SEWING (and repair) KITS

It's the little things

That go wrong at all the wrong times and always to the wrong people. At least that's what I've always heard. Problem is, that person is generally me.

I will rip the seat of my pants, tear off a button or ware a hole in my sock on almost every trip out. I could, and if time allows I do ignore the slight inconveniences but every now and then I need to fix something.

That's why I add two more ounces of junk to my regular kit. Like a sewing kit for clothes. These lite and tiny kits are easy to pack, carry and use.

Small kits like these are inexpensive and even FREE as hand outs from Banks, Stores, as promotional items (with name embossed)

Who cares what name is on it, it's handy.

If you are a four eyes like me, Eyeglass repair kits are a must to the wilderness traveler. Of course I always advise trekkers to carry a spare pair of specks (I throw in a pair of my last prescription, not as good as my up to date glasses but better then blind)

The eyeglass kit can be picked up anyplace (check your Mart store) ask your optometrist OR just like the sewing kits, keep your eyes open for promotional hand outs. You can't really "practise" with these kits but they are fairly self explanatory. TIP: make any screw replacement tasks on your knees with your hat on the ground in between your kneecaps, do the work INSIDE your hat. This way should you drop a tiny screw (and you probably will) you can find it in your hat.

The old reliable tools are still here, Pins and over sized rubber bands, Super Glue and Vinyl seal liquid. These are great for pack and tent repairs.

Most tent manufactures will provide a repair kit with the shelter. Fabric, Seam and Pole repair items are usually included.

For tough outer ware items like Gators and Rain Shells/Pants, I like to use a fabric "Tape" from 3M, it is very flexible and strong. I can remove it and make a proper repair or replace the item once I get back to the homestead, for now it does a super job.

When I hunt primitive (with Flintlock) I will usually carry a repair kit in my possibles bag just in case I pop a stitch. My Buddy Buffalo Bill S, is handy with fur and hide and is always fixin something up for me. He gifted me a really neat sewing wallet made from Elk skin (I think) it's needle proof. He packed it with some over sized needles and raw cordage. The tip of a buck antler completes the look and serves as a thong wrap to secure the wallet. Very cool Bill, Thanks

As a note of interest, I have these "Hand Needles" packed in vacuum glass tubes. I carry two or three just in case I lose the thread pullers in my standard kit. I think their neat.

Safe Travels

RJ

CANDLE LANTERS....oil lamp

I Love Candle Lanterns.
The soft glow that a candle puts out is at times preferred to the harsh white/blue light of an LED. Even intentionally low powered tactical LEDs (and I advise everyone to own at least one, like the Gerber Recon or Task lights) can't compare to the friendly omnidirectional light of a candle.
Candles are cheaper then batteries and can be found just about everywhere camping equipment is sold. You will need the special extended life candles not a dinner candle. These last between seven and nine hours depending on type.
Now I have heard many things about BEEs WAX candles and some folk just love em. They claim the bee's wax burns slower and more efficiently, while others advise to stay far away from them and prefer the white Specially formulated type. These white candles are easier to find anyway so they are the ones I use.......I mind my own bees wax.

I use a camp candle from "Limelight Productions" I'm told this company no longer produces this light but it can be found under the name UCO lanterns...same lantern as far as I'm concerned. I have had mine for years (15 +years) and have had to replace the globe (tube) once due to rough handling. Other wise the lantern has always done a great job.
What I like about the candle is the warmth output as well as the soft light. It can really warm up a small bivy shelter and is safe as long as you never let it touch the sides, these suckers get HOT and will burn nylon in an instant.

Years ago I purchased an oil conversion that allows me to supplement the candle with lamp oil (liquid paraffin) as needed. I really like the oil insert and have used it more then the candle configuration.
At one time the conversion was hard to find. Mine was produced by "Northern Lights", I can no longer find it on the NL web site but "Campmor" has one that is identical for about $15.00.
I see many accounts of campers/climbers complaining about these oil units leaking. mine has never leaked. Wait for the unit to FULLY cool before you screw the cover back on over the wick and you should never have a problem.
Modifications:
I have applied some foil tape (real duct tape) to one of the lamps three sided windows. This serves as a reflector that allows me to direct light like a flash light. It also provides a dark side should I need to use the light while others are sleeping or if I want to direct the insects to the other side of camp. It was a great idea that works like a charm.
The Lantern has an inspection window so you might better judge how much life (wax) is left in the lantern. It is fed via a soft spring that brings the candle up as it is consumed, the flame never drops below the lantern's window so light is consistent.
The oil insert has no way to confirm fuel without opening it and having a look see. A full lamp will burn about six hours, but check it after five so you don't burn wick.
TIP: Burn oil NOT wick.

Here you can see the cool (dark) spot behind the reflector. The lamp only throws light from the front and sides.

The wick on the oil lamp is generous and I have never needed to replace it.

So as a source of light as well as heat the candle lantern is pretty good. Lite and tough (if not abused) and easy to use. The lantern came in a rough out leather bag with draw string closure....junk. I have it in a nylon belt pouch made by "BLACK HAWK",

good stuff.

Great survival gear.
Safe Travels
RJ

PARADISE

SKYLINE 8.0 A DAY PACK I CAN WORK WITH

The SKYLINE 8.0
Day Pack



Is yet another one of the "new thinking" pack designs from OUTDOOR PRODUCTS. Those that have discovered equipment from this manufacture have long known that you very often get much more then you pay for. OP first came on the scene back in 1973ish and has always been on the leading edge of equipment design.

The SKYLINE 8.0 is yet another example of their thoughtful mixture of materials, construction, function and style.

I admired the SKYLINE the first time I spotted it in my local Mart store. Like many of us, I have toted enough pack cloth to know what I'm looking at and in just a few moments, I fell in love with the thing.

The deep blue coated rip-stop pack cloth trimmed with grey accents and webbing were a real eye catcher. Bar tacks and pipping tape were at all the stress points and the expansion / reduction layout of the compression straps was nothing if not genius. Someone over at OP was doing their job right.
The design looked classic and modern at the same time.

Much more then a glorified hydration pack, this bag carries like an alpine ruck with very good distribution of load and center of balance characteristics.

Load lifter straps are featured throughout the design enabling the wearer to place the weight in the optimum location for the task at hand, be it a trail hike, vertical climb or biking.


The side compression straps are angled to not only pull the load in close but also to lift the load up. This prevents that "lump of gear at the bottom of your pack" syndrome. I really hate that.

The pack's main hip belt is generously sized (I should know) well padded and have relief openings that wrap around the hip bone instead of cutting into it. Pockets are built in, they are just great for GPS , SPOT units or GORP.

Features like this are generally reserved for packs with much higher price tags.

Ain't that cool?

Access to the main load is via the top panel as well as a side zip on the port side. A center zip back panel opens a nicely sized "outer" pocket that is great for TP, maps, flashlights etc.

The SKYLINE's main support derives from a single aluminum stay that can be formed to the contours of the wearer's spine for a custom fit. The top end of the pack frame is semi ridged and well cushioned. The entire suspension is secured via Velcro hook and loop material.

Deep and wide water bottle style side pockets as well as a Daisey chain ladder and believe it or not ice axe loops add to the versatility of the pack as does an elastic top cord for sweaters or hats just to round out the possibilities. Lets try hard not to forget that this thing is hydration bag capable with a dedicated compartment, hose window and bite valve retainer clip.


The SKYLINE 8.0 pack is just one more reason to give Outdoor Products another look. Well planned and produced equipment is their hallmark and you just can't beat the price. What a wonderful piece of gear to help make our days in the field more enjoyable.
Good work OP, we will be watching you.

Safe travels
RJ

HOBO fishing at the "Y"

YMCA
wilderness skills class.....and stuff

Another day spent with the kids.

Today's lesson was Hobo fishing, an idea that did not automatically instill much confidence in the kids or the counselors. After a bit of practise and a change in location (thanks Dan) we found fish and connected!

For Those not "in the know" Hobo fishing utilizes mono filament line wrapped around a can (which is the reel) and a simple lure, in this case a marabou jig which is cast by hand and retrieved with a re-wrapping motion around the can. By varying the speed of the retrieval, depth can be varied and fish located. "Playing" the fish is a technique that just can't be described, it must be experienced.

Camp Counselor "Dani" had just learned this technique earlier this morning, by lunch time she was an expert! Now it will be her job to spread the knowledge and pass on the skill / fun.

There is nothing sporting about catching fish this way, it truly is a sustenance exorcise. However it can be great fun. Blue Gill were the order of the day, but this fine pan sized Perch would have made a great lunch.

Most days I'm just a fat guy in a funny hat, today I was a teacher and maybe a mentor. I like that. I doubt these kids will ever look at an aluminium can the same way again. Thank you very much.

After four classes of can fishing, I was glad I had a bit of time to meet with some of the kids to talk about "survival kits" and even had some time to discuss snare design with some of the counselors. It was a full day for me, and I'm sure thought provoking for the kids.

A great day of fishing

Safe Travels

RJ

Why not the Y?

The "Y" or the YMCA or the Young Men's Christians Association or my summer vacation

Albert Pine said:

What we do for ourselves dies with us, what we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.

While touring on my motorcycle the other day, I passed by the tri-camp compound of the Port Jervis YMCA. It had been many years since I did any "formal" teaching of wilderness skills. I missed it and in a flash recalled my time with the teens from Thera Trex. A peculiar thought over took me and before I knew it I was dropping the kick stand in front of their main offices.

With a bit of time on my hands I thought it might be fun to spread a bit of wilderness wonder with the camp kids. Before I could reach the office door I was intercepted by the camp Director, an amiable and friendly sort of fellow with a welcoming smile and enthusiastic attitude. I explained my intentions and after a few days of background checks and reference calls, I was welcomed to come out to the camp and spend some time with the kids.

I know from experience the first exposure to these types of skill sets had better be both attainable and entertaining or new comers will often lose interest quickly. For that reason, I chose Fire making as our first session and Flint and Steel as the technique due to it's ease and visually friendly almost theatrical nature. Once again it proved to be the best decision.

I began with splitting wood with a Parang. I find the baton and Parang technique easy for young hands to master and when working "in the round" it is often safest as well. No sharp tool is swinging in the air or impacting anything in a way that it might glance off causing injury.

With the kids eagerly helping with the fire wood, I moved on to the Flint/Steel lesson.

The plan was for us to make bread. I mixed up a batch of my favorite wheat/white recipe the night before and readied the dutch ovens.

The ovens provide both the feast and the entertainment.


It's a great feeling when a young person with doubt in their abilities to accomplish new things manages to prove it to themselves that anything is possible. I watch for the look in their eyes when the task is complete, relief, joy and pride are always better then reticule, embarrassment and regret. I'm happy to be part of that.
I find wilderness skills to be a powerful leveler, particularity with kids from an urban environment. We can play ball and participate in games almost everywhere but you can only have a wilderness experience in the wilderness. I hope these Boys and Girls get that opportunity. Character is very often made when we are out of our "comfort zone". These simple tasks, trials and tests can provide a fun way for a young mind to think outside the box.

They tell me the bread was delicious and a big success, I couldn't tell you. I couldn't get near the table. I guess they liked it.

As a surprise, I made up a small batch of scrambled eggs on the lid of the oven while it was still hot. The axe served as an expedient spatula.


As surprises go the biggest was mine, Jack Lund the President and CEO of the Y was touring the camp and stopped to share our meal. Jack claimed he liked the bread but I could tell he really enjoyed the company of the kids even more.


Well to spite the 90+ degree day and the heat of the cast iron I enjoyed my time with the kids and look forward to more time with them. There is nothing left to do but clean the pots and stir up the ashes.

A cool drink before clean up.

Safe
Travels
RJ