How to Build a Survival Tin

Survival Tins are very popular among survivalist. The reason being is that the small size packs a big punch in a survival situation (lets hope your never placed in one). Being that the typical tin is the size of a box of Altoids, you can generally always have this equipment on you. Below is a list of items and links to where you can purchase them. JUST CLICK ON THE ITEM FOR LINK

You will want to have items to meet your basic survival needs such as water, fire, shelter, food, and signaling. Your environment will dictate some of what you put in your kits depending on the available natural resources or the dangers you may face.

Always understand along with this kit you should have your basic EDC or Every Day Carry items such as a Knife, Flashlight, Cell phone, etc. These small kits are more so to back up your main survival gear as a redundancy. Lets say you were to loose your fire making device- you could then go into this survival tin to make fire. Another example would be your compass. A small compass will allow you general navigation but also could use to ensure your primary or larger compass is reading accurately. This is a more realistic approach.

1. Tin

2. Cordage 

3. Sewing Kit: Just grab a needle and thread from your home sewing kit. Wrap the thread around the needle and add a few safety pins

4. Photon Light 

5. Small Compass

6. P-38 Can Opener 

7. Whistle

8. Tinder Tabs 

9. Lighter and Matches

10. Water Purification Tablets

11. Fishing Kit

12. Folding Razor Saw

13. Signal Mirror

14. Snare Wire

15. Waterproof Paper and Pencil

16. Small Beeswax Candle

These items are just a representation of recommended items. Let us know what items you would add to your survival kit.



Some links are affiliate links that provide a monetary return based on purchased items. 

BACK HOME Kit- Black Scout Concepts

In this episode, we show you the items we feel is a great start to building a survival kit.  These items can be remembered by the acronym we created called "BACK HOME" and will help you when compiling these items.  We hope you can take something from this and thanks for watching!

SEE THE REVIEW OF THE KNIFE FROM THIS VIDEO HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtEBdrtnUIs&index=16&list=PLLM2XF56J5XMqMvT3kt2gApFT8l1crhzC

SEE THE REVIEW OF THE SHEATH HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYhGfX471Uw&index=33&list=PLLM2XF56J5XMqMvT3kt2gApFT8l1crhzC

Get the gear featured in this video at the below links:

Ferro rod:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LG7D0QC?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00LG7D0QC&linkCode=xm2&tag=blacscousurv-20

Bic lighters by the box: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IMMIWTE?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00IMMIWTE&linkCode=xm2&tag=blacscousurv-20

All Weather Blanket: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002CQUA28?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B002CQUA28&linkCode=xm2&tag=blacscousurv-20

Sgt. Knots Paracord: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007RCPFSG?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B007RCPFSG&linkCode=xm2&tag=blacscousurv-20

Knife: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009O01H0Y?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B009O01H0Y&linkCode=xm2&tag=blacscousurv-20

Headlamp: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GCGIGHK?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00GCGIGHK&linkCode=xm2&tag=blacscousurv-20

Compass: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FEUCRW?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000FEUCRW&linkCode=xm2&tag=blacscousurv-20

Metal Canteen: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0093IS19C?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0093IS19C&linkCode=xm2&tag=blacscousurv-20

Emergency Signal: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004IANTB0?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B004IANTB0&linkCode=xm2&tag=blacscousurv-20

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00020SE1A?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00020SE1A&linkCode=xm2&tag=blacscousurv-20

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E8DJXK8?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00E8DJXK8&linkCode=xm2&tag=blacscousurv-20

Website: http://www.blackscoutsurvival.com
Twitter: @Black_Scout
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Springtail Solutions MPAC Review

I'm sure if your a frequent visitor of our site that your a person that likes to be prepared. Generally we all carry some sort of equipment in our vehicles EDC gear, Get Home Bag, Bug Out Bag, etc...

If your like me and own a jeep you know storage is at a minimum. While surfing the web I came across the MPAC from Springtail Solutions. This is a uniquely designed system that marries a few different useful features.

There are dynamic straps attached to the velcro panel to ensure the pouches
stay on in rough terrain

The system mounts to the Jeep JK rear door. Its a heavy duty piece of laser cut steel that requires no drilling for installation by using stock body mounts. The MPAC has rack has a solid quality powder coat that has a grid pattern cut out of it to accommodate MOLLE webbing. The package I purchased included 2 pouches (1 large and 1 small). These pouches have rip-away velcro that is great for accessing and or using your gear when away from the vehicle.

The STAT pouches are constructed from water resistant 600 denier nylon. The larger pouch has one main large central pocket with two interior pockets and a mesh on the opposite side. It also includes a shoulder strap in the event you have to leave the vehicle and need to carry your gear on foot. The smaller pouch has just one central interior with no internal pockets. I've set mine up to have survival gear in the larger pouch and the smaller contains various medical supplies.

Probably the most awesome feature is that the MPAC folds down into a table. It is suspended by 550 cord and can be adjusted. I've already used the table numerous times and truly don't know how I lived without it.

By pulling the paracord lanyard on each side the folding table can be deployed. The design is rattle free and is designed to hold up to 40 lbs.

Leatherman attached to the MPAC grid

Your not limited to the STAT pouches; the MPAC allows you to attach any items that have MOLLE webbing. They also offer different accessories that can hold tow straps, flashlights, axes, etc...

I love the organization the MPAC offers. The folding table has been helpful almost on a daily basis. I highly recommend the MPAC if you have an FJ Cruiser or Jeep JK.

Check them out at: http://store.springtailsolutions.com/JK-Rear-Door-Folding-TrayMOLLE-Panel-Combo_p_29.html

Black Scout Survival System- The BACK HOME kit

There are hundreds of survival kits, ideas, and systems out there. You can get overwhelmed with the different schools of thought. For awhile now I have been working on a simplified and condensed system to help you guys create a solid survival kit. I call this the BACK HOME system. This kit is designed to get you as it says "back home". Its use is ideally for that 72 hour window and will aid you in meeting your basic human needs for that time frame (hydration, hypo/hyperthermia protection, fire, and so on). This kit will also help you affect a self-rescue as well as aiding SAR teams/People in finding you. I've tried to keep this system small so that you can carry it with you at all times. This kit can also be added too for those specific locations that may need specialized equipment (jungle-machete/bug spray, hammock, mosquito net).

Lets go over the acronym:

B-Blaze and Burn
A-All weather Blanket
C-Cordage
K-Knife

H-Headlamp
O-Orienteering tools
M-Metal Canteen
E-Emergency Signal

Some of these items are specifics like Metal Canteen and All Weather Blanket. The reason I feel is that they should not be substituted with inferior quality items or different items. These specifics help maximize the items use. Now look at Blaze and Burn. This is not a specific items. Why you ask? Because if I were to say a ferro rod- some people may not be good with those and would be better to have matches or lighters. Thats what makes this system unique. You have the ability to work the items that you choose into the kit. Except the specifics which I feel are critical.

Blaze and Burn- Blaze means fire starters like matches, lighters, ferro rods, and flares. Burn means things that burn such as tinder. This part of the system can be used based on your needs.






All Weather Blanket- This is a specific item. This items was chosen because it is very versatile. A brightly colored one can help with signaling. Its durable and will not tear. It can be used to reflect heat away like in the desert. It can also reflect heat back to you when cold.



Cordage- This part can be anything from dental floss, paracord, rope, jute twine, and bank line.






Knife- Again this is something that can be chosen by you. A lot will depend on your budget and skill level.






Headlamp- I chose a headlamp over a handheld mainly due to the hands free use. If you are alone its difficult to steady a flashlight while your conducting survival task in the wild. Its also because most are low lumen and will last longer than most of the super bright flashlights that take lithium batteries today.



Orienteering tools- Map, Compass, and Pace Count beads. These items will get you out of most survival situations. Unless you have a mechanical injury.






Metal Canteen- They are durable and can boil water for disinfection. I like purification systems but they tend to be bulky and tablets tend to go bad before you need them.



Emergency Signal- The most critical items in a survival kit. They get you rescued and out of the survival situation. Items can be location dependent (i.e. flares, signal mirror, whistle, flagging tape).

American Survival Guide Magazine August 2014

Check out the latest issue of American Survival Guide Magazine, August 2014 issue. Jack wrote an article called Pack-ticality. This article covers survival kit mentally and how to layer it on your person. These tips will help develop your survival system as well as give you the confidence you need in your kit.

Go pick up a copy and let us know what you think in the comments below. Thanks for the support.

Rescue Essentials- I.C.E. Kit- Black Scout Reviews

In this episode we go over the I.C.E. Kit from Rescue Essentials (http://www.rescue-essentials.com/). This kit is designed as an emergency tool kit to toss in a bag, backseat of you car, or keep stored away until you need it. It covers the basics and is great for someone that doesn't want to spend the time developing a kit for themselves or to give away as a gift to family members.

Adam Ticknor on Earthquake and Disaster Preparedness Part 7

Over the next week we will be posting a video series on Earthquake and Disaster Preparedness. This class was instructed some time last year by Adam Ticknor. He occasionally contributes to Black Scout Survival,  is a former Scout Sniper/Reconnaissance Marine, and one of the handful of guys that we feel like knows what hes talking about. Check it out and let us know what you think. (This video will be an 8 part series)

Maxpedition Micro Organizer

Comparison to a Field Notes Memo Book

When looking at small personal survival kits, many folks decide to use a Altoids or similar type tin. I wanted to go over another option by way of the Maxpedition Micro Organizer. This pouch is a smaller clone of the cargo pocket organizer. Using something like this allows you to get away with larger type tools than a tin type kit without sacrificing much additional space. 

Lets go over what I was able to place in the kit. 

The Micro Organizer does just that- ORGANIZE. It keeps all the essentials in place with small pockets and elastic webbing. It has a one way zipper closure and a small mesh pocket on the front of the pouch.

Contents:

• Inova Flashlight
• Base plate compass
• BIC Lighter
• Spark Lite tool w/ 5 Tinder Quik tabs
• Space Blanket
• Whistle
• Aluminum Foil sheet
• Small amount of Duct Tape
• Snare Wire
• Pencil
• Fresnel Lens
• Gerber Dime Multi-Tool
• Ontario RAT-2
• 2 Sheets of Rite in the Rain paper
• Signal Mirror
• Water Purification Tabs
• Kevlar Cordage

Most of these items would not fit in a standard Altoids Tin. Especially the base plate compass and folding knife. This was just to give you guys some various options. I got the pouch, knife, and multi-tool from Southblade and encourage you guys to check them out at www.southblade.com

My S.E.R.E. Kit Loadout- Black Scout Reviews

In this episode I take a few minutes to breakdown and describe whats in my S.E.R.E. kit. This kit is designed to be a last ditch set of equipment to aid me in a survival situation. I've designed it to work in both Urban and Wilderness situations. Check it out and let us know what you think. Please like, share, and subscribe.

Maxpedition Micro Pocket Organizer Survival Kit- Black Scout Reviews

In this episode we review the Maxpedition Micro Pocket Organizer and how to build a small survival kit for unexpected emergencies. You can purchase this product from www.southblade.com. Please Like, Share, and Subscribe. Thanks

SEAL Team Kits Giveaway!!!

If you have always wanted your very own SEAL Team 6 Survival Kit, now is your chance to win one. We will be giving away one Survival Kit for the month of January. Go to: www.sealteamkits.com to enter. The winner will be announced here on February 28th. Check back here to see if you won.

Rescue Essentials- Keep U Safe Kit

If you surf the web today you will find a plethora survival kits on the market. Some are good and others are bad. Many have super small items that won't do you much good in a real situation. Or at the very least I wouldn't want to depend on.

There are many folks that wouldn't dare purchasing a pre-made kit and enjoy building there own, and that's fine. But what if you aren't a die hard survivalist, but just want that little piece of insurance. A pre-made kit may be for you. Today we will be discussing the "keep u safe kit" from Rescue Essentials. If you haven't been to their website- I highly encourage you to check them out. They are my source for most of the medical equipment you see in our articles or YouTube videos.

What drew me to this kit is that it had larger survival gear and cam in a small durable bag. Small enough to place under your seat of your car, throw in your pack if your going backpacking, or if your in a disaster type situation. The pouch is brightly colored so that it doesn't get lost and you can identify it quickly. Its pretty durable and will last a long time. It also has room enough to add your own gear (which I encourage and will get into below).

Lets dive into the contents:

• Mil-Spec Glass Signal Mirror- glass can be seen at greater distances than the acrylic style
• Signal Whistle w/ lanyard- this is of the flat pea-less design and the only style I recommend
• Magnesium Fire Starter-good for shaving off to start fire on damp tinder
• Emergency Signal Tape- I had always used the standard flagging tape. I had never seen this style with a reflective type material, but I like it. Check our our video on using flagging tape HERE
• Waterproof Match Container x 2- This is your standard match case with o-ring gaskets and a small flint on the bottom of the case to be used by striking with a sharp edge (as a backup). 
• Emergency Survival Bag- This is a huge orange very thick bag. They are used to make modified tarps, sleeping bags, solar stills, and a ton of other uses. Its orange so it can be used for signaling. 
• Dynamo Flashlight- This is a small crank flashlight. Eliminating the need to check the batteries ever. When you need light, you will have it. 
• Small Knife- small basic knife, I mainly use it for striking the ferro rod insert in the magnesium fire starter.

With any survival kit I suggest adding a few items to them. The Keep U Safe Kit goes for a very reasonable $30. I will go over a few recommended additions to the kit. Rescue Essentials kept the cost down on the kit and with you personalizing by adding your own items will make it an outstanding piece of insurance.

• I would suggest adding waterproofed strike anywhere matches or storm matches to one container and the other container filled with some sort of tinder material (like Vaseline soaked cotton balls). 
• An emergency blanket coupled with the included Emergency Survival Bag would work fantastic in almost all environments. 
• A multi-tool should be part of your EDC, but if its not throw it in the kit.

The Keep U Safe Kit will aid in signaling for help (the most important piece of surviving), starting fire and shelter (important to maintain that core body temperature), and illuminate for task at low visibility or night. Exactly what this kit was designed to do- keep you alive and be noticed by potential rescuers.

As I said above I get most of my medical gear from Rescue Essentials. They are definitely worth checking out. Check this kit out as well as other equipment at www.rescue-essentials.com

My SERE Kit Contents

As most survivalist- we tend to update our gear as time goes on. Today I will be going over my updated SERE kit loadout. I've been using this kit for about a year now and have made some updates from my previous kit and thought you guys may want to see it and know the reasoning behind it.

Black Scout Reviews - SEAL Team Six Survival Kit

In this episode, we review the SEAL Team 6 Survival Kit from sealteamkits.com.  This is a kit patterned after the components in the real kits given to the members of Seal Team 6.  Hope you enjoy and check out more information on the links below!

http://www.precisionriflesupply.com/navy-seal-seal-team-6-survival-kit-suma-pro-suma-psk-large/

Triple Aught Design "High Speed/Low Drag" Battery Case

This is a quick look at a useful offering from Triple Aught Design. Its a battery case that can organize and carry a few different options. Thanks for watching and please subscribe!

WWW.SEALTEAMKITS.COM- SEAL Team 6 Survival Kit

A few months back you may recall that we wrote an article about the acquisition of  a survival kit for the U.S. Navy DEVGRU (Development Group) or you may know them as SEAL Team 6. This kit is designed to aid a SEAL Operator if he finds himself in an unforeseen survival situation.We covered the list of contents and our thoughts on the kit.

We were happy to see that this kit is available to the public at http://www.precisionriflesupply.com/navy-seal-seal-team-6-survival-kit-suma-pro-suma-psk-large/. It's a true-to-spec kit; offering those items that a SEAL Operator might find in his own kit. This kit has quality components and we will dive into detail below.

Container
The kit comes housed in a rock solid container from SOLKOA (the same hard container issued to DEVGRU). Built from machined billet aluminum- this container will give you years of continuous service. It can be had in black or tan, with a velcro area for your preferred patch. The contents will remain dry thanks to a solid o-ring seal and velcro retaining straps. Its deeper than most "survival type tins" on the market. It can be used to boil water or dig if need be.

Multi-Tool
When purchasing the kit you have the option to select the multi-tool of your choice. Above is a Gerber Dime, but a similar Leatherman model is also offered. These multi-tools are on the small side but in a bad situation it could prove to be extremely useful. More likely than not SEALs carry fixed blade knives or folding knives and the multi-tool will be a companion to that.

Red LED Light
This is a red filtered light to protect the night vision of a SEAL Operator. When I refer to night vision; I'm talking about how your eyes naturally focus to night time conditions. A white LED will ruin this for a 2 hour period. This particular light has the capability to emit a focused beam up to 33 feet and can be seen as far away as one mile. Increasing its survival ability is the four function setting: High power, low power, strobe, and signal mode.

Button Compass
This high quality AA compass is luminescent for up to 8 hours (not the cheap kind you find in most kits). It's small and concealable- measuring just 14mm.

Ferrocerium Rod
One of the best ways to carry a hot spark in a small package. It can also be used when wet just by wiping it off. We used the mutli-tool to scrape the rod resulting in a shower of sparks. Four pieces of tinder are supplied but in a pinch you can use the Triple Antibiotic Ointment and gauze pad.

Tinder Tabs
These are some of the most compact tinder on the market. We've tested them extensively in the past. In our testing they burn for around 2:30-3 mins a piece. They can also be cut up into smaller pieces in an extended survival situation.

Water Bag and Water Purification tablets. 
A 2 Liter water bag is included. Most kits don't offer a water carrying device and I really like that this kit has that feature. This bag can be used in conjunction with the water purification tabs or in the SODIS method.

Medical Group (Electrolyte Tablet, Gauze Pad, and Triple Antibiotic Ointment)
These are a few items to keep you going. Fighting dehydration in a survival situation is a serious matter. The electorlyte tablet can address that early on. The guaze can be used with duct tape to make a bandage or as fire starting tinder. The Triple Antibiotic Ointment will fight off infections and can also be used as a "fire extender" when used with the gauze pad.

Signal Mirror
This is the military issue style known as the StarFlash. They are super lightweight and virtually unbreakable.

Thermal Blanket
Most small kits like this don't include a sheltering option. This is the Mylar style blanket with a blaze orange side. This is the more durable kind with a tear resistant coating. It can be used as a blanket, signaling device, or build a shelter as seen in our video HERE.

Kevlar Cordage and Steel Wire
This Kevlar cordage can be used for constructing shelter or other field task or as an escape and evasion aid as seen HERE. This cord is PVC coated to protect it from the elements. The steel wire is very pliable and can be used to make snares or gear repairs.

Safety Pins and Brown Duct Tape
2 small and 2 large standard safety pins. 26" of brown duct tape can be used for a multitude of task.

Fresnel Lens
This is a high quality style Fresnel lens. I used it and got an ember within a few seconds. It can also be used to read small print.

Waterproof paper and Ink cartridge
Included is 2 sheets of military style rite-in-the-rain paper. Useful in remembering information or drawing sketch maps. The ink cartridge is pressurized and will even write under water.

P-38 Can Opener
A.K.A. the "John Wayne can opener". This is a military classic. It can be used as you guessed it- to open cans. It can also be used to strike the ferrocerium rod.

Personal Survival Card
This was a non-spec addition to the SEAL Team 6 kit. It has a few pieces of information to help you signal for help. You can also personalize it as seen above.

Overall I'm very impressed with this kit. It features very high quality components and is the first I've seen of that is a true-to-spec version that has been recently issued to the SEAL Team 6 members. Check out our article HERE- where we go in to detail about the kit acquisition information. It retails for $199, which may seem steep. If you were to purchase all the components separately you would go well above that in cost. They also offer a lower priced version as well as other half of the kit designed for personal recovery.

If your interested in purchasing the kit check out http://www.precisionriflesupply.com/navy-seal-seal-team-6-survival-kit-suma-pro-suma-psk-large/

DEVGRU (Seal Team 6) Personal Recovery and Survival Kit

This has circulated on the internet for the past few weeks. The U.S. Navy is requisitioning 300 survival kits for the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) also known as Seal Team 6. DEVGRU came to public notoriety when they raided (bringing a deserved wrath of hell-fire to) Osama bin Laden's Compound in May of 2011.

The complete kits include a hard and soft case kit. The hard case comes from SOLKOA and is known as the SUMA container (pictured above). The SUMA container can be used for cooking and digging without damaging the container finish. The proposed color options for the DEVGRU kit are Desert Tan (pictured here) and OD/Forest Green. Since SEALs are amphibious the kit needs to be somewhat water-resistant. The SUMA has a weather resistant gasket that you can see in the lid of the photo above.

Pictured above is my personal SUMA Container that I've used for around six months. It's the absolute best when looking at Personal Survival Kit containers. I've seen quite a few people comment about the high price of this container. Coming in at $50 it's not one of the cheapest options on the market. But an Altoids or similar tin won't hold up to combat operations. Typically survival kits are placed in the rucksack, patrol pack, butt pack, or in the tac vest when on military operations. I know- ideally it's best to have your survival gear on your person but real world there's too many other things that go there, like ammo and more ammo. With that said, rucks get tossed around and chest rigs get beat up during combat operations. So the hard case needs to be extremely durable to stand up to these conditions. I'll do a more informed review of the SUMA Container in the future.

Representation of some of the gear included in the hard case kit

Here is a list of the contents of the hard case:

• Mini Multi-tool (made of stainless steel w/ pliers, wire cutter, file, and awl)
• 14mm AA liquid filled compass that luminous for up to 8 hours
• Red LED squeeze light (red used to protect night vision as well as not to give away your position)
• Ferrocerium Rod w/ 4 Tinder Tabs in resealable bag
• 40 Water purification Tablets in Amber Vial
• 2 Electrolyte Tablets
• 2" x 3" Signal Mirror (non-mirrored side covered w/ IR reflective material)
• Thermal Blanket (one side silver other side blaze orange)
• 15 feet of Kevlar Cord (yellow or green in color)
• 4 safety pins
• P-38 can opener
• 2 feet of stainless steel wire
• 26" Duct tape (brown or green)
• Fresnal magnifying lens
• 4 Sheets of Waterproof notepaper (desert tan color)
• Pressurized ink pen
• Pack of antibiotic ointment
• 2" x 2.5" cotton pad
• 2 liter water storage bag

The contents of the hard case will handle a variety of situations. Things like regular field craft items as well as some med gear to address minor injuries. I did like the inclusion of kevlar cordage for the kit. Kevlar cordage is super tough for its size and doesn't take up much space. For the most part there was an emphasis on gear suited for a combat environment. Like the red filtered LED. I do question the orange emergency blanket in regard to concealment. When in bad guy country I'd like to have something that blends in. Like the OD Green space blanket in the U.S. Marine Survival Kit. 

Universal Handcuff Key w/ Key Style Shim

We don't have much information about the soft cased section of the kit. It seems it will measure 3.5" x 2.25" and will be a subdued desert color. It will also have a U.S. flag patch on the front of the kit. The other side of the soft case will have a patch of "hook and loop" velcro that also allows entry into the kit. 

The contents for the soft case:

• Carbon steel hacksaw blade w/ lanyard hole and reverse tanto tip. (similar to a ferro rod striker, I have a photo but forgot to post)
• Ceramic Razor Blade
• Moleskin adhesive patch
• 24" of Kevlar thread 
• Stainless steel fishing leader
• Suspended navigation magnet (pretty much a rare earth magnet with one end painted indicating north)
• 1.75" Ferro rod
• Cotton ball impregnated in wax
• 3 black bobby pins
• Universal Handcuff Key (pictured above)
• Handcuff Shim (pictured above)

It seems the contents of the soft case are more directed towards Escape and Evading enemy capture. Seeing the hacksaw blade is named by itself makes me believe it has been included for more than just a ferro rod striker. Kevlar cord is commonly used to escape from zip-tie or flexi-cuff restraints as seen in my video HERE. SEALs are known for having longer hair than most servicemen, but I have to believe the bobby pins were added for more than keeping their bangs out of their eyes. On a serious note, bobby pins can be used to escape handcuffs by shimming and picking (I have a video showing this technique coming up shortly). 

Since DEVGRU operates behind enemy lines, the Universal Handcuff key and Handcuff shim were an excellent decision to be included in the kit. I personally have one of each in my own. Both of these items can be purchased through our store to those that have a Black Scout Membership. If your interested in the Membership Program, check out the link at the top of the page. 

Thats the rundown of the new DEVGRU Personal Recovery and Survival kit. Take their concept and compare it to your own PSK, see how yours stacks up. If we find out any other info about the kit or contents we will post it in the future. 

GET YOUR DEVGRU- SEAL TEAM 6 KIT http://www.precisionriflesupply.com/navy-seal-seal-team-6-survival-kit-suma-pro-suma-psk-large/

Mcnees Custom Knives: PSK Kit

Marines are feared Amphibious Warriors. Their trained to fight, kill, and survive (among many other things). So when I found out a former Marine had developed a Personal Survival Knife, I had to check it out.

This is the Personal Survival Knife developed by Jonathan Mcnees of Mcnees Custom Knives out of the great state of Alabama. Mcnees Custom Knives offers everything from culinary knives to tactical folders and everything in between.

The Personal Survival Knife kit is a very well thought out concept. Off the bat, wearing a survival system on your person will ensure you have it and not be separated from it. While frequenting Montana during the winter months, I've heard horror stories about people dying after being separated from their packs containing survival gear. The kit contains all the essentials to make a survival situation a little more manageable.

The kit consist of:

• fixed blade neck knife
• firesteel and striker
• whistle
• sheath
• 7 ft of paracord
• button compass
• signal mirror
• 30 ft of 30lbs test spiderwire
• 2 small panfish hooks
• flashlight
• sheath and beaded chain

The button compass and signal mirror is built into a kydex square. It can be removed from the chain and used independently of the system. The design helps to conceal the signal mirror when not in use. In a tactical environment this is paramount, so that you don't give away your position to hostiles. Another feature that I really appreciate is that the button compass is a dry compass. This is the first button compass I've seen of this style that isn't liquid filled. Liquid filled compasses generally lose fluid and bubble up. They also freeze and slow in movement in colder temperatures. The kydex square has a hole in each of the corners. In case you would like to attach to your wrist with paracord- making navigating easier. 

Helping aid with cooking and regulating your body temp is the fire steel. This is a generous fire steel, much longer than many out there. The handle is in constructed of G10 and formed into an hourglass shape. The hourglass shape holds the fishing kit. There are two small panfish hooks and spider wire braided fishing line. I prefer smaller fishing hooks in my kit because large fish and small fish can be had by them. Spiderwire is my fishing line of choice (I have it rigged on all my baitcasters). It's small diameter to test strength is unbelievable. It also provides an extremely sensitive feel for those light bites. Spiderwire is strong enough to be used for other field craft as well. Basically Spiderwire was a good choice.  A lanyard hole secures the fire steel by way of a bungee cord to the sheath. At the other end of the bungee is a small but very high pitched whistle.

Because of the knife's heat treat it cannot be used as a firesteel striker. So a striker is included and is attached to the knife lanyard. Also attached to the lanyard is a sweet yellow cord lock that has a mini-flashlight. The flashlight has 3 settings: low, high, and flashing. The flashing light can be used as a visual signal for distress.  

The sheath is kydex and can be worn with or without the components. Depending on your use, you may not need to carry all the equipment. Making it an EDC necker option. The sheath is suspended by a standard dogtag chain. Dog tag chains are comfortable and can be broken away to prevent injuries. The sheath is wrapped with 7 feet of paracord. If your reading this I don't need to tell you how awesome paracord is. 

Lets move on to the most important part of any survival system. The blade of the neck knife measures 2 1/2" with an overall length of 6". Its a full tang knife made of 1095 steel. The blade has a nice patina look to it and is razor sharp. There is some jimping on the spine of the blade.

I was really surprised at the ergonomics of this knife. Most small knives don't feel secure when used or are uncomfortable. The PSK was neither. The handle is made of slab G10 scales that has a nice textured grip. They are secured by two stainless hollowed tubes. In the center of the grips is a glow-in-the-dark dot, aiding in finding the PSK Kit in the dark.

As I said above, the knife feels great in the hands. The handle contours to the hands shape and with help of the lanyard, it feels really secure in use. Most survival kits lack in the cutting tool department. The addition of a fixed blade knife would definitely help in field craft.

Many people pack their survival gear in their packs. That is a bad practice and could make an unpleasant situation worse. Being that the kit is worn around the neck it's less likely to get lost in an accident or survival situation.

The PSK Kit can be had in tactical black (shown here) or in a high-vis orange. It retails for $198 (a little higher priced than I'd like to see).

If your interested in this knife check out Mcnees Custom Knives

GearPods Survival Pro Review

I love survival kits and have had many in the past. Most are similar: small boxes with the same few items. So when I see something different, I must take it for a spin. I ran across the GearPods Survival Pro and it came in a container unlike anything I've seen.

This container is known as a GearPod and it's basically a modular container system. GearPods offers these separately or packed with various gear- ranging from survival to first aid. They can also be had in a variety of colors (shown here: olive drab).

GearPod Survival Pro shown with connector and extra GearPod capsule

As I said above the container is much different than anything on the market, but for good reason. Its around the same diameter as most sports bottles. But why you ask? This allows the GearPod to be stored in most places bottles are stored such as: bicycle bottle cages or backpack side mesh bottle pockets to name a few. Something I can appreciate being an avid mountain biker. I rarely carry a pack when mountain biking and like the fact the GearPod allows me to carry essential gear. You can purchase a mountain bike cage for this kit here.

As I stated above the GearPod is a modular storage system. GearPods come in different sizes to add additional gear to the pre-made kits like the Survival Pro. This allows the user to customize pre-made kits or assemble their own. Shown above is the Survival Pro with another GearPod attached.

Web-tex Combat Survival Kit

This is the Web-tex Combat Survival kit and is loosely based off of Lofty Wiseman's British SAS kit. The kit is housed in a plastic container just a bit larger than a deck of cards. The kit pretty much covers all the essential items with room to add more. Here is the list of items:

• Folding Knife
• SOF Mini Firesteel
• Combat Wire Saw
• Sewing kit (tactical colored thread)
• Candle
• Button compass
• Fishing kit
• Paper matches
• Marine whistle
• Signaling Mirror in lid
• Pencil
• Safety Pins
• Snare wire
• Cotton tinder balls
• 10 water purification tablets
• Accident report form
• Survival instructions

Fire Kit

I'll start of with the fire section of the kit. The SOF Mini steel works great using the spine of the folding knife as the striker. The 2 cotton tinder balls are in a plastic wrapper (I recommend kneading them with petroleum jelly and placing back in the bag). The tea light candle is of the standard type and I would recommend removing if going to hot environments. As I've had mine melt in similar kits and ruin the contents. I tested the matches by holding them under water and then blowing them dry and the lit, pretty amazing for matches of this type. However, there is no striking surface on the book or included in the kit (epic fail). If you do intend to use this kit I would recommend replacing the matches for wind/waterproof types or at the very least add a striking pad. The knife is decent at best, I would not rely on this knife as my sole cutting tool.

Commando Saw

While on the subject of cutting tools; the wire saw is of excellent quality. It's the standard British Military version or "Commando" saw. It cut through this quarter size limb in mere seconds. The saw has split rings for your fingers and swivels which is much better than other versions. The saw can also be used for an improvised snare system to capture game. The saw can also be used as a garrott to dispose of sentries or any "wet work". 

For signaling the kit comes with a Marine whistle (standard in kits like this) and a large mirror affixed to the lid of this kit. When using the mirror you will have to empty the kit or try not to spill your items out; not ideal but it works. The mirror can also be used to access facial wounds. 

I checked the button compass against my lensatic compass and it was right on. Button compasses are more or less used as a that-away direction and not pin point accuracy. 

Food gathering section

The food gathering gear consist of brass snare wire and fishing kit. The snare wire is pretty standard brass snare wire. The fishing kit includes hooks, line, swivels, and sinkers.

The kit also includes 10 water purification tablets. Being that clean water is one of the most critical things in a survival situation this was a good addition. 

Overall this kit is a good starter PSK, or just good to throw in your rucksack to supplement your gear. The kit features many good items like the SOF Fire steel and is a good bargain for $30 US dollars. 

http://web-tex.co.uk/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1233