Vacation EDC for survival.

CUTS LIKE A KRIS

CUTS LIKE A KRIS

Joined
Sep 28, 2005
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So I should be going to the Mayan Riveria for my honeymoon in july and was wondering what you guys carry for EDC and as survival gear. I am thinking of the ferro rod/mag bar that came with my Hoffman Harpoon, small coil of waxed thread (fake sinew), lighter, PCB's in spy capsule. For cutlery I am thinking of the Spyderco Salt, and Case Baby Butterbean, along with a large SAK, and Gerber River Shorty for snorkeling. All of the knives are easily replaceable and I do not have much sentimental value if lost.
Yes I am a bit paranoid, but we are planning on doing some Mayan ruins and I want to be prepared.
Also- what do you guys use for snorkeling blades?
 
Maybe I lean towards the paranoia, but carrying these things, if seen by customs, or other officials, etc., may look a little suspicious. I'm thinking that alternate methods of carry would be much less suspicious. For example, instead of carrying PCB's in a spy capsule, why not carry some cotton cosmetic pads (for your girl friend, of course) and a small tube of Vaseline, or some lip balm, etc. Instead of a coil of artificial sinew, why not get your mother, girl friend, aunt etc. to crochet you a little bag with artificial sinew for your cell phone or whatever, that could easily be unravelled for whatever use you may have. As for knives, any SAK should be above suspicion, but why not pick up a cheap knife down there for snorkelling, etc.

And then again, maybe everybody doesn't wear tin foil hats............:o

Doc
 
DOC-CANADA said:
Maybe I lean towards the paranoia, but carrying these things, if seen by customs, or other officials, etc., may look a little suspicious. I'm thinking that alternate methods of carry would be much less suspicious. For example, instead of carrying PCB's in a spy capsule, why not carry some cotton cosmetic pads (for your girl friend, of course) and a small tube of Vaseline, or some lip balm, etc. Instead of a coil of artificial sinew, why not get your mother, girl friend, aunt etc. to crochet you a little bag with artificial sinew for your cell phone or whatever, that could easily be unravelled for whatever use you may have. As for knives, any SAK should be above suspicion, but why not pick up a cheap knife down there for snorkelling, etc.

And then again, maybe everybody doesn't wear tin foil hats............:o

Doc
Click to expand...

Now... That sounds like very good advice! :thumbup:
 
CUTS LIKE A KRIS said:
Also- what do you guys use for snorkeling blades?
Click to expand...


I use my dive knife which is a Benchmade H2O.

I agree with Doc, less conspicuous the better. I would stay away from fixed blades and tactical looking folders like spydercos. Don't forget a small first aide kit.
 
For the Spyderco Salt consider the yellow handle model. It looks more like a river or dive knife than tactical. What is a PCB?
 
When I have gone to Mexico (Cancun, Cozumel, and Mazaatlan), I have carried a standard SAK as my primary, walking-around knife. Even if you have one with a saw, Huntsman is my favorite, it is seen as pretty benign.

For beachcombing and snorkelling, the Spyderso Salt is probably a good choice. Not only will the yellow handle make it look less tactical, but it can be clipped inside the waistband of your shorts so that it's there if you need it, even while swimming and snorkeling. I would think that if you brought these two, and even tucked a leatherman in your luggage, and then kept in the hotel safe, you'd be set for any repairs that the SAK couldn't handle. I personally like having the pliers available when traelling.

One suggestion on packing though. As has been mentioned here, customs can be a point of concern. Keep in mind that the Myan Riviera is a diving paradise. As such, Scuba divers, and the gear they carry, are very common for customs agents to come across. As such, you may want to pack a diving mask, snorkel, and fins along with your Salt or the Gerber if you think you need it. This way, the "dive knife" will look perfectly normal along with other dive gear. Just tell the customs agents that you are renting your BCD, wetsuit, regulator, etc from a local dive company...very common practice. And shoot, you could even do some snorkelling with the gear while you're there! The customs guys probably won't look twice. Still, remember that it is Mexico, so anything is confiscatable if the agents happen to think they need to confiscate it on that particular day. Your strategy of taking dependable tools that are not too expensive and easily replaceable is a good idea.

Enjoy your trip and congratulations on your wedding!
 
Congratulations Kris! Are you up and around at this point or are you still relying on those tactical crutches?

+1 on Doc's advice. Mexican Customs officials could find your choice of "survival" goodies threatening and in addition to having it confiscated, you might win a date with Mister Rubber Glove! :eek: :eek:

For as strict as they are about travellers bringing "weapons" into the country, a wide assortment of blades are readily available once you are there. A word of caution - Strapping on a machete and heading off to tour ruins will probably earn you some unwelcome attention. Name brand blades may be available, but be prepared to pay a premium.

Timblade's suggestion about bringing snorkeling gear is a good one. Its presence will likely offset the threatening appearance of your dive knife.

-- FLIX
 
Sgt. Art said:
For the Spyderco Salt consider the yellow handle model. It looks more like a river or dive knife than tactical. What is a PCB?
Click to expand...
I think he means Petroloeum (jelly) and Cotton Balls.
You saturate the cottonballs with petrolrum jelly (vaseline). Apply a spark from a ferro rod to the PCB and voila you have a fire.
 
I'd go with a LM Wave and a Bic lighter and call it good. Since you will be a stone's throw from civilization you probably won't find yourself in need of a ferro and pcb's.

I'd much rather have a spy capsule with some Imodium or Tums.

I also EDC a small notepad a good Fisher Space pen and a simple First Aid Kit.

All this stuff can be carried on you in a regular run of the mill day pack. Anything Maxped or tactical looking will just draw attention.

If you need waxed thread, just use dental floss. No one will bat an eye...
 
My suggestions are:
LM tool or SAK, firesteel, whistle and a LED light in a piece of paracord tied to your belt.
One thing though is that you need to "sharpen" a tool like the can opener on the inside so it will make more sparks. Not sharpen like a knife, but as an ice skate.

In my backpack I would bring a FAK, a 3" fixed, alu blanket (s), some fire making stuff and all the other useful things. What people dont see, they dont care about. I guess spy capsules and such "intricate" gear will confuse people. Bring "plain" tools. A mag block or fire steel is easy to explain/show how it works, matches, plain looking knives, lighters and such, people know about.

It is always. Black colour, serrations, tanto edge and fancy kydex sheath makes it a Rambo knife. The same knife with shiny blade, drop point and nice leather sheath looks almost cute.

People will usually complain that you drag along too much gear, but eventually they will use all your gear :)

Have a nice trip.
 
Customs in Mexico has never been a problem for me. I've been searched a few times at the military checkpoints and though a bit nervewracking, haven't had anything confiscated. I haven't even had to pay bribes while travelling there. I would guess that you will be fine.
 
I am carrying snorkeling gear with me so I was planning on putting the knives with them. I have considered the multitool but am not sure I want to risk loosing the ones I have (SAK was only $20). My Salt is the yellow ones, and the same color as my swimming trunks so it disappears which was one consideration. Good thinking on the dental floss and chapstick (which I do carry anyways) and cotton pads. I've never gone beyond the USA and Canada so that is why I am asking for advice.

I am out and about more without the tactical crutches but it at laset doubles the amount of time it takes me to get anywhere, and malls and long walks still require my TC's. I am really one of those people who takes 2 walking staffs with me now. I should be OK for the wedding and honeymoon as it is a while away (3 months-EEEK) and I am making progress.

Other tips are welcome as well- Don't drink the water, no strippers back to the room, don't accept the little package the man wants to sell you........
 
Doc gives good advice//I'd bring the large sak and the salt, if you're not prying the salt will work for snorkeling and be below the radar..if I'm snorkeling around home I use a stainless mora swak..I don't ory much and I don't baton underwater...If I had a salt that would probably be what I'd use though.
 
DOC-CANADA said:
Maybe I lean towards the paranoia, but carrying these things, if seen by customs, or other officials, etc., may look a little suspicious. I'm thinking that alternate methods of carry would be much less suspicious. For example, instead of carrying PCB's in a spy capsule, why not carry some cotton cosmetic pads (for your girl friend, of course) and a small tube of Vaseline, or some lip balm, etc. Instead of a coil of artificial sinew, why not get your mother, girl friend, aunt etc. to crochet you a little bag with artificial sinew for your cell phone or whatever, that could easily be unravelled for whatever use you may have. As for knives, any SAK should be above suspicion, but why not pick up a cheap knife down there for snorkelling, etc.

And then again, maybe everybody doesn't wear tin foil hats............:o

Doc
Click to expand...

Or get the knife(s)/MTs/gear locally. Have the knife(s) MTs engraved "Mayan Riviera 2008". And the day before you leave, mail that locally made kit home.
Something truly interesting to show your friends!!;):thumbup:
 
I have been all over Mexico, and I must say I kinda felt safe, but that is compared to my home Country so maybe you shouldn't go with so many blades, Consider something like a SAK and the Spyderco.

Which btw was how I went last year. One thing, If you are going to go on a plane o Bus or throw your blades it in the luggage or carry some kind of fanny pack.

Anyhow, you shouldnt have any problems.

The Mayan Riviera is amazing, I´m sure you will never forget it
 
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