Archive for the ‘Gear’ Category

EDC Everyday Carry Backpack Items Listed

Posted: May 22, 2014 in Backpacking, Coast Products, Comedy and Art, Everyday Carry (EDC), Gear, Grub, GSI Outdoors, HD Videos, Kershaw Knives, Leatherman
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By Cameron McKirdy

On outside:

– S Biners

– Blinking Red Light

– Tool Tether

– Grocery Ties

– Compass Keychain Tool

Front pouch:

– LG G2 with Ballistic Shell Gel Case

– Ear plugs

– Wall charger for smart phone

– Superfood pills – Maca, turmeric, bee pollen, B 12

– Duct Tape on card

– Coast Products PX20 Dual Color flashlight with pouch

– Camera Case (Case Logic)

– Kershaw Blur – Tanto Tiger Stripe folding knife

– Leatherman Skeletool

– Moist Wipes for hygiene

– Toothpaste and travel brush

– Chapstick

– Ballpoint Pen

– Listerine Breath Strips

– Sharpie Oil Pain Pen

– Tide Pen for stains

– Large Professional Sharpie Pen

– Coast Products DX356 knife

– Large Bic Lighter

Main Pouch:

– LED LENSER H14 Headlamp

– Dri-Fit Nike Hat – Go Ducks!

– OPTIONAL: Change of clothes, solar panel

– Notebook for ideas, contacts, calculator

– GSI Outdoors Stainless Steel 1 Liter bottle

– Mechanix Wear M Covert Gloves (Large)

– Coast Products F611 Survival Knife with glass breaker

– Camelbak 3 Liter hydration pack

Right Side Pouch:

 – Food Kit, Airborne Plus Energy Mix, raw food bars, honey, protein bars, condoms, vitamins, Chapstick sample, sugar, oatmeal, dish-washing soap, tea, salmon packets, instant soup, microwavable popcorn, and more Antibacterial Moist Wipes (may sting the B hole)

Left Side Pouch: 

– Aluminum Free deodorant, poncho, emergency blanket, Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Kit, spare cell phone and charger, camera charger and camera, shampoo, soap

Notes:  Everyday Carry Backpack items change all the time.  Make something like this for yourself for everyday emergency preparedness.  My pack also has a rain cover, but I have considered buying a medium sized dry bag.  I also carry 3m protective sunglasses, paracord bracelet, keychain with tools, one Hoo-Rag bandana, my wallet, and a mace pen, but the self-defense weapon fell out in my van before filming.  Oh well, I survived.  Please like, comment, and subscribe on YouTube.  We are on Facebook too!  Thanks for watching.  Peace and love.

EDC Backpack ItemsPhoto of the full EDC Backpack Gear Setup for Survival Bros.

 

A Great Goodwill Find Plus Thift Store Shopping Tips

Posted: May 8, 2014 in Adventures, Frugality, Fun!, Gear, Giving Back, HD Videos
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By Cameron McKirdy

1.  Check which color tag is 50% off that week when you walk in the door.

2.  See if the item works.  Plug it in.  Check for missing parts, or if it’s damaged.

3.  If you find something unique – RESEARCH IT on the spot with your smartphone.

  • Search Amazon and eBay
  • Scan the barcode with your phone’s camera

4.  Pull the trigger.  If you haven’t seen it before, BUY IT.  Your item may be a good investment because it’s rare.

Finally, keep the treasure for yourself, give it away to someone deserving, or sell it for a profit online or in person.

Here’s another sweet Goodwill find I scored this week, and show you on video.  It’s a rare Valterra skateboard from 1986!  It shreds.  

I found this road bike at Goodwill too, and now it’s a Bug Out Bike ready in case of emergencies.  I got new tires for it, and purchased a BOB Yak trailer to haul gear down the road with ease.  

Don’t forget to donate stuff you don’t need to charity.  I’ve seen Goodwill do good things in the community, and employee people that need assistance.  You’ll get a tax credit too just for being so kind.  Thanks for reading, and doing your part.  Peace from Survival Bros.

goodwill-logoGood luck treasure hunting at Goodwill and beyond!  Expect epic finds.

EDC Backpack Items List and Pocket Dump

Posted: April 25, 2014 in Backpacking, Everyday Carry (EDC), Gear, Guns, HD Videos
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Produced By Cameron McKirdy 

Tactical Gypsy, a Marine currently in the National Guard gives you a rundown on his everyday carry gear.  These are items he brings with him wherever he goes in general.  His tactical backpack is packed with things that could help him overcome adversity, and adapt to his environment.  Below is the full load-out list to help you plan out your own emergency bag.  With over 26,000 views on YouTube, this HD video will soon be our most popular production.  Please subscribe to us on YouTube to watch all of our epic videos, and to join in the discussion there.  Thanks for all of your support.  We have big plans for  for Survival Bros.  We’ve launched a secure store to provide you with gear, and nutritional supplements to make you more prepared for life.  We’ll be adding tons of new products shortly, so check out the shop often.  By supporting the blog, it gives us more free time to put out additional information to better serve you.   We wish you the best.  Now go get a prep out of the way today, to make tomorrow brighter.  Peace and love.

Tactical Gypsy’s EDC List:

– Notepad aka Black Book with Pen(s)

– Casio G’zOne Smart Phone

– Surefire LED Flashlight with extra batteries

– Bic Lighter

– Flavored Chapstick with SPF 15

– Wallet with cash, IDs, concealed hand gun permit, plus Passport

– Coast DX356 Knife

– Survival Straps Paracord Bracelet

– Suunto Black Core Watch

– Clothes Vary – Leather Belt

– Merrell Moab Boots (waterproof) with paracord shoe laces

– Glock 23 .40 Smith and Wesson with inside the waistband kydex holdster by Blade Tech

– Black Tactical Backpack (Adidas)

– Maxpedition Medical Pack with extra magazine, includes gauze, QuickClot, sterile pads, lots of tape

– Laptop (password protected) with charger

– Multi-tool and small serrated knife in case

– Large Plastic Bag

– Level 2 Body Armor

– Fixed blade throwing knife with paracord wrapped handle

– Boo Boo kit with Neosporin, duct tape, band-aids

– Toothpast (fluoride free) and toothpicks with floss

– Combat Application Tourniquet

– Weapon Light

– Electrical Tape

– Extra Cordage (shoe laces)

– Pouch of crystals and rocks

– Keys

– Odor Spray for Bullet-Proof vest, ect.

– Military Lensatic Compass

– Headphones and Earplugs

survival bros logo

Altoids Survival Tin Example for Emergency Preparedness 2014 HD

Posted: March 28, 2014 in Contests, Everyday Carry (EDC), Gear, HD Videos
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By Cameron McKirdy

Survival Bros checks out a survival tin kit example at Cougar Ridge Knives in Gearhart, OR.  What would you put in your Altoids container?  Feel free to criticize, or praise this kit.  We didn’t make it.  It’s all in good fun for preparedness.  Send or drop off your survival tin for a chance to win three great prizes.  Our giveaway has been extended to May 1, 2014.  Here’s the original blog post with the official contest rules, etc.  

Watch the video for the Survival Bros. and Cougar Ridge Knives contest:

survival bros logo

Custom Chopper Trike in Seaside Oregon

Posted: March 27, 2014 in Bikes, Fun!, Gear
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Produced By Cameron McKirdy

Jason shows off his big bad three wheeler at The Cove near the beach.  This vehicle can carry massive amounts of cargo, and it handles extremely well.  I’ve seen him drift it, and ride on two wheels down the prom in Seaside, OR.  Like his survival cycle?  It’s comfortable, and functional.  You’ll see it coming with the contrasting red and flat black paint.  Survival Bros loves that it’s high visibility, even though it sits low.  The extra lights make it considerably safer on the road less traveled.  Thanks for visiting our emergency preparedness blog.  Enter your email on the top left of the screen to subscribe!  Peace.

chopper trike

 The Custom Chopper Trike ready to roll

Univega Alpina Pro Mountain Bike Restored to Glory

Posted: March 8, 2014 in Bikes, Gear, HD Videos
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Produced By Cameron McKirdy

Survival Bros has a bug out bike tuned up and ready for camping this summer. I will produce another HD video on this vintage bicycle when all the bags are on, and the project is complete. Here’s a previous post on finding the Univega at a garage sale last summer.

Mens Univega Bicycle Repairs

Before the repairs

Univega Alpina Pro Bike

After being tuned up, restored to like new condition, and cleaned properly

Thanks for visiting our emergency preparedness blog. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE (top left of screen). Thanks!

Having My Car Broken Into and Stuff Stolen with Tips

Posted: January 5, 2014 in Automobiles, Emergencies, Everyday Carry (EDC), Gear, SB Tips
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By Katnip

2013 Chevy Camaro

How the Grinch stole MY Christmas. Two days after Christmas my beautiful, 2013 Chevrolet Camaro was a victim of crime. I thought I lived in one of the safer apartment complexes here in town. My bedroom is directly over the top of my carport on the second floor. I have a direct view of my car from the window. While I was sleeping, these thieves somehow managed to unlock my car without the alarm going off. (Apparently they make remotes to do so these days…thanks hackers of the world.) Why they chose MY car I will never know. One would naturally assume that a brand new car like mine would have a perfect lock and touchy alarm on it like Fort Knox. Well, my precious vehicle wasn’t well protected.

I’ve had my previous car broke in to before, and seen my things rummaged through. I’ve felt what it’s like to have your documents strung all over your car, and find your gear M.I.A. It’s awful. I should have taken the extra precaution like I have every other night and removed my valuables from the vehicle before locking her up for the night. I didn’t. I did have EVERYTHING out of sight. If you were to walk past my car, you couldn’t tell it’s a daily driver. I know better than to leave valuables out for prying eyes. I thought my stuff would be safe for one more night. Here’s a list of things I am kicking myself for, prepare to cringe:

– Canon Rebel EOS DSLR Camera with Lens, accessories, LowePro Camera Bag, and Cameron’s beloved camera tripod.

– iPhone 4S with car charger

– TomTom GPS with car charger

– Tool Box (Wrenches, Screw Drivers, Ratchets, etc)

– Jumper Cables

-My prized Bug Out Bag (As mentioned and pictured in this previous post)  Now I will create a new Everyday Carry bag with emergency supplies, and bring it inside no matter what.

In addition, who knows if they could steal my identity, as I had some sensitive documents in the glove compartment that they rummaged through too.

I’ve since taken proper measures to protect myself since, and hopefully regain my property again. I would like to share these tips with you so this same thing doesn’t happen to you.

– Keep ALL valuables in your home. Don’t take the chance like I did and assume that things are safe in the trunk and out the vision of creepers.

– Download the “Find Your iPhone” application and TURN ON YOUR LOCATION! (I had previously turned the location off the day prior because I felt it was nuking my battery. Dumbest thing I’ve ever done, because I had this app on my smart phone, and because I turned the location off, it wouldn’t lead me or the local police to where my possessions were.)

– If you find yourself in this predicament of having your things stolen from you, contact your local police department, file a police report.  Note: They wouldn’t come out, and recommended I fill one out online.

– Write a list of the items that were stolen from you, with serial numbers if available, and take this list in to the second hand shops, cellular stores, and local pawn shops.

– Contact your phone provider and register your phone as “Lost or Stolen.” If someone is dumb enough to try to activate the phone, the provider should confiscate the cell immediately and turn it over to either the police department or contact you to let you know your device had turned up.

– Scour all outlets of items for sale, such as eBay, Craigslist, Facebook sale pages, etc. Eventually, your stuff may turn up on one of those.

– Keep receipts of ALL expensive purchases that you have in your possession, my home owners insurance wouldn’t cover the items stolen from my car at my apartment, as I didn’t have proper sales receipts for these items….(They were gifts.) Things can’t be replaced if insurance can’t prove you never had them to begin with. 

I can recommend from personal experience that having your stuff stolen is not a pleasant thing to have happen. It detracts from valuable time I could have spent using my nice things to make my life easier. If you’re a car thief, I would like to leave you with this final note: You should be ashamed of yourself.  Work hard for your money so you can purchase quality belongings for yourself. Why steal from others that have actually earned their way in life? Karma is a bitch. Happy Travels!

Preparing For An Oregon Coast Storm – Safety Checklist

Posted: September 28, 2013 in Beach, Emergencies, Gear, Public Service Announcement
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Produced By Cameron McKirdy

The first nasty storm of the season is underway on the Oregon Coast.  The wind is bending trees, and flooding is a possibility.  I’m surprised the power is still on.  Seaside, OR is expected to have gusts up to 80 miles per hour!  Have a survival kit together, and an emergency plan for your family.  Here’s a checklist of supplies to gather just in case of a disaster.

– Water (A gallon per person per day for a minimum of 3 days.)

– Fuel AKA gas for cooking, and dry wood for fire

– Food (Stores could close for days without electricity.  Don’t buy perishable goods that need to be refrigerated.  Think fruit.)

– Candles

– Flashlights and headlamps with fresh batteries

– Blankets

– Shelter (It’s probably a good idea to stay inside, so you don’t get wet and sick.)

– Emergency Weather Radio

– Toys for kids, and treats for pets, because they will be scared in a super storm

– First Aid

– Gas (Fill up your vehicle in case there’s a rush for fuel, and you can’t get some later.)

– Books (Maybe ones on emergency planning.  We don’t want you to lose your mind without TV.)

– Whistle to signal for help

– Multi-tool and Wrench to turn off water, etc.

– Moist wipes, and garbage bags for sanitation and personal hygiene

– Local maps

– Manual Can Opener

– Generator and/or solar charger for electrical devices

– Cash/Silver/Barter Items

– Rain Gear/Warm clothes

– Prescription Medications

– Lighter and waterproof matches

– Paper and Pen for notes, and more checklists

– Communications: Cell Phones with chargers, and two-way radios

With all or most of these things you should be good to go, and ready for a super storm bringing flooding.  If you can think of any other handy items, please leave your suggestions in the comment section.  Thanks, and wish us Oregonians good luck this weekend.  It’s
going to be a wild one.  Peace and love from Survival Bros. 

Here’s a link to the live webcam in Seaside, OR on The Lanai at The Cove so you can checkout the current conditions.

There’s no flooding on Highway 101 right now, but high tide isn’t until this evening.

seaside odot cam

seaside odot floodingIt looks like Highway 101 is starting to flood!  Be careful out there.

Emergency Bug Out Bag Before and After

Posted: September 11, 2013 in Emergencies, Everyday Carry (EDC), Gear
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By Cameron McKirdy

When I train outdoors on my bike, and hiking, I like to bring most of my Bug Out items in my backpack. I carried a heavy book bag through school, and now useful item are included. However, many people don’t have emergency preparedness packs ready to go. Like my friend Kate for example. When we went hiking on Saddle Mountain, she brought a funky backpack with one strap. I knew that was going to be uncomfortable, but I didn’t say anything. Later I took her old bag with wrappers inside, and upgraded to another backpack with two straps. I built a better survival bag, starting with the weight being more evenly distributed on the hips. Here’s her emergency preparedness day bag after the hike, before I got to look at it and add items.

20130911-152925.jpg
Before Kate had some helpful gear, but it was still unorganized. Now her stuff is protected in heavy duty Zip Lock bags. Plus, I wrote her a list of all the things she needs, and checked off the items she already has.

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Here’s Kate’s New Bug Out Bag List:
– Light Stick x 2
– Pink Flashlight (with extra batteries)
– Tooth Paste
– Travel Tooth Brush
– Floss x 2
– CRKT Pazoda folding knife
– Cabela’s Multitool
– Repel Natural
– Kleenex Tissue Paper
– Wet Ones
– Secret Deodorant
– First Aid Kit with extra bandages
– Emergency Space Blanket
– Tampons
– Pain Pills
– Compass 4 in 1 tool keychain
-Tea Kit
– Instant Coffee/Sports Drinks
– Mascara
– Protein Bars and other food and packets of salt, pepper, etc
– Lighter
– Waterproof Matches
– Ponchos
– Extra trash and plastic bags
– Foil
– Local Map
– Chapstick
– SPF Protection
– Change of clothes
*What about barter items?
– Water bottles
– Treatment Drops
– Signal Mirror
– Super Foods/Vitamins
– Stove
– Spork
– Candles
– iPhone headphones/USB charger
– Weather Radio
– Shampoo sample
– Tweezers
– Razor Blade
– Scrunchie
– Duct Tape
– Paper/Pen/Pencil
– Nail Cutters
– Envelops with Forever Stamps
– Paper Clips & rubber band
– Moleskin
– Sunglasses
– Ear plugs
– Silver Rounds
– Tarp
– Survival Bros Paracord Bracelet
– Coffee Filters
– Contacts List
– Cash

With a Bug Out Bag Checklist, you’ll know exactly what you have on hand. Now if Kate gets a flat tire, and has to walk to town because her new car doesn’t have a spare, she can grab her B.O.B., and improve her situation. Another survival scenario she’s prepared for is simply having to bug out at a friend’s or relative’s house for 72 hours or more.  Today that’s possible, and even easy.  The new and improved pack will be on her back, handy in the apartment, or in the trunk of the car, depending on her needs that day. It’s the minimum you should have tucked away for a rainy day. Of course systems vary, and change over time. What’s in your survival bag?

Prepping For Disaster – Emergency Preparedness 101

Posted: July 15, 2012 in Caches, Emergencies, Gear, SB Tips
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Prepping for a manmade or natural disaster will be different for everyone. My needs are different than yours, but there are things we should all have just in case. This blog covers specific items you should have on hand, and things you should be thinking about NOW.

First off, have a plan. Practice your escape route regularly, maybe once every 6 months. Carry your emergency pack to test it, and yourself. You may decide to bring more if it’s an easy trip. Maybe you want to load up a bike, and huff it on two wheels. If you have a vehicle, you may want to store an extra survival pack in the back. Whatever you do, coordinate a meeting place with your friends and family so there’s no guess work, and stick together.

If your house was on fire, could you grab your Bug-Out-Bag and survive outdoors for at least 72 hours? If that sounds challenging, or you don’t have an emergency bag full of supplies then keep reading. The key elements to a clutch bug-out-bag are: food, water, and shelter. My backpack includes a poncho, emergency blanket, and a reflective tube tent. Add a small tarp to your pack for even more security. Tarps can keep the rain and sun off you, or provide a barrier between you and the ground.

Additional Bug-Out-Bag items Survival Bros suggest include: a first aid kit, medicine, superfoods, vitamins, maps, flashlights, candles, protection like a knife or gun, matches, lighter, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash, silver bullion, radio, walkie talkies (2-way radios), extra clothes, signal mirror, GPS Navigation, solar powered charger, whistle, compass, backup batteries, candy, instant coffee, books, notepad, condoms, glow stick, personal locator device, bandana, water filter, USB with information, and toiletries.

Here’s the bottom line. Plan an escape route, practice traveling it, and bring your customized bug-out-bag with everything you think you’d need. Your bag will be evolving with you, so have fun and experiment. Is there an item you’d have to have in case of a disaster that we didn’t list? Please share. Also, knowing basic first aid and taking a CPR class should be a priority. Our advice; work on preps a little everyday! Best wishes.

– Cameron McKirdy
President of Survival Bros

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