I recently purchased the new book, "Build the Perfect Survival Kit" by John D. McCann and I started to wonder what the author's relationship is with this forum. In reading this book (which I quite enjoyed), it is almost impossible to imagine that the author couldn't have participated in and/or lurked on some of the in depth discussions we've had on this board regarding the finer philosophical selection criteria of survival kit components.

Does anyone know if McCann is a forum member here?

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I have the same book - He does cite the site in the book.

Is the book worth picking up or is most of the info likely found on this board for free?

I recommend the book. He covers a ton of kits, generally with items and techniques we are all pretty familiar with, but it is presented well, good quality items are used, and it reads easy.

So far, I would not say I have found any major Ah-Haaas in the book, but it has a kit for everything.

OK here is an example list from Appendix 1 of John McCann’s Build The Perfect Survival Kit

You can see he follows what I now consider the "Ritter category format"

Kit Size: Mini Kit
Container: Plastic Cigar Case (a flat flip top case sold with rum soaked mini-cigars, 3.5 x 3.5 x 0.5 inch)

Fire & Light:
1. Mini-match magnesium firestarter with striker
2. Half-book of matches with striker, waterproofed with Thompson’s waterseal (paper matches…for flatness)
3. Cotton balls with Vaseline wrapped in Saran

Signaling:
1. Aluminum foil

Navigation:
1. 20 mm button compass

Water & Food:
1. Aluminum foil (to make a cup to boil water for purification)
2. Fishing kit, 2 hooks, two swivels, four split shot
3. Fishing leader, can be used as snare
4. 30 feet fishing line on a floss bobbin
5. Snare wire
6. Packet chicken bouillon

Shelter and Protection:
1. None in kit (carry a survival blanket, emergency poncho and Paracord on person)

Knives and Tools:
1. Swiss Army knife, one blade, small scissors, small file, tweezers, toothpick

Medical:
1. Packet of triple antibiotic ointment
2. Butterfly closures
3. Alcohol prep pads

Multi-Purpose:
1. Aluminum foil
2. Fresnel lens

Miscellaneous:
1. Two safety pins
2. Two needles, magnetized

As you can see he makes hard choices for this mini-kit....paper matches, foil mirror, etc. but the first part of the book outlines the various categories and the options that can be utilized in the kits...mini kits get smaller less capable stuff, car kits get the more capable stuff.

He emphasises the choices and the effects of these choices...overall I think a nice reference.

Some things are changing so fast (LED lights for instance) that these sections will become outdated, but otherwise he covers solid tools and offers up a nice selection of kits.

He has a very good resources list too and kits are discussed in the text and then specifically listed in the appendix.

I got mine for around $10 on Amazon.

Me too. Or rather, that's what I just ordered it for a little while ago.

I seem to be having a brain cramp - I looked through the book again quite thoroughly and couldn't find this citation - can you please let me know what page it's on - thanx in advance...




I think almost anyone who participates in this forum is gonna love this book - it's advantage is that the information is organized and in one place. Of course, the advantage of this forum over the book is that it is right up to date, covers the most esoteric of sub-categories of kits, and most importantly, is interactive - allowing a free-ranging discussion of the pluses and minuses of various components with much well informed feedback...

One spot where Mr. Ritter and Equipped to Survive is mentioned is page 38, in regards to a small vial for iodine tablet storage. True - it doesn't mention the forums, but it does mention ETS. I think there is at least one more reference, either to Mr. Ritter or the site - but my memory isn't so good <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />.

I now have this book and it is very interesting -- I am currently modifiying my edc and my bug out bag based on some of his recommendations.

woohoo, I get to buy some more stuff