Produced by Cameron McKirdy

In this HD video I test a brand new blade from Kershaw Knives out of Tualatin, Oregon.  I hiked with it in my pocket near the crater of Mt. St. Helens, from the Johnston Ridge Observatory.  This park is a National Monument, and a true American treasure.  The Junkyard Dog 2.2 is also a gem.  It’s a rigid manual opening knife, loaded with style.  It’s bold, from the slick pocket clip, to the textured black G10 handle.  Kershaw thought of everything.  It comes with a protective zippered pouch too, which will keep the sand and dirt out of it, and save it from hard falls.  My favorite part of the design is the way it opens.  The flipper on the top is easy to grip with one finger, and flick open, and into a locked position.  The liner lock is also the beefiest I’ve ever seen.  It’s no joke.  The blade isn’t closing unless you deliberately push the lock to the side. 

Overall, the Junkyard Dog 2.2 is easy to handle, and use.  I recommend it fully.  I like it’s aggressive design.  Plus, for a folder, it has a thick and wide blade.  It must also be mentioned that the blade is made of composite steel.  It’s quality engineering, boasting both D2 steel, and high-performance Sandvik 14C28N stainless on the spine.  The Junkyard Dog 2.2 can take any beating you dish out.  Survival Bros has even battoned it with wood to cut kindling for a fire.  It has sliced through every material I’ve tried; duct tape, rope, fabric, tree branches, elk meat, and more.  If you’re looking for a bigger EDC knife, this one is epic.  The JYD 2 retails for $149.95.  The version tested is Model 1725CB.  More reviews soon.  I’d appreciate your comments.  Thanks!

jyd 2.2

This video is clips of my easy hike on the Boundary Trail from the Johnston Ridge Observatory.  I hadn’t been to Mount St. Helens in years, so it felt great to get up there.  The path was dusty, with long climbs on the way back.  Total I hiked just under two miles, then I got hungry.  I wanted to scout it out, and learn more about camping in the area.  It’s beautiful.  I filmed this with my new GoPro Hero 3, using a mount on my head.  The footage came out sick, but there were some clouds covering the crater.  Oh well.  I also recorded a video review for a Kershaw knife, coming soon to Survival Bros.  Thanks for visiting the blog.  Below is a map of the hiking trails courtesy of
http://www.mountsthelens.com

usda-monument-map

Survival Bros is all about peace and love, but we realize self defense is a part of overall preparedness. Tactical Gypsy went out to a local rock pit off Highway 53 to test a new MGM steel target. It’s a half size IPSC target. We went out there real quick to pop off a couple magazines of 9mm. SB didn’t do a lot of shooting, because ammo is super expensive, and hard to find right now.

Survival Bros also tested out our new GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition camera on our head. We’ll periodically post basic drills you can work on too. If there’s anything you guys would like to see us do, please comment. We have a range of assets to display. Thanks for watching.

20130612-200159.jpg

I left my phone in a friends car. I didn’t have their number memorized, so I messaged them on Facebook. No response. Thinking my phone was in the glovebox on silent, I called my number anyway. They picked up, and drove back. That’s why I don’t like wearing shorts without pockets.

If my phone was really lost or damaged, I’d want a list of emergency contacts on me or nearby. Also, if I was ever injured, having these numbers on my person could save my life. So I created a list of people I can trust. Then I copied it.

I rolled up one list, and put it in a small metal geocache bottle. I hung that from my backpack I use everyday. The other contact list is folded up, and tucked behind my black Magpul IPhone 4S case. I will make another list for my wallet, and then a digital copy for my laptop, and backup USB thumb drive. This is just another small preparation that could save the day.

Note: Emergency responders may look in your phone for a contact named I.C.E. (in case of emergency). Store your top contact as ICE.

20130605-205945.jpg
Produced by Cameron McKirdy

Produced by Cameron McKirdy

When you are in the field, your gear has to work.  That’s why I pack the best in my bag.  I’ve been testing both the Dukjug, and H2O Lite bottles from GSI Outdoors, featured in the HD video review above.  I hiked out to Cape Falcon in Oswald West State Park.  This Oregon State Park is wondrous, with vast ocean views, and wide waterfalls.  The trail was muddy though, but I live to get dirty.  It’s 2.10 miles to Cape Falcon from the parking lot on Highway 101.  So it took about 45 minutes to get to where I filmed the product review.

The Dukjug is my favorite bottle.  It’s stainless steel, and holds 1 liter.  The design is fun, and colorful.  It’s covered in peace signs, and funky tye dye, so this container fits my hippie personality.  GSI Outdoors makes other designs of this jug too, and even a plastic version, all of which are BPA-free.  Their Dukjug is unique, because it stores duct tape under the rubber band on the outside.  Of course every prepper should have extra tape on hand just in case.  I’d use this bottle for hot liquids, and mixing up drinks, like instant coffee or tea.  It has a wide lid, so you can store anything inside, even food.  The Dukjug tips the scales at 10.1 oz, and retails for $19.95.  That’s a value, because unless you drop it off a cliff, it will last a lifetime.

The H2O Lite is super handy to have around.  It’s collapsible, and weighs next to nothing, only 0.9 oz.  I can just roll it up, and shove it in my backpack.  It takes up virtually no space.  I like that you can write on it, and date it.  Plus, it has a cool cap so it doesn’t leak.  When you want a cold drink, just pop the top, and squirt it in your pie hole.  Graduations are marked on the back too, which could help with cooking when you need to use a precise amount of water.  GSI Outdoors makes smaller versions as well.  I would want to bring one of those on my shorter day trips when I’m going ultralight.  If you need quality camping gear, look no further than this American company.  They have a huge product line you have to check out.  More reviews soon.  Thanks for visiting Survival Bros.  Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog.  Peace and love.Cam @ Cape Falcon

Produced by Cameron McKirdy

My bro known as “Tactical Gypsy” sent me these delicious pictures to blog about. He loves his elk. You can see all the spices and flavorings used to produce the glorious nuggets. Half of the loaves are spicy, half mild. Both varieties went well with pepper jack cheese, sharp cheddar, and even brie on crackers. Most of these will be stored in the freezer tonight, the others gifts.

Here’s the recipe:
8 LBS Elk burger
1/2 cup Morton’s Tender Quick. Mix well & let sit overnight in fridge.

Add… 1 1/2 TBSP Coarse pepper, 1 1/2 TBSP Garlic powder, 1 1/2 TBSP Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, 1 TBSP Mustard seed, 1 Tsp Cayenne pepper, 3 TBSP Liquid smoke…. MIX well!

Make 8 rolls/loaves. Put on broiler pan & bake 4Hrs @ 250* turning 1/4 turn every 1/2 Hr. Make sure internal heat gets to 150*.

Cool to room temp before wrapping and freezing.

20130530-185643.jpg

20130612-164215.jpg

I’m stepping my training up. So when I got geared up for my bike ride down Highway 101 in Oregon and it started pouring, I went anyways. I wore shorts, and no gloves. I was testing my new GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition camera, with it mounted to my head. I was blown away by the video quality. It’s amazing. It took me an hour and a half to peddle 13 miles. As you can see, I took some shortcuts, and blazed a hidden trail going through Gearhart. I had a blast, but it was dangerous. Semi trucks were mobbing by me, and extremely close. Some of the shoulders on the road were insane too. This is the first time I’ve biked this route. It’s popular among bikers going down the Oregon Coast. I will have more first person POV videos soon. Stay tuned to Survival Bros.

20130529-143424.jpg

By Cameron McKirdy

I’ve been busy hustling. I haven’t been working out like I should. It’s time to make a change. In 6 weeks I plan to lose just 40 pounds!

I’m 6 foot, 240lbs. This is the heaviest I’ve been. I don’t feel fat, but I could look and feel better. So I’m launching a Survival Bros training camp. I will kick my own ass. I’ll be mountain biking, running, swimming, hiking, balln, and making sweet love. ;^].

20130524-212841.jpg
This is the before picture.

I will keep you posted on my progress. It’s going to be hardcore. I will also take my diet seriously, eating raw fruits and vegetables, while juicing plenty. Plus, I will eat mainly high protein foods like: salmon, chicken, turkey, rice protein powder, and more. I intend to avoid high-fat grub, and sugary substances. It’s gonna be a long road. Join me. Check back soon, and set your own goals. I believe in you.

Update: I did some heavy detoxing today. Sweating can be one of the best feelings. I helped a friend move all morning. It was intense. I stayed hydrated though, drinking coconut water, pomegranate juice, and spring water. Later I savored a hot bubble bath in minerals with essential oils and extracts, including juniper and menthol. Then I took a nap. Tomorrow I will track down some green tea to help flush more toxins from my body. I’m also going to be looking for a new gym. I may have found one with an infrared sauna. I’m going to hit that hard, and cycle through hydrotherapy by showering in brutally cold water after enduring the heat. I can’t wait.

In addition to eating better, and hard training, I’m taking superfoods, and supplements. Here’s a picture of what I have on hand this week. I will add more to this cocktail soon.

20130525-210155.jpg
Subscribe to Survival Bros. We have enormous plans for the blog in the near future. I got a GoPro HD Hero 3 Black Edition camera to record my adventures in a first person point of view. I just tested it by filming a mountain bike ride in rain showers on Highway 101. It was mounted on my head. Video coming!

20130525-231639.jpg
Update #2: I’ve been taking care of myself. I hit another sauna this week. After heating the rocks for an hour, I got the room up to 200 degrees! It was crazy hot. I did some serious detoxing, and hit ice cold showers in between rounds. It felt amazing. I’m sure I cut a few pounds. I was so relaxed after. Nothing was bothering me.

I’ve been training very hard. I got back into lifting weights. I gain muscle easy, but I figured with cardio mixed in I’d begin losing pounds. But I actually gained 6 lbs! It didn’t make sense. Something was wrong. I should have started this mission with a detox kit from the health food store. I came to the conclusion I was constipated. I should be lighter, and feeling better. I did some research, and found that all the antacids I’ve been munching are the culprit.

So this morning I tried bisacodyl for the first time. And I may have over done it. I took 3 pills throughout the day. I’ve pooped 8 times already! That’s a personal best. Graphic I know, but I could have posted a picture. Honestly, I’m exhausted. I’m pounding water and eating healthy. I juiced too. And I threw in a little extra psyllium into my H2O for good measure. Now the weight loss begins. It just got real.

In other news, I’m still looking for a new gym. I’ve been hitting up every one in town for a free trial. The YMCA gave me 7 free passes. Another fitness center offered a free week to workout. I may never pay for a gym. There’s nothing natural about exercising in a health club anyways. I’d rather hike. I’m climbing Mount St. Helens tomorrow. I will film it for you. Next, I’m going to call around and get some free tanning in. A little won’t hurt my pasty butt.

If you haven’t been to the wonderous, massive, Tillamook Cheese Factory, drop the can of Cheez Whiz and go. I went for the free samples, and damn did I score. Plus, I got some epic cheese for later, and fresh jerky for my bug out bag. Pictured below was my lunch; three huge scoops in a chocolate waffle bowl with peanuts including: Grandma’s Cake batter ice cream, Marionberry Pie with chunks of crust, and Mint Chocolate Chip. I nearly died grubbing down on this, but it was heaven. I also snagged free samples of fudge.

20130519-113343.jpg
Tillamook County in Oregon has the best dairy in America. Nobody cares about heifers from Wisconsin. So with that in mind, I pillaged the village! Once at the famous Cheese Factory, I scurried to the self guided cheese sampling line. I grabbed a tooth pick, and began stabbing square chunks. So moist. Flavors dancing on the trampoline that is my tongue. There were 7 scrumptious varieties to try. I made the most out of it, and picked up two of the biggest nuggets in the dish each time. My mouth is bigger than most, so it’s only fair I take more. My favorite may be the smoked garlic and white cheddar cheese. You also have to try the legendary squeaky cheese sold only at the Tillamook Cheese Factory. It makes you sound like a hyper chipmunk when you chew it. I went through the line twice.

20130519-114409.jpg
From upstairs you can watch the cheese-makers create huge 40 pound blocks to package. It’s fascinating. The famous factory was packed with fanatics. It’s a must see in Oregon. Just down the road was a deal on smoked, natural, turkey and beef jerky. This is the perfect food to stockpile for an emergency. It will last awhile, and it’s a good source of protein. I picked up a stick, and a few bags. It was a great price, and tender. Mmmmm. Cheese, jerky, and ice cream. That’s a Survival Bros adventure.

20130519-152002.jpg

20130519-152045.jpg
Produced by Cameron McKirdy

Produced by Cameron McKirdy

It’s not easy to set the alarm for 5:30 AM. But the prospect of free food was too alluring. My bro and I geared up, and went down to the beach in Seaside OR, right off of Avenue U. There were swarms of foragers looking for clam shows. The dimples in the sand were everywhere. We got our limit of 15 razor clams in about 30 minutes. Mission successful! We will be back soon. I hope my video entertains, and informs. We had fun shooting it. Maybe next time Survival Bros will show you how we cook the squirmy grub. Thanks for visiting this blog. Comments are always appreciated. Happy hunting. Peace and love.

20130429-153714.jpg
This is just under the limit for 2 people with licenses.