I was thinking that maybe we should have a competition. We all have PSKs so I was thinking maybe we should have some kind of contest on who can build the best one.

I mean we can go to ways and either keep to to simple altoid tin or go grand and do a waterbottle one.

I would be in favor of the latter. And scenario for the contest would go something as follows: you (healthy) are stranded away 180 miles away from the major highway (which you can reach just by heading west), fall, mid 60s, pleanty of water but it needs to be purified, no dangerous animals, some eatable roots, fishing... You can bring anything you want as long as it fits in the bottle (short of cell phone to call in for help).

I think I would like survival authority such as Mr. Ritter or Chris to judge it. Submision would be an acctual write up plus photos (I can make up the web pages and Mr. Ritter can probably host them).

As far as prize goes. Well we can all chip in $5 and winner gets it all. I'm open for suggestions. As far as the time frame goes we can give people two week period to build one.

Above is just an idea. I really would like to hear your opinion guys.

I like it.

Personally, I'd rather not have a cash prize. If the forum software supports it, maybe the winner could get a special label next to their name or something.

Judging could be tough. There are probably lots of solutions that'll let you live through the scenario, and any one of those "wins" (you live). After that, it's quality, size, integration, redundancy, skill level, cost, etc.

Sounds like fun.


Edit:

Unless there's an unlimited class, I think we'll have to have a $$$ limit. Or some set of criteria where quality / cost doesn't matter.

Sounds fun and educational. No you can't bring the ATV BountyHunter... no pack horses either... that's cheating. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I would say the restriction against a cell phone is silly. In a real situation if you have a cell phone, it's the first thing you'll use. You are of course not guaranteed that it will work. What about other radio signal devices, EPIRB, satellite phone, 118(?) mhz locator beacon, etc.? For that matter even an FRS radio. And how far are you from the nearest town and so forth? You're 180 miles from a major highway, but I presume you got there by road.

Point of the PSK was to survive on it until you get out. But it would be up to the group to decide the rules...

I think if the purpose of this exercise is specifically to test the effectiveness of one's ability to use a small pocket-sized kit then the only electronic device that should be allowed (if any at all) should be a coin-sized flashlight. Personally I'd be happier is no electronic devices were allowed since they are prone to failure at the worst times. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

That's just my 2 cents... and what the heck do I know anyway. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Brian:

You obviously have not read some of my old posts.

I am down on and against motorized camping & hunting unless you have physical handicaps (Being drunk out of your skull does not qualify!).

Pack horses, donkeys, etc., all require care and feeding. Dogs are worth their weight in gold and also worth the care and feeding. Cats should be eaten at the first sign of lack of game animals. <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

In my present physical condition, I would probably spend my energy carving a large wooden headstone so that searchers would know they no longer have to look. <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

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

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