This is a companion to my "What did you buy" thread. The idea here is: not everything survival preparedness related has to incur cost. Some things are free like research, exercise, inventory control, food rotation, etc etc etc.

So here's your chance to sound off about your activities. Hopefully this will encourage other people! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I'll start...

My survival related activities today included:

1) I started a thread about food storage on another site. Further, I continued to contribute to it.

2) I contributed to a thread about mini survival kits.

3) I contributed here.

4) I researched cold weather clothes.

5) I invested "Black Friday" deals at a host of online gear and food retailers.

I read your posts Arch <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I rigged up and maxped cocoon pouch onto my steelnut kydex sheath for my DSF and started getting my BOB belt order in order.

Items in Cocoon Pouch:
LMF Firesteel
4 quick tinders
Small container with PJCB's
50ft paracord
Small Bic Lighter
10ft Ductape
Aquamira Frontier Filter Straw
Small Sharpening Stone
BoyScout Bandana with First Aid information on it
Cut Up Pantyhose

Thanks to you fellow Dogs for putting together such comprehensive lists and putting so much thought into your setups. It has inspired this pup to gear up!
J

At lunch I put 300 rounds through my new 22 pistol and 100 through my EDC Glock 21. After work, I hit the gym for an hour followed by a 5 mile run at 6,500 feet altitude.

I sorted my MRE stash from oldest to newest so I could use the older one on my camping trips this winter.

I read arch's posts! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

More research, Read posts here, Thanks all, especially arch. Watched some utube vids. Some good some bad. Trying to come up with organization plan for preps. Thinking about what to put in my Maxpedition sitka bag.

I went through my first aid supplies this morning and worked out.

Yesterday I received a new GHB in the mail and equipped it, along with another 1,000 ft. roll of paracord.

Funny but true, I did that too. and I double checked the family BOBs as well as finding a local FFL for a new "tool" I ordered.

Question for Arch and everybody else.
Are all ferro rods created equal?
Harbor Freight has magnesium/ferro rods for just $2
but is there a trade off or catch?
From what I have seen the online places have little if anything for under $10
I want quality, and fully understand survival supplies is not a place to skimp, but I want value for my money.
Are there any particular ferro rods anybody really likes? links please.

Here's one good source. I have one from them and I guess it's OK. Works just fine.
www.firesteel.com

And here is another that is intriguing. Ferro rod/magnesium combined.
http://www.campingsurvival.com/aufistflstan.html

OH and you can ask Dogtired, he MAKES rods for folks. I've got one from him and IT IS NICE!

I can say that my experience has shown that "less expensive" ferro rods deteriorate with age. I've only owned one "cheap chinese made" ferro rod, but it eventually started to crumble.

I would certainly try one of those rods advertised on feeBay for $2 or $3, but honestly a Light My Fire is only $10 if you shop around.

Ferro rods take practice to master. This is where I think the cheap version would come in handy - keep wear off your "go to rod".