Hi, Folks,

I'm putting together a series of articles about emergency wilderness survival, on my website. I've just put together an article which shows my kit, as a PSK example.

I'm giving a link, instead of showing it here, because the picture is large, the text is lengthy, and the article is an integrated part of a series. Here's the link:

http://www.mikespinak.com/articles/Essays/e995mypsk.html

I hope you enjoy it, or find it useful. Any thoughtful feedback, positive or negative, will be appreciated.

[Please note that this PSK article is somewhat of an unfinished rough draft, as is each article in the unfinished series (and the entire website, for that matter)].


Mike

Hi Mike,

Thanks for putting that together. Looks quite good!

One thing to consider adding is a wire saw or a larger cutter to help prepare firewood. The smaller pocket saws work quite well. You can also build your own out of a length of chainsaw chain and some rope to tie handles to each end!

Hi, ColdOne.

I have a chainsaw in my kit. It's #4.

Don't know how I missed that. In that case, i have no other comments! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

First Impressions:
I like it, I like it a lot.

Question:
How much dose it weigh? All that stuff packed in a 6 3/4" x 4 3/4" x 2 1/2" box has to have some heft to it.

My Compleatly Non-Professional Suggestions:
If it was my butt on the line I would want another light sourse, like a little one AAA or one AA LED and an extra battery for it. For example Fenix, Arc, or infinity task light, or a one of those hands free micro sized headlamps from petezl or sombody else at least that is were I'd start.
Also a a small Leatherman Gerber, or Swiss Army Knife. I would say it should at least the fallowing tools:
1. Flat Head and phillips Screwdrivers (to keep all other gear in good working order and to salavage parts off any thing you may come across while looking for help)
2. Pliers (agin for general tool use, like mentioned above, and grab the pot out of the fire)
3. Tweezers scisiors (the best for cutting mole skin to fit over a blister)
4. An awl ore fine point tool (you have this covered in the #38 lancet or #3 scalpels)


Again just my $0.02, a very a good kit. thanks for the link.

Hi, 007,

It's been several revisions since I've weighed it. I would guess a little under three pounds.

Regarding another light source: While the Skunklight is the only flashight in my kit, it is not the only flashlight I carry. I have a flashlight in my pocket, tied to my belt, and I often have my Black Diamond headlamp or my Petzl Headlamp.

Regarding the multi tool: I used to keep a Leatherman Wave in my kit, but I switched it out to free up room in the kit for other gear. Later, I had a Sog Crosscut in my kit, but I also switched it out to free up room for other gear. I agree it would be nice to have a multitool in my kit, but, within the context of the other items in my kit, I don't see it as crtical, and the space is better used in other ways. In any case, I often have my Leatherman Wave with me, in my pocket or in my pack. I have recently been considering removing the scissors from a small SAK, to add to my kit, after seeing someone else do it.

Thanks.

oh I see this kit is in addition to a couple to tools and lights already on your person, that makes the most scence. I like the idea of getting scissors from a small SAK.

From the looks of it, the kit is a nice compact package to throw in your pack or keep handy in your vehicle. Other items like another flashlight, knives or multi tools are things your (should) normally have attached to your belt!

That is an awesome kit I won't even try to add anything. I am totally going to use this to help me make my own pack. I totally agree that the mini altoids tin PSK's are more of a intelectual exercise than a real kit.

Hi me again, so I was thinking about the idea you got about removing the scissors from a small Swiss Army Knife and was thinking about how small and difficult they would be to use. So I my idea is throw the tweezers and scissors from a Swiss Card in your kit or it is low-profile so maybe the whole card.

Here is a picture of the scissors and Swiss Card I was refering to.
http://www.ampro.co.nz/CorporateResellers/0_7100_Swiss_Card_exploded.jpg


Again just MY $0.02

A Leatherman Micra is a pretty small pair of scissors.

James Bond,

Those scissors do look worth considering for my kit. I already have modified SAK tweezers in my kit.

Thanks.