Archive for the ‘Everyday Carry (EDC)’ Category

By Cameron McKirdy

I’ve been on the hunt at local thrift shops for a bargain.  After scouring the Eugene/Springfield, Oregon area I hauled in fresh gear, and saved a wad of money buying items second hand.  However, most of the swag mentioned in this HD video production is new.  I’ve been popping tags.  I hope to use these pieces backpacking, vandwelling, and as essential Every Day Carry items.  

Nike SFB Tan Boots

I found a new pair of Nike Special Field Boots or SFB at St. Vinnie’s.  They retail online for $140 or more, if you can locate your size.  I had hoped they were size 12’s when I spotted them on display.  It was my lucky day, because they were a match for me.  The desert tan kicks had been marked $29.99, but were half off that day.  I got the shoes for $14.99!  I’ve been wanting this exact pair of 8 inch high military style boots.  Here’s the male equivalent of girls wearing Uggs in public.  I get lots of compliments on them.  No I haven’t served, but I train with soldiers.  

Mechanix MPACT gloves

I lost one of my all black Mechanix M-PACT Covert gloves bouncing around town celebrating New Years.  So, now I’m breaking in another pair of work gloves that I had for backup.  I like wearing them while biking, or even driving my Volkswagen Vanagon.  This brightly colored safety wear is men’s size Large.  Newer versions fit even better.  I also like that they dry out quickly in the sun.

Here’s my other videos on thrift store shopping.  I’ve found some treasures, and I look forward to going back into the city to discover what else I can’t live without.  Thanks for supporting the blog.  Visit again shortly.  I have lots of wacky videos in the works.  Have a great Spring Break, and Summer! 

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Produced by http://www.CameronMcKirdy.com

Produced By Cameron McKirdy

Learn which individual servings or samples of condiments, and sauce you can find for free. Do some urban scavenging like me. Stockpile packets of ketchup, salsa, candy, and more items for storage. My favorite package seen in the video is the lemon juice. I forgot to mention it. You can find just about any free food packet out there. I have a secret sauce floating around my van somewhere from Burger King. I think I eat out more for condiments than the fast food itself.

Having these sauces, and sugars, etc. on hand saves money. Take food packets like the ones shown on your next camping trip for extra spice, or flavor in your meal. Get free condiments as seen on Survival Bros at restaurants, and convenience stores. If something isn’t priced, it must be available to take.

Do you stockpile packets like I do? I feel like such a rebel when my pockets are full, and I’ve made a clean getaway with the loot.

Please SUBSCRIBE TO THE YOUTUBE CHANNEL if you have an account. Thank you for visiting the Survival Bros blog!

Free Condiments Food Kit by Survival Bros – An Alternative News Community

See also http://www.cameronmckirdy.com

By Survival Bros President Cameron McKirdy

Watch our new HD video production to get ideas of easy meals you can create while living in your vehicle.  I’ve been sleeping in my 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon GL, or vandwelling for eight months straight now.  Being out there, and doing IT, teaches you what it takes to plan for a long road trip.  However, maybe this blog post will inspire you to do more car camping.  It’s been an amazing experience, and my pleasure to share with you.  I’m so glad I’ve been able to see more of the Pacific Northwest while I’m young, wild, and free.  Now I just need to find more stickers to paste on my VW Bus.

Many food suggestions shown in the YouTube video are also ideal for backpacking, because they are ready instantly with hot water. Other dishes, or side meals are fully prepared for consumption as is, such as the individually wrapped granola bars.  I also eat plenty of fresh organic fruit, and drink spring or distilled water.  No tap.

Tip:  Use different sizes of Ziploc bags to store food items in, and label each kit with a permanent pen.  You can compact the plastic storage sacks, and take most of the air out of them, so they are almost vacuum sealed, and take up minimal space.  Then put the locked baggies in larger bins, or the pockets of your Everyday Carry backpack for safekeeping.

1986 VW Vanagon getting it done

1986 VW Vanagon getting it done

Please SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel HERE!  I will follow back if you make similar videos.  Like, comment, and share this blog post with friends. Let us know if you are vandweller, and what your setup looks like.  Visit the Survival Bros HD Videos page above for all of the latest adventures.

Food Kit

Check out my other blog:  http://www.CameronMcKirdy.com

Feel free to email me if you like:  thesurvivalbros@gmail.com

 

By Cameron McKirdy

What’s good?  Its been a Heaven of a year!  Survival Bros has beefed up the website with frequent posts, vivid photos, and new HD video productions.  Visit the ARCHIVES for all of the fun, and emergency preparedness news.

In the last 365 days, I’ve won a game show on ABC, got a Volkswagen Vanagon to live out of, restored vintage mountain bikes, visited hot springs, and hung out with killer whales in Oregon.  I’ve shared so much with you, and it felt great.  I hope my experiences have sparked your mind, and opened your heart.  Make 2015 the best year ever.  You can do anything you want.

Here’s my favorite YouTube videos from 2014, in case you missed the action and adventure:

My #EDC backpack gear for #Survival

Steel Target Shooting Demonstration with Tactical Gypsy

Cameron McKirdy’s LifeProof smartphone case review as seen on The ABC World News with Diane Sawyer

How to get FREE stuff in life

Video of my #vandwelling setup on the Oregon Coast

Checking out William Henry knives at a jewelry store

The perfect vehicle for The Zombie Apocalypse

Exploring World War II bunkers on Tillamook Head near Seaside, OR

Doing yoga with certified instructor Sarah Whisler at the beach

You can’t define Survival Bros, or Cameron McKirdy.  There’s no way of knowing what will come in the year 2015.  Stay tuned.  Thank you for your support of this project.  I’ve produced all this for free.  Please continue to like, comment, share, and subscribe to us.  Let’s make the Survival Bros community even greater in the days to come.

Mocha Survival Puggle

Mocha The Puggle and I love you! (Hiking Saddle Mountain)

 

 

Produced by Cameron McKirdy – Survival Bros Founder

As you can see, nobody beats up gear like me.  I took the new Kershaw Secret Agent knife to the beach, and put it through a rigorous torture test.  I sliced, and stabbed ocean debris washed ashore in Long Beach, Washington.

Kershaw Secret Agent KnifeFlashing the tool with the protective sheath on!

 Model Number 4007, the Secret Agent isn’t flashy.  It’s functional.  The spear point blade has a black-oxide coating for protection against corrosion.  Additionally, the surface is non-reflective.  So it won’t catch light, or be easy to see.  Both sides come sharpened, making it easy to puncture nearly any material.  The Secret Agent handled rope, plastic, aluminum, fiberglass, and even a dead jellyfish!  After the beating, it was still sharp, and the tip showed little wear.  Of course, knives don’t like sand, so I plan to sharpen it for the first time, or I can send it back to the KAI warehouse to get it cleaned up for free.  I’ve stopped by Kershaw headquarters in Tualatin, Oregon (South of Portland) before for a hassle free repair, which took less than an hour.

This knife is a favorite in my collection because it’s lightweight at only 3 ounces.  The ergonomic handle is glass-filled nylon.  It’s well balanced.  Fitting securely in my palm, without being too wide.  Plus, with a rubberized, textured grip, it’s not going to slip out of my hand.  You can wear it on a lanyard, or strapped to your leg.  Blade length is perfect, and no joke at 4.4 inches long.  The black sheath is quality, with a wide, tight clip.  At under $40, the Kershaw Secret Agent knife may be the best value in the industry.  Don’t forget Kershaw Knives’ products are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty against manufacturing defects.  Bottom line:  The Secret Agent belongs in your Every Day Carry knife rotation.  It’s Survival Bros tested and approved.  For more HD videos, SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL.  Thank you.

Kershaw knife Model 4007

The Kershaw Secret Agent is as mean as it looks.

By Cameron McKirdy 

After watching this HD video guide, you’ll know the type of stuff in a Bug-Out Bag.  His example works for his needs.  People create these emergency preparedness backpacks with survival gear just in case of a disaster.  It’s important to have supplies like these items listed handy.  Keep them secure.  

Survival Bros Challenge:  Make an emergency Go Bag kit like this, and give it to a loved one.  Have fun making a backpack.  Please share this video with a friend, comment, and like.

survival bros logo

By Cameron McKirdy 

See what car living is like for a gypsy travelling on the road in HD video.  I think he has a great gear setup for van dwelling.  I’m jealous of his sink, with a clever gravity fed water system, harnessing an inexpensive solar shower.  Plus, his lighting setup works, and didn’t cost much, thanks to a trip to Dollar Tree.  You can’t tell Hugh is in there either, since it’s a cargo van without side rear windows.  The dark exterior paint color blend into the darkness, making him more stealth.  I like what he has done to insulate the metal sides with cardboard and aluminum tape.  Hugh knows the cardboard is organic material, and will eventually decompose, but it’s easy to replace with fresh insulation later.  Even the interior wall panels are stuffed with recycled shopping bags for added warmth.  We list all of the car camping items for you to spark your imagination, but is there anything you’d add to the recreational vehicle?  More van dwelling videos on the way.  Stay tuned to Survival Bros.  

Black and white

 

By Cameron McKirdy – Survival Bros Founder

Survival Bros smashes the screen of a cellphone with a new COAST Products F611 Tactical Field blade.  It was total destruction!  The carbide tip can also muscle through regular glass, Plexiglas, and plastic.  It’s a sturdy knife, and I usually have it handy at the bottom of my backpack, just in case.  The F611 is a solid tool for camping, because it can help you process wood for a fire, or even when creating an emergency shelter.  You’ll like working with it, and it’s guaranteed by COAST.

Please SUBSCRIBE on YouTube, like, comment, and share if you want more HD videos.  Visit the COAST Products for more gear, and information.  Here’s the link to my other blog on Art, and video production.  http://www.cameronmckirdy.com

Tech Specs:

Cost $43.99 Retail

  • 7Cr17 stainless steel blade
  • 6.0 in. blade
  • 11.0 in. overall
  • 10.8 oz.
  • Tactical elastomer handle on stainless steel frame
  • Molded, hard protective sheathCoast F611 Survival Field Knife

A budget survival knife worth considering

 

By Cameron McKirdy

car camping food listCar camping is one of my favorite blog topics.  I hope you find it interesting too.  Here’s a checklist of my top foods to store in your vehicle.  Many items instantly turn into grub by adding hot water.  I got ideas for the perfect van dwelling foods by watching YouTube videos of Thru Hikers packing for their long distance trips.  Search for Pacific Crest Trail aka PCT, or Appalachian Trail Backpackers online.

Ziplock bags are a trusted way to keep organized.  You can even write on the outside with a permanent pen to label things.  Plus, plastic sacks maintain some protection from water, rats, an other elements.  Let me know if you have any questions about my setup.  Add several gallons of distilled and spring water (not pictured), and I’m ready to go off the grid for weeks.  I’m stocked up on:

  • Honey with ginseng, bee pollen, and royal jelly
  • Drinks: water, aloe water, coconut beverages, teas, fruit juices
  • Soups in cans to heat and serve, and powdered packets
  • Protein Powder, plus various green powders (wheat grass)
  • Pasta Sides, and Dishes like Top Ramen
  • Dehydrated Food such as Mountain House Freeze Dried Meals (Apple Crisp is my favorite)
  • Fruit: Fresh Produce like apples and bananas, also fruit strips, bottles, and cans
  • Nuts and Seeds like Almond and Hemp
  • Granola Bars, and Oatmeal 
  • Instant Coffee, instant milk
  • Condiments: Packets of butter, salsa, pepper, salt, raw sugar, mayonnaise, ketchup, and everything else Free and Holy
  • Canned meats: Flavored tuna, Spam, Chicken Salad with crackers

 

By Cameron McKirdy

image

Survival Bros has been camping at Saddle Mountain.  This is a quick, and easy breakfast beverage guaranteed to get you moving, like it did me.  It tastes great, and mixes well, even with cold liquids.  Directions:
1.  Dump 1 packet of Carnation Instant Breakfast mix into container.
2.  Open instant coffee crystals and pour into bottle too.
3.  Add 6 ounces of spring water, plus 6 ounces of chocolate hemp milk.
4.  Shake, and enjoy.

This is a terrific pick-me-up in the A.M.   Maybe you’d like to sip it slowly a hike, or while going about your day.  Survival Bros prepares this recipe because it’s delicious, fast, and doesn’t make a mess to create. Just toss the wrappers, rinse out your container, and get on with it.  Peace and love from the road.
– Cam