The “COOL” factor can get you killed.
I have been involved in the wilderness survival / Prepper
sub-culture for most of my life. As a
youth my time in the forest with my friends was an introduction to the lessons
I would come to learn. Sports like hunting and fishing, trapping and
snowshoeing as well as rock climbing and camping were the precursor to advanced
survival skills.
I read every book available and was proud to transpose that
knowledge to the real world, first to master the skill set and then to impress
my friends. Some of these friends also
took to the same path but via a different trail. I am lucky to call many great
woodsmen my friends. The time we spend together as a rowdy band of fools often
turns into an unmatched cross training exorcise.
The norm these days is to pick up a magazine at the local
mall for the latest hub bub on the art/skill/science of self-sufficiency. The COOL factor is just so high. The covers of some of these wonderful volumes
of modern lore are such eye candy we just can’t help but pick one or two
up. Even the internet (YouTube) has
become the latest venue for stand in or surrogate instruction. Now I’m not
saying this is bad, indeed I myself love watching people share new ideas (or
even old ones) it not only gives me pride in my fellow Brothers and Sisters but
it allows me to learn new ways to convey
an idea.
But here’s the rub.
Some of these weekend warriors will have great photos or video showing
gear that they HIGHLY recommend. My issue is of course is most of this gear is
new, unused; scratch free, clean and in retail packaging. What the heck?
Is this your first time using this stuff? What are you
basing your opinion on? Your lack of
real testing or just legitimate use could get me killed if I rely on it.
Before I give any gear or technique the nod I want to use
it….REALLY USE IT. I have destroyed good
gear. I’m not talking about destruction testing (although I think this type of
testing is fantastic) I mean putting equipment to the test through hard labor.
Knives are used, tents set up and left up, filters used in the nastiest types
of water, miles of rough terrain go on my boots and packs and everything
carried by them. If an item fails after
two years of hard use it has not failed…it has supplied two years of reliable
service and I will report as much. Two months will give you the same report…if
you are comfortable with two months of service so be it. I do however USE the gear before I post a
report. So next time you see an article
about a favorite knife, backpack or mess kit check the info closely. Look for
signs of use and not just signs of cool.
The difference can save you some grief.
Stay Safe
RJ Mosca
