Hi!

Just the bottom line first. I think the kit is a unique whole as it is. My observations are admirations from my point of view, rather than just pure criticism. The following list covers the written part of the Pak, not only the instructions and mainly technical. I will not count on anything online, as it is an offline kit. Some recommendations were also made by others, or written in my previous emails, so I may duplicate. I can imagine the cost of even adding a toothpick to the kit. I realize that this is a US product for English speaking customers. (And I don't have the eye for an English text. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> )

Packaging back side:

There's a typo on the 7th line of your intro, saying Pack instead of Pak.

Although the kit is happily international, the outside of the packaging lacks any metric conversion (despite of the inside). It suppoused to sell the product over the counter, so I'd add that to the list, there's enough place.

((By the way selling, the 8.99 USD RRP of the Sparklite is for the Sparklite, 8 pieces of tinder and box. But it's fine for me either.))

I couldn't find a single word, or picture about the container itself more than waterproof...floats..easily opened and resealed. Waterproof for ..... feet/meters/atm, dunkproof, do not use for diving, do not sit onto, etc. Floats see Packaging inside. I'd like to see something more specific about the opening/closing of the bag. I've seen many ziplocks ruined, and they are not uncommon here either. One should never underestimate the capabilities of Joe/Jane Average.

The contents list is not visible through the back. The STOP is really better, but you should write it down clearly.

Packaging inside:

I?d give the option of having a sheath knife, as well. The bold folding knife recommendation is too tight for me.

As far as it is a commercial product, you could offer your branded knife, sold by the same AMK, like this kit.

I think you could use the more precise water supply recommendation of the Instructions here, rather than the not really specific ?more?.

The room for additional supplies in the kit affects flotation, if filled with too many goodies. So it is better to warn the user here.

Contents list:

The backside really cries for something to be printed on. Like the forementioned ?how-to-repack-the-kit? diagram, or the method of using this paper as tinder, etc.

The list lists <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> ?see Survival Instructions? five times. I?d make a disclaimer somewhere to read that piece of paper, and fill the place with something other, like how to fit a lanyard on the compass. Maybe making the fresnel lens text significantly bigger.

Disclaimer again: I do not know the situation on legal terms over there. The blade?s lawyer extension would sound much familiar to me without the lawyers. Like: Always use carefully the very sharp blade and retain packaging for resheating the blade everytime you are not using it because you can cut yourself or it can harm your equipment or pierce through the bag like a sharpened pencil. Or something like that only shorter.

You can use the pencil as the handle of the blade.

Lanyards in general. I?d add some more specific recommendation in here or in the instructions about not leaving things in various places, always repacking and closing the container, securing the loose items (or at least the bag itself) with tethers. I would not recommend a 70 kg test thin nylon cord around my neck.

Instructions:

In Water and Food, 3rd paragraph, 6th line heath suppoused to be health (but I?ve just learned a new word anyway).

In Distress Signalling, 7th paragraph, 3rd line U.K should be UK. (I always love the polite separation of the UK and Europe.)

(I think Mylar is a brand name, maybe it should be noted. Still no idea about laws in the US. <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> )

I?d put a warning somewhere for the avarege user like this: Save this kit for emergencies, do not use up supplies for everyday needs! Or have two, and leave one of them intact!

So that means there?s no need for real changes here for me, just cosmetics. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I'm with you aardwolfe on lobbying Transport Canada on the survival stuff. If you've looked at the new TC regs for survival gear required onboard general aviaiton aircraft, you will know how totally useless they are.

I also firmly believe there should be ground school training for all private and recreational pilots in how best to crash or ditch. And then, how to survive once the unthinkable has happened.

The terrain, out my way, is extremely unforgiving and the weather, 5 months of the year, is constant rain at just above freezing temperatures. Yet, most pilots I know don't even carry rain gear. There is a huge amount of education that needs to be done. Lately, I have begun to think I should become more active in this area.

another "cosmetic" change :
at the end of the first "page" of the Instructions leaflet (the one with the STOP symbol), please replace "surive" with "survive".
Hell, one more "v" won't cost much !!! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

How about one of these:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/sto...productId=54932

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/sto...productId=66264

I wonder what the weight of that extra "v" is??

Paramedicpete,
Thanks for the links. I will have to look into the abandon ship bags. The smaller one looks to be about the right size and with the ACR name behind it the quality should be there.

Oh great, more money to spend on survival equipment, no wonder we're perpetually broke <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Before you buy, search Ebay and other marine outfitters for those products. You may be able to find them cheaper. Pete

at a glance, I would say half a "w" ......

It's a little embarrassing when even our foreign friends catch this and we all missed it. <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Thanks

Do you belong to any organisation that needs speakers for their monthly meetings? Or are there any aviation related events (e.g. fly-in breakfasts) at which you could arrange a guest speaker? Maybe some of the SAR Techs from Comox, or members of the local SAR or CASARA chapter would be willing to put up a display or give a talk on the importance of being prepared?

My experience was that most pilots will balk at carrying a lot of extra "stuff" that they hope they never have to use, but a small survival kit that will fit in their flight bag (or even better, in their shirt pocket) is something that won't add to their W&B calculations. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />