Category: Field Gear

What to Expect at an Appleseed Shoot, by MKH

Revolutionary War Veterans Association (RWVA) Appleseed Shoot. What in the world can that possibly be? Well if you don’t know, you need to read on. What you can learn from those “Revolutionary War Vets” could save your life! The Appleseed Program is one that is dedicated to preserving our American heritage as a Nation of Rifleman. So what is a Rifleman? The RWVA web site tells us that “The obvious answer is that a Rifleman is an individual with a rifle and the skill and experience to use it, presumably well.” But let me tell you from experience it is …


Staying Prepared at All Times, by Christian Souljer — September

As I remember my personal 9-11-01 experience, I am reminded that it is smart to always be prepared for the unexpected. Many of us have some kind of story regarding that day in September of 2001. I was out bow hunting about 200 miles from home. One of the hunting party had a radio and heard the news. When we got back to camp from the morning hunt, that person excitedly proclaimed, “There have been several plane attacks on the world trade centers and the Pentagon!” We determined that a new type of war had begun. We did not know …


Letter Re: Push or Pull Carts For All-Terrain Hauling

Jim- As to puncture-proofing ATV tires, cycle or cart tires, check out www.tireballs.com. Individual cell bladders fill the tire in lieu of a single tube (or tire/wheel seal). These are the hot stuff with the off-road racing crowd, and they pound the **** out of their rigs more in a single race than any sane individual will in two lifetimes! One other thought on tires for push-pull carts…knobby all-terrain tread patterns may look cool, but unless those tires are being powered, you’ll be happier with a much shallower tread pattern. In fact, only enough tread to keep the wheel turning …


Letter Re: Push or Pull Carts For All-Terrain Hauling

James: Regarding Redmist’s suggestion to use closed-cell polyurethane foam tires, those tires add a bit of weight, and often you are trying to keep the weight down on the load, Slime® sealant is cheap light weight insurance inside your tires, just ask any hardcore ATV rider and they will tell you so. I happen to be in the process of making a hand cart for hauling waterfowl decoys into fields where taking a truck is not allowed, a axle, hubs, wheels and tires from a completely trashed ATV, two pillow block bearings and some serious thought and welding and I’ll …


Three Letters Re: Push or Pull Carts For All-Terrain Hauling

James, In discussing all-terrain hauling and bug-out travel I’ve not seen comments regarding flattened tires. We may have a tire repair kit and air pump handy, but there is a better way to ensure that our ATV, cart or bicycle is not plagued with tire failure. Replace those air-filled tires with closed-cell polyurethane foam tires. Leave the spares, the tire repair kit and the tire pump at home. – Redmist   Hey Jim, Thought I would send you a couple of links to carts that many country people find to be useful: Vermont Garden Carts I have used this cart …


Two Letters Re: Push or Pull Carts For All-Terrain Hauling

Hi James, Thanks for the very useful letter about the All Terrain Carts. There are lots of things to think about after reading your article; I had some thoughts to add. I like the input you had about storing liquids, etc… In the tubing of your frames for these carts. A very likely necessity IMHO. I would hate to cart 20 gallons of water 90% of the way home, and spill 1?2 of it before you get there! In the article, the web links to the different types of carts all have inferior wheels as a week link unless you …


Letter Re: Push or Pull Carts For All-Terrain Hauling

Mr. Rawles, I’m interested in building a supplies carrier for moving larger loads over distances. Sort of a trailer for humans. I have nothing specific in mind other than using discarded solid wheels from wheelchairs. They are quite sturdy. I have access to discarded wheels at no cost. My questions involve use of materials – welded steel (heavy), aluminum (expensive and hard to scrounge), PVC (durability) and, of course, the size. Two wheels or four? Ideal dimensions? Do you have any suggestions or a reference that might be helpful? I realize there are many variables and the largest would be …


Four Letters Re: Solar-Powered Versus Self-Winding Watches

Jim, With all the discussion of wristwatch options, your readers who know that it is relatively easy to learn watch making skills. Your manual or automatic watch will need cleaning and lubrication after a few years, after all. There is an online watch school www.timezonewatchschool.com that does not appear to be a big-profit operation, but devoted to sharing the craft. They make purchasing the necessary tools and parts easy, and for about $250, you get tuition, quality tools (screwdrivers, magnifiers, etc.) a Swiss manual movement to work on, and a case to put it in on your wrist. The second …


Four Letters Re: Solar-Powered Versus Self-Winding Watches

James, If in the market for a solar powered watch, I think that the Casio G-shock “tough solar” is much more durable than the Citizen Eco-drive watch. While G-shocks are readily available in the US, it is important to note that the Japanese domestic market G-shocks are generally superior to the ones they export. Yes, the Japanese save the best stuff for themselves. Higuchi.com is a reliable source for Japanese watches. Regards, – MP   Jim, After all the discussion about the benefits of automatic watches, I have to say several things. I have a lovely Swiss top-brand automatic watch …


Letter Re: A New Global Survival Gear Test Web Site

G’day Jim, Just a quick note to make you and SurvivalBlog readers aware that the newly-established Survival Gear Test web site is currently looking for volunteer gear testers from all over the world. The URL is http://survivalgeartest.phpnet.us/. We aim to become the first port of call for survivalists before making equipment purchases. We are non-profit, no BS and receive no money from manufacturers or retailers. We will provide an unbiased, accurate evaluation of equipment that survivalists from all over the world may wish to acquire, without having to wade through advertising spin. Survival Blog readers interested in submitting reviews of …


Letter Re: Self-Winding Watch Recommendation

James, I’ve been living with a Seiko 5 military style mechanical movement (self winding) action watch for about 6 months now. I and am convinced they are one of the better deals going right now in a quality, metal, watch that will never need batteries. Overstock.com currently has these for under $100. They’re very hard to find here in the U.S.A., and tend to sell out rapidly. The only negative item I can list about these watches is that they need to be worn daily, as the the self-winding power “reserve” won’t last beyond 24 hours without wrist movement. I …


Product Review: Replica Viking Tents From Panther Primitives

Jim: I’ve used a tent from Panther Primitives for Viking and Middle Ages re-enactments for about a decade. I can report on being in a Viking Wedge style tent during a storm that spun off nearby tornados. Not a leak or break. I like a canvas Viking Wedge because of the strength and transportability. The tent is supported by an internal framework of poles (traditionally, one used the sail over the oars), so there are no ropes or pins. When it’s time to pack at the end of an event, two to four people simply pick the tent up and …


Letter Re: Military Strobe Light Batteries

James: Regarding’s Dave’s recent mention of the Firefly strobe: “…the PX32 can also be used in an adapter for the old “Firefly” strobe…” I just thought that I’d mention the solution I found for military strobe batteries. Actually, I may be thinking of another strobe, the military SDU-5E orange rescue strobe.An amazing gentleman, Brooke Clarke, has simply done so much for so many at his site: http://www.pacificsites.com/~brooke/ . Be it a military radio, or a cool battery facilitator, Brooke is simply amazing. Here’s the URL for his adaptors: http://www.pacificsites.com/~brooke/PRC68COM.shtml or directly for the strobe adapter: http://www.pacificsites.com/~brooke/5BA.shtml. I know he made …


Letter Re: A Bucket Clothing Storage Idea, and the Importance of Lanyards

Sir: I think that you could use the five gallon bucket to put your clothing in and treat it like we store the wheat–with a dry ice or nitrogen purge. Lanyards are a great idea for a lot of gear. For example, I use foam ear plugs with string between them for less chance of losing them. At the retreat I use them in conjunction use the ear muffs over the ears. The uses of the nylon cord are limitless when you are out in the boonies: “Where are my glasses? For gloves, run string between them just like our …


Letter Re: REI’s Members-Only Sale

Jim: Thought your readers might benefit from this deal: I just noticed that REI has a special member’s only ‘20% off 1 item’ sale right now…no shipping charges too if you pick it up at your local store.  Excludes their pricey mountain bikes, boats, GPS or ELBs. But that still means a big discount on many top quality high buck survival items like Katadyn water filters, MSR MIOX purifiers, lightweight tarp shelters, Bug-Out packs, ETON hand crank radios, Thule and Yakima roof racks. Their sale ends 4/02/06. http://www.rei.com/rei/coupons/member_reward.jsp?cm_re=lq*lq*member_rewards_coupon&vcat=REI_HP_LD – Gman