adult supervision (or the internet). A few bad experiences in the wilderness are worth a few chapters in a book.

I’ve been toying with the idea of starting a series of threads dedicated the personal experiences that have gone into the assembly of your PSK. I want to hear about the tragedies or triumphs that have driven the contents of your Altoids or tobacco tin kits.

What personal experiences taught you the value of the items in your PSK? If not your own experience, what experiences have you seen or heard of others confronting that would have been resolved by an item in a PSK?

This site is full of discussion that hits this topic in general terms. There are plenty of lists here for anyone who wants to search. There is also plenty of discussion on general pack contents and EDC items. I’d like to (attempt) to limit the discussion to actual items in a pocket sized PSK. I’d also like to set it up so that only one topic is discussed per thread, with separate threads covering the basics of: FIRE, WATER, SHELTER, NAVIGATION, LIGHT, SIGNALS, FOOD GATHERING, MINOR MEDS, SHARPS, and MISC.

Try to keep comments focused on the incidents and accidents that drove your choices. As Solomon stated in Proverbs, “There is much wisdom in the multitude of counselors.” As each thread winds down or runs off topic I’ll start another in the series. Mac
 
Pict:

I did exactly what the subject lines told me NOT to do. I read your FIRE post before I read this one. If you intend to spearhead this series by starting a post for each of the categories you mentioned, please consider adding a cross-reference to this post, or even a paraphrase of this post, at the start of the other posts.

It's a great idea, but I'm afraid it might get lost without the plan you outline here.

Bear
 
Here is one :)

I've been cold, thirsty, hot, injured, and lonely because I was too lazy to carry real gear, and I just carried a tin can kit. I've eventually learned, and now I carry real full-sized gear in a backpack ;) :D

You can't replace two big water bottles, serious clothing and a big knife with the contents of a tin kit, no matter how brilliant it is.

Cheers,

David
 
David,

I agree 100% about real gear. My personal load of kit ranges from a low of 15 pounds to a lifetime max of 75 on a winter hunting trip. The PSK has its place as redundant back up to all that stuff carried in a manner that won't be lost when the boat overturns of the plane flips on landing and sinks.

Now be nice and play along :) Mac
 
pict said:
David,

I agree 100% about real gear. My personal load of kit ranges from a low of 15 pounds to a lifetime max of 75 on a winter hunting trip. The PSK has its place as redundant back up to all that stuff carried in a manner that won't be lost when the boat overturns of the plane flips on landing and sinks.

Now be nice and play along :) Mac
Click to expand...
Pict,

Ok. Agreed. Mini PSK's do have a place as a redundant backup, especially in combo with a fixed blade if it's strapped to your body somehow.

I'll jump in your (interesting) thread, if you don't mind, and I'll play nice ;) :D

Cheers,

David
 
Thanks to all who are participating in the PSK series of threads.

Just to clarify my thinking. I regard SHELTER - FIRE - WATER as the big three that can't be separated in terms of importance. Of course immediate medical attention would be urgent as well such as heavy bleeding, shock, head trauma, broken bones etc. It was not my intention to post these threads in strict order of importance but since eveyone took it that way I'll try to stick to some logical order.

Topic number 2 is now posted, SHELTER. The next will be WATER.

Remember, give us your stories to clarify your reasoning. As a (former) history teacher I find stories communicate a great deal more than lists can. I find the same to be true now that I'm a card carrying member of the clergy. Mac
 
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