tech410

It's important to consider the weight of your Bug Out Bag, and utilizing several multipurpose, lightweight items can help optimize your load and its functionality. Here are a few convenient items that are definitely worth their weight. Feel free to suggest and discuss others...

Cordage (paracord or bankline) - used for shelter building, repairs, net making, fishing, fire starting, straps, carrying, laces, sewing

Tin foil - used for cover, cooking, heat reflection, signaling , sharpening, makeshift utensils, fishing lures, water container, waterproof wrapping, funneling

Trash bag (50 gal contractor quality) - used for cover, water catchment and container, cordage, poncho, biv

From Dave's Facebook:

ANNOUNCEMENT-The time has finally come for me to announce an NEW show I will be involved in that will Air beginning Sept 15 at 10/9c on National Geographic Channel Dirty Rotten Survival is an outdoor adventure trek seasoned with a dash of grit, “man-genuity,” and a whole lot of MacGyver’ing. National Geographic Channel challenged a survival savant, an engineer-inventor and a construction guru to hit the road and test their mettle by competing in location-inspired outdoor challenges across several states using a different, limited set of tools in each episode. The series will turn the survival genre on its

Share some techniques you use to procure, process down and prepare for making your fire... What do you do when it's wet? How do you build your fire lay? Where do you find your fatwood?

Here's a few I like to keep in mind:

1. Look up. Dead branches can often be found hanging or stuck in the trees, dried by the wind, and off the wet ground.
2. If it doesn't crack, toss it back. This is the best sign that your kindling is dry and will take fire much quicker and easier.
3. Dry as you go. Once your fire is sustainable then you're able to stack any damp wood around it in order to help speed up the drying process. However, make sure you leave enough space for your fire to get sufficient air flow