ETS PSK Review

Hi,

My ETS PSK arrived from Oz yesterday. Actually, I ordered two, one for me and one for my wife-with-the-rolling-eyes...

My first impressions were good. It's small, light and complete. I will be adding stuff and repacking it into a tin though. I am using Doug Ritters own personal kit as a reference and will probably add the items in his kit that are not already in the ETS kit, if they are applicable to me.

The price is reasonable, about NZ$50 per kit, and worth it for the key items in the kit- the whistle, the signal mirror, the compass and the spark-lite/tinder-quik combo. These items alone are hard to source in NZ and would cost about the same as the complete kit. It is clear that the additional items in the kit (except perhaps the fresnel lens) are low-cost and easy to procure, but I don't feel ripped off just because I could get some thread, safety pins, aluminium foil or fish hooks for a couple of dollars somewhere. The point is that the kit is complete, and someone has taken the time and effort to put a lot of thought into what is in the kit and why. In some respects the cost (and consequently the price) is irrelevant.

The first thing I did was to protect the fresnel lens by cutting a credit card pouch from a spare wallet insert I had. The lens fits into that and the thickness is barely increased.

Next, I had a good look at everything, but I did not open the sealed packets (scalpel, mirror or tinder) as I don't want to damage anything (at least not until I've seen how robust these things are).

I am not sure how I will get everything in the tin. Especially as I don't yet have everything I want to include. The tin I have is about the same size as Doug's tin, which is very slightly bigger than an Altoids tin (which we can't get here). I am grateful to KyBooneFan for posting the Field and Stream article for another good example of a tightly-packed tin.

I have the following items to add: a Bic Mini, 6 Coleman waterproof matches and striker, a tin opener, 2 x $5 notes, Potable aqua, potassium permanganate, big hook, petroleum jelly, 40cm seep tube, paracetamol.

I need to get and add the following items: Gerber milk bag, fishing line, wire saw, LED light.

I've repacked the tin a number of times already, but I can't get everything in yet (although I am surprised how much you can get in and that repacking seems to make it possible to add one more item). One thing I do know is my permanganate vial is *way* too big! Anyway, it's not often you get this much fun for $50, and it just doesn't stop.

I don't think I will get everything in, so, as an exercise, I will select items similar to those in the Field and Stream article and see if I can pack those into the tin. If not then my tin-fu is not up to scratch and I need to work harder. Either that or there is sleight of hand involved...

A

One possibility is to keep the ETSPK as Part A of a binary kit, and in your pocket, after adding a lighter. Part B would be in a belt pouch or a shoulder bag, along with a thermal and/or dry layer and a water bottle. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

As you might guess from this suggestion, my tin-fu is weak as well. I use a frech mess tin (like these: http://www.exarmy.co.uk/shop/product.php?xProd=148) without the centermost piece for my kit. Still has a couple of things to go into it, but as it is, is 95% done. It fits in the pockets of my jacket or the side pockets of any of my packs. And there is a spot saved for it in a buttpack along with a tragia mess kit (swiss surplus?) and a few meals of food items. Why? Becuase I can barely open an Altoids tin without losing mints. :P

How's it goin, eh?
You may want to use Micropur MP1 from Katadyn instead of Potable Aqua. They are supposed to be better, but I will leave the research to you. Perhaps our forum mates have some info on this. As far as TinFu ( an exellent new term) is concerned, I have stuffed my psk, opened it, and been unable to repack it even though I know everything has previously been in it.

ame,

Dump the matches. With the SparkLite and TinderQuick you don't need them. Make up some Vaseline cotton balls to practice with the SparkLite.

You need to practice with the signal mirror. Get some Duct tape or Gaffers tape and put it around the thin plastic holder. You might want to get a PDA screen protector to protect the mirror surface. You should also precut some thin cord for the mirror. That way you can pull it out and put it around your neck so you will be able to deploy it fast enough to signal an airplane before it is out of sight.

When you are lost and stressed out is not the time for niceties.

Have two tins, separate the contents, and put one in each pocket!

Sue

Fantastic ! I don't know if YOU invented that concept or if you got it from somewhere else, but it's ... GREAT ! <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Just THE word we need (if we ever needed one...) here on this forum.
Now, nobody will be able to say we "play" with our PSKs...

Building a PSK is now an true art, it's a philosophy, a way of life ....

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

Hi,

Yeah, I made it up on the spur of the moment, but I cannot take full credit. I am a computer programmer, and it is common for, er, computer people to add -fu to the end of some activity that requires a little bit of thought/effort/ability to improve ones skill. So, it was only a matter of time before a computer programmer would attempt to fill a small tin with things and invent the term "tin-fu" as he sought enlightment in the One True Way to make it all fit.

A

What would be the difference between "tin-fu" and "tin-do", The Way of the Tin.....
<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Tin-fu would be Chinese, but I'm not sure of the exact translation.

Tin-do would be the art of tin, and thus reserved fro those who mearly compete or are looking for the peace of mind through the meditation of the kit. Looks good, sounds good, isn't always the best.

Tin-jitsu would be the nitty, gritty, knock 'em in the mud and jump on them version. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Might not be fancy or pretty, but it brings your backside back.

UPDATE: Google is my brain. :P Kung-fu means hard work, or great accomplishement, and doesn't actually mean just martial skills, unless you a westerner. So... Tin-fu is accurate, as it a truely work to stuff the good parts of an entire civilization into an Altoids tin. And isn't that ultimate goal? <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hello,
Here are the contents of one of my survival kits that is an amalgam of the BCB Military and Ritter PSP kits and other odd bitts http://tinypic.com/ehzm1v.jpg. Its contents are based on the 10 ESSENTIALS and my experience from many years of backpacking. While many folks pack their kits with purpose made survival items I try to select everyday, but compact, backpacking items that I’d normally use while backpacking or day hiking. It contains the following from left to right clockwise (see photo); BCB tin, flint sparker, tinder, whistle, (4) safety pins, fishing kit, needle, heliograph, thread/fishing line, brass wire, Leatherman Micra, button compass, LED flashlight, small plaster, (2) aspirin, antibiotic ointment, (2) large plasters, scalpel, (2) breast milk/water bags, and (6) Katadyn water purification tablets. There was a bit of extra space left over, and I have since added the gum and coffee ration from an American Meal Rejected by an Ethiopian (MRE). Also, I may upgrade the button compass to a SUUNTO Mini compass. While I do not have the funds at this time to buy a kitchen vacuum packer, I plan on getting one to reseal the tin with a vacuum seal. However, I'll experiment first to see if any of the above contents have a negative reation to being vacuum packed.

Hi WILD_WEASEL,

How are you planning on purifying water from two Seal 'n Go bags and a Micropur tablet, are you going to chop one in half or are you going to use one tablet for a 12oz bag?

Thanks
Frankie

Frankie,
If a 1-liter container were not readily available, I would split one table between the two bags in my kit. I have my eye out for a suitable 1-liter water bag, but the breast milk bags are the best compromise I have found to date. Condoms just do not cut it as reliable water storage devices. Now... if I could find a 1-liter bag along the lines of the milk storage bag I would switch over to it ASAP.
George

There isn't, but there is something close- turkey bags. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Mark them in quart increments before you pack them, and there isn't a lot of guessing as to how many you need when you have to add water tablets. Two of those and a couple of twist ties take up about as much space as two condoms.

I have tinkered with the contents of my survival tin, adding, coffee, gum, and an upgraded compass. Unpacked http://tinypic.com/es6iyb.jpg , Packed http://tinypic.com/es6kxe.jpg .

WW,
Ohhhh, I like that compass. I'm a map & compass user and really prefer the baseplate style compass over the lensatic style. I have little use for a button compass - except as a real emergency backup.

I've been eyeing the compass you're using as a button compass replacement. It is the smallest compass I've seen with a straight edge for aligning maps to north, and a rotating bezel for following a bearing. How smooth is the bezel on that? I find some of the cheap bezels to be almost unusable.

Is that knife a LM Micra? It looks like one.

Thats the Suunto Gem compass. They also have the comet which has a bit bigger ruler and a thermometer.
If the bezel is like the clipper, its not smooth, it clicks into place at every point marked around the bezel.
I havent seen either the Gem or Comet, but I have a couple of clippers and they are a good little compass.

You can find details at:
http://www.suunto.com/suunto/main/index.jsp
Then Products, select All Products
Then Field Compasses

Ken,
I have been using this Suunto compass http://tinypic.com/es7n09.jpg while hiking for the past few years and it has proven to be very serviceable for my needs. The bezel indexes on 47 detents of about 7 to 8 degrees each It along with the Leatherman Micra go back to my philosophy of populating my survival tin with everyday yet compact hiking gear as opposed to the Gucci survival gadgets that many of our brethren become fixated on. Getting back to the TEN-ESSENTIALS 1) map 2) compass 3) water and a way to purify it 4) extra food 5) extra clothing 6) fire starter 7) first aid kit 8) knife 9) flashlight 10) sun glasses. I have covered seven of them and with a heads up, I could add a custom printed map, on waterproof media of the area I would be visiting bringing this up to eight. While I realize items 4 and 7, food and first aid are covered a bit skimpy the first aid supplies along with the Micra could treat; removing a tick, blisters on each heal, a headache, and other booboos. As for food, you can get by a few days with out it, but at least I can make a cup of coffee and chew on a couple pieces of gum while I sort out whatever situation is at hand.
George

I wonder why they make the detents? Could it be that they think it make the bezel less likely to be accidently moved? I think I'd rather have no detents.

I agree that basic and simple is better. I tend to prefer to carry items that are used all the time, rather than items that are stowed away and never touched. When in the field my gear tends to be in several places (pockets, around neck, in daypack) rather than in a common container. My non-field EDC is more compact - kept in a ziplock bag in a pocket of my "man bag".

One thing that isn't discussed here too much (maybe?) is the need for shelter. I tend to think that in a remote area a lack of shelter - leading to hypothermia - is a real big danger. My EDC most days has some large 55 gallon trash bags. When out in the woods camping or on hikes I bring my bivy poncho instead.

Also, mostly for your amusement, here is a list of the Boy Scout Outdoor Essentials. You may have seen it. I myself really like this list.

SCOUT OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS
Pocketknife
First aid kit
Extra clothing
Rain gear
Water bottle
Flashlight
Trail food
Matches & Firestarters
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, lip balm)
Compass & Map

PLUS
Whistle
Insect repellant, when appropriate
Large trash bag
Toilet Paper, partial roll in plastic bag
Pencil & Notepad
50' paracord or 1/8" polycord

The main list matches your almost item-for-item.

Gucci makes survival gadgets?! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Where can I get them?

Just the thing to impress the guys in the office. <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> NOT. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

-- Craig

Hi ame,
good to see a fellow kiwi on the forum. I share your issues with sourcing the tid-bits for the kit, and I really haven't found a source for the potassium permanganate...did you source yours in NZ?

Like everyone, I guess..we probably have had most of the commercial kits and I also have recently purchased an ETS, and use these to create our own personalised EDC tin. I'm not sure who mentioned in this thread but l like the idea of splitting the components into several kits, each increasing in size and/or functionality to compliment the smaller kit.

for instance, I like to carry the ETS as quick throw in my pocket for travel, MTB or non-bush type activities...as I think the concept of it providing the minimum bits to survive it perfect, as I will generally have on me already, my leatherman charge, my survival car keys (utilikey, freedom microlight, compass, thermo, and (striker/tinder retro fitted to fir inside old AAA maglite) and a windproof lighter. This give you pretty much everything to get through a rough patch.

If going a bit further the basics get supplemented with a more advanced suvivial kit, which include things like shelter, warmth better knife, food, water..and so on.

These are where I am at the moment...I'll probably change things around again as thats the fun as well...but I was starting to find myself 'carrying' probably a bit too much...and then start questioning the size and weight, and then every now and again...thinking about 'not' taking it...and thats the time you going to need it which defeats the purpose. ( have been caught out once in a potentially bad situation before by not taking my basics, not even the leatherman...so never again)

I think we all suffer from a bit of "gear creep", as we keep adding and adding...as we find stuff and think things more indepth.

From my experience, from other peoples experience in NZ...it would seem that most people rated the ability to start a fire, and perhaps have a survival blanket/bag...as the thing that would have paid a fortune for.

PS, I just managed to finally get some paracord...and finally understood the value in it :-) besides being really strong, the ability to pull the extra strands out of the core to make either one long length by time them together...or simple having another 7 peices of 50lb cord is very cool.

Have you got some of that yet?

I is probably the cheapest or smallest way they thought of to provide some resistance to stop the bezel from being moved, and also its probably the way they stop the bezel from comming off.
I use one of my Recta or Silva(Brunton) compasses with maps or when bush walking. I use the Suunto Clipper as my backup compass and my EDC compass so the bezel isnt an issue for me.

Actually, my Ritter psk is riding in a designer stainless steel case right now --

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/product...p;base_no=98007

Designed by Perry Ellis, it was a manicure kit, I removed the insides, struggled removing the glued in foam that held the manicure implements, and now I have a designer psk. I secure it together with a ranger band. I have added a few more items than the Ritter kit, but it serves quite nicely and is fancier than your basic altoids tin. They are sold out at the present time at sierra trading post, but this is the best tin I have found so far that I liked.

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

-- Craig

Do you habe the inside dimensions of that handy and what did it set you back if you dont mind me asking?

Case is 4 x 3 x 1”
paid 9.99 for it, you might be able to find it at an outlet store that sells Perry Ellis stuff, I saw some at an outlet mall on vacation in Las Vegas in August in a Perry Ellis store.

Hi, I thought about a little addition in the line of first aid supplies in a PSK: a 3M Tempa-dot flexible disposable thermometer. I don't think having a thermometer is so crucial but it takes absolutely no room because it's flat and I packed one in an altoids tin and it fits nicely:

http://www.vimpex.com/tempadot.htm

But the drawback is that they have a short shelf live (mine is good until september 2006) and they shouldn't be exposed to temperatures greater than 95°F (35°C)

Frankie

Carry both a condom and a gerber bag. Use the gerber bag is a measure and scoop if necessary to get the water into the condom. Once it reaches 1 litre, pop the purification tablet in.
Sam with the turkeybag. no need to mark out the volume before hand.