I was just wondering which websites you would recommend for purchasing survival equipment etc. I have looked at rei.com and am pretty impressed but haven't purchased anything yet :)<br><br>Also, in general, do items tend to be much cheaper than conventional stores ?<br><br>Thanks for your advice.

There are numerous dealers listed in the retail section. You will almost certainly buy from several to acquire exactly what you want. There may be a price spread. Be sure to factor in S/H and reputation. You might save lunch money , but dealing with familiar people beats a long face at the mailbox. There are several dealers who are infrequent, but valued members of the forum. I can personally recommend Barry at Blue Line Outfitters,Oak at Four Seasons,The folks at Exploration and MajorSurplusNSurvival. REI and Campmor are both major dealers with good reps. Make sure of what your getting. Pass on surplus unless it is stated NEW or EXCELLENT ( still cross your fngers), and phrases such as TYPE or Style are Cantonese for copies. Go slow, and ask plenty of questions from the forum if in doubt. You only need to buy the right gear once.

Thanks for your help Chris. I'll take note of your points.<br>Regards.

Vincent, I didn't notice you were in UK. we have a few UK members here. Heads up, can our UK,european members give good references?

Chris,<br>Yep, the U.K. is my backyard. It would be nice to know which other members of the forum are also U.K. based, then we could share places to shop and visit, like you guys do in the U.S. I am actually planning a weeks trip to Scotland (Skye region) in December...any hints/tips would be appreciated.<br>Regards<br>vincent

I have bought some equipment from UK last may. I was there for power boat and rescue boat training. The prices are too high in UK but some equipment like BCB and LifeSysytems are best to buy in UK. BCB has an online store:<br><br>http://www.bcbin.com/catalog.htm<br><br>Lifesystems can be found at:<br><br>http://www.wildday.co.uk/acatalog/search_lifesystems.html<br>http://www.lifesystems.co.uk<br><br>Where in the UK do you live?<br><br><br>

Scotland in December! Dress warmly and carry a hiking staff. This isn't to defend yourself from nationalists promoting Sean Connery as King, but for a walking aid. I know Britain actually has a few rare big cats roaming the countryside. From what im told, these are released exotic pets. Of course,the ley line and crop circle set will tell you they're native survivors. I doubt any encounters, but those hedghogs charge when wounded according to my brit friends; requiring nothing less than a rapid fire reponse from a SMLE. Have you taken any courses there? I know there is the one school and instructor.

Watch out for the wild Haggis!

I think I'm more worried about dodgy haggis and prehistoric mosquitoes than wild beasts and killer hedgehogs, although a few wee drams of the 'water of life' should relieve my tensions.<br><br>Last year I did a Winter mountaincraft course which was fun ! Ben Nevis is not so forgiving in a Force 7 :)<br><br>I'm actually from Bolton, near Manchester if anyone wants to know.<br><br>Cheers,<br>vincent

I had a scot G/f who lived in a redwood treehouse while attending US Santa Cruz. learning the subtleties of a single malt 60' up a tree in a rainstorm was much more mind expanding than the idiots ingesting mushrooms will ever achieve ( screaming segments from THE TEMPEST back at the storm impressed her greatly.) My mechanic is from Manchester. He has every expatriot Brit dropping off empty Altoid tins for me LOL.