Maybe its not my place, but...
I wonder if we stray from the intent of the forum sometimes. What I mean is this; some neophyte outdoorsy type comes here to ask for advice, which we are more than happy to dispense...
But here's where we go awry - We start offering equipment advise and opinions about different types of things, and different methods of doing things. The point is, we are here (or at least I am) to discuss survival - not camping. If you have that much equipment with you its not a survival situation, it's just plain camping (Ironman camping, I'll grant you).
To me, it becomes survival when you lose that $90.00 canteen/filter set, or when your $200.00 knife ends up at the bottom of the lake with the rest of your stuff (happened to me).
It kind of came to me in the purifying water thread, where numerous methods were discussed, most of which are fine and good advise. But then inevitably, some clown gets in there and starts shooting holes in everyone else's reply. I've done it myself, and few people in here haven't. Like 'boiling doesn't kill all the bacteria' etc. (Not intending to pick on the poor guy, it was just the example that stuck in my head).
I guess what I'm trying to say is that in a survival situation, something is usually better than nothing, unless that something will kill you for sure. Most of us know that bad water will kill you, and that freezing to death ain't too cool either. Point is not the equipment you carry (except for your survival kit, which should never be out of arms reach from you), but the skills you need to survive without it.
Someone let me know if Im out of line on this.
well we can agree on that
Foggy, I don't think you're out of line, and I think there's far too much brand promotion. Further, I welcome everyone wishing to discuss it with me personally to stop by http://www.traxreallyexpensivesurviv...ampinggear.com and buy all the really high end s##t I can possibly sell you. I promise the site will have endorsements from several retired SF military personnel and postings of lots of rugged scenery. Of course, bring a major credit card, it's 2007 people, how can you survive without one? :D :D :D
