Rain Gear

One of the first things that they ever taught me in boy scouts was the boy scout motto, "Be Prepared." It's something that I have incorporated into my everyday life, not just boy scouts. Whether it was work, school, or everyday life I always did my best to be prepared. However, no matter how hard I worked towards being ready for anything, there was always something that I would forget. Nine times out of ten this was my rain gear. I can't even remember how many times I used a plastic trash bag as a poncho when I found myself in a downpour with no rain coat.

Rain gear is something that is extremely important to have with you pretty much at all times. You never know when the weatherman is going to be wrong... or right for that matter. Rain gear is especially important if you plan any trip for the outdoors. Not only will it keep you dry but you can use rain gear for many other purposes as well.

Ponchos

Plastic ponchos are a fantastic thing to keep in your backpack or car. They are quick, easy, and pack very nicely. They can also have many other purposes. There tons of uses for a bit of plastic sheeting. They're relatively durable and good for storing your items in if you don't want them to get wet. You can also make a quick, waterproof shelter out of one. I'm not saying it would be a regular Holiday Inn but it would do in a pinch. I myself have used ponchos a number of times to waterproof a shelter.

Rain coats

Rain coats don't have a lot of extra purposes but if you have some ingenuity and resources available you can figure something out. For example, if you tied up the sleeves and the hole for your head you could mack a quick rucksack out of it. You could also use it as a signal flag if you are in a situation where you need help.

Umbrellas

Umbrellas can provide you with a ton of resources for a survival situation if you had one available. You could make snares, traps, hooks, shelter pieces, and tons of other things as well. There are invaluable uses for the metal pieces that make up the structure, the handle as well.

Homemade: Emergency Survival Kit

Recently a friend of mine asked me if because I was an Eagle Scout I could survive in any situation. Although I wish it were true, it is not. The amount of experience I have and training gives me a good chance of making a survival situation easier and bettering my chances of making it home in good shape. He asked me if I had one of those really cool emergency survival kits that they advertise on websites like REI and Blue Ridge Mountain Sports. The answer is no. Why would someone go out and spend a fortune on a survival kit that you simply make at home and have it be way cheaper? Here's mine:

• An old backpack from an army surplus store
• A Leatherman Supertool 300
• A Smith and Wesson Search and Rescue fixed blade knife
• Knife sharpener
• A large Ziploc container
• A roll of duct tape
• Home made first aid kit
• Assorted Band-Aids
• Sterile Gauze
• Medical Tape
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Nylon rope
• Black trash bags
• Clear trash bags
• A compass
• A whistle
• Home made fishing kit
• Spool of line
• Hooks
• Sinkers
• Some fly tackle
• Backpacking stove + fuel
• Mess kit
• Matches
• Lighter
• Dryer lint
• Sleeping bag
• Chewing gum
• Mirror

My survival kit has some stuff in it that is kind of pricy only because I have acquired over time while I was in the Boy Scouts. Most of the stuff I have was either free, from a surplus or thrift store, or I bought it at the dollar store. I also have a few things I could honestly take out but I keep them because it fits, it's light weight, and you never know what could be useful. Everything I have in my kit has more than one use. If you don't believe me, leave a comment and I'll explain.

Eventually I'll put up a picture of my kit but for the time being it's nice and packed and I'd like to keep it that way.

Thanks for reading!

SelecTool: Master Sharpener [Product Review]

If you are like me and like to keep your knives sharp but find doing so to be tedious then you're in luck. I discovered this product while browsing my local SGK Gun show. It is a multi function knife sharpener that can be used for shears, scissors, as well as knives. It is a three step sharpening procedure but it is much quicker than using sharpening stones. A huge bonus for me is that is made entirely in the US and was assembled by American veterans. Want to learn more about this product? Watch the video below and follow or, follow the link provided. I actually met the man in the video at the gun show and talked to him about his product and have to say that the demonstration that he gives is definitely persuading.


http://www.sharp4life.com/