Forget BOBs and SHTF situations, how about PSKs

[ez bake]

I was intending to leave out a water-filter, because I was planning on chemically treating or boiling my water anyways (for purposes of this PSK or minimalist hiking - I've got an MSR for backpacking, but its too large for this kit), but this is sort of changing my mind (just a sediment filter / simple carbon filter, but it makes for a good pre-filter in a compact size):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8VQk4isaOM

http://www.onlinetips.org/homemade-water-filters

http://www.ehow.com/how_4880648_homemade-water-filters.html

The PVC Pipe with activated charcoal seems to be pretty effective against most local types of bacteria since OK doesn't really have too many of the nasty stuff in it that other countries have (save places where livestock and or horse-trails cross your water source - that's always a concern with me).

Seeing as how viruses and bacteria are two different issues to tackle, chemical or boiling would come into play when seeing evidence (or knowing ahead of time) that livestock or horses were near your water source anyways, so Cohane's idea is sort of a nice compact water-filtration option.

 

[loudshirt]

Great thread EZ. The SHTF/BoB threads around here sometimes forget one thing. Camping is fun, survival sucks.

 

[guns are dumb]

We should come up with an OSA less than 30lbs survival weekend lol....

Less than 15 would be more fun.

I was intending to leave out a water-filter, because I was planning on chemically treating or boiling my water anyways (for purposes of this PSK or minimalist hiking - I've got an MSR for backpacking, but its too large for this kit), but this is sort of changing my mind (just a sediment filter / simple carbon filter, but it makes for a good pre-filter in a compact size):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8VQk4isaOM

http://www.onlinetips.org/homemade-water-filters

http://www.ehow.com/how_4880648_homemade-water-filters.html

The PVC Pipe with activated charcoal seems to be pretty effective against most local types of bacteria since OK doesn't really have too many of the nasty stuff in it that other countries have (save places where livestock and or horse-trails cross your water source - that's always a concern with me).

Seeing as how viruses and bacteria are two different issues to tackle, chemical or boiling would come into play when seeing evidence (or knowing ahead of time) that livestock or horses were near your water source anyways, so Cohane's idea is sort of a nice compact water-filtration option.

I've been carrying a Katadyn water filter for quite some time and still feel it's one of the things I would throw out if I had to shed a pound. Water still should be treated in some fashion even when using a filter, I've come to realize that the water filter is almost purely for making water appealing to look at as opposed to safe to drink.

 

[ez bake]

So I started putting this thing together and its a pretty sad state of affairs when my "minimalist" PSK takes up an entire camelback pack.

Starting to work on reducing it now - I'm such a pack-rat.

 

[Jon3830]

I have seen a bunch of these lists over the years and 9 times out of 10 times the list is missing a flint and steel because matches and lighters don't last long.

 

[Bassin'ForLife]

I noticed your fishing setup seemed to rely on the ability to get bait. With colder weather, sometimes its hard to find the insects, larvae or water dwelling critters fish eat. consider throwing some flies or small tackle in there?

 

[HMFIC]

Doesn't matter. You might as well throw the whole list out because without carrying a .500 Magnum, Bigfoot is going to toast you over your own campfire like a smore and have you for a midnight snack.

 

[ez bake]

I noticed your fishing setup seemed to rely on the ability to get bait. With colder weather, sometimes its hard to find the insects, larvae or water dwelling critters fish eat. consider throwing some flies or small tackle in there?

What's the advantage of flint over say a magnesium fire-starter? I hear a lot of folks swear by flint over anything else, but I've not seen it used by most of the people I know (possibly out of laziness or convenience of magnesium).

I'd really like to see some resources on starting a fire with flint to be honest - its a skill that's probably very useful to know (I've tested the bow-drill like Les Stroud uses, with the properly cut wood and a bearing block, its still a B!@#$ to get started, but it works - but I've never been able to get flint started).

 

[Soulman]

yeah, could add bolt cutters and a couple writing instruments (i.e. markers, cheap bic pens, etc).

Great ideas and thanks for sharing!

 

[EFsDad]

The minimalist in me says "do you need a pencil sharpener, or will a knife work?"