Hikermor and I talked about doing a gear review of premade survival kits I own. So far, the only premade kits I've own are the PSP and the Seventy2. There's no point in reviewing the PSP here. I'll do the Seventy2.

https://unchartedsupplyco.com/pages/seventy2

I'll start with the pack its self. Uncharted designed it with the grey man concept in mind. For those who do not want to announce to the zombies, "I'm prepared," the pack was made to look like a normal bookbag. Usually, wearing dull colors at night would present a problem if you are walking alongside a road. Drivers can't see you. Uncharted addresses this problem with a reflective pattern on the pack, visable with a vehicle's headlights. Unfortunately, this only works when a driver has their headlights on and is paying attention.

The pack comes with three waterproof zipped pockets (two small pockets, one on each wing, and a large), six loops for storing any extra gear, a means for carrying your water bottle externally, an attachment point for the included flashlight (I don't know how useful that would be, but the option is nevertheless there) and an integrated whistle. The whistle is not very loud but, because of the way it is integrated, it takes up a negligible amount of space and weight. However, it's placement might come in handy.

The pack is comfortable to wear. Uncharted claims it is waterproof, submersible and can double as a flotation device. I have not put this claim to the test.

Next is the insert, which keeps the components organized. It uses eight color-coded pockets with big white letters stating what's inside. Basic instructions are printed on one side of the insert, and straps are mounted on the other side of the insert, turning it into an improvised backpack if you use the shell for something else. Uncharted Supply claims that the plastic backing for the insert can be used as splints (listed as splints in the medical section), snowshoes, and a snow shovel. I have not tested this claim, but Uncharted does have a video on how to use the improvised splints.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-anQhyqc9Q

The insert does eat up some of the space. I guess it comes down to which you want most. More space or organization? The inclusion of the insert could explain the 2-liter discrepancy of the shell's capacity.

The first item you see is the 48 oz (1400 ml) Nalgene plastic water bottle with the Uncharted logo.

In no particular order, I will go over the contents in the pockets. In the section labeled "Water Filter," you will find a Sawyer Mini. Uncharted mentions that the included cleaning syringe can double as wound irrigation.

In the pocket labeled "Food" is the only food-related item included in this kit: Datrex lifeboat rations. Uncharted does not mention this; it seems that you can use this brick as a means of self-defense.

In "Air & Vision," Uncharted includes two glow sticks, a reusable mask, and a pair of goggles. I don't know who makes goggles, but they seem well built though not top of the line. They did not form a complete seal around my face, but it was close, and the thick straps are adjustable.

In the "Tools" section, Uncharted includes one 64 oz Sawyer pouch.

https://sawyer.com/products/sawyer-64-oz-squeezable-pouch-set-2-2/

The "Tools" section continues with a sheath (the material feels thin, but otherwise seems okay) for the knife and ferrocerium rod. The sheath includes a belt loop and a strap for securing the knife. The fixed blade knife is a single piece of thick steel with a paracord handle. I'm not the best person to judge a knife, but I think Uncharted picked a winner in the affordable category. There is no flex. It does not pass the paper test, I think a touchup on the blade will fix that, and it is not exactly comfortable in my hand. Nevertheless, I can maintain a firm grip on it. The tools section also has 100' of paracord (Uncharted says it's 550), a folding shovel/ax that feels solid and five yards of RediTape.

https://www.reditape.com/fluorescent-orange-pocket-size-duct-tape/

The "Warmth" pocket includes a mylar tube tent, mylar blanket (orange on one side), two hand warmers, a nice watch cap with the Uncharted logo (Uncharted relaced this cap with a solid grey one) and a pair of work and winter gloves. I'm not thrilled with the gloves. I think Uncharted could have done better within the price category.

"First Aid" includes a fifteen pack of antibacterial wet wipes, a first aid kit, and a 2 oz tube of Bare Republic SPF50 sunscreen. The first aid kit I got is different from what they have now. The following is the kit they have now.

https://unchartedsupplyco.com/products/first-aid-kit

In the "Electronics" department, we have an Eton radio/flashlight combo. The power pack can be charged either via the hand crank, tiny solar panel, or included USB cable. The power pack device can be used to charge a USB device (Apple adapter not included).

The last pocket is labeled "Flashlight," "Lighters," "Matches," and "Multitool." The kit does not come with lighters, but they provide a space for them. The flashlight and multitool I have are different from what they have now. The matches they include are the Survival Stormproof Match Kit with the Uncharted logo.

https://www.ucogear.com/firestarting/matches/survival-stormproof-match-kit-mt--sv--case?returnurl=%2ffirestarting%2fmatches%2f

I'm not happy with the choice of gloves. Uncharted could have done better. Overall, I would say that the quality of this kit is middle-of-the-road. It's not top of the line, nor is it Chinese junk.

This kit does not have everything, and Uncharted acknowledges this. I'm glad that they do. Instead of attempting to make a one-size-fits-all kit, they recommend additions for each possible situation.

https://unchartedsupplyco.com/blogs/news/how-to-prepare-for-winter-conditions-travel
https://unchartedsupplyco.com/blogs/news/survival-tools
https://unchartedsupplyco.com/blogs/news/disaster-preparedness-tips
https://unchartedsupplyco.com/blogs/news/hurricane-timeline
https://unchartedsupplyco.com/blogs/news/how-to-survive-a-hurricane
https://unchartedsupplyco.com/blogs/news/preparing-for-floods
https://unchartedsupplyco.com/blogs/news/family-emergency-plan
https://unchartedsupplyco.com/blogs/news/winter-car-kit
https://unchartedsupplyco.com/blogs/news/winter-hiking
https://unchartedsupplyco.com/blogs/news/winter-camping
https://unchartedsupplyco.com/blogs/news/winter-survival-gear
https://unchartedsupplyco.com/blogs/news/winter-rv-camping
https://unchartedsupplyco.com/blogs/news/car-emergency-kit

Jeanette Isabelle

Nice writeup, thanks! Apropos of nothing I really love the Datrex rations! Right now I have 20 x 2400 calorie packages of them. The toughest part for me is not tearing into them to snack on 'em.

I believe we discussed this kit and its numerous deficiencies in a previous thread. Scanning over some of Uncharted's material, there is so much that is questionable or downright wrong, that i don't know where to begin.

There are far more reliable sources (like ETS itself, for example than this company which is mainly pushing its rather dubious survival package.

I don't like being so negative, but this is really bad stuff...

Do you mean the additional gear Uncharted has recommended for a given situation? Even their recommendations for additional supplies are lacking. However, other than Doug, I have yet to come across a survival kit maker that goes to this extent of recommending additional gear. Most makers say that all you need in addition to their product are important documents, prescription medications, a change of clothes, a disposable lighter, and pepper spray.

The only other possible exception I know of is Ultimate Survival. However, I can't comment on what Ultimate Survival has to say since I have not read everything they have.

Jeanette Isabelle

I forgot to go over the ferrocerium rod. It does not produce a shower of sparks like the bigger ferrocerium rods, but it works. I was able to get enough sparks to start a fire.

More about the radio. I am able to pick up radio stations clearly, and the built-in battery pack holds a charge. I got it in November, and it still has a full charge with the only drain beings tests.

Jeanette Isabelle

I could go on and on, but let me make this short: Here is a quote:

"Don’t waste precious space on a sleeping bag; pack a Mylar thermal blanket instead.'

It is clear that they are referring to "space blankets" which do indeed have a function, but not one of insulation. Space blankets are advertised as reflecting 90% of radiated heat. This works well in the vacuum of space, I imagine, but on earth, one loses heat through convection and conduction,neither of which is impeded by a space blanket, which are useful at shielding one from wind and rain, etc.

A decent sleeping bag is an absolute core item for any outdoor activity. Think "boots, bag, and backpack" if you will be moving around outdoors and staying the night. These are the absolute core items for productive time when out and about.

They also advocate a "waterproof"tent, which is unfortunate. A waterproof barrier keeps moisture from entering the tent, but also prevents moisture from leaving the tent, which eventually results in a very damp and sloppy interior. That is why decent tents come with a waterproof fly and highly permeable sidewalls. These,properly pitched, function very well.

There is more, a lot more. Some of their advice is OK, but far too much is questionable or just down right wrong and misguided and if followed, can lead to fatal consequences.

Regarding preparing for flood there is on crucial thing no-one mentions: a boat or a raft. That´s what I would have in my garden if I lived in an area of flood risk.

We discussed this rather vigorously here:
http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=292499&page=1

My view: A $350 USD kit that doesn't have a metal container to melt snow and boil water in? No tinder for making fire? Big, big fail. Though if you want the barest essentials you can buy the $500 "Pro" kit. They have a helluva nerve IMHO.

The website is a nicely engineered piece of marketing though. It hits the demographic of likely buyers very well. "Professional experts (undefined) have inspired this (not built or approved it). Now I am masterful, now I am in control! I've got this niggling worry locked down, and I feel so much better!" That's the emotional script, and they've nailed it. It sells.

I don't know if this incomplete kit would make someone better off or gives a false sense of security and increase their risk. Too many variables. I guess it depends on their skills, experience and judgement, which no kit can provide. Hopefully they would fix this kit before they went out.

A passing thought to consider though: given the target demographic, one additional piece of kit they're carrying is the resilience of youth. I'm running a little short on that, but I remember it, and it tipped the balance quite a bit.

You are absolutely correct about the metal container. Just a couple of comments from their survival tools discussion.

They emphasize that in a recent year the National Park Service conducted 2600 SAR operations. The NPS administers over 400 different units which in 2016 received over 30 million visits. That amounts to 0.0000866 SAR ops per visitor. Feel free to check my computation, because math is not my strong suit, but the parks are reasonably safe, especially if you are knowledgeable about hazards...

And further along is this horrendous gem on paracord:

"A paracord, or a small, strong rope, can be used to traverse steep terrain, build shelter," etc.

Following that advice will get you killed!! Paracord has no application in any life support situation. Climbers recognized this years ago when paracord became readily available, leading to statements about the dangers of paracord in climbing magazines and publications like the annual survey of climbing accidents.

The absolute minimum rope would be at least 8mm in diameter, and that only for certain specialized situations - at least 9mmis much better. We are not talking hardware store grade, but specialized designs for mountaineering and caving (very expensive).

This claim alone convinces me that these folks are totally ignorant of the correct application of the garbage they are selling.

Paracord does have legitimate outdoor applications, to be sure. it makes good shoe laces and zipper pulls. It is great for lashing in applications like shelter building. Some varieties include a thread that makes quite decent fire tinder.

Rant off.....

Thanks for the overview!

I went to their youtube and watched some of the explanation videos.

When they're presenting the kits, what jumps out to me are some subtle clues that while they certainly look the part of outdoor adventurists and have an air of experience, they're not as familiar with some of the nuance and caveats that go along with some of this gear, and are parroting common misconceptions.

To me, this comes across as a designer bug out bag which seems to be targeting a certain type of layperson -- not particularly interested in the outdoors and likes the idea of it more than the actual reality of it, but caught a "preparedness" bug and are just affluent enough to plop $350 down on something, stick it in their boat, airplane or trunk, and call it good.

As far as positives, I will say from a business standpoint, whatever shop they're using to put together this custom gear is pretty cool and I'd love to be able to tailor make survival equipment like that.

They've certainly got the marketing chops, securing funding through crowdsourcing and even sharktank. I probably would have been all about this when I was just starting out. As many here are already aware, it's not easy to put together a commercial survival kit and keep the price point reasonable enough to make most people happy while making yourself a profit. I did some back of the envelope calculations and it would take well over $300 to duplicate just my two PSK tins as it's evolved over the last decade...