Dern it all, I wanted to see if I could catch Frenchy on that one.

Bountyhunter <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Hi Doug.. Under the fire-making instructions there is a puzzling mention of 'lay pencil lead to pencil-sized kindling.' Perhaps this could be clarified.. cheers, Peter Rattenbury.

..... you did ........ <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Doug
Are you possibly going to start up your own survival school?Possibly within the next year?If so sign me up...
BOATMAN
John

Doug,

I've read your instructions in detail and find them well written. My only suggestion might be to delete any superfluous language to make room for more tips.

In one example of what I mean, I submit this - Under "Water & Food" lies this statement, "Your body is approximately 60% water." IMHO, that statement could be considered superfluous and the user better served by more instructions on first aid, fishing, etc... There are other examples...

M

I haven't heard that one in a long time. <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

This isn't really a guess -- it's more in the line of a suggestion. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Have you ever considered putting together an Urban PSK? Although urban dwellers don't need firestarters & fishing line (generally speaking), we do have our own set of needs. It would also have an infinitely (well, for some definition of infinite) larger potential audience, given that crazy post-industrial tendency for people to live in cities. I'm thinking of something with no blades, so it's acceptable in secure office buildings, courthouses, etc. (Perhaps it could even avoid the ire of the TSA?)

Contents might include:

1) Bladeless multitool
2) N95 particle mask
3) LED light
4) CPR mask
5) Basic meds
6) Basic bandages
7) Parachute cord
8) Whistle
9) Mini glowstick
10) Basic instructions, including how to get out of a trapped elevator

I'm thinking of something small enough to fit in a pant pocket, so it's always available.

OK, here are my guesses: <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

1. a fixed version of the RSK within the next two years.
2. a larger version of the PSP within the next two years.
3. an emergency shelter/bivy within the next three years.
4. a laser or strobe signalling device within the next three years.
5. the RSB (Ritter Survival Book) within the next five years.

Any hits? <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[edit: added #4]

A TSA approved Travelers Survival Kit (a TSA TSK?) including non-threatening items for commercial airline travel (i.e., smoke hood, belt cutter, clothing tips, etc.) that will pass muster at any airport security checkpoint.

The press release date will be 9/11/2005

Hi Doug,

I just finally picked up a couple of your kits this last weekend at a gun show. I want to thank you for providing us all with such a quality product.

My feedback does not concern the contents nor the survival instructions, which I feel are top notch. My two comments concern the card insert behind the pack itself, in the retail package.

First, it has words saying, "Bonus! Lifesaving Information Inside" and an arrow pointing ... down? Hmm... okay, whatever. I threw the card away with the retail packaging, but only after being sure to read every bit of information on both the front and the back ... TWICE! <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> I was trying to be careful and meticulous and completely missed the bonus material. I assumed the bonus material was the written survival instructions in the pak.

It was not until after I had read both the enclosed sheets twice each and let it percolate in my head for awhile that I remembered that you were supposed to have added some suggestions for additonal gear. I went back and re-read and didn't find it. <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> If I had not had a second unopened package, I would not have had a second chance to examine the card insert.

Okay, I'm stupid. Or dense. Or something. But I would at least like to think I can't be the only one. Do you think it might be possible to make it read, "Bonus! Lifesaving Info Inside This Card" or cut the front or back fold differently than the other so the fact that there is an inside inside becomes more apparent to people like me? <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Second, my girlfriend looked at the card and said, "What? Do a lot of people get lost in Idaho & Montana?" It was kind of cute, but, well, why is there a map there? Do all AMK products have that map? Is it part of their branding? Or, could you simply put a picture of the front of the pack there behind the pack itself? That's all you probably need to help in repacking. An exploding diagram is probably not required, because the flat items are just too obvious.

That's it. Again, thanks and congratulations on a job too long needed and very well done indeed!

Stay safe,
J.T.