If you're going to carry a pistol for self-defense, carry it all the time.

The two most used tools in the field are a pocket knife and a lighter. If you don't have them on you, you should always know where they are. (And then realize you should just keep them on you.)

Practice fire starting. Most of the fire starting videos on Youtube are probably NOT the first take, and many are in ideal conditions.

Use a signal mirror that allows aiming. With a regular mirror, I'm not nearly as capable as others seem to be.

I have learned the difference between preparing for wilderness survival and preparing to go camping. My wilderness emergency kit has shrunk by 75%.

USA military clam chowder MREs are foul beyond comprehension.
-Blast

Wow. I hope that wasn't the one I traded to you!

If so, I'm sorry!

Actually, it was. I just had it for lunch today on a whim. No worries though, I don't regret the trade. The pumpkin shortbread that came with it was pretty good.

I'm thinking the second MRE might end up in our lab's "White Elephant" Christmas gift exchange.

-Blast

Blast is Lucky to have had a Clam Chowder MRE & Live To Tell about it!Back when I served in The Military,Our seafood Item was The #9-Tuna & Noodles!YUCK!The banana-nut cake it came with was worth it's weight in Gold!