Category — Survival

Sounds cool huh? Well, not exactly, this compilation of gear was developed utilizing technology as a means to thwart the elements. These devices were presented in the latest posting on WIRED magazines page. And trust me they do not seem to be all that practical, however some are quite interesting.

My favorites are the Bedu Emergency Rapid Response Kit (seen to the right) which is packed full of survival gear and is designed to be dropped to individuals and is “built to support eight adults for up to five years” hmm seems like a long time waiting for a rescue! I also like the fact that it comes with a multi fuel stove but no fuel, so if you can find fuel you can probably figure out where to get the rest of the gear it supplies.

I also think the Microfix 406 is pretty neat but it is a reality as there are several models that have been out for a few years and I do agree that these could potentially be abused. The Hydran Turbine is a pretty intriuging idea but I need to learn a little more about it before I’m all in.

Check out the other inventions and let me know what you think. Although a few of these are leaning towards the ridiculous at least the techno-geek generation is breaking away from video game programing and looking outside!

Yesterday I went on a hike with Uncle Travelin Matt just west of Denver and as we were walking down the trail we both were sharing information about the types of plants along the trail as well as the edibility of some. We found an abundance of Geyer’s Onion (Allium geyeri) that I was familiar with and I had UTM give it a taste.

Fortunately UTM and I know each other well enough to know that accurate knowledge of subject matter is paramount and never to pull any fast ones especially when health or safety is involved. Anyhow after UTM gave the onion a taste I thought of the Universal Edibility Test and figured it would aid you guys if you are out and about looking for edible plants. I implore you to carry a guide with pictures as a reference but also utilize EVERY step in the test remember your life depends on it! [Read more →]

Deep Survival written by Laurence Gonzales delves into the psychology of survival. Subtitled Who Lives, Who Dies and Why, Gonzales deftly breaks down and analyzes the information he has gathered during 30 years of research.

His book is a pleasant mix of personal reflection as well as a wealth of experience around activities that claim the majority of our risk takers. Balance is the point of this book, Deep Survival blends the unlikely survivor tales with the astoundingly idiotic fatal mistakes. Gonzales sets out to discover what it means to survive and ultimately discovers that it is all contained within. From inexperienced young children surviving amazing disasters to the experienced combat proven soldiers taking foolish and ultimately fatal risks Deep Survival allows every reader the benefit of years of research and personal reflection that only Laurence Gonzales could provide.

All in all this was a great read with that constant yearning for the next page, the stories are clear and concise with a feeling of continuity often lost when dealing with issue of survival.

Some, if not all of you, have at some time come across a can stove. Often called a beer can or soda can stove. The concept is simple. You take two aluminum cans cut the bottoms of off both, cut the center out of one of the bottoms and the side out of one of the cans and place them all together. First is the solid bottom can then the side piece next is the bottom piece that has the center cut out. Drill some vent holes add denatured alcohol and voila, you have a .3oz stove! Check out this video to better understand.

I actually was lazy and purchased one from ebay for a few bucks and have been very happy. As mentioned in previous posts I have used it on several occasions and love it. The only real issue that I have is that it must be protected in your pack so as not to get crushed. In this demo the guy uses a Fosters can but I have seen it done with all types of cans.

The stove I bought is found here.

Additionally I just saw a new titanium stove at REI that is much like the can stove but the price was a bit high and it weighed 3x as much as the can stove I use, however it is indestructible.

Don’t forget that a wind screen is key. Also understand once you fire the stove up there is no off so practice and know how much fuel you will need prior to ignition. And unless you are competing for the next Darwin Award DO NOT add alcohol to a hot stove!!!

After much debate and discussion we decided we would stay fairly close to home during this trip so we ended up in a meadow off of Horsethief trail just south of the Crags.

The hike started up a gradual incline through the forest on the fairly well traveled trail. After about .5 mile we changed direction from the easterly course we started on to a more northerly course that brought us into a valley along a creek dotted with few frozen beaver ponds. The views were magnificent as we had an unobstructed view of Sentinel in all of its rocky glory. After a short distance we found a great site just off of the main trial in an open area that was slightly blocked from the wind that was slowly creeping up on us. [Read more →]

Well my Winter Wilderness Survival class and I made it back with out a hitch. Yeah we survived! We all had a blast and spent some good quality time practicing shelter building and plain old “will” to survive. The days were beautiful and we were fortunate enough to have great visibility and most, if not all of us made it with nothing but smiles! I am pretty drained now and will post more tomorrow. Here is a picture of my class after a night in the cold.

They all did a great job and should be proud!