Prep Tip - Water Purification 2

If you are debating on what the "best" water purification system to include in your "bug out" bag is and don't want to worry about whether it will work or not - then consider the Katadyn Pocket water purification device show here.

It works by filtering water through a pre-filter at the inlet hose then through a silver impregnated ceramic filter that filters out bacteria, cysts and sediment down to .2 microns. That will take care of the known nasty little creatures that could cause you to become very ill.

Other exceptional features of this device is the added durability as the critical working features are made out of aluminum and not plastic, the filter is easily cleanable, it is rated at 13,000 gallons, can hook up to hydration systems, Nalgene bottles (shown above) and it has a lifetime warranty. These and other larger units made by Katadyn have been in use by military and missionaries for years. It comes with spare O-Rings, lube, cleaning pads, bottle clip, hydration system connector and carry bag.

Since the Swiss company making this (and other) purification units has been around since 1928, it is a good bet it will be around for a while. Weighing in at 20 ounces it is heavier than some of the other carbon filter units, but it is unlikely to break and you can't afford that to happen in a survival situation. List price on this is around $219. You can get them for a little less. We got this one at the LL Bean Outlet for $169.

Prep Tip - New Fire Starter - Aurora

Solo Scientific has come up with a novel metal striking fire starter tool. It is easy to use and practical to boot. The device is approximately 3.5 inches long and .75 inches in diameter and made of a totally checkered metal exterior for easy gripping and a lanyard hole for attaching to essential gear.

The device screws apart into two pieces - one is the striking surface comprised of a magnesium alloy rod that uses the substantial scraping blade (no knife needed but you can use one if you had to) that is screwed into a relieved portion of the metal case.

Simply unscrew the pieces and scrape the blade across the length of the rod and you will get a small number of glowing magnesium embers that will easily set tinder on fire. The rod is firmly secured into the base and won't fall off like the traditional magnesium fire starter flints.

So, in short it takes the best of two items and combines them making your attempt at fire starting that much more successful. Remember - REDUNDANCY is important - carry this along with or in place of some of the other fire starting tools.

The ICE fire kit will include this item. Price: MSRP is $19.95 and Camping Survival has them in stock... www.campingsurvival.com Andy Putrello is the inventor and owner of solo scientific.

ICE4SAFETY and CampingSurvival.Com field tested this device and can verify that it indeed produced a fire. We recommend that your fire kit have vaseline impregnated cotton balls as fire starters as they catch on fire instantly when molten magnesium is showered onto it. Everyone can afford and either has or can readily acquire these basic items.

ICE - Laminating Your Own ICE Cards

Time to add some more DIY tips on how to laminate and create your own custom ICE Tools. This is so easy to do....next time you stop at Wal-Mart or an office supply store pick up some Scotch (3M)Brand Business Card (10) and Luggage Tag (2) Laminating Pouches.

Cost per ICE Card is 48 cents! Cost per ICE Tag is 98 cents!

If you decide to make a neck chain or ski bag tag or ski jacket card - this is the DIY way to go...print out a sheet of cards on your computer and make up some spares to carry in your car and (ski) jackets and camping gear. Note the card in the clear laminating pouch above....takes a second to complete yourself. No heating surfaces to burn yourself on.

Want to do large groups over one hundred....you can buy pouches in large quantities as well.

Simple - do it yourself.