Not only is it the most useful but also a good knife the most difficult to tool improvise. It is also something that (unlike a PSK) is actually on my body (or on my night stand as I sleep) 100% of time 24/7/365.

No kidding. If I was afraid of sasquatch or the boogie man then I would bring a firearm or (more likely) wouldnt be sleeping in the woods every other weekend to begin with. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Funny thing about these infamous birch containers. When I posed this question at BCUK I almost immediatly received a flood of responses suggesting that I whip up a birch bark container as if these guys had done it hundreds of times and it was as quick and easy as tieing your shoe. However, when I inquired as to how this is done the room became very silent. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> A bunch of armchair QB responses? LOL...probably so. If anyone has info on how this is done I would love to see it as it seems it would be a useful skill. Google search showed me what some very fancy ones look like but nothing about the construction of a simpler version that would be more quickly made. I'm also not sure that there is any birch near my part of the world. My feild guide says there is but I have yet to see it. I run across mostly Cedars, Mequite, Oaks, Pines, Willows and Cottonwood.

Ya got a good point there. While I've seen several said birchbark containers, they've been museum pieces that closer resembled works of art. I've read articles on how it's done, and it seems like one of those skills that would take guite a bit of skill and patience, and considering the scarcity of birch trees (as compared to the time of the native Americans), and the fact that skirting a tree kills it, I'd just as soon make sure I've got a suitable pot/pan/bowl with me.

Troy

Seems like the best option so far is Chris' idea about simply digging a hole in the ground. In a survival situation I fully realize that you drink whatever you can find and if purification means drinking downstream of the rapid areas then sure you go with the best that you can muster up with little energy expenditure. This however is not a survival situation. I put myself out there like this intentionally on a regular basis so I really don't want to be visiting the doctor afterwards. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Perhaps I should just keep bringing the boiling tin or the MP1 tabs and a water bottle and be happy with that. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Either way I am going to see if I can dig a decent hole in ground and boil in it. After all that's why I do this is to try out new things and hone my skills (and of course I enjoy it thuroughly too). <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

If I can get it down to clothes, knife, and a tin cup (or water bottle and MP1 tabs), that is still better than where I'm at right now. BTW I have tried replacing the tin cup with foil a couple times. I am apparently no good with the foil. I always spring a leak. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Brain,



I did not say you were afraid of sasquatch or the boogie man and I did not say you were a coward either!
I was not trying to be offensive or ridicule with my questions however I probably should not of asked them on a very public forum.

You have extreme ideas about survival, a burning desire to achieve superior skills, which is great. That can only lead to good things.
You have a strong motivation to learn these skills for a reason and I think it is good idea to understand the real reason you are here. That's all.

I am well aware of the value of a knife and a kit. But they also can give you a false sense of security. I think experience is the one best teachers it will help you to respect the knowledge when it comes. Knowledge and experience will certainly keep you alive allot longer than that knife will.

Believe it or not!!

LOL Not a problem! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />



Unless I get sick from unpurified water. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />


Uhhhh... Are you a shrink? <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />


Um ya ... that's why I am working towards no kit.


Uhhhhh ya ... I agree. Once again... this is why I do this to begin with!


You're suggesting I go naked and empty-handed instead of taking such unnecessary luxuries as a knife? LOL <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />


I believe it! Trust me! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Right on Brain, Same Page.

"You're suggesting I go naked and empty-handed instead of taking such unnecessary luxuries as a knife? LOL "


Why not the Special Forces do.


Just in case.
Set up two camps one with all the necessary equipment and the other with just you. It is always good to have a partner handy either by phone or in person. Take all the necessary precaution first though.

I only say this because the old timers wont like me saying these things they do not like it extreme. They know you can easily get hurt, but the way I see it is that Danger is a great teacher if you Survive.

P.S. Remember Brain this is Dangerous stuff were talking about and not for inexperienced kids. I do not know your situation if you are not a legal adult do not do it!! Even in controlled situation things can quickly happen. I am a Rock Climber an I personal know people who have died and others who have been seriously hurt, one is in a wheel chair for the rest of his life because he broke his neck in a fall. This all happened because their egos were to big and they did not respect the mountain and the danger at hand. Before they knew it they were in trouble and could not turn back. Please do not forget what I say!!!

Experience is only available when you have gone through it, unfortuneately.

My experience with one-knife camping(and I have to admit, a pillow), makes it clear to me that it has to be for an extended period of time or else it is not worth the work I put into it. It turns into an uncomfortable hike with lots of sweat and little to show for it.

My first one-knife was unexpected as I was with a set of 'adults' going to a city two states away. I was left at the side of the road after one of the others had to barf. There was a swirl of people and garbage bags and water jugs and when I turned around, the van was leaving.

Now, I was in the middle of Illinois, on a country road, the last house I knew of was miles away, and I was 14. Yes, inexperienced. Yes, scared.

But I stayed where they dropped me off for 38 hours.

When they came back, my Mother was in the van with them, which she wasn't before having been in a different vehicle going to the event. The driver had a look on his face that was both relief and constipated.

When they found me, I had been able to make a small branch lean too, a fire and was munching on apples.

My Mother never let the driver of that van forget that time, and I never had a curfew that year. It was nice to have that trust.

Rena

Yep, I guess until I have vacation time available to take a whole week off, my best bet is to continue going with a small kit. That in itself is still fun and good experience too plus I get to really practice things like tarp pitching and boiling water in foil (which I currently need lots of practice with). <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Maybe I'll start calling it "PSK Camping" so I don't feel I am failing myself each time with the small amount of gear I have been bringing in addition to my trusty knife. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />