I'm not a fan of pre made kits. I suppose they have their place, but I prefer to assemble my own, based on my needs. As far as aluminum foil only being useful in a winter survival situation to melt snow - I've got to disagree.
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I'm not a fan of pre made kits. I suppose they have their place, but I prefer to assemble my own, based on my needs. As far as aluminum foil only being useful in a winter survival situation to melt snow - I've got to disagree.
Here's a few uses of aluminum foil as a multi-use item.
Form a cup or bowl to boil water (or melt snow as stated above)
Fishing lure
Foot warmer
Funnel
Heat reflector
Wind screen
Signaling
Snow goggles
Solar oven
I'm sure there are more, but this is just off the top of my head. To say "The only time aluminum foil would be useful is if you were in a cold weather winter wonderland so you could use it to melt snow without having to worry about filtering and purifying the melted snow into water." is IMO incorrect.
Guys, you need to back up a bit, you're reading in between the lines in what I just wrote here.
I didn't say aluminum foil [in general] is useless. I said "to choose aluminum foil over water purification tablets and a container is a no brainer and a terrible choice."
You're "speaking to the choir" here in knowing what you can use aluminum foil for in a survival situation. All those uses you just mentioned I concur but only to a certain point.
I am talking about which is better to have, a store bought survival kit that comes with aluminum foil or one that comes with some water purification tablets and a container.
To put together your own or chosing a store bought survival kit that comes with just aluminum foil for boiling water [for drinking purposes] is a very poor choice and a waste of money. Why? Just to name a few reasons...
To boil water you need fire, water tablets and a container you don't neet any fire. Granted it, you can only purify enough water based on the number of water tablets you have or carrying in your survival kit.
But aluminum foil can only be used so many times before it becomes "brittle" and "breaks."
Don't believe me, then I suggest you go to your kitchen cabinet and pull out some aluminum foil and try boiling water in that same sheet [of aluminum foil] a few times to see how long it last. And over a hot "open campfire" and not on an open stove where you can control the heat and flame.
There are a lot of survival myths out there, so instead of reading and passing on these same myths that you personally have never tried out. I suggest you test them out for yourself to see what works and what doesn't work. I have, and so that's why I posted this aluminum foil myth on my website (The ************.Com).
The same goes for those who think you can boil water and cook food in one of those "pocket survival tins." Check out the photos on my site as to what happens when you try it.
The bottom line, yes, you can use aluminum foil for many things in a survival situation. But I wouldn't use aluminum foil nor chose a store bought survival kit that comes with aluminum foil just because the manufacturer or the survival kit developer [like Mr. Ritter] says you can use the kit's aluminum foil for:
Fishing lures
Foot warmer
Funnel
Heat reflector
Wind screen
Signaling
Snow goggles
Solar oven
I rather put together or buy a survival kit that comes with:
some real fishing lures...
a fire starter that will really warm up my tootsies if they get cold...
build a heat reflector or wind screen out of some rocks, logs and tree brances...
and use a real mirror or a real fire for signaling...
I personally don't and have never carried a lot of survival gear to the field, not before I entered the military, not during my 21 years in the military and not after I retired from the military in 1993.
So as far as me using aluminum foil....never used it - never will. I'd rather pack and carry some water tablets & a container or an old military plastic canteen, cover and canteen cup [for boiling water] than to pack and carry some aluminum foil that won't last very long.
And the only reason why a survival kit manufacturer, developer or seller would throw in some aluminum foil and tell you you can use it to boil water, for signaling, etc, is to cut down on their expenses in selling you their [most likely overpriced] survival kit.
There, I hope I made myself a bit more clear here.
Whoops! Time to go, gotta cut and run now, got a few orders I gotta take care of that just popped up on my screen and then I'm heading to the beach here on Lake Garda - Italy.
Nice talking to you guys, I'll be back when I have some more free time which is NOT often. If someone has something to say or add to my comments above and wants a reply back, it's best you contact me off this forum via email.
Thanks for your time fellas, take care.
"Army Ranger Rick" F. Tscherne
Author, The Ranger Digest Series (I-IX)
Developer, SOS Survival Kits
Owner, www.therangerdigest.Com
Well I gotta say my 16 year old son loves ARR's gear, and I'm ordering him some more. I have found the teens love his digest and he explains it better than the Ranger Handbook, I know they are different but being an old Ranger I still carry mine as old habbits die hard. But I read his digests all the time. His necklaces I got for the teens my son runns the woods with and in since they're hunting for a survival box and first aid box for their pack I'm gonna check his site.
Let me tell you from a guy who at first doubted his gear... I was wrong, shoulda known a Ranger wouldn't make bad kit or pass out bad info.
So... ARR... Lead the Way, bro.
Beo,
Oh yeah, don't anyone tell my boy, ya know him here as the blackmailing lil Trooper, that I read the Ranger Digest... he thinks I only read my Ranger handbook, but the digest is good :D
Army Ranger Rick - It seems (to me anyway) that you take when somebody disagrees with you kind of personal. Thanks for the clarification on the tin foil in a kit, BTW Mr. Ritter did not give me the ideas for tin foil, experience did.
I have a couple of "kits" that I've built/assembled over the years. They are all works in progress and I am constantly tinkering with them. They all serve different yet similar purposes.
I have an EDC kit in the bottom of my backpack that is always with me. I have a Get Home Bag in each of my vehicles.
The contents of these kits came from my own experience and from looking at other people's kits. I am not above stealing someone else's ideas :D
As a visitor/member of a few different survival type websites I am constantly gathering information and reviewing what others have posted. For me it's just part of the learning process.
Is my build your own kit better than the store bought ones? For me it is. Are store bought kits good? For some folks I'm sure they are.
I have seen the kits that are mentioned above, both of them are good for their intended purposes, neither one is a complete kit in my opinion. I really don't think there is a one size fits all regarding this issue.
Just my .02
An experienced outdoorsmen will always build their own kit, and for them it is what they feel they need and better than store bought. But that does not mean store bought or internet ordered are not good. for me I make my own and take from a few store bought, for those just getting into the wilderness and outdoors a good store bought and internet ordered is a great start until they get some time under them.
Since my son is now doing his own thing with his buddies for small overnighters and weekends I will order one, pick one up at Bass Pro, or most likely get one from ARR on his site. His site and this site keep my son and his friends interested in survival and the outdoors which is good thing.
Beo,
Tsk tsk Rick, remember he is entitled to his opinions, like the rest of us. If he lives in Italy and likes it, then great for him. Wish I were going skiing there in the winter.
He's proud of his accomplishments and if his Army retirement check and most importantly the money he makes from his site and products keep him going and make him a good and comfortable living then my hats off to him.
Actually starting a site and drawing from his 20+ years in the Army and Rangers was in my opinion pretty smart. Even doing the Ranger digest was smart and it alone makes good money, hmmmm I need to do something like that... oh yeah I'm a published author :D See a grunt can make it.
I seem to remember you closing a similar post for things like that.
Beo,
For the record Rick I was joking with ya and understand why you closed that post and appreciate it really.
I don't have any problem being told I'm wrong. I might have been so I deleted it.
Awe Rick I was joking bro, come on its FRIDAY!!!!:D
More to the story than just your post. I just thought it was the better thing to do.
Trax: Um, you good? cause I'm good.
KLKAK: Yea, yea I'm good.
Trax: Good, Now don't ever speak a word of this to anyone.
KLKAK: Oh ok, not a word.
I have the sk by Mr. Ritter, And only because I wanted to test and check out its contents. I make my own kits and add and remove some things constantly. Mr. Ritters kit is a bare bones starter kit and while lacking several items my opinion is that it is a very good starting point. Please give him an applaud he made a basic affordable kit , and make no mistake his instruction sheet tells you straight forward YOU NEED TO ADD SEVERAL ITEMS TO MAKE IT COMPLETE. A fixed blade knife is recommended as well as a cooking vessel,water purifier, container etc the items in the kit are good quality though not necessarily my choice all in all he does not try to mislead you he did a good job made it affordable and includes the fact that you need more in a survival situation . Ranger Rick has some decent stuff also and alot of good advice and tricks , however Ranger Rick that saw you include , lol only use I have found for it is to hang myself after dealing with the frustration of trying to use it on wood. I would reccomend the Ritter kit as a good starting point for a psk add a fixed blade knife, condom , water purifier, and a small cooking vessel and your on your way to a decent kit , just my opinion though .
sh4dwm4573ri7 WROTE:
MY COMMENTS: I agree, Doug Ritter's survival kit is a good "starter kit." But.... based on the price that he is asking for his kit.... As a survival kit developer and seller myself he could have easily acquired and included these missing survival items (a knife, mini LED lite, water purification tablets, etc) in his kit for the same price.Quote:
"Ranger Rick has some decent stuff also and alot of good advice and tricks , however Ranger Rick that saw you include , lol only use I have found for it is to hang myself after dealing with the frustration of trying to use it on wood. I would reccomend the Ritter kit as a good starting point for a psk add a fixed blade knife, condom , water purifier, and a small cooking vessel and your on your way to a decent kit , just my opinion though."
I am not going to be surprise if he acquirers and includes these missing items in his survival kit later on, especailly after he reads postings like these on other survival sites and forums.
As for the wire saw that comes with my SOS Survival Kits.... As I mention on my website under "Survival Wire Saws"....There are not a lot of very good wire saws on the market, a lot of them are nothing more but "cut up toothless spiral wire saws." Oh they'll cut through wood like butter but only when attached to some 5,000 wood cutting machinery. But to use them as a handsaw they suck, they cut terribly.
The wire saws that come with my SOS Survival Kits are manufactured by BCB International, a leading UK military / outdoor survival manufacturer and supplier.
Since choosing the BCB wire saw over five other wire saw manufacturers, I have only received one or two complaints (not including yours) about it's cutting capability. Unless someone knows another lightweight wire saw manufacturer that I don't know about, the BCB Int'l wire saw is the best lightweight wire saw on the market because it actually has "teeth" and is not made of some "twisted toothless spiral wire."
To see what I mean and what I am talking about, check out the different types of wire saws that I show on my website (The **********.Com) under my "Survival Wire Saw" page and you'll see what I am talking about.
Again, if someone knows a better lightweight compact wire saw, please let me know where to find it and I will be happy to check it out and test it and if it's better than what I now sell I will replace it.
One thing you should know about cutting wood with a wire saw...
As a general wood cutting rule you should never use a wire saw to cut anything thicker than your wrist or arm. Why? Because the thicker the wood - the shorter the strokes and the more time you'll waste trying to cut through it. To save time, energy and burning up precious calories. Cut only 1/2 to 2/3 through the wood and then break it the rest of the way with your foot or by slamming it up against a tree or rock. Works for me every time.
Now, I hope what I wrote and explained here SOMEONE won't take offense to my comments and think I am defending my SOS Survival kit. Again, if someone knows another type of wire saw that's a lot better than what I am now selling, let me know where to find it and I'll check it out, order it and test it.
Fair enough?
I believe this horse has been ridden into the ground before, or I took an extra long nap a few months ago. I also have a survival kit for sale, the kit has a Frost knife I got a bunch from a TV channel and will pass along your choice. If sold out I will substitute one of equal value. my kit is only $29.95 and includes the knife, you add the other components of your choice. The knife is guaranteed for 30 days or until the box is opened, whichever comes first. Contact me quickly feeding the fat UPS man waiting for the pickups will increase the price.
1st just let me say that I, for one, welcome your comments and your presence here on this forum. It's really great to have someone with your experience here to share with this group, especially with a lot of the young ones that show up here from time-to-time. We just recently had another one that intends to become a Ranger.Quote:
Originally Posted by Army Ranger Rick
2nd, the rules state that any url linking to your own personal web-site cannot be posted in the body of your text, but rather in your signature, which is better anyway as then it comes up automatically every-time you post. Please notice that I'm editing your posts where you've included the link to your site in the body of the text and, in one instance, edited it into your signature. I feel that any choice of survival gear will be a matter of personal choice & therefore interested parties should view EVERY possible choice available, & that includes your kits & manuals as well. So, in saying that, I truly hope you'll add your link to your signature as to give anyone here who might be interested a chance to personally visit your Web-site. I've visited it & really enjoy it!:D
3rd, I agree with your view on Aluminum foil as being a poor substitute for a water pot & also agree that the army canteen with cup is much more preferable. I recently used foil to bake potatoes & also a separate set-up to cook steak, onions, & mushrooms over a campfire. While it worked out just fine it's safe to say that the foil was not going to be any help after the 1st use for much of anything. Although it can have other uses as the former Navy vet, Crashdive suggests.;)
Finally, it's great to hear from you again, please don't be a stranger...Ranger!:rolleyes:
Like most commercial kits, they are flawed. In fact i don't even find them to be a good starting point. Why waste my money on an over priced kit that i am going to gut anyway? My everyday kit is housed in a specops brand drycell on board which easily fits into a BDU pocket or can be hung on a belt. in this i have a small fixed blade knife(cold steel mini pendelton hunter), a locking folding blade knife (swiss army hunter model), a small led light, flint and steel, whistle, compass, condom, iodine tablets, small firstaid kit, some heavy duty aluminiun foil, OB brand tampoons (tinder for my fire starting), 550 cord, a spool of 60 lb. test spider wire fishing line, some hooks, and a small plant ID and survival book.
This may seem like a lot but it all fits in this small pouch. My main survival kit is much more extensive, most of it fitting into a spec ops brand pack rat pouch. This pouch along with my water filter, poncho, cooking kit, spare socks and undies, and a 2.1 liter water bladder fits into a Kifaru E&E (escape and evasion) pack.
My advice is figure out what you need/want to carry, find a container/pouch/pack that fits your needs and build your kit.
Sounds like a nice little kit SARKY. Why not head on over to the introduction section and tell us a bit more about yourself. Thanks.
I think it depends on your skill and experience level, Sarky. I would agree with you but I'd rather see a novice have a survival kit of any type than nothing at all. Hopefully the kit has some instructions for the novice.:p
That is the most true statement I have ever read.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick
My little brother (Whom is 14) while we were out hunting in Southern Ohio, actually lost track of time and it turned dark on him. He couldn't see a thing at night, but he remembered his survival kit, which contained only a few items. (Fire Starter, tinder, whistle, LED Light, small flashlight, water purification and an emergency poncho I believe was all that was in it) and he needed to use the Flahslight to find his way home. He started walking witout it, remembered it, used the flashlight only to find he was going the wrong way.
Hey Marcraft.... you don't really carry all that stuff on your back into the woods????
Damm! I thought I carried a lot of stuff!
hey Army Ranger Rick, I went to your web site and i've gotta say what were you thinking when you list 550 cord as a luxury item??? I'm a retired SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape) Instructor, and we lived or died by our use of 550 cord. It's not like the stuff weighs so much or takes up a lot of space!
How I missed this thread is beyond me.
Klak I like your kit alot, love the vest especially as its on you so losing things would be hard to do. Only thing I'd change... nah, nothing I really like it.
And Crash's avatar looks like he's on a sub with that glowing red light flashing and the big horn going Ahhhooooga Ahhhooooga!! :D
when i'm not paying attention it looks like somebody wearing a red cloak oh yeah nice kit
My Dad always told me you could never have enough 550 Cord. Its the best out there for the size and price.Quote:
Originally Posted by SARKY
Hi ya all.
I know it's been awhile, but I just stopped by for a few minutes to say hello and to post a comment here....
Sarky wrote: "Hey Army Ranger Rick, I went to your web site and i've gotta say what were you thinking when you list 550 cord as a luxury item??? I'm a retired SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape) Instructor, and we lived or died by our use of 550 cord. It's not like the stuff weighs so much or takes up a lot of space!"
Me, personally, I don't really consider 550 Paracord to be a "must have or die" survival item. Sure it's a nice to have, no doubt about it. But before I ever heard of the stuff, like when I was a kid growing up hunting & fishing back in the 60's. I use to make shelters, animal traps and go fishing without it by just using regular ol' rolled up copper wire and nylon fishing line.
And so that's why I consider it (550 paracord) a luxury item like some of that other survival stuff that I list on my site. You know as the rule goes..."the less you know about survival, the more stuff you need to pack & carry - the more you know, the less you need."
If I'm carrying a BOB or small pack, sure I, too, carry some 550 paracord with me along with my solar-handcrank am/fm radio that most people DON'T think it's a necessity.
But I do, because if I'm alone and all by myself in the boonies, which I sometimes like to get away by myself, I don't like listening to myself talk.
Oh, there's nothing wrong with talking to yourself if you're all by yourself, as long as you don't ask yourself questions and answer yourself back.
And so that's why I take & pack my radio and some paracord too, but only if I am carrying a small pack or BOB.
BTW, being you're an ex-ol'SERE instructor, I got a question for you....What do you think of those "Survival Weapons" ideas on my site? Those few items that I suggest you pack and carry in your pocket survival kit? The cement nails, some duct tape, thick rubber bands and a few screw eyelets so you can make a couple of those weapons.
I'd like to get your feedback on my simple improvised survival weapons, as I have never seen anyone else come up with these ideas.
If you haven't yet made any of these weapons, make'em and try'em first and then let me know what you really think of them. Ok?
Really, I'd like to get your input and feedback as I am planning on submitting these ideas thru the US military channels.
Okey-dokey?
Hey ARR, One of those weapons you show on your web site my Grandfather taught me to make back in my preteen years. Its the stick and rubber band arrow or rock launcher. It wasn't a great leap from it to making a crossbow which I started doing when I was about 14. When I saw the pic's of it on your web site it brought back some memories. When my grandson comes over this weekend I think I will teach him how to make one. Thanks for making me remember.
I don't think that I can agree with you Rick. A crappy kit could be even more dangerous than no kit at all. If you give a novice false confidence with a kit that will fail them, they will more than likely put themselves in a more dangerous situation thinking that the kit will get them out of it. Where as with no kit at all they know pretty much where they stand in the survival situation. Something is better than nothing only if it will work.
I thought I would post what is in my kit that I am trying to pull together (I am well aware I need some more stuff) I plan to use this in my car since i am rarely away from my car. RIght now it is in a olive drab messenger bag thingy. I don't plan to go hiking through the woods with this but to have it ready if needed for anything.
I carry in it
2 space blankets
6 snap glo sticks
small bottle of hand sanitizer
1 fishing kit that contains
12lb test line
30lb test line
assorted sinkers
a few jig heads
a dozen or so hooks of various sizes
some swivels
everything is on safety pins and in a small plano box.
swiss army knife
nail clippers (personal phobia lol)
needles and thread
one of those 5-in-1 whistle things with some matches an striker in it
a pack of fuel cubes for easy fire starting.
100' of 550 cord
roll of ducktape (collapsed the tube inside)
first aid kit in a plano box
bandaids
alcohol prep pads ( fire or cleanse wounds)
triple antibiotic
steristrips
2 suture sets
2 chlorapreps for cleaning wounds (better than alcohol, it kills virus' as well)
hemostat
scalpel
tweezers
some gauze pads (2X2,4X4)
and most important the knowledge of an EMT
(thinking i need to add some meds)
I would add to this kit some items from work.
Surefire G2Led and batteries
Leatherman kick
Nalagene water bottle
gerber folder knife
EMT shears (cuts anything under the sun)
I am still building my kit. I know i need more in the ways of H2O and hunting.
The area I live in (where the kit will see use) is next to a major river I have fished for years. I plan to focus on using the water resources available to me. I am still building this kit and would welcome any advice.
Sounds like you've got a good start. What are you storing it in?
Uh, C.T.: He posted the answer, here it is: "Right now it is in a olive drab messenger bag thingy."Quote:
Originally Posted by chiye tanka
OK Boys & Toys, here's what you've all been waiting for, Sarge's Survival kit in order of importance:
1.) Your brain!
2.) The knowledge, both physical and academic, that you store there!
3.) Your Clothing!
4.) The proper components that covers all 8 purposes: a.) fire & light;
b.) signaling; c.) Navigation; d.) water & food collection e.) shelter
& personal protection; f.) medical; g.) knives & tools; h.) multi-purpose
items.
All items should be germaine to the locale in question.:cool:
Thanks Sarge, missed that.:o
Things I'll never include in my kit. Some of you will probably have no problem with them but I do so they stay out.
1.) Razor blades. Some "genius" figured that a razor blade would be a cool "sub" for a knife.:rolleyes: There IS no sub for a good knife!:mad: Also, somewhere on this site are graphic photos of a members slashed up hand when his razor blade went berserk! He had to have stitches! Think of that happening deep in the woods! Talk about creating your own "survival scenario".
2,) One of those "wittle itty-bitty cable saws." I've even heard somebody say they were "crakerjack!" Or maybe that was where he found his.:rolleyes: Also I'd never wear one around my neck!:eek:
3.) Those 2 chemicals Les Stroud used to start a fire. Smells like a disaster waiting to happen.
Anybody else want to contribute? We've talked a-plenty about what to include, let's hear some opinions on "survival kit no-nos".:confused::cool:
I agree with you Sarge, I can't stand those wire saws. Never had one make it through 3 or 4 strokes.
When I lived in Mass., I was told that all the old-timers used to carry a razor blade wrapped in a hankie to field dress deer. I think that's insane.
Razor or razor blade? I do carry a straight razor with me for the obvious use and I suppose it would be capable skinning with proper experience.
I have talked to 2 doctors out mooze hunting and having field dressed, quartered a mooze with scalpels (forgot their knives somewheres:eek:) took a long time and many blade changes:D
Even those hand held cable or "emergency chain saws"
I wonder,...You loop/wrap the "saw" blade around a tree, grab the handles loops (some go around your wrist) and start cutting towards your self...
the tree is cut and as it starts to fall you realize that you are still tied to the "saw"...
now comes the good part the butt comes up a butt strokes you in the kisser.
I wonder what will be your thoughts?
Ouch???????
id be wondering why the h3ll i thought i could cut down a tree with a cable saw in the first place.
Hiya Guys as I am quite new I thought i wold introduce you to me with my Tobacco tin (or around that!) Survival kit!
The Contents Are:
4 Cotton Wool
4 Vaseline covered cotton wool
1 wire saw
2 stock cubes
2 energy sweets
1 Fishing kit
1 mini maglite
1 Tampon
1 flint striker
1 Needle rapped with coarse thread!
And fill any spare space with more cotton wool
Any questions just ask!