What works and what doesn't

[will62]

Over the years I have seen lots of different things in PSKs. For those that have used one either in a real emergency or as a field exercise, what worked as expected? On the other hand what was a total failure or did not live up to the hype?

What changes did you make to the kit based on actual use?

 

[Tim the Slugman]

I almost froze, using a space blanket, It wasnt' even that cold. cant beat wool

 

[fishface5]

I think a space blanket works best if you are bundled inside other material as well, like inside a pile of leaves - it is a lightweight way to significantly enhance the effectiveness of found insulation.

I would say that a pocket chainsaw, even a good one, is not nearly as effective as a decent folding saw. It can certainly work but seems to take a lot more energy. But, like the space blanket, it's meant to be a small and lightweight emergency option to bigger & better equipment.

 

[jackknife]

Wool; there's no substitute.

 

[Rockywolf]

I don't use bandaids. A roll of waterproof tape or duct tape is most of my first aid kit.

 

[TheGame]

I don't use bandaids. A roll of waterproof tape or duct tape is most of my first aid kit.

Though I do have a FAK, the only time I use that is usually for others. I usually use Duct tape with some type of cloth for myself as well.

I'll second the pocket saw -- at least the cheap ones. Have seen many of them break.

 

[theonew]

7% DEET, better than nothing, but far from effective.

 

[cuphead]

I almost froze, using a space blanket, It wasnt' even that cold. cant beat wool

x2 space blankets:jerkit:

 

[6shooter]

I would say that a pocket chainsaw, even a good one, is not nearly as effective as a decent folding saw. It can certainly work but seems to take a lot more energy. But, like the space blanket, it's meant to be a small and lightweight emergency option to bigger & better equipment.

This. I wasn't impressed with my pocket chainsaw at all.

 

[mtwarden]

I bought a 3 oz Fiskar's saw- it works not so w/ the pocket saws (at least the ones I've tried)

"space blankets" tear to shreds in a hurry- I've gone to a AMK Thermolite bivy in my 24 hour bag, I keep one of their heat sheets in my last ditch kit- they are much more durable than the "space blankets"

"button" compasses- many (most?) are crap in my experience, I have Suunto that is built into my K&M match safe http://kmmatchcase.com/index.htm - it works. It's not my primary compass, but it's nice to have a compass that actually works

I recently purchased some 1 quart water containers http://bepreparedtosurvive.com/WaterContainers.htm

and thus far they seem to be work pretty well, pack small too- these don't replace water bottles (I use Platy bottles) but keep two in my last ditch kit- condoms, basting bags, infant milk bags, etc I haven't had luck w/ as water containers

 

[Garrett Schmidt]

Folding saws are hit or miss with me. They are either too weak and they break or they are tough as hell and are too heavy for my light weight setups. These days I use a $8 bow saw from the local tractor supply. Its lighter and has performed better than any other saw thus far for me.

As far as things I'll never go without. I'd have to say rubber bands, twist ties, super glue, gorilla tape, and braided fishing line. There hasn't been much I haven't been able to either fix or rig up to work temporarily with those things.

 

[CSG]

For saws, it's hard to beat the Fiskars/Gerber sliding pruning saw for about $10. 6" retractable blade, weighs just a few ounces. I got a couple at Home Depot but County Comm sells them too and shows a quick demo ripping a 4x4. I'm surprised so few people know about them and how useful they are.

http://www.countycomm.com/saw.htm

 

[EmsRescueGuy]

Glow sticks have there place and I use them from time to time, but on more than one occasion I grabbed a glowstick from a kit to find it was non functional or at least very weak. The same has been true with the Minimag solitaire.


A good Micro LED light and spare battery take up less room are more reliable, and effective in most lighting situations making them a better bet for a PSK

 

[Iboschi]

I keep the PSK light, but when I'm with inexperienced people, I like to LOAD up the First-Aid kit. You really cannot go wrong with an extra 5oz of stuff that can keep novices, children, and women (who only under pack in the out of doors, and over pack in every other circumstance) safer and healthier. I add hemostats and all kinds of serious trauma tools to the F-A kit.

 

[CSG]

I think some of us have found that foil makes for a poor water container. One should carry it for other reasons but it's tough to make a foil container that will hold water without leaking rather quickly.

 

[DWK2]

Many years ago when desert hiking I used to carry some things to make a so-called "desert still". After spending a three-day weekend playing with such stills under ideal circumstances, I decided not to plan on using one unless on the coast---where you can pour in buckets of salt water to help the process along.

DancesWithKnives

 

[EmsRescueGuy]

I think some of us have found that foil makes for a poor water container. One should carry it for other reasons but it's tough to make a foil container that will hold water without leaking rather quickly.

I have read a few articles that seem to agree that something has changed in foil over the past 10 years that the newer stuff just seems to leak.

 

[randomlooker]

"space blankets" tear to shreds in a hurry- I've gone to a AMK Thermolite bivy in my 24 hour bag, I keep one of their heat sheets in my last ditch kit- they are much more durable than the "space blankets"

I keep one of their bivvies in my SAR 24 hour pack, and have used it during overnight training. Not very comfortable or terribly warm, and the seam tore down one side (But were easily fixed with duct tape)... but better than a space blanket or nothing. I wouldn't rely on it in it cold weather, but for late spring/summer/early fall, it'll serve as an emergency sleeping bag.

 

[kgd]

I carry the heat sheets more for windproofing/waterproofing shelter than insulation. The reflective surface helps a tiny bit, but it won't stop convection which is the bigger heat draw.

I think it is helpful to test out before your kit items. More problematic are those little pre-packed kits sold in the 'camp junk' ailes of the store. These items are usually inferior to the better supplies that you can furnish from your home with a little foraging. For example, they have crap bandaides, the thread for sewing is poor quality, bad hooks etc. everything is on the cheap and for your convenience.

Last thing I found out is that a nylon bag as a PSK container doesn't work to me. The problem isn't the nylon bag, its my propensity to try and keep stuffing more junk in the PSK. Eventually it gets over packed and when that happens you find you can't access anything without pulling everything out. Now I have a lock'n'lock container. The whole cover pops right off and I can access most things without dumping all of it out.

 

[mtwarden]

For saws, it's hard to beat the Fiskars/Gerber sliding pruning saw for about $10. 6" retractable blade, weighs just a few ounces. I got a couple at Home Depot but County Comm sells them too and shows a quick demo ripping a 4x4. I'm surprised so few people know about them and how useful they are.

http://www.countycomm.com/saw.htm

that's the one I have, it works- your not going to build a log home w/ it, but for cutting poles for a small shelter or firewood- just right

I think some of us have found that foil makes for a poor water container. One should carry it for other reasons but it's tough to make a foil container that will hold water without leaking rather quickly.

very true- you can sometimes find heavier gauge aluminum at hardware stores that folds up nicely and does make a good container- the foil containers found at the supermarket can be used as well- either as is if the right size or purchase a big one and cut out a piece- much heavier gauge than most foils