Posts Tagged ‘bag’

New Gear Items Listed + Thrift Store Finds

Posted: March 15, 2015 in Backpacking, Everyday Carry (EDC), Frugality, Gear
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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 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.

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! 

The BAN 420 car license plate is still available – $50,000 Or Best Offer

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VW Van Update – Windows Tinted + Sleep Setup

Posted: June 16, 2014 in Adventures, Automobiles, Coast Products, Frugality, Gear, HD Videos, VW Vanagon
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By Cameron McKirdy

Survival Bros gives you a tour of the 1986 Volkswagon Vanagon, and discusses van dwelling.  I use the Coast Products TX100 LED flashlight to show you how dark the windows are now with tint and black vinyl covering them.  Look at the other gear I use and how, including my Kelty Recluse 2.5 insulated sleeping pad.  You have to have some kind of mat to lay on to be comfortable camping.

I’ve been doing a great job of staying clear of local police.  I continue to camp on private property with permission from the owner, or legally at camp grounds.  Plus, by staying at designated rest areas, the cops can’t charge me with overnight camping.  The police have better things to do anyways, like uphold their oath to The Constitution, and keep the peace.  We know law enforcement is big fans of our emergency preparedness blog, so thanks for visiting!  More adventures from the road soon.  

 

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!

Survival Bros Tsunami Preparedness Go Bag Items Photo

Posted: August 31, 2012 in Product Reviews, SB Tips, Survival Bros Challenges, Uncategorized
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If you live near the ocean, you should be prepared for a tsunami. NO EXCUSES. Put together a backpack with all the essentials, and have it on hand. Here’s Survival Bros example of a Go Bag, or emergency Bug-Out-Bag. You could survive at least 72 precious hours with these must-have items.

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Everyday Carry (EDC) Items List by Survival Bros

Posted: July 27, 2012 in SB Tips
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Preppers are ready 24/7. That’s why many of us carry the same items everyday. This blog covers essential EDC items that can help tackle daily challenges.

I usually go everywhere with my tactical backpack. It looks like a regular sized black book bag, but it’s loaded with goodies. In it I have: a mace pen, a regular pen, money, my Gerber Rex Applegate folding knife, a small tactical LED flashlight with belt clip, a carabiner with bottle opener, bandana, sunglasses, paracord, small first aid kit, keys, extra clothes including a poncho and rain pants, extra socks, healthy snacks, spring water in an aluminum bottle, a small multi-tool, vitamins, pain reliever, a beanie, wet wipes, tiny compass, iPhone and charger, a good book, and variously colored and textured condoms. I feel ready.

You don’t have to carry a full backpack of course, but you should have some of these items in your pockets at all times. Survival Bros recommends you have some sort of protection on you always, just in case. Many of my bros pack a pistol, and an extra magazine.

A noise maker, like an air horn or whistle would be smart too. And try to carry something that can start a fire, such as a Bic lighter. Also, consider having a water filter handy. I have an Aquamira filter in my pack that attaches to my internal water pouch hose.

If you carry some or all these items regularly, you will be more prepared than most. Thank yourself for learning this info, and pass it on! Peace from my tent.

– Cameron McKirdy
Survival Bros President

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Another extreme Survival Bros EDC example

Survival Bros Gears Up to Backpack The Pacific Crest Trail

Posted: July 25, 2012 in Adventures, Parks
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By Cameron McKirdy

Hey friends! In this blog I will detail my preparations for another exciting adventure. My Dad and I are going to hike part of The Pacific Coast Trail. Weather permitting, we plan to leave town in a few days. For three nights our accommodations will be a two man tent.

To physically prepare for this, I’ve had to mix up my training routine. I usually do low, or no impact exercises like swimming, yoga, walking, and biking. Now I have to prepare my body for impact. So lately I’ve hiked, with and without my backpack, and jogged trails too.

I’m incorporating in mixed martial arts training to confuse my muscles. I shadow box for speed, and smash the heavy boxing bag to build strength. Boxing builds my core, and is good cardio! In addition, I’m planning for hot weather, so I’ve been going to the sauna a few times a week. This will hopefully make me more comfortable when I’m outside, exposed to the Sun and the dry heat.

Lately I’ve been wearing my Vibram FiveFingers more. I plan to wear them half the time on our hike. They feel great! I’ve also broken in a new pair of Nike ACG (All Conditions Gear) boots. I bought them at the Nike Outlet store for only $29 on clearance. They’re rugged and cushy. I also have knee high Nike DriFit socks that are thick, and dry amazingly quick.

My backpack is still coming together. I’m really trying to simplify, and keep my pack light. I will probably end up taking the following main items, plus stuff already mentioned: DriFit moisture wicking shirts (long and short, light and dark), DriFit compression underwear, First Aid, wool socks, water, water filters, water disinfectant, bandana, sunglasses, hygiene kit, mosquito head net, Off, iPhone and charger, Energizer LED headlamp, Chapstick, sunscreen, hat or beanie, flashlight, lighters, matches, candles, tinder kit, compass, emergency blanket, Coleman +25 mummy sleeping bag, inflatable mattress, stove, cook wear, utensils, fuel, poncho, tent, Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival kit, and tons of food!

I’m mostly bringing camping food that doesn’t need to be cooked, or require hot water. I will eat fruit, seed, and nut bars, protein bars, granola bars, raisins, canned chicken salad and crackers, dark chocolate, etc. I also have Mountain House freeze dried food for warm meals like lasagna!!! That will be epic after hiking all day. I want to have lots of calories to snack on. I also have a packaged meal of raw veggie powder to mix with water, and protein powder with vitamins and minerals. I’m taking a mixed stash of instant coffees, including Starbucks and Folders. I wouldn’t recommend Folders coffee crystals, but I got seven single serving packets for $1. They’re for emergency only.

Filling my bag is the easy part. Carrying it about 13 miles a day will be challenging. Right now I’m concerned about staying hydrated, training hard, and putting the finishing touches my bag. My Dad and I have studied maps, and have a good idea of where we’re going. He’s contacted local hikers for advice, and been to the ranger station too.

Bring on the lakes, and new terrain. I will say what up to Three Fingered Jack for ya. Of course I plan to shoot pictures, and HD video to post here. Maybe one day I can backpack the entire trail, from Canada to Mexico. There’s even a parallel route for bicycles on roads that’s 2,500 miles, or 4,000 km!!! Pacific Coast Trail or bust! %^D.

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