Survival/Emergency supplies

[Anoriginal]

The best piece of mind is a sat phone. The are getting more and more affordable. I am currently narrowing my decisions on models and plans and expect to purchase one within the next 2-3 weeks. A good sat phone and a GPS and you are as good as home.

Combine the GPS and sat phone with some basic MRE's, water and matches and you are good to go. Nothing like being prepared.

[backinsaddle]

Anoriginal, if you don't mind, let me know what you eventually purchase and how you like it.

[Bigscrb15]

thanks atvdad.  thought about the lighter.  most of the ones i seen were expensive, $60+.  Know of any cheaper ones?  

And i have the 12 hour glowsticks, good idea about the gun shows, it kills me to pay a couple bucks a piece for these.

 I agree with you on the flashlight, I wasn't thinking about the short life span at the time. But if you are going to spend $100 on a flashlight, I think $60 for a lighter is well worth it considering it will keep you alive and fed.

[devildog55]

the mre are a good ideathey never go bad. but make sure you eat the gum other wise you wont be going to the bathroo the hole time your stuck in the woods.

[atvdad6]

thanks atvdad.  thought about the lighter.  most of the ones i seen were expensive, $60+.  Know of any cheaper ones?  

And i have the 12 hour glowsticks, good idea about the gun shows, it kills me to pay a couple bucks a piece for these.

The best ones I have found are made by a company called windmill and they are sold by  Essential gear Inc 413 772 8948. They have an unbreakable viewing window in the center which allows you at a glance to know how much fuel remains. The cap has an O-ring which provides for a water tight seal I have 3 of them and they work great. They also carry a life time warrenty and only take 3 days to return it to you. Another thing I have found to be useful is a suture kit. They are a lot sharper  than the ones in your sewing kit and work a whole lot better. I know because a buddy sewed  my ear basck togeather in ONF on a camping trip w/ his wifes sewing kit

[devildog55]

dang how did that happen

[Anoriginal]

Backinsaddle:

Globalstar offers some real nice packages that are flexible. The phones from most manufacturers run in excess of $500.00.

Iridium is another company I'm considering. It seems that the sat phone pricing and capability changes almost daily. It is getting more and more affordable. I'll let you know which one I end up with.

Devildog:

Yeah, those MRE's don't really lend themselves to normal digestive action.  

[atvdad6]

dang how did that happen

We were canoe camping in Ocala and had gone to get firewood. What we would do is push over small dead trees, drag them back to the truck,and saw partially through them. Next we would lean the partially sawed log onto another log and jump on it breaking it in half. We would cut them into 4-5 ft lengths and load them into the canoe. The last branch that I jumped on had about a 2'' branch sticking out of it. When I jumped on it, the other end flew up and struck me in the head. The branch pierced through my ear and into the back of my head.  I saw stars for a moment. My buddy came back, took a look at me and said I think you need to go to the hospital. I was still in a fog  and asked why? He said your ear is split open and it needs to be stiched. We went back to camp and cleaned it up. I asked his wife if she had one of those hotel sewing kits w/ her? She did, so Mike handed me the bottle of Tequila-thats two sips for me and a splash on the ear to disenfect. Mike proceeded to sew me up using the white thread. I had kept ice on it until he started to sew which kept the ear partially numb.  If you look close, all you can see is a tiny scar

[backinsaddle]

atvdad6, thanks for the info.  I did a search, and seems you can find the windmill lighters in the $30-$45 range.  I'm going to add to the list.  As for the suture kit, I can sharpen the needle from the sewing kit with my sharpener.  Maybe not as good as a suture kit, but as you have proven, it will sure make due.  You reminded me of one other item to add: a couple shots of tequila

Anoriginal, thanks for the info, I'm going to check them out...and good to see you posting again.

[VForcedave]

Sat phone information: I work in the marine communication business and have contacts at Stratos in FT Lauderdale. CAll Cheri at Stratos and tell her Big DAve sent you. Get prices and service costs  for the portable handheld sat phones. They also have lease deal for extended trips. Her cell is 954-914-5489. They have the best deals I believe. Good luck.