Survival Anyone?

I like knives and I like survival kits.  I grew up hiking and tromping through the woods all around my home.  I always took a few things with me in case I needed them.  I never got lost, because I had a good sense of direction, even when every valley and every hill and every tree began to look just like the last.  It is not always that way, though.

Even the most savvy woodsman or woodswoman can find themselves in trouble in the woods.  If you're on a day hike somewhere that is unfamiliar or if you leave your group on a canoe trip to explore it is a great idea to have a whistle with you.  Extra water and an energy bar are two things that nobody should venture off alone without.  What about a way to make fire or headlamp in case you get in a good nap and wake up to stars overhead?

Rope?  Something to assist in the making of a shelter?  Nuff said.  As my boss says, "I'm not asking."  With a smile of course!  Here at Piragis we have some cool necessities.  (You've got to try the ultimate stormproof matches).  We know that some of you like to tinker and to make your own kits.  We also know that some of you like knives as well, so...

I found a nice little video on YouTube about how to turn a Neck Knife (knife worn in a sheath around your neck as a necklace) into a PSK or Personal Survival Kit.  Lots of these projects require stuff you find around the house and pieces of gear you might already have.  When you're finished personalizing yours, you'll have a functional backup that you won't want to leave home or camp without.



Hey, safety first, right.  If you're into Outdoor Survival, you'll want to check out the excellent selection of books we have online as well.  Happy Friday Canoe Campers!

Tim

Here's the list of what is in the PSK from the video:

The rubber is bicycle inner tube cut to length. This rubber also serves as emergency tinder if need be.

SHELTER - Seven strand Paracord & handle wrap, Needle and waxed line for clothing repair. This kit is light on shelter resources, but it is a small kit.

FIRE - BSA Hotspark, Cotton treated with Vaseline, 2 birthday candles, inner tube rubber.

WATER - Two 10 oz milk bags, 20 mg Potassium Permanganate. This would only allow one to treat 20 oz of water at a time and it takes a half hour to treat water with KMnO4. At a water source that would translate into 40 oz an hour.

SIGNALS - Day/Night Mirror, LED Light, Fire/Smoke, Whistle

NAVIGATION - 20 mm Button Compass

FOOD - #4 waxed line for snares, traps, or fishing.

You can make a similar kit around many different neck knives and their sheaths.

If you find a favorite neck knife or do this project, let us know.

Boundary Waters Bear Watch Update

From time to time, black bears visit campsites in the Boundary Waters.  Hey, after all, we're canoeing through their backyard, right.  The Forest Service keeps us updated, just like they do about fires and portage conditions or campsite closings, soooo....

We'll keep you updated!

Here's what to watch for and where:

click for larger view

BWCAW FIRE UPDATE Lake Three Area Boundary Waters Horseshoe Island

Horseshoe Island (Lake Three) Fire
Update – June 20, 2011
          
DATE OF DETECTION:  June 13, 2011

CAUSE:  Lightning

CURRENT SIZE:  31 acres

LOCATION:   T62N, R9W, Sec. 2 NWNW; Horseshoe Island in Lake Three within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)

AGENCY:  Superior National Forest, Kawishiwi Ranger District

STATUS:  First sighted by visitors on June 12, 2011 and reported on June 13, 2011

SMOKE CONDITIONS:  Some smoke may be visible in the general area of Lake Three.

RESOURCES:  The fire is being monitored as needed based on weather and fire behavior.

RE-OPENED:  All campsites in the southern end of Lake Three have been re-opened.

FIRE INFORMATION:     (218) 365-2093 Becca Manlove
                                                (218) 365-7619 Tracy Richards

Today’s Messages:  Visitors approaching burned areas should use caution due to the danger of falling trees. In the narrow channel next to the burned island paddlers should stay as close to the green shore as possible. The fire activity is low due to damp weather. Visitors are continuing to travel throughout Lake Three.  All portages are open, including the portage into Horseshoe Lake.

Piragis Canoe BOAT TAPE Saves Trip

We love hearing from you guys.  Notes and pictures from your trips rock!  Ever wonder why we recommend you have boat tape along on your trip?  Oh and by the way, it isn't just regular old run of the mill duct tape or something recommended by a primate.  It's our special secret BOAT TAPE.

This from an outfitting client:

Hi Drew and Bert,

Just wanted to send you a shot of two happy campers.  Love the kevlar canoes, and the rest of the gear was also top notch, as usual.  Every year it seems like it gets easier, and at our age, how many things can we say that about?  The advice about campsites was also much appreciated.   The spring trip was new for us, but we decided we'll be doing our usual fall trip as well.  Be calling you soon to arrange that.  Have a great summer!

Steve and Cindy Broste

Champlin, MN

PS:  Also wanted to show you that the boat tape came in handy when we snapped a fishing rod in half.  A green dogwood stick shoved into both broken ends, then two grooved wooden splints to bridge the break, all secured with gobs of boat tape did the trick.  Wanted to have a picture of it with a big laker it had caught, but that was not to be.

Hey, our advice is pack it along next time and you can repair anything!  It might not be pretty when you're done, but it'll work.  For $6.99 a thirty foot roll, you can't purchase a cheaper more effective insurance policy.

Thanks for reading.  STAY TUNED FOR MORE STUFF THAT WORKS from Your Friends in the Great Northwoods, Piragis Northwoods Company.

BWCAW Fire Update

Today’s Messages: Visitors should stay clear of the two islands that are burning. All portages are open, including the portage into Horseshoe Lake. Visitors may see or hear aircraft and fire crews. A public safety crew may be in the area as well. Visitors are continuing to travel through the Lake Three area. The fire activity is low. Fire is still confined to two islands and continues to creep.


Horseshoe Island (Lake Three) Fire


Update – June 16, 2011



DATE OF DETECTION: June 13, 2011

CAUSE: unknown, likely lightning

CURRENT SIZE: approximately 31 acres

LOCATION: T62N, R9W, Sec. 2 NWNW; Horseshoe Island in Lake Three within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)

AGENCY: Superior National Forest, Kawishiwi Ranger District

STATUS: First sighted by visitors on June 12, 2011 and reported on June 13, 2011

SMOKE CONDITIONS: Smoke is visible in the general area of Lake Three. The smell of smoke is more widespread along the Fernberg Road area.

RESOURCES: This fire is being monitored and actions will be taken as needed.

Closures: Three campsites in the southern end of Lake 3 are closed. Each campsite that is closed is posted. Information regarding the campsite closures will be posted at the Lake One and Snowbank Lake entry points.

FIRE INFORMATION: (218) 365-2093 Becca Manlove

(218) 365-7619 Tracy Richards



Today’s Messages: Visitors should stay clear of the two islands that are burning. All portages are open, including the portage into Horseshoe Lake. Visitors may see or hear aircraft and fire crews. A public safety crew may be in the area as well. Visitors are continuing to travel through the Lake Three area. The fire activity is low. Fire is still confined to two islands and continues to creep.