Archive for the ‘Product Reviews’ Category

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

20130401-134630.jpg
I just rode an ebike for the first time! I love it. It hauled. And with dual disc brakes, I stopped on a dime. I priced models at Electric & Folding Bikes Northwest www.ebikesnw.com They start at around $1,000. I want to charge an electric bike with my Powertraveller solar panels. I’m looking at some designs from Currie Tech for Survival Bros, because me and my people are going places. That will be the day. Have a good one. Thanks for visiting the Survival Bros blog.

20130401-153822.jpg

20130403-212731.jpg
Cameron McKirdy at Columbia Scooters in Portland OR www.columbiascooters.com

Produced by Cameron McKirdy

You’re off the grid, but you need power. That’s when you wish you invested in a solar panel charger, like the Solarmonkey from Powertraveller that I tested in the HD video above.

If I’m alone in the woods, it’s nice to know my cell phone has power just in case. That’s why the Solarmonkey Adventurer comes with. If I fall off a cliff, having my iPhone handy sure beats a whistle. Powertraveller has created a huge variety of solar chargers, excellent for any job. From small ones that can give your phone a boost, to large solar panels that can keep your laptop running. I like the Solarmonkey Adventurer because it’s a great size for backpacking, and mountain biking.

The powerful internal lithium polymer battery is 2500mAh, and will charge fully in 12 hours or less. Plus, you can charge the battery, and a device at the same time, saving time.  And it can plug into a wall, or DC outlet.  I was shocked at how fast it charges my phone. The system is lightweight too, tipping the scales at only 9.3 ounces.  The dimensions are 6.6 x 3.7 x 0.8 inches.

It comes with many tips to be compatible for your device, and a heavy-duty “Monkeytail” cable made just for Apple products. The neoprene case it comes in is durable also. It will keep the solar panels safe, and secure. A carabiner is included. I use that often so it can just hang off my bag. As I mentioned in the video review, the panels are shock and water-resistant. It outlasted me pouring water on it while charging, and surprisingly worked after I froze it. The Solarmonkey Adventurer from Powertraveller is badass. I can easily recommend it to my friends.  Thanks for visiting Survival Bros.  Come back soon.solarmonkey-adventurer-5

It’s my pleasure to bring to you, the GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist.  This is a brilliant cooking solution for ultralight backpacking.  It gets high marks with Survival Bros, and my puggle featured in the HD video review above.

I think you’ll like this cookware system because it has all the bases covered.  It comes loaded with two telescoping foons, two 20 ounce insulated bowls with lids, two 20 ounce mugs, and a large hard anodized aluminum pot including a lid with a built in strainer.  This is perfect for cooking pasta, and even works as a spout for pouring liquids like hot tea.  The orange and blue foons match their bowls, but I like them because they are deep, so I can take big bites.  They are dishwasher safe too, like the rest of the Pinnacle Dualist.  Also, the entire package is BPA-free, so you aren’t absorbing harmful chemicals.

When I first got the Dualist a few months back, I was stoked that the bowls were insulated.  The last thing I want is my precious food to go cold right after I prepare it.  Plus, the bowls have “Sip-it” lids.  GSI Outdoors must have been thinking about messy eaters like me.  With the lids locked down, I’m less likely to spill scorching soup on my chest.  Another sly feature is the rubberized pot handle.  It folds, and either locks into place as a long handle, or on top of the bowls, keeping everything secure in the pot.

The stuff sack is also a wash basin.  I couldn’t believe it either.  It’s one more container that could come in handy for collecting water out of the creek, or washing your hands before supper.  The cookware system looks as good as it functions.  It’s orange and black.  I like having a high-visibility handle for cooking in low light.  And when you’re done, the Pinnacle Dualist is an easy clean.  It uses non-stick Teflon with Radiance technology.  So there’s no scrubbing.  Heat spots aren’t an issue either, allowing for quicker, and more even cooking.

The Pinnacle Dualist retails for $64.95.  If you are looking for an ultralight cooking solution ideal for two people, this could be for you.  I like the price, but truly appreciate the thought that went into this American design.  It’s all only 21.6 ounces, and the pot holds 1.8 liters.  The dimensions are 5.90″ x 6.40″ x 5.90″.  The Dualist offers bang for your buck.  This product gets the Survival Bros seal of approval.  Please comment, like, and share.  Thanks.

Produced by Cameron McKirdy

For more visit http://www.gsioutdoors.com

PinnacleDualist__18395_1297136995_1280_1280

skin ointment“It rubs the lotion on its skin.  It does this whenever it is told.” – The Silence of the Lambs

Following my recent bike accident, I’ve used a few ointments to heal my skin, and relieve minor aches and pains.  Mostly I’m trying to minimize scaring.  I have enough, and bright pink isn’t a good color on me.

I’m covered in purple and green bruises.  For sore muscles I’m using Tiger Balm Red Extra Strength.  This pain relieving ointment really does work, so I don’t need to take any pills.  It helps my muscles relax, so I can go about my business.  Plus, the potent menthol smell is soothing.  A little dab of this stuff goes a long way.  Try it out.

To heal my road rash and cuts I’m using Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Skin Ointment.  I got it from my local health food store for $7.99.  It’s a good buy because it is blended with natural oils enriched with Vitamin E, and Lavender Oil.  I love this product.  It is fragrance/dye free too.  This product stays on my skin, and prevents my sexy scabs from falling off early.  Tea Tree oil heals dry, chapped skin quickly.

Finally, I’ve been using organic 100% Hawaiian Moon Aloe.  You can use this cream topically for many things, from sore muscles, to chapped lips.  Aloe Vera is a miracle worker.  It hydrates deep into skin.  According to their website, “natural Aloe Vera contains six antiseptic agents that fight infection;  three analgesics to reduce pain and at least three anti-inflammatory agents.”  I also drink Aloe Vera juice, and water regularly to help with digestion. 

These three products are dynamic.  See what they can do for you.  Thanks for visiting Survival Bros.  Your likes, comments, and shares are greatly appreciated.  It helps build this emergency preparedness community.  Peace.

– Cameron McKirdy

Yesterday I checked out the Collector’s West Gun & Knife show in PDX.  It was a big event, with tons of vendors, and people trading gear too.  I took home a few things, and learned a lot.

The show ends today, but visit www.collectorswest.com to see when it will be in your area.  It’s worth the $12 for admission, and $8 for parking.  I was able to price out stuff I’m interested in, and get my hands on it too.  There were deals galore on new and used guns.  Booths had closeouts on every style and brand of knive imaginable.  Coast Products was there.  My friend got a powerful LED keychain light from them. 

I also ran into my buddy Shawn Gregory.  He makes quality “Predator Paracord” bracelets, gun slings, lanyards, and more.  I got a few samples to test, including the badass band below.  It’s comfortable, and stands out.  You can never have too much cordage just in case.  More on Predator Paracord later, but go to www.predatorparacord.com to see all of his bold designs. 

The Girl Scouts were also in the house.  I walked quickly by them, because I was saving room for Voodoo doughnuts, but it was great to see kids at a gun show.  It was a safe enviroment, and fun for everyone.  It’s important to teach kids about preparedness early.   

I found another company with a product called 4EverLights, (www.uvpaqlite.com) with epic reusable glow-in-the-dark lights.   They have a huge variety of sizes, and styles that really do work.  I had to get some to test and review for Survival Bros.  Sunlight isn’t required, so you can quickly charge them with a flashlight, or whatever.  I like that they don’t affect my night vision either like brighter light sources would.  Ya best believe one is going on my bug out bag, and with me camping.

It was a great show.  If you missed it, there will be another soon.  Just get to one, and get prepared.  You never know when you’ll be faced with a crisis. Plus, a gun show is an excellent place to network with other serious preppers. 

predator paracord

gun show pdx

kershaw blur gbThis is the blade I carry every day.  It’s the famous Kershaw Blur, but with a carbide tip designed to shatter glass with ease.  It does, as you can see in my video review below.  

I’ve been testing the Kershaw Blur for 2 months now.  I love it.  It’s quality, and produced locally in Tualatin, OR.  I rep gear made in the USA as much as possible, especially Oregon.  The first thing that fascinated me with the knife is the unique design.  It’s beautiful.  Simple.  Elegant.  The subtle curves are sexy.  I couldn’t wait to get her out of the box.  Initially, I noticed how fine the blade is.  It’s razor sharp.  Also, I was impressed with how well the scallops cut.  Slicing through materials like cardboard, plastic, rope, and paper is effortless, and so is opening it, thanks to the SpeedSafe assist.  It flies out, and feels extremely secure in place with the liner lock.

Another excellent feature is the rigid angled thumb studs.  You wouldn’t believe how easy it is to grip the nubs, and whip it out.  Kershaw really made something special with the Blur.  They even upgraded the steel in this new version to Sandvik 14C28N with DLC coating.  So it’s tough.  Which brings me to the tiny carbide tip embedded in the aircraft aluminum handle.  People don’t even notice the special tip at first, but believe me, it works.  I broke a sheet of glass in my video, plus several bottles with minimal effort.  The glass breaking feature is one I have to have on my EDC knife.  It could save my life if I’m ever trapped in a vehicle, and it’s not bad for self defense either.  

The Kershaw Blur is a great size, and light at only 4.2 ounces.  I like the blade length too, at 3 3/8″.  The overall length is 7 7/8″, and 4 1/2″ closed.  And the belt clip is removable, so you can have the tip up or down.  In the end, this is the knife I trust with my life right now.  It’s blacked out, and stealth.  But above all, it’s well made, and sharp as hell.  Survival Bros gives it 5 Stars.  I can’t complain about it at all, besides the handles getting a little scratched up after smashing so much glass.  I go into more detail in my HD video review below.  Please comment, and feel free to ask me any questions about it.  Thanks for visiting Survival Bros – Emergency Preparedness.

Visit http://kershaw.kaiusaltd.com/ for more.

gear

The Portland Expo Center is hosting the 38th annual Pacific Northwest Sportsman’s show from February 6 – 10, 2013.  I went on opening day.  It was $8 to park, and another $12 for admission.  I made the trip worthwhile, checking out every booth and demonstration.

This show has something for every adventurer.  There’s boating, rving, and fishing exhibits, to name a few.  So if you’re looking for gear, or ideas on where to travel, this is for you.  I was impressed with the high amount of outfitters around.  There’s a guide for everything under the sun.  Most were for hunting trips, but I saw whitewater rafting experts offering their services too.  I liked talking up the small, mom and pop vendors with interesting, lesser known products.  My favorite item I found is called Squat Strap (www.squatmonkey.com).  It’s a strap that wraps around a tree, or rock to help support you while you go poop.  Brilliant.  Now I can read a business book outside, while doing my business.  I had to get a strap to test.  More on that soon. 

I also talked to a local inventor named Andy Gorman.  He developed the Retractable Tool Tether, so you stop dropping things (www.retractabletooltether.com).  I picked up a few of these to review also.  I’ll put one on my jacket, and one on my EDC backpack.  Maybe I will stop losing things.  Doubtful.

There was lots to peruse, and stuff to sample.  I tasted storable foods, oils, jams, meats, and energy drinks.  Skoal was giving away cans of chew, put I passed.  The Expo was serving beer as well.  And at one booth you could try panning for gold, or buy a small nugget.  Fun, but I will be panning outside.  I shopped knives too, and picked up product catalogs to browse later.   If you like the outdoors better than the indoors, visit this show before it’s gone.   

truck

By Cameron McKirdy

I’m going to keep this simple. These are my favorite foods on the planet. I think they give me tremendous energy, and superior health.

Seeds – hemp, chia, sunflower, pumpkin, sesame
Nuts – almonds, peanuts, pecans, walnuts
Berries – gogi, blueberries, acai, raspberries
Kombucha Tea (raw and organic)
Yerba Mate
Fresh Spring Water from the source
Coconut water
Raw juice – organic fruits and vegetables (add spinach/kale)
Protein Powder – raw whey, hemp, rice
Eggs – farm fresh
Supplements – bee pollen, propolis, royal jelly, maca root, turmeric, dandelion, milk thistle, calcium/magnesium/zinc, fish oil, marine phytoplankton
Raw honey (lasts forever)
Barlean’s Greens (drink powder)
Cordyceps (and other mushrooms)
Organic soy milk (vanilla)
Aloe Vera juice (with wheat grass)
Avocado
Fresh salmon (try teriyaki salmon jerky)
Sea Vegetables – kelp, chlorella
Raw Chocolate (cacao)
Spirulina and Blue-Green Algae

20130118-154818.jpg

By Cameron McKirdy

Lately I’ve been rocking a variety of Survival Straps paracord bracelets. Maybe you’ve noticed them in my videos. You’ve probably seen bands like these before, but Survival Straps has taken it to the next level.

These stylish and functional Survival Straps were made in right here in America. They are an innovative company, and they give back. To date they’ve donated more than $722,000 to The Wounded Warrior Project. This program helps soldiers tremendously. I rock my Wounded Warrior Project Survival Strap often. It’s comfortable. I like the marine grade stainless steel adjustable clasp, but it also came with a plastic breakaway pin you can put in for safety. Plus, if you ever need to use the 15 feet or so of cordage, Survival Straps will send you a replacement bracelet. This is an every day carry item you should have for preparedness.

I haven’t taken my Survival Strap apart yet, but when the need arises, I will. There are many varieties and styles on their website http://www.survivalstraps.com Check them out. There’s something for every prepper, and they are reasonably priced. Most cost around $30 or less. I see great value in them. They are made of the finest 550 paracord. You’ll find a color and style that matches your personality. Below is a few cool designs I’ve been wearing. I haven’t had any issue with these. They feel great. Survival Bros approves 100%.

20130117-143844.jpg