I've realized that lately I've been preaching the value of items which have more than one job...and in trying to reduce the weight in my packs I've come to realize that this is tricky with survival equipment. I figured I'd get another snow ball rolling down hill by posting some of my multitaskers and see what else you all can come up with...if nothing else it's a fun exercise in thinking outide the box.

• Jig saw blade:
  • Sawing wood or metal (depending on blade type)
  • Firesteel striker
  • Spear tip
  • Arrow Head
• Space Blanket:
  • Ground Sheet when sleeping under tarp or under the stars.
  • As part of a heat reflector
  • Vapour barrier/heat reflector in sleeping bag
  • Vapour barrier in bag to keep contents dry.
  • Rain cover to keep wood or gear dry.
• Fishing line:
  • Fishing
  • Strong sewing thread
  • Small lashings
  • Can be used in snare construction
  • Light test can be used as floss
• Candles:
  • Light
  • Heat
  • Cooking (or at least simmering)
  • Firestarting (tinder...or the biggest slowest burning match ever!)
• Hand sanitizer Gel:
  • Sanitize your hands (the most important use)
  • Sanitize tools, cutlery, food prep stuffs.
  • Firestarter (can be lit with a firesteel but it's not easy)
• Snare Wire:
  • Snares
  • Gear repair
  • Fishing lures/hooks/leaders/sinkers/etc
  • Part of a makeshift splint (if you have enough or the splint is small)
• HD Aluminum Foil:
  • Protect food (leftovers?)
  • Makeshift cup or bowl (also for boiling)
  • Gear repairs
  • As part of a fishing lure
  • As part of a heat reflector
• Razor Blade/Utility Knife Blade:
  • Begrudging backup to a knife
  • Replacement blade for Gerber EAB pocket knife
  • Makeshift scalpel
  • Arrow Head (if sturdy enough)
  • Spear Tip (if sturdy enough)
  • Fishing hook

Then there's paracord and duct tape...those two almost go without saying.

Hammock - Can be used to lounge around and sip wildflower tea from a coffee can while waiting to be rescued, or you can net some fish.

Isn't survival and this whole forum devoted to thinking outside the box

What's why I posted it here and not on my quilting forum.

Metal pot or can
[list]
[*]boiling water
[*]cooking food
[*]snow/sand shovel
[*]bailing out a canoe
[*]add some stones to make a rattle/loud noisemaker
[*]fill with rocks to make an anchor
[*]fill with hot rocks to make a heater
[*]turn it sideways, put a candle in it and use it as a "bullseye" lantern
[*]bring home a giant spider in it to show DD1-2

-Blast

Jigsaw blade... do you really mean a thin jigsaw blade, or a sabre saw blade?

Space blanket: formed into a bowl on the ground, it can be used to catch rainwater or dew. With one edge secured to a line with split twigs, you can drape the bottom into a container and catch even more rainwater. Cut a piece off and line your hat with it for more heat retention. Make a poncho with some duct tape.

Sue

Jigsaw blade. 2-3 inches long...very sturdy...very hard to bend. I prefer the fine toothed metal blade but you can get them in different shapes and sizes for just about any application.




Damn fine idea! Especially for somebody like me with no hair on their head hehehe.

I just did a Google search and the consensus seems to be that a Jig Saw and a Sabre Saw are the same thing...who knew?

Unless You and I are thinking of a Saws-all saw. Those blades would be just as handy...just harder to pack