Otzi: The Iceman

[zaebra]

Otzi

Otzi, also known as the Iceman, is the frozen mummy found in the Alps in the 90's. While he is certainly a fascinating historical and anthropological study subject, I'd like to address the matter of his equipment here.

Something that I find interesting is that Otzi's gear would be considered survival gear by today's standards, but for him it was "living" gear. I suppose that could be said about most prehistoric peoples, be they native Americans, Russian steppe herdsmen, Inuit, or any other such group.

I've compiled a list of the gear that was found with Otzi, as well as a modern-day equivalent. I would just love to see someone attempt a medium-term wilderness living excursion (I won't call it "survival" because of the earlier comparison) using much the same gear. How many of you would feel comfortable with such gear for your only camping/survival/walkabout kit?

Copper Age
Hat, Bear Skin
Cloak, Grass
Coat, Leather
Vest, Leather
Loincloth, Leather
Leggings, Leather
Shoes, Insulated
Belt, Woven Grass
Belt Pouch, Leather
Backpack, Wicker
Knife, Flint
Bow (unfinished)
Quiver, Leather
Arrows, 14
Flint Firestarter
Tinderbox, Birch
Tinder
Hide Scraper, Flint
Drill Bit, Bone
Hand Axe, Copper
Baskets, 2
Berries
Cord (Sinew)

Modern
Winter Cap
Rain Poncho
Winter Coat
Flannel Shirt
Flannel Shorts
Insulated Pants
Winter Boots
Nylon Webbing
Nylon Pouch
Daypack
6” Fixed Blade
Yew Longbow
Plastic Tube
Arrows, 14
Firesteel
Plastic Box
Tinder Fungus
Ulu
Steel Drill Bit
Tomahawk
Aluminum Bowls
Pemmican
Artificial Sinew

[crashdive123]

Definitely interesting stuff. Here's another thread that was going on the subject.

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...highlight=otzi

[Ridge Wolf]

LOL... we are definitely behind the times then if our equipment hasn't changed in 6,000 years.. Just think, if we can ever get into a time travel machine and go back.. we'll be right at home.

[canid]

i feel not behind the times, but further back in line with them.

[Smok]

Or just born in the wrong time.. But how do we not know that the future will not need people like us that know how to live in the old ways ...We may be need yet or our kids , so teach them well..yes teach them well ....