Readyman Gear

It's about time that I wrote about this stuff!  Now that I finally have an entire day mostly to myself I'm gonna do my best to get caught up.  Happy New Year everyone!  I hope that you make some significant progress at becoming more prepared this year!  The same goes for me too.

If you are not already familiar with ReadyMan you should at least take a minute or two to educate yourself.  Theses guys are the real deal and so is the gear that they produce.

https://www.readyman.com/

I'm sure that you have already seen at least one of their products.  All of the products they create go hand-in-hand with the training they provide and are based on years of their experience as Army Rangers and Navy Seals.

The Hostage Escape Card was their first offering.  This metal card, the size and thickness of a credit card, is meant to be kept in your wallet with the purpose to aid you in escaping if you are ever kidnapped or otherwise captured.  This card includes a tension wrench, picks, handcuff shims and a saw for cutting rope, zip ties or tape.  Knowing how to pick a lock is a not only an impressive man skill it can help you avoid a sticky situation.  If you know how to pick a lock it is much harder to get your "Man Card" revoked.  
http://readymanstore.com/collections/readyman-tools-survival-cards/products/readyman-hostage-escape-card

Additionally they have an Emergency Vehicle Acquisition Card (E.V.A.C.) designed to assist in the event that you need a vehicle in an emergency.
http://readymanstore.com/collections/readyman-tools-survival-cards/products/readyman-e-v-a-c

An AR-15 Cleaning Card designed to scrape hard to reach carbon deposits from the AR-15 bolt carrier, bolt and star chamber.
http://readymanstore.com/collections/readyman-tools-survival-cards/products/readyman-ar-15-cleaning-card

A Wilderness Survival Card that includes fish hooks, lures, saws, trident, arrowhead, needles and much more.
http://readymanstore.com/collections/readyman-tools-survival-cards/products/readyman-wilderness-survival-card

A Fishermans Survival Card
http://readymanstore.com/collections/readyman-tools-survival-cards/products/readyman-fishermans-survival-card

The EDC Defense Tool.
 http://readymanstore.com/collections/readyman-tools-survival-cards/products/edc-defense-tool

The ReadyMan Arm Cannon.  A long lost skill that I will be working on diligently in the spring.
http://readymanstore.com/collections/readyman-tools-survival-cards/products/readyman-arm-cannon

The ReadyMan Knife.  I need to get my hands on one of these!
http://readymanstore.com/collections/readyman-tools-survival-cards/products/readyman-knife

A Pocket Survival Stove.  Watch out for an upcoming review on this specifically.
http://readymanstore.com/collections/readyman-tools-survival-cards/products/readyman-pocket-survival-stove

And their ReadyMan Firearm Lubricant.  I am currently putting this to the test and will update you sometime in the future.  This year I have been shooting it dirty, (my AR-15 and XD-9) and it is now time to clean.  I will return and report.
http://readymanstore.com/collections/readyman-tools-survival-cards/products/readyman-firearm-lube

Watch for new upcoming collaborations between ReadyMan, PrepperCon and The Prepared Guy.  Visit PrepperCon.com for the new ReadyMan/PrepperCon card that will initially be available with the online purchase of your April expo admission in SLC.  

You can watch our previous broadcasts on the PrepperConTV YouTube channel with Jeff and Evan of ReadMan here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMjCf61SESI

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7Tia5rpu7A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTddmM02Zz4


Or listen to the archived broadcasts here:

http://radiorecast.com/ktalk/archive/PrepperCon%20Radio/2015%201230%20Cold%20Weather%20Survival.mp3

http://radiorecast.com/ktalk/archive/PrepperCon%20Radio/2015%201202%20Winter%20Preparedness%20with%20Readyman.mp3

http://radiorecast.com/ktalk/archive/PrepperCon%20Radio/2015%201111%20Readyman%20Team%20Jeff%20&%20Evan.mp3

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PrepperCon Radio Episode 13, 12 30 15 Cold Weather Preparations

Jeff Kirkham of ReadyMan and RATS Tourniquet joined us again today to tap into his knowledge and experience with cold weather survival.  Good stuff!

For better sound quality you can listen to the archived broadcast here:

 http://radiorecast.com/ktalk/archive/PrepperCon%20Radio/2015%201230%20Cold%20Weather%20Survival.mp3

Join us each Wednesday in 2016 at 9AM MST on K-Talk Media AM 630 in SLC, Utah.

You can listen most anywhere with the K-Talk app on Google Play.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.viastreaming.KTalkRadio

ReadyMan will be at PrepperCon in SLC on April 15-16.
www.preppercon.com

www.readyman.com

www.readymanstore.com


When I think of cold weather I think of the short story by Jack London, "To Build a Fire"  The second version is my favorite.   http://www.jacklondons.net/buildafire.html 

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New to me: Teton Sports

I love backpacks!  When I say I love backpacks I mean it!  Throwing on a backpack makes me feel all warm and tingly inside.  Ok, well, that's an exaggeration, (actually it's not) but the reason I am so enamored with carrying a backpack is because I have spent so much time outdoors relying on a good pack to serve me well and carry all of my essential items.  Some of my best and most favorite experiences have been outdoors in the "wilderness".  When I am in unfamiliar territory, in adverse weather, in places where I could easily die ( I exaggerate not) through a number of different ways all I have to count on is myself and my gear.  The backpack is what makes all of this happen.  I do not undervalue a well built and well designed pack.

I have had these two packs in my possession for about a month now.  I had never seriously considered Teton Sports products before as I am EXTREMELY picky about what gear I carry.  I will not accept any gear failure!  Especially something as critical as a backpack.  For this reason I have always spent a lot of money on proven packs such as Mountain Hardware and The North Face.  My first internal frame pack that I purchased in the mid 80's was made by Wave Products in SLC.  A heavy cordura pack that to this day has never so much as frayed a stitch, nor busted a zipper despite its heavy use.  This pack has been the standard to which I hold all of my other backpacks.

When I got my hands on these packs the first thing I noticed was the material.  I don't really care what the fabric is named, I judge it by other criteria than some made up name.  The fabric is not nearly as heavy as the cordura of my Wave or North Face packs but it's thicker than what i've seen on many ultralight packs.  My initial thought was that it seemed to be a good middle of the road fabric.  I admit, the cordura material of the two packs I just mentioned are TOO heavy on many of my trips.

The second thing that I look at is the quality of the zippers.  The tell-tale sign that I typically look for is the infamous YKK marking.  This is the best quality and most reliable zipper brand that I know of.  I then look to see the sizing of the zipper; to see if it is adequate for the use.  I don't like to see any zipper holding much weight, but if it is, it had better be a large burly zipper, even oversized.  Although these zippers do not have the YKK markings they appear to be a good quality and adequate size for the use, and critical zippers are backed up by straps to help take the load off of them.    

The third thing I look at is how comfortable and adjustable the pack is.  Every body is different in size and dimension.  An internal frame pack must fit me like a glove.  Most of my hiking is off trail so I can't have a pack slipping and sliding around or even shifting slightly.  This is my favorite feature of the 4000.  The comfort and adjustability is excellent!  The padding on the hips and shoulders is ideal.  Not too bulky yet padded enough for all day comfort.  The fit and comfort get an "A" grade from me!

The fourth thing I look at is how it is configured.  How are the pockets and access to the the compartments designed and laid out.  Does the design fit my needs and specific use?  Are the straps positioned to carry my gear properly and are there an adequate number of them?

Now, I'm not one to strap a bunch of stuff to the outside of my pack and let things dangle or swing.  The items that I will strap to the outside of my pack would include a rope, helmet, sleeping pad, tent and possibly trekking poles.  I also find it useful to have a quick access pocket or pouch where I can easily stash or access a jacket as the weather in the high country can change suddenly.  Both of these packs accommodate this purpose well.  

Speaking specifically about the MA 4000; while it is large enough for an overnight or even a 3 day backpacking trip the built in straps on the sides and bottom of the bag are not long enough to accommodate a regular size sleeping pad or tent but should work fine if you have the less bulky lightweight or ultralight versions.  The same goes for a sleeping bag.  The pack is not large enough for a "regular" size sleeping bag but accommodates a light weight version such as my NF 30 F down Blue Kazoo sleeping bag.  The Teton Sports Grand 5500 pack would be a better choice for me for a multi-day trip.  Because of all of the straps the 4000 has, it is an ideal size for me for an afternoon caving trip when I have to pack a lot of gear.

On the 4000 there is a perfect spot for my helmet and I would also assume that it would work well with my snow shovel and possibly a snowboard.  I didn't intend to go into great detail about the pack but one additional feature I really like is the incorporation of a pocket in the right side of the hip belt that is perfect for a phone, camera or snacks and a knife.  This pack also includes a tarp/poncho made of ripstop nylon which makes the perfect addition for the prepper using this pack as a bug-out bag.

I prefer to go "heavy".  Heavy is relative.  I am always concerned about weight when backpacking but i'd rather carry a pack that is larger than I need to carry those few extra items.  So, a day pack for me is an afternoon pack, a weekend pack is a day pack; you get the picture.

I could, however, easily use the Rock 1800 as a day pack for a summer hike.  My favorite features are the small pocket on the right shoulder strap which makes it very convenient to carry and have quick access to a phone or camera, and the pouch on the back makes it easy to quickly stash or access a jacket.

For a day hike I would typically carry:

Gore Tex jacket
Water filter
Water bottle
Food
First Aid kit
Flashight/headlamp and extra batteries, back-up flashlight.
Leather gloves
Fire kit
Pocket Knife/Multi-tool
Compass/GPS
Firearm and loaded magazines.
Extra socks
Cel Phone/HAM radio and solar charger
Monocular/Binoculars

Add a small stove and a cook kit and a day pack won't work for me at all, and depending upon the weather I may want to add a warm layer, thus the larger pack is a better option for me for most trips.  Because I am typically a trip leader I will carry more gear than most, for the benefit of the group.  A stove and water filter isn't usually required for every hiker in a group thus most of the other hikers can carry less gear making a day pack ideal.

If you are not a hike leader and are looking for a "day pack" the Rock 1800 is a very good option.  The quality and value is very good.  The Talus 2700 and the Mountain Adventure I consider an excellent option for a trip leader and the Grand 5500 for a week long backpacking adventure.      

For me to give you a complete review of these packs I would need to give them a full year or two to really put them to the test.  I wish I could hang on to them longer and have the opportunity to get them dirty and take them on several trips but alas I don't get to keep either of these packs.  But, let me say, my eyes have been opened a little wider and I will consider Teton Sports products when I have a particular need in the future.  You should too.  

Teton Sports, if you happen to read this, send me a 2700 or 4000.  I'll put it thru the wringer and give you a tough and honest long term review, and focus on how a prepper would use it too.  I DO like the black!  


Mountain Adventurer 4000  $139.99
http://www.tetonsports.com/Backpacks/UltraLight/mountain-adventurer4000.htm#.Vks6qXarRhE


Rock 1800  $59.99
http://www.tetonsports.com/Backpacks/UltraLight/rock1800.htm#.Vks6XXarRhE

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PrepperCon Radio Episode 12, 12 23 15 Thrive: Ben Hansen

With Ben Hansen of the SciFi Channel "Fact or Faked" in studio we gave our thoughts about last minute Christmas gifts and an upcoming show about our gun laws and firearms training in January.  In addition to being an expert on the paranormal, Ben is also a firearms instructor and will join us again in January.

http://www.benhansen.com/

Join us each week as we talk about emergency preparedness and survival topics on K-Talk Media.  AM630 KTKK, SLC, Utah.  Download the KTalk app on Google play.

http://www.k-talk.com/

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.viastreaming.KTalkRadio

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PrepperCon Radio Episode 11, 12 16 15 Survive: Day One Response

Episode #11 of PrepperCon Radio with Day One Response, the creators of the Day One Waterbag  A complete water treatment system that incorporates purification and filtration.

What will you do when the taps run dry?  Do you have a plan in place about how to obtain more water consistently?  How do you plan on making that water drinkable?  Here is one excellent solution.

Listen to the episode and then watch my YouTube video review of the waterbag.




You can buy the waterbag at Day One Response.com as well as donate them to relief efforts all around the world.

http://dayoneresponse.com/


Watch my review of the waterbag and learn about my long term emergency plans about how I will provide water for my family.  Do you have a plan on how you'll get more water for your needs if the power goes out for an extended period of time?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSa-HZl95lQ

You can also read my blog post for a more detailed review.

http://www.preparedguy.com/2015/11/day-one-response-waterbag-gear-review.html

What are you going to do when your faucets no longer provide clean drinkable water?

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PrepperCon Radio Episode 10, 12 09 15 Protect: The Armory

This 10th episode of  PrepperCon Radio we had a good time talking about concealed carry handguns and had some great listener questions and comments.  Being the second week of the month our theme is the 2nd mission of PrepperCon: Protect.  Our guest today was Brian from The Armory, a shooting range and gun shop in Sandy, UT.

Do you prefer to carry a pocket pistol, sub-compact, compact or full size pistol as your daily concealed carry weapon?  We talk about the benefits and reasons.  I say carry as big a gun as you can.  Scott disagrees.  Of course I'm right.  We also talk briefly about our top five firearm recommendations for preppers before our time is up.  Watch the broadcast below.




You can also listen to better sound quality at the PrepperCon Radio K-Talk archive here:

http://radiorecast.com/ktalk/archive/PrepperCon%20Radio/2015%201209%20Guns%20Guns%20Guns%20with%20the%20Armory.mp3

Check out the last two blog posts where I expound more about these two topics.

http://www.preparedguy.com/2015/12/top-5-prepper-firearms.html

http://www.preparedguy.com/2015/12/what-should-you-carry.html

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PrepperCon Radio Episode 9, 12 02 15 Prepare: Readyman

In addition to, and as a continuation of the radio show today I wanted to expound on the topic of what you can do to be prepared for winter emergencies.  An hour is just so little time for such an important topic.

Jeff Kirkham with Readyman was our guest again today.  He had some great comments from the perspective of being former military and having trained in winter conditions all over the world.

Take a listen to the program on the K-Talk.com archives here:   http://radiorecast.com/ktalk/archive/PrepperCon%20Radio/2015%201202%20Winter%20Preparedness%20with%20Readyman.mp3

Or watch/listen to the broadcast on the PrepperConTV YouTube channel.  I completely forgot to take along the DSLR this morning so there is no video for this episode.  Sorry.  But the sound quality is much better.  You just don't get to see our handsome mugs this time.



 We spoke briefly about what items you should carry in your vehicle for the winter in a worst case scenario.  Here is my winter survival kit list.

1.  Wool blankets
2.  Snow boots
3.  Flashlight / spotlight / signal light
4.  Hand warmers (lots)
5.  Tool kit
6.  Food  (72 hour kit)
7.  Water
8. Fix-a-flat
9.  Extra fluids, including windshield washer fluid.
10.  Emergency radio and extra batteries
11.  Car charger / jump starter
12.  Map
13.  First Aid Kit
14.  Tow strap
15.  Ice scraper
16.  Shovel
17.  Duct tape
18.  Knife
19.  Tire chains
20.  Camp stove
21.  Gloves
22.  Winter coat/clothing.
23.  Cel Phone
24.  Emergency Flares / triangle
25.  Tow strap
26.  Large garbage bags

In addition to this list you will need to add personal items appropriate for your family.  These items may include:

-  Prescriptions
-  Coloring books and crayons
-  Child backpack or stroller
-  Etc.

Check the weather reports before you leave and plan accordingly.

You should always tell others your travel plans and stick to a travel schedule.

25% of winter deaths are attributed to people leaving their vehicle.  So, unless you are prepared to walk in the bitter cold of winter, don't.

Keep your gas tank full.  When your tank reaches 1/2, consider it to be empty and top it off.  If you slide off the road and become stuck you will need to stay warm by keeping the vehicle on.  I you are stuck in traffic for hours because of bad weather you'll feel much better if you have a full tank.

Winter / snow tires make a very noticeable difference.  However, unworn tires with good tread life and lots of siping will help to ensure that you have good traction.  As you drive you can check road conditions by applying the brakes to test your tire traction and then driving at an appropriate speed to will keep you in control.

If you are driving in wet snow you will find that it may be more difficult to find traction than in dry powder snow.  Avoid spinning your tires.  Keeping a bag of kitty litter or coarse sand in your vehicle may help you to find traction when you are stuck.

Dress in layers.  Avoid cotton clothing that will absorb moisture and wear synthetic clothing layers such as polypropylene or other name brand fabrics made specifically to 'wick' away moisture from your skin.  Remember, the three rules of winter survival.  1.  Stay dry.  2.  Stay dry.  3 Stay dry.  If you are sweating and the weather becomes cold your body will lose heat rapidly and you may become hypothermic.  Wearing the right clothing when outdoors in the winter could save your life.

Read my recent post about how to property tow a vehicle to learn how to also recover a stuck vehicle.
 

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