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Survival Kits in F&S
- Thread starter Guyon
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Myakka said:I thought this was the Wilderness & Survival Skills forum, In the wilderness your flashlight is the moon. Flashlight talk usually takes place in the Gadet and Gear forum, it shouldn't take a degree to figure that one out.
Ron
"Survival" means different things to different people. To some, it's primitive living skills. To others it's staying alive for 72 hours until your found by SAR. There is everything in between.
As for flashlights:
There's this guy who taught survival to the SAS for years. He recommends a flashlight.
There's this guy who heads the Mountain Rescue Assoc. He recommends a flashlight as survival gear.
There's the "Ten Essentials" for survival - including a flashlight.
Theres the National Aassociation for Search and Rescue. They also think you should have a flashlight as part of your survival equipment.
Mors endorses it.
As for moons:
We had a full moon nine days ago. I couldn't see it because of clouds. Nor could I see it since -- because of clouds.
It's hard to signal with a moon. A flashlight works better.
I respectfully urge that discussing flashlights is as legitimate as discussing any other survival gear.
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To me, survival is getting from one air conditioned environment to the next during summer time with a minimal amount of sweating involved. 
And flashlights have definite survival uses beyond their primary and very important use of providing light. Some (like maglites) can be used to start fires with a piece of steel wool (not news to most here, probably). Some are useful as impact weapons. The psychological benefit of having a good light source can make a huge difference in any survival situation as well.
And if survival means finding your way out of a dark building after some kind of disaster, a flashlight can be the difference between life and death.
And flashlights have definite survival uses beyond their primary and very important use of providing light. Some (like maglites) can be used to start fires with a piece of steel wool (not news to most here, probably). Some are useful as impact weapons. The psychological benefit of having a good light source can make a huge difference in any survival situation as well.
And if survival means finding your way out of a dark building after some kind of disaster, a flashlight can be the difference between life and death.
Myakka said:I thought this was the Wilderness & Survival Skills forum, In the wilderness your flashlight is the moon. Flashlight talk usually takes place in the Gadet and Gear forum, it shouldn't take a degree to figure that one out.
Ron
Wilderness "&" Survival Skills
I spend A LOT of time in the bush at night and no moon ever helped me as its usually cloud covered or trees in the way. Flashlights have a place no question.
Can I fashion a birch bark torch? Yes but why would I, I have a light. WE aren't disecting flashlights here just mentioning them in passing.
Many a people have found themselves in dire straights because they lost track of time and the sun set on them. A flashlight is a no brainer even if its a small LED on the wifes keychain to check the rear seat after the evening shift :thumbup: . Survival isn't just about jeremiah johnson wrestling grizzlies.
Skam
Myakka said:Skam,
Don't forget to pack extra batteries in your pocket kit for the flashlites.
jeremiah johnson wrestling grizzliesDont you mean Ray Mears
I only carry a small LED light in my EDC tin kit. It has a 16 hr burn time which is fine for near 3 full nights if needed. I figure if I am not rescued by then I have bigger issues than light. I should be settled in by then and need less light anyway.
LED's are the greatest invention since the light bulb.
How about JJ vs Ray Mears . I think pretty boy Ray would be in a world of hurt.
Skam
My EDC backpack has three lights, a UK4AAeLED is primary and it will run approx 20 hours before needing new batteries. Then there are two 2AAA LED lights and the Photon Freedom on my keychain. I carry one spare set (4) of AA batteries and one set of AAA. The GPS in my pack also runs on AAA and that's the only reason I carry the spare AAA's.
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As a matter of fact, Ray also recommends carrying a flashlight when in the "bush."
Cliff Stamp
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Myakka said:
Even if you have a clear moon in a non-overcast sky, this doesn't help at all in heavy tree cover, nor seeking shelter in a cave, nor working inside your shelter, plus flashlights have other uses such as a signal, fishing, etc. .
As for batteries, a decent lithium or other high class battery will last a very long time in a decent flashlight, the LED's especially. It isn't like the food, purification tablets, etc. last forever either.
[vs gear]
Myakka said:
Lack of either will get you killed and one can compensate for the other to a degree but they are not in opposition but actually complementary so improve both.
I would place will to live over either and that is one that is pretty hard to actually train/improve. Lots of people in high stress situations will panic and be unable to make decisions, all the knowledge and gear does nothing then.
-Cliff
Cliff Stamp
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Myakka said:
Man lived a long time on the planet with knives either, mirrors, high volume whistle, cell phones, water purification tablets, a ferro rod or mag block, or matches/lighter, ropes of any kind, antibiotics, sutures, steri-strips, etc., doesn't mean they are not useful to have.
-Cliff
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Myakka said:Cliff,
Who said there not useful
Point taken. However, you apparently do not believe they are important enough to be called a "survival item." Interestling, as Ravaillac says. The only way I can read that is that you would not routinely take a flashlight with you when going into the bush. Hopefully, most will take a flashlight, meaning less work for SAR folk. That is the advice of every authority on survival whom I can locate.
Cliff Stamp
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Myakka said:
Consider yours posts in the thread, you don't considier it a survival item, don't even think it should be discussed here, "your flashlight is the moon", man lived without one, etc. .
-Cliff