I stumbled across this March 2013 review of the "SOL Origin" survival kit at Overland Tech and Travel.

It seems to be a fairly thorough and thoughtful review.

http://www.overlandexpo.com/overland-tec...sol-origin.html

Lol, fun read. Nice to see someone call out these survival kits for what they really are.

Hahaha! Nice! It seems that AMK has lost their way a bit. I don't know the specifics of their deal with Doug to manufacture and market the original PSP, but that kit was vastly better than the newer SOL offering. The appear to be succumbing to the need to continually have "new" products out, even when those products are interior to what they've already done.

While we're picking on them anyway, what's with the plastic box? Like the reviewer I was baffled when I first saw it. Sure it looks cool/tacticool but having the most essential gear on the outside is really idiotic IMOHO. It does seem very likely to be lost and not available when you most need it.

The most egregious issue appears to be ditching the wonderful original Spark-Lite. They must have felt the need to save $.50 was more important than having a reliable means to make fire. I haven't tried the new sparker but all the reviews I've seen have reported that it was cheap and not very effective.

Which brings us full circle to the PSP. Most of us have probably noticed that there's room in the pouch to add a few items. I put some chlorine dioxide tabs in there along with a better cutting tool and extra tinder. Anyone considering the SOL kit would be better served by getting the PSP instead, and then adding a couple items if they desire.

Yep I'm not really a fan of the fancy new SOL kits except for the Scout offering. The scout seems to cover the basics at a reasonable cost.
Still I wish they would not waste money on the fancy almost useless
dry bag they pack it in. IMO put the contents in a plain zip bag and leave room for owner additions or use a bag larger enough to actually use as a water bag. Save money, lower price point and or offer better components.

Now after reading the review I wonder if anyone who knows how to use a
spark wheel lighter has compared the new one to the original, the tinder
seems to be the same.

Personally I prefer the BSA spark lite but Doug had good reasons for selecting a spark wheel type so how do they compare new vs old?

I haven't tried the new but I love the old. FWIW I also have the Survival Spark from TAD (all brass) and a couple of the aluminum versions of the Spark-Lite. All of them work well. The square shaft of the latter is easier to grip than the round shaft of the TAD.

The big advantage of this type of device is that it uses only one hand. Thus you can use the other to position tinder or block the wind. The Blast Match is also good but bulkier and more expensive. No matter what else I carry I also have a Firesteel on me, too.

I always thought this kit was a bit gimmicky.

Since we are on the subject, does the metal Spark-Lite provide an advantage over the plastic one?

http://www.fourseasonssurvival.com/Spark...ght_p_1379.html

Jeanette Isabelle

The metal Sparklite has the advantage of replacing the flint.This means one can PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!!!I have a titanium one from VARGO.It clips perfectly on the back of my SAK Farmer.BUT!It is a pain in the rear to change the flint.This is sitting at a table with proper tools in my house.To do so in the field is a joke.I have given up on it.On the other hand the metal SPARKLITE has a muck easier design.It does need an Allen wrench though.If one would use a screw eye of the same threading it isn't the case.The metal Four Seasons Spark-Lite is on my wish list.....

BOATMAN
John

The metal one is a little more robust, although the plastic version is by no means flimsy. The replaceable flint is nice.

Looks like the most special agent Joe 90 Personal Survival Kit is more fashion than over form or utility!

The more I think about it, the less I like these kind of kits.

I think they are mostly marketing gimmicks.

The tiny blades any of them have are at best difficult to use for anything in the woods, especially if it is cold and your fine motor skills are off.

A $2 poncho will do a lot to keep you less wet, and more alive. It's understandable why they are not included, as they can take up a fair amount of volume. Even a 99 cent space blanket will keep most of the wind and water off you.

The fire starting means most have in them tend to be minimal, which usually means they are going to be difficult at best to use under field conditions.

IMO, snaring and fishing equipment is way down the list of things you need to survive. Not even on my list. If you are cold and wet because you have no $2 poncho, just how are you supposed to be fishing? And what good would it do you anyway?

Compass, whistle, and mirror are good. I don't think you need to get real elaborate with them. A $1 button compass will point you in the general direction you want to go, and most times that is quite adequate. A $1 aluminum whistle will work as well as any "survival" whistle. Of the stuff, a real signalling mirror is probably the most expensive and complex item in such kits, and not something easily substituted for.