Thanks - I plan on starting a split-thread with info on my PSK / GHB soon.

I completely agree about property damage!!!!

I can't wait for your thread. You seem to have a wealth of knowlege. Your post will probably compel me to get more equipment.

Thanks <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" />

Our "emergency gear" is actually built on a "layered" approach. By this I mean, we have PSK's; GHB's; Vehicle Gear; BIL Gear; and BOB's. I'll create a PSK/GHB thread, and if there is much interest I might create a BOB thread later.

The most interesting aspect of prepping (for me anyway) has been how my gear increased steadily over two decades, but now I'm trimming it way back. The more I use my gear the more I refine it.

The basics are very easy to cover (Fire; Water; Shelter; Defense; Food). Its the "comfort" and "redundant" items that can overload a good kit. The most important aspect to preparedness is experience. Do you know how your gear works, and do you know who to work your gear? For example, I've helped a lot of people build kits and am always disappointed to see them a year later....just to note that the factory coating is still on their ferro rod <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> .

As a related note:

I am 100% for having at least TWO of everything you plan on using. One can be used for camping; hiking; training; etc. The other should be kept in new condition (after testing it for function if required) for "reserve" or "go-to" status.

You are absolutely right. Practice makes perfect. Especially in fire and shelter making. Seems simple, but if your not in an ideal environment, or injured, things get really tough really fast.

My wife is always impressed when I can build a fire out of wet wood...in blowing rain...on soaking wet ground....with a ferro rod, 35mm film canister filled with cotton balls soaked in petrol jelly, and a good knife. It took a lot of practice to master that skill, and it still takes perseverance to do...but without having practiced I would have never mastered it.

K - I'm glad you're interested in survivalism. I use to contribute extensively to other forums, but gave up on that entirely. I'll start adding info here periodically, and will start with my PSK / GHB. None of my gear is earth shattering - it is just what I've found to work the best over the years.

I spend quite a bit of time in the hills. Now, my son comes with me. So, I never want to be caught unable to protect my son and I from the elements. If things go south, I want to be confident in my skills to get us back home in one healthy piece.

I know my limitations. That's what keeps me practicing.

Unless you give it a try, you never know what you can do and can't do. It's the "can't do's" that can kill you or get you in trouble.

I agree with both of your above posts: 100%.

I remember the first time I tried to make a water tight basha out of some 550 cord and a USGI poncho. It turned into a rain collector with a big hole in the middle (head hole)...which happened to be exactly what I was sitting under <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

We always try to develop a different skill every time we hike. Some times we don't choose what skill we develop - nature chooses for us. For example: last year my wife and I were a mile into a hike when she turned her ankle (thought it might have broken). I used my trama kit to stablize it (and her), built a split, and carried her out. Afterwords, I ran a several miles (with 30# of gear) to retrieve our SUV. In the end - she kept smiling and was secure the entire time (when I left her sitting on the side of a road in the middle of a National Forrest she had her hand on her own Glock 19, 2qt's of water; etc) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Outdoor activities often start this way...



Mistakes are made (we can climb through 300 yards of storm damage <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> )...





Look like this in the middle (that dot is me running to get our truck)....



End up like this....

Thanks for sharing Arch. Glad that was a happy ending. You an your wife are great looking couple. You look at home in the outdoors.

LOL, good call my friend! Home Depot carries it, I'm sure Lowe's does too. Most any hardware chain. it's really expensive, but when you need it to hold, it will.

I'm sure the perp would have had a bad day too, lol

K - thanks, I'm a very very blessed man <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> !

I started my split thread. Please take a look and offer suggestions.