SOL Survival Kit


justin_baker

justin_baker

Bushmaster
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I got one of these for Christmas today. I think it's pretty cool. It has some flaws, but it is definitley the best pre-made commercial survival kit I have seen.
Contents include:
Compass
Combination Knife/LED light/Whistle
Ferrocerium wheel striker
Small length of thin rope
Tin Foil
Small bit of snare wire
Waxed Cotton Fire Starter
In little tube: Needle/Clothespins, Fishing line, a few hooks and weights

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Thoughts:

I wish they would have just put a regular ferro rod instead of the silly wheel striker. It should get the cotton tinder going just fine, but it would be hard pressed to get natural tinder going.

I wish they would have included water purification tablets, instead of tin foil to boil water. I don't see many uses for the tin foil beyond that.

Either way, this is a good kit. The biggest problem is how ridiculously bulky the case is. I probably wouldn't want to pack this around, but it makes a good bombproof container. It's also probably overpriced.

I really like the knife combo tool. I might just start edcing it for the light and whistle. The blade seems solid too. Very lightweight, could make a good backup for both my knife and headlamp. It's also a KNIFE and not a razor blade. This gives the kit a huge advantage over other kits and allows you to do actual fire prep.

I will do a more in depth review and actually use the kit for various survival tasks. I might even try a 24 hour or overnight challenge with it if I get the time.
 
I've seen these and have some of the same concerns you have.I'd really be interested to see how an overnighter with just this kit would go...
 
The tin foil is making a hat :)

I've seen these and passed because I already make PSKs like in the bushclass. For a family member that isn't as bushcraft and survival oriented, these would make a cool gift for them to keep in the car.
 
I agree that SOL makes the best pre-made kit. I have an original SOL kit that I added to and I love it. The base kit was good, by the time I got done with modifying it, it was a solid little PSK. Even without mods, a SOL is a good kit to have in every vehicle and every pack. Good to see they finally started putting a little blade in their kits- I have always added a little blade, plus a lighter, and some other odds and ends.
 
I see a ferro rod mod or put the rod in the kit. I'd be interested in blade quality. Always look at it and want it because I like gadgets.
 
I have bought the kits that come on the small dry bag from AMK. Pretty solid little kits for starters. I've looked at that one and considered it. Thanks for your thoughts on it
 
justin_baker said:
I wish they would have included water purification tablets, instead of tin foil to boil water. I don't see many uses for the tin foil beyond that.
Click to expand...
Just a few off the top of my head.

Windscreen for fire
heat reflector for fire
container to catch water
container to boil water
container to cook in
surface to cook on
dry surface to start a fire on
make a fishing lure
use a piece to make a small cup to melt pine resin in
improvise a signal mirror

Neat kit.
 
Actually not a bad looking kit. It seems like it would be easily carried and that is the key to any survival kit - to have it with you.

Could there be improvements? Sure, but the basics are covered: Navigation, Cutting tool, Cordage, Firemaking and a means of obtaining food.

Nice score! :4:
 
The wheel striker and tinder combo does work. They came with a survival kit I got a few years back for christmas. For their size, theyre not bad.


Ive never tried using the wheel striker with natural tinder. I guess i now have another thing on my list of things to test.
 
justin_baker said:
I wish they would have just put a regular ferro rod instead of the silly wheel striker. It should get the cotton tinder going just fine, but it would be hard pressed to get natural tinder going.
Click to expand...

I think the idea is so you can light the (included) tinder with only one hand, also almost anyone knows how to use it (ala bic lighter), whereas a firesteel needs a bit of practice.

They are pretty decent, biggest drawback as already said it's really bulky, lots of wasted space with all that plastic.
 
Lowes had a knife with a small cresent wrench in the handle. A small LED light with a firesteel. large knife blade,saw blade, and large scissors (pruning). for $19. I thought it might be half price and was going to grab it just for the cool factor. But no signs up about any clearance...
 
I've pondered that kit, but have too many PSKs already.
I do love how they put it together tho, which makes me still want to buy one lol
Also the little knife has an AUS8 blade which is one of my favorite steel type for a folder.

I own quite a few things from AMK and out of all the "pre-made" kit stuff, they make the best quality kits IMHO.
Plus they make the best emergency blankets!
 
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Do the instructions mention what the tin foil could be used for?
I would use it to make char cloth, that sparker tool would start char cloth.
Char can be made from punk wood, so if you have tinfoil to wrap the punk wood in, and cook it on your FIRST fire, you can boot strap fire forever. However, the tin foil could burn out after a few uses.
I am carrying an aluminum pie tin in my pack for just such a purpose.
Terry
 
The average person has not been blessed with lessons from IA Woodsman on the proper use of a ferro rod; thus making the “Spark-a-light” fire starter a more reliable starter for most folks. Don’t underestimate the sparker, they do work. A fair amount of space in my match case it taken up by one in fact (next to a tiny ferro rod).

Wolf
 
I looked at one of those at ##### sportings goods. I use adventure med kits heat sheets and use their first aid kit as a base to build my first aid kits on. I just seem to do better builing my own kit to my needs and wants
Roy
 
I've been thinking about getting one of those kits for along time to. Looks interesting to.
 
I've always passed on these pre-made Survival Kits simply because I have always made better ones with high quality contents. Not to be crass but it's just ironic the acronym is S.O.L.? Maybe that why I alway pass on 'em?
 
Of course most of us build our own kits with the quality we want, and don't mind spending the money. Pre made kits are for people that want to be prepared without putting alot of thought into it or spending as much money as we are willing to spend.

I'm also pretty sure the S.O.L. thing is intentional.
 
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