My bug out bag includes matches, lighters, and flint.
Now the problem is just everyday life going to work and our packs, which include the type of lighters I have. My lighters which use butane will not work in the very cold. Even after 20 min in my pocket it would only work part way.
Solution; look for Zippo type lighter, it can use multi fuel. Another option would be to get a small Propane torch as well, very small. I also have a small lock de-icer in the glove box, it works given time to unlock locks, but even that toot about 10 minutes this morning.
The BBQ lighter does not work, the torch lighter does not work.
For leaving in my vehicle, the small propane torch is an option, for taking 4km into the bush, not an option, so Zippo for the pack and small plastic container of fuel, either White Gas/Coleman or gasoline.
Anybody have any other things they have noticed should be added to our northern packs and vehicles?
IMCO Super 6700 is made to use all kinds of fuel, even gasoline.
http://www.providencesupplies.com/Products.php?category=17&view=productListPage
If your butane lighter won't work stick it in your armpit for a few minutes to warm up, just like you do with your frosty fingers.
We need a big enough container to melt snow.
I'm trying to find a good one for my car kit. Preferably one with a secure lid to put the whole kit in. I'm using an ammo box for my kit but melting snow in it isn't so good.
CT sells a Magic Heat stove. I think it's liquid alcohol and a wick, not gel like sterno. OK by itself.
I modified one to fit inside a canteen cup for my pack.
Ammo box stove,
look it up on yourtube, there is someone who is making ammo box stoves. They are small but very light and seem to work well. I am thinking on making one myself.
Thank you for the link as well, I am looking at it right now.
Perfessor,
"We need a big enough container to melt snow." I would suggest a billy can - get one of them 100 ounce ketchup cans, cut off the top - washout of course. Then get a plastic lid from a 100 ounce coffee can, and most of you stuff will fit inside, I hope. A $3 pot gripper added to your kit will allow you to pour boiling water out of the billy can.
WildE,
You may want to add a couple candle stubs, not perfect but if you can get one lit you can transfer fire to other places/needs. I like Zippo's and the fact that naptha (white gas/Coleman fuel) works in them too is handy. Any one ever owned one of them hurricane lighters??? Do they work in the cold??
There is always matches.....:-(
Mountainman.
I bought my mother one a few years ago as she was a smoker, and she never had any issues with it. I've used similar lighters, and although they didn't work, the concept is sound. Some are even used for underwater soldering and welding.
H
Prepare for the worst
Hope for the best
Yes Propane will not vaporize past -40c unless heated,ran into this problem trying to solder plumbing pipes in sub zero temps.
I am thinking about building a stove out of one of the old steel military gasoline cans I have.
I have several of them and one has never had fuel in it. This one could sit on top or even beside the stove for melting snow, boiling water etc.
I also keep a dozen 8 inch steel spikes, 6 plastic screw in anchors, a small roll of steel wire and about 100 4 inch nails in my kit. Yes it takes space and adds weight, but in testing I can put a very clean solid emergency shelter together using both dead and green limbs, quickly.
I also have one plastic Husqvarna falling wedge in my kit and can split 6 inch logs length way for of course split firewood, but also flat faced makeshift lumber or wedges for many uses in building more permanent emergency shelters far from civilization.
Hmmm, maybe I should rethink the quiet part...
Bug season is here;
add in mosquito netting - suit and hat
also mosquito bed netting
Bug solutions - too many, so far I like Deep Woods Off the best
anyone have any good original recipes, native recipes for bug repellent?
- I had heard of using certain types of smelly plants, crush up and rub on skin
Smoke will chase most/all bugs away.
H
Prepare for the worst
Hope for the best
Amen WildernessReturn. No amount of smoke keeps MY mosquitos away! I have a mosquito jacket and hat/net that work. I'd recommend very strongly that anyone planning a move to the country go to Giant Tiger, etc. today and buy a mosquito jacket and pants while they're in stock. Deep Woods off works great, too. Mosquitos don't like marigolds so perhaps rubbing marigold leaf on yourself might help.....
Just found this;
"Lemon grass is a natural mosquito repellant! Also known as Mosquito Grass, it's strong citrus odour drives mosquitos away! Not only is it a very functional patio plant, Lemon Grass is used in cooking Asian Cuisine, adding a light lemony flavour!"
On the Ontario board, Joe_O posted this great link in the 'Bug Out Bugs' thread
http://www.naturalnews.com/035973_mosquito_repellents_clothing_summer.html
PrepHer,
thank you for posting that link it is awesome, and the site will get more explored soon.
I'm trying the lemon grass in 8 pots around the backyard patio this year. So far, it's not working - still have mosquitos coming like last year. I'll be trying the marigolds next. I use them in my sfg and it seems to keep some bugs away there. Haven't actually tested that in any depth though.
My lemon grass doesn't even smell lemony. It has a taste, if you chew on it.
Runs With Scissors
Runs With Scissors
Your supposed to crush the Lemon Grass and rub it on your skin.
The smelly yellow Citronella stuff should do better in a pot to keep them away. Marigolds are so smelly, they might work!