I've been reading, with interest, the "Interesting opinion about survival kits" post. The first thing that stands out is the impressive knowledge and skill of numerous individuals. The second is the contrast of opinions on what does, or does not belong in a PSK. The one thing they all have in common is that they are all correct. This forum is outstanding for its intended purpose: a place for people of similar interests to share ideas, experiences and opinions. A PSK is like a pair of boots; some people spend $20.00 at Pay Less and are just as comfortable as the person who spends $300.00 at Cabelas. The only perfect PSK for me would be my house (garage with vehicle included) with pack straps on it and someone else carrying it.

The truth is, there is no such thing as the "perfect" PSK for the masses, only for the individual carrying it. That might sound strange coming from someone who owns a survival kit business, but it's a fact. I don't market my company to this forum because, first of all, the reason I enjoy this site so much is because it is not a commercial arena spewing hype. The other reason is that most members of this forum already have a PSK of their own design. My company is primarily geared toward military special operations personnel, which is where my experience is based. Are my kits perfect for every member of my target audience? No way! A ready-made kit has to "speak" to the individual buying it. Even then, it probably needs some minor personalization. A personally built kit is the best way to go, even though it is more time consuming and usually more expensive.

Even though I've been teaching and training survival for 20 years, I hardly consider myself an expert. I've been shaving nearly every day for 25 years and I still nick myself from time to time. Stay away from the self-proclaimed expert and trust your instincts, but don't be afraid to ask questions and take suggestions. I've learned a lot from people with less experience than me. Doug Ritter is probably the most knowledgeable person I've conversed with on survival/gear related subjects and I doubt if he considers himself an "expert".

Some people from this forum have voiced their opinion that food items are "fluff" and have no place in a survival kit. They are absolutely correct that they have no place in THEIR kit. I've been in a few situations where I would have paid $200 to lick a bouillon cube and I consider myself a fairly hearty individual. To some, I might be considered psychologically challenged because of this weakness, but luckily they don't write my paycheck, or pack my gear. It all goes back to PERSONAL survival kit. People might laugh at you as you pull your fully laden Red Ryder wagon through the bush, but as long as you have the gear YOU want... you are loving life!

To all, keep up the great comments and keep teaching me stuff, George

Maybe its time to change the term to "Individual Survival Kit" I agree wholeheartedly on the food issue though. Food, other than anything else, is a major morale booster. Being able to sit down after everything has gone belly up, with a mug of tea or coffee helps you calm down and gives you time to evaluate your situation better. Of course the caffiene and sugar kick helps you as well as the heat. On the other hand I've always got a small container of curry powder on me in the field, mainly because British Army rations taste of dogs**t after a while, if however all you had to cook was field mouse stew IMOP it would be more palitable as field mouse curry. By the way I had a quick cruise round your site and your kits look pretty damn good to me.

Dave

Dave,
I might be hungry, but field mouse curry sounds pretty good right now! Thanks for the feedback on my website, I aim to please.

Individual Survival Kit is a great idea, but it's probably too late to submit for a name change. I'll sign the petition if you send it around.

I identify with the Sapper designation. My first 14 years in the Marine Corps were as a Combat Engineer/Reconnaissance Demolition Man. I also had a chance to serve with a few British Royal Marine Mountain Leaders when I was a Mountain Warfare Instructor in the Sierra Nevadas; great bunch of guys. I almost went to England for the Mountain Leader Exchange Program, but chose a different career path.

Thanks again for the compliment, George

I agree with Johno on the stuff in your kits. It is pretty awesome.
The belt pro is pretty interesting - how did you manage to stuff all of that into a belt ?? <img src="images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

George, You are most welcome to submit your website for our retailer list. I will forward this to Doug ( typing away upstairs on liferafts with Tigger giving him knowing looks). We also do reviews of kits;hint,hint,HINT!

Chris,
Thanks for the invite. Doug has already listed my site in the retailer section of ETS and has already picked the colors of the kits I am sending for review. I am currently trying to complete a large order for a Spec Op's unit heading for the "sand box", so I'm kind of glad that Doug is so busy. I'm a small-time operation and I plan to stay that way. That is another reason I'm not marketing my butt off. I read a post a while back where you answered a question from someone who asked why you didn't start your own kit business and you had some valid points. It is a flooded market and it's tough making a profit. Thankfully, I don't rely on my business for income and I enjoy packing kits.

As for the question from Trusbx about how I cram everything in a belt... very carefully! Actually it's not that hard, but takes a little planning and prep. While I am in the process of getting a patent on my belt kit, I am not against giving my secrets to the little guy. I just don't want some large company getting rich off of my ideas. Anyone can feel free to contact me personally for tips on construction.

One way to free-up room in all kits is to replace the steel loops on a commando wire saw with gutted 550 cord. It decreases weight/space and makes it more comfortable to use. Another technique is to find multi-use items that replace several different items. I have never been big on these things, because most perform a lot of things, but perform none well. IN MY OPINION, the Victorinox Whistle Knife breaks this trend. Are there better knives, whistles, tweezers, scissors on the market? Yes, but this knife does it all with the least sacrifice. Most in this forum already know of the quality of Victorinox's products (no, I don't work for them, or purchase my knives directly from them). As Doug, Chris and numerous others have said: to get room for the things you want, you have to pick and choose carefully. The sacrifice was worth it to me, but may not be for others. The knife lists for $19.95, but can usually be found for under $14.00. For any other questions, contact me personally; I don't want to take up space sounding like a salesman.

To all others who have given me "thumbs-up" on my site, Thank you very much. It means a lot to me coming from people actually in the arena.
Take care, George

i used to try to make a belt kit, using mine money belt, but i didnt like it because it was to bulky and i couldnt put thing on it anymore with the belt clips.... ( the small ones )

Interesting. I've carried the Victorinox Classic (in fact, I've gone through three or four) but gave it up in favor of the Leatherman Micra. I haven't tried the whistle version.

How loud is the whistle, and how much breath does it take? (In my humble opinion, a very loud whistle that requires a lot of breath isn't worth it- if you REALLY need it, you may be blowing for a long time).

Presumed Lost,
I haven't had any tests done on decibels, but I have field tested it and I think it compares well with most plastic whistles. It won't keep up with a Storm whistle, but once again I had to free up some room. As far as how much breath it takes to blow it, I can't notice any extra effort needed to make it work. It is basically the same size as a Classic, but it's considerably thicker. I've carried a Classic for years, but now I'm sold on the Classic Whistle.
Hope this helps, George

Like PC2K, I too tried to make a kit from a 'money belt' with a zippered comparment within.
I definitely could not squeeze what you've done with yours!
Most I got was a wire saw, spark lite , some tinder , some fishing hooks and line,a scalpel, a water bag and some puritabs......
Haha looks like I need more practice!!

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