INCH as in I’m Never Coming Home. So if a Bug Out Bag is meant for 72 hours on your own, what is the INCH bag intended for? What should be in it?
Somebody has already launched a website dedicated to the concept – inchbag.com. But, it’s typical Doomsday Prepper caliber with lots of surplus store stuff.
If you had to actually live out of a pack, what would you carry? I’d start it out with these 10 essentials.
1. Knife
2. Fire making materials
3. Water purification and bottle
4. Food / food acquisition (snares, firearm, etc)
5. Navigation (map/compass/GPS)
6. First Aid items
7. Shelter
8. Environmental protection (clothing, sunglasses, etc)
9. Cord
10. Signal Devices
Tim Ralston, Founder of Gear Up and inventor / manufacturer of the CROVEL brand line of survival shovels, has announced the release of the X-CALIBER Survival-Rifle Gauge Adapter System.
I already know what you’re going to say, and yes, Mr Ralston shot his thumb on “Doomsday Preppers” but this is an interesting product. Similar products have been offered in the past but the X-CALIBER allows you to shoot 11 different caliber rounds from a single-shot 12 gauge shotgun using rifled adapters which are made from 7 inches of 4140 chromoly stainless steel.
Calibers include: .22 long rifle, .38 special, .357, 9mm, .45 ACP, .45 long colt, .410 shotgun as well as the base 12 ga shotgun. Additionally, X-CALIBER introduces .223, 7.62×39 and .308 to the mix. This means it could well be of interest to anyone who has an interest in scavenging ammunition. Granted, there are some serious considerations to make for dismounted use due to weight. But, additional inserts could be cached for later use.
You provide the base weapon which is a simple, reliable, break action design. It won’t raise undue interest as it is a commonly found gun, particularly in rural areas. Additionally, the X-CALIBER system will adapt to virtually any break action 12 ga.
The concept is certainly worth a discussion and some readers may consider picking one up.
MATBOCK is quickly earning a reputation for developing innovative solutions for very specialized problems. These are the issues that others won’t take on, but necessity is the mother of invention and, based on their own needs while serving, they’ve rolled up their sleeves and developed some answers.
For example, in certain situations operators are required to carry a supplemental air source such as an Aqua Lung Survival Egress Air (SEA) bottle or a Helicopter Emergency Egress Device (HEED) bottle. Usually this air source is tucked away in a backpack or pouch without easy access, but it’s still required gear. Not happy with just carrying a piece of life saving gear in a pouch that is most likely going to be a struggle to reach in a high stress, high stakes situation, MATBOCK developed The Amphibian.
The Amphibian combines two life saving elements, air and water, into one system. At first glance the Amphibian might look like another water bladder pouch, but they integrated a special sleeve specifically designed to hold an Aqua Lung SEA bottle. Additionally, the hoses of the Platypus water bladder and SEA bottle are bundled together in a Velcro sleeve, which is routed over the shoulder. Both the water and air mouthpiece are mounted to the front of a plate carrier for easy access that won’t get in the way.
Specifically build for Navy helo crews, NSW water operations, Search and Rescue crews or any situation when supplemental air sources are required.
The Amphibian consists of three components: Pouch:
– 500 Cordura
– Side zipper pocket
– PALS Compatible
Platypus Bladder:
– 1.8L Hoser
– Drink Tube Kit with Bite Valve Cover
– Black Tube Insulator
Don’t forget, in honor of their 1st anniversary, MATBOCK is offering an exclusive 10% discount for all SSD readers. Please just enter “SSD10″ during checkout to receive your 10% discount. This coupon code will be good for the entire month of November.
Cody Lundin reports that along with his as-yet-unnamed new partner, they have filmed seven episodes of the next season of “Dual Survival“, with six more to go (this Cape Buffalo skull came from an episode shot in Africa). Unfortunately, there is still no word from Discovery about when new season will air.
Be sure to check out his 2013 Aboriginal Living Skills School course calendar at www.codylundin.com.
NDuR UtilityFlame is a fire starter gel that is odorless, smokeless, non-toxic and safe to transport by aircraft. It does not evaporate, freeze or melt and so far, it has proven to have a 12 year shelf life.
During a recent visit to Littleton, New Hampshire I noticed a small gear shop right on the Main Street through town. I love supporting small businesses so I stopped in and buy am I glad I did. As I took a look around I noticed some really great product lines. Then, I ran across a full rack display of every issue of Survival Quarterly. I asked the shopkeeper about the magazine and it turns out he writes for it. Matt Keating and his wife moved their business from Prescott, Arizona and approach the outdoor business from a little bit different angle. Their passion for the outdoors is not only reflected in their wares but also in the training services they provide. In addition to trying out every product before they sell them, they will also train anyone who purchases the item in how to properly use it. They also conduct monthly lectures in their shop.
Check out their website and pay particular attention to their blog. And, if you find yourself in Littleton like I did, give them a visit.
“Eating On The Run” by Fred Damara is a handbook designed to offer you a working knowledge of dozens of readily harvested plants, grasses, nuts, and berries that require little to no preparation. Foraging is one of the most undertrained skills and this book will help learn how to distinguish safe plants from toxic varieties, which parts of the plant are edible and when, and where abundant supplies are likely to be in each season.
