Hey folks, sorry for the re-upload. I had to fix a problem. Maybe one day TH-cam will allow us to re-edit videos in place. On the plus side, I also added a deleted scene at the end. Enjoy!
Just a suggestion with the knife being 1095 steel, put a good coat of wax on the knife, vacuum seal it for long term storage. 1095 will rust fairly quick if exposed to humid or damp conditions.
The coating on the Esee does a pretty good job at keeping rust off of most of the blade. Just a light coat of oil on the edge and you are fine. This comes from 10+ years of Esee ownership and use.
I would do a few customisations immediately. 1). a candle! (two sides trimmed down to make it thinner (mainly for fire-starting). 2) A lighter (Jet or Bic, or both!). The ferrorod would be at best a back-up. 3). A pencil sharpener (not for the pencil, but rather for making tinder/fine kindling! Often a lot quicker than feathersticking! Works like a dream, and you can keep your pencil sharp! Just my 2 cents' worth.
Get to da choppa!!! 😂. I just don't get premade kits? Buy a really basic kit and add to it maybe?? It's a lot better to build your own. You'd make one hell of a kit for $500-$700. 🤷♂️
Great review, and great kit, I just don't foresee myself ever being in situation where I could justify dropping $500+ on a kit in one go. I'd have to be a pretty hardcore adventurer, and unfortunately I'm closer to a potato than I am to extreme outdoorsman. But this does give a good example of what a complete kit looks like, and makes me feel that my $250 worth of gear collected over time and stashed in an ammo box covers all the bases, if not as heartily.
Nice video. I bought the older version of this on many years ago. It was the one that came in the red bag and had the ESEE 6 as the knife. I paid $215’ish for it, direct from ESEE. Prices sure have gone up.
How? You are acting like you are knowledgeable and just learned something new... when you are at best ignorant and of course you wouldn't have thought of it or seen it.
I love your comprehensive videos! People can get a free inside review on a lot of survival kits before making a purchase (though those kits are not available to me where I'm from, we can't even order from Amazon). But still, we can put together our own kits after seeing the practical contents most decent kits have thanks to channels like these. Keep up the good work!
Outstanding Eric! I’ve been looking forward to seeing this video for quite some time. Happy to see you add the Jolly Ranchers. I knew seeing the rope, that it was going to be a challenge to get back into the kit. Looks like you had a lot of fun with this one. Thanks for sharing!
You are the first person I've seen, other then myself, who keeps coffee filters with your survival bag. I use the big white ones myself, not only can you prefilter water with them, but they are good for fire starting, first aid and wiping after you do a number two, so very useful.
I have a customized Sea To Summit X-Brew. I cut the silicon base and glued a soda cap below to adapt it to my platypus or any bottle. Heavier than paper filters but much more convenient.
For $500 I could buy the following: 1. ACR ResQ Link ePIRB or Spot Gen4 for about $200-300: This equals guaranteed rescue. 2. The 5 C’s for about $50 to take of business while I’m waiting for rescue. 3. Save about $100-200 bucks for the beer, pizza, and lap dances when I get home.
You only get rescued if there’s someone to rescue you! If the shtf big time the rescue team might be having a hard time themselves! Yes an Evernote is a nice thing to have and in most cases you will be rescued but you need enough kit to last until they find you!
The rope in the kit isn’t meant to climb on. It’s BlueWater accessory cord. It’s great stuff. With that length you can use the cord to tie yourself a Swiss seat climbing harness & rappel on a carabiner using a munter hitch. You’d have to add 150’ or so of high test bank line or something to rappel down though. Unless you did add line to rappel with the included pieces to the puzzle are useless & excess weight.
@@KitbashedSurvival There’s even enough to cut it & make a Prusik loop with double fisherman knots to back up your rappel & make a Swiss seat. Again, you’d have to add bank line or something to the kit to rappel down on.
If your going to include a filter over tabs or drops I think you have to choose the Be free over Sawyer because there is less moving parts. No o ring to loose and the biggest issue no syringe needed for cleaning
@@adventureswiththecrazyvet Dunno, some people (dunno if it's a fixed (for years probably) problem or misuse or something else) in have reported problem with the befree (flow rate going down etc.).
@@RannonSi yeah you just have to clean it. The flow rate goes down when it's dirty. I'm 800 miles in on a thru hike across America on the American Discovery Trail and it has worked great with no issues. ( Knock on wood)
@@talisikid1618 well sir, "the companies buy in bulk and transfer some of the savings to us" argument stands but ... you can always buy some gear like axe heads and steel frying pans second hand. They aren't; for the most part; degraded over time and if you shop around, some stuff can be bought for pennies if not free.
Not true, most people have no clue about survival or what to buy for it, they would spend more money on junk just to die in a survival situation, or they can buy a survival kit and at least have a chance, some people are very aware of this subject and would probably be better off buying their own stuff and building their kit but with the price of shipping and gas going up maybe save money
@@polarisnebro2074 omg this information you’re telling me is common sense I’m talking about the 95 percent who watch tv and think the government is their friend
Drooling...It always cracks me up when folks get talking about how it isn't worth it BUT they watch the video because they want one too! I guess for $70 more I'd get an Aqua Quest 7x10 tarp and some food to add. I would love to have that kit too. You never see a 5x5 tarp included. It's a very cool kit that is so nice I would NEVER use it. I enjoy your kit reviews a lot. Thank you. I enjoy getting one now and then as I live in a very rural and always have certain warmth/shelter items with me and some sort of kit where I live. Plus it's just plain so interesting. I share your joy of them.
A good size bow saw blade with 2 metal key rings (or wing screw/bolt) and u can make a primitive bow. Fold it along the outside of main compartment and make sure its in a sheath so it doesn't wreck anything.
Thanks for the re-upload, and, again, for spending the $ to buy the kit for the review. You might want to put a ranger band around that Bic mini, just under the fuel button, to help prevent accidental fuel loss if something presses against it in the kit.
I can imagine the anticipation when you wake up in the morning knowing that it's out for delivery today. Excellent kit. I made my own little survival kit but it's more for urban than wilderness. However none of my friends have enough time in their lives to make one that's why these pre-made kits are great for people who just don't have the time to sit and wait one item at a time to arrive
Another thing to remember is that if you make your own kit you sometimes have to buy more of that one item. I've made my own kits but I had to buy a much longer length of paracord, twine and duct tape. Of course the most important part of a kit is being able to use the contents and a weekend spent trying the fishing kit, lighting a fire using only the striker, sterilizing water, setting up the tarp and sleeping in the thermal blanket is better than simply having the best stuff.
@@KitbashedSurvival Your additions complemented a great though incomplete kit. Maybe ESEE is like Les Stroud and believe you should make your own 1st aid kit
Good kit but I would dump their cordage/rope and replace it with paracord (or Survivor Cord) and bank line. Also add a bandanna and flashlight for one of the blankets.
Excellent, excellent, excellent, review! Well thought out and 100% practical and accurate. Thank you for your time and effort and expense!!! Great job-thanks!
The problem is the $140 bag and map holder. You can get really decent quality tactical backpacks that are sold at Big5, Marshalls, and Walmart that only cost between $25-$40 and are much bigger. You can get a waterproof thing for maps for $20 or less too. I got that same esee 4 at Walmart for $81 before tax. I mean, its still a good start to a survival kit, but at least a full $100 is wasted just to give you a smaller bag. All that extra stuff you added could've been bought with that $100 and couldve been included at no additional cost had they just included a reasonably priced pack.
Great video, thank you. Easter must be out of their minds charging $135 for two tiny bags. A well made toiletries bag would do the same job for a few dollars. Also, would suggest not filling up the bag with too many extras or when you need to use the vacuum packed items for real it would be difficult to repack the bag. Better to carry the tin of basics in your everyday coat and have a bag in your daysack for the more exotic items?
That's certainly the most capable store bought kit you've ever reviewed on this channel! If I had to head off into the Bridgers or Gallatin Range with just my clothes and a commercial PSK, that would be the one. Value is a hard thing to calculate. For example if you had to buy all that stuff individually it would indeed cost more than $500. However, would it be the best use of the money? Take the ESEE-4 knife; it's an outstanding blade! I have maybe ten or eleven ESEE knives and they're great. For a belt knife that you'll use every day the ESEE-4 is a great option. But if the PSK is something you'll test & verify, then pack away and won't tough until you need it, then maybe a $100 knife isn't the best way to go. It won't do much that a $12 Mora won't do. Yeah, it will probably outlast the Mora but in a way the PSK is like a parachute, a fire extinguisher or the airbag in your car- something you'll use to save your life then maybe replace. If you have the cash and want the ESEE then it's certainly a great knife and I wouldn't discourage anyone from buying one. It just might be overkill for something that won't be used very much. I am a bit curious what the goal was for ESEE in making this kit. It's pretty large, not something you'll carry around with you I would imagine. Maybe it's for a vehicle? I feel like the bag is the weakest point. At a retail of $120 or whatever if you were to buy it alone you could get a very good small backpack or sling bag from Osprey, Maxpedition, or even Mystery Ranch. Doing so would make it a lot easier to actually carry with you and wouldn't hurt its ability to ride around in a trunk or back seat. Plus it would allow the addition of a water bottle or two. That seems to me to be the biggest failing of this kit. For $500 I'd like a real water container, not an improvised one. A couple of flexible Hydrapack containers would elevate this kit into the stratosphere! I think it's fair to hold this kit to a higher standard than you would a $15 SOL or Coghlan's kit! As I commented on the one you had to take down, I think the rope is kind an anachronistic thing for this kit. While I'm not an expert and climbing and rappelling I did both of those things in my youth. The included rope isn't really long enough for climbing or belaying, especially if you want to double it so you can recover it from the bottom. It's probably not ideal for extricating a vehicle from the mud either. Ideally a recovery strap would be part of your vehicle kit, not your PSK. Taking the rope out would leave room for a ton of paracord and bankline, and maybe even a steel water bottle or those Hydrapacks I mentioned above. So there are a couple philosophies- you can create the best kit bar-none for the size, or the best kit for the money. Good, small & cheap- pick any two! Clearly it's a great kit for the size, but probably not a great kit for the money. None of the individual components are bad at all, on the contrary most are top of the line. Yet the kit has to work together synergistically to work as a system. I suppose this one does stand on its merit well as a system but I think given $500 you could built a more capable kit that would allow you do more for longer. Don't get me wrong, it's an outstanding collection of gear! My main point is that for $500 you shouldn't have to add much of anything to a kit, but I think this one needs a few things before I'd want to rely on it. Great review! I didn't really notice much change from the initial posting but I'm glad you bought this one to show us all.
Well done sir. I noticed a lot of criticism in the comments. I suspect some of your viewers have lost sight of the idea that when they customize their kits, it will be to suit their skills and preferences...
No, I kept sight of that. What I haven't lost sight of is how some manufacturers like Esee like to soak their customers with overpriced gear. (like their knives to start with). The price of an Esee 4 is way overpriced.
@@gopherstate777 I see. I'm sorry if you felt personally attacked by my comment. That was not my intent. I really enjoy this channel. Perhaps I am the one who's lost sight of the fact that some subscribers really enjoy this channel by being critical.
Love your vids ... I am a big fan . If you cut the rope in half its two swiss seats or the simpler ranger seats and one more carabiner . 550 cord is a must . 100 will fit in there . i enjoy the vids you put forth ... Be safe and continue to March.... Semper Fidelis.
In making additions to that kit, I would start by attaching the other two straps to the outside. You can bundle them up with bands or twist ties to keep them tidy till you want to use them
In the bag I use to put together myself I only spent about $200.00 the bag it self was only $10.00 and have used it for 19 years and still going strong med kit get some gauze pads and rolls. Deep cuts use women’s pads in stead of climbing rope #36 bank line. And or 550 para cord . I could just keep going on you can make your own cheaper and better and have in it
By seeing what you added, I feel as though this survival pack is lacking. It does not give me comfort or confidence that with this pack I would find substantial releaf. Here is what i would look for in a survival gear: 1.) Energy source. In an emergency, having initial strength and fuel for the body and mind is essential to get a good start. Energy bars, tuna packs. Instant coffee. Water purification tabs, life straw or sawyer mini. 2.) A better knife. 3.) A bigger tarp , space blanket, wool blanket, wool ski cap. 4.) Cordage and rope 5.) Lighter, fire rod, magnifying glass. Flash light and head band lamp. 6.) Neosporin, bandage and bandaides. Asprin, pepto bismol pills, and allergy cold flu pills. Towel. (Towel can be used to sift out debris from water before boiling and purifying.) 7.) Thermal long johns, wool socks. Workmans leather suede gloves. 8.) Tellscoping fishimg rod. 9.) Stainless steel 2qt canteen and a 1 gallon stainless steel pot with cover to put all above items in except fishing rod. 10. Semi cylindrical Bsckpack to fit pot and canteen in. 11.) Hand cranked charger and radio.
Great review. I really like the way you discussed the virtues of individual decisions and possible tradeoffs or alternatives. I would be tempted to buy subcomponents from ESEE and use a slightly larger but less expensive main bag to allow for more of the useful items (such as FOOD). The supplied bag is well thought out but the attached interior pouches appear to be fixed and that limits the options for alternative configurations. Also of note is that there does not appear to be a location for a water bottle or canteen; so this already requires a secondary bag or method of carrying hydration while on the move. I was a little surprised that you didn't include a handheld flashlight as an augmentation for the kit. I carry a small rechargeable in my pocket, but all of my bags have a slightly larger light with more power. My criticisms aside, I do like your review and your additions overall. I have subscribed to your channel and will be watching more of your content.
This is a very nice kit. If I may add something in the medical side, I'd add a pair of nitrile gloves when applying first add on a wounded person, and probably a pair of chest seals.
That looks like a fantastic kit. We can’t get equipment like this on the Isle of Man. I would love to get one. Thank you for the video, I enjoy watching the way you update your gear. Take care. Craig.🇮🇲🇮🇲🇮🇲
That removal front pouch would be a great place to store emergency information like phone numbers and address for bug out locations, phone numbers for family copies of important documents, mad money. Ect.
I was w/ Search and Rescue for 10 years and I was required to have a 24 hour pack and a 72 hour pack on the ready.. Both packs full of my required items was under $200 including the pack itself..I had to set up a tarp in 5 minutes, a fire in 5 minutes and boiling water in 5.. 15 minutes can mean the difference of life and death to a lost person.
Good kit great vid but I would swap out the rope for some 550 survival cord and move the signaling items to the outside so you can get to them PDQ as getting rescued is the main idear but great vid many thanks
When you're in that world of hurt that's your newfound genuine emergency, you'll hugely appreciate that you invested in very high quality gear for your survival and emergency kit. With these kits, you're paying forward for your prospects of survival. A Silky F180 Saw is compact, ultralight and an absolute wood consuming demon, or would you rather rely on the wire saw, the one you can't use if you've got an injured hand or arm, and which will burn through calories whilst taking forever to achieve very little! The contents of your kit may very well determine whether or not you live to have a future, so that's worth investing in...
The stuff contained coincides with the stuff other famous survivalists says its the most important. The only critique I make is that it should be organized in a different manner making accessibility to small items more easily. What happens if you have to use the Mess can to cook? Where do you set all that stuff aside? I don't mean to be picky. I really like this kit and I would buy myself but I thing it should organized differently maybe making the pack a little bigger with more pouches inside.
I am surprised that you left the compass in the main survival tin, I would have put it inside the map case along with the instructions for the compass and all the navigational instructions. It keeps them all together for when they are needed, as the pockets in the map case would be for them I presume. If you added a set of pace counting beads with a small non magnetic carabiner at the end to the pen loop of the map case, it should be even better for navigation as it creates a navigation module rather than spreading the kit out and taking longer to put it together when needed. I also noticed that you did not attach the whistle to the signal mirror and keep them easily ready for use on a paracord lanyard with safety breakaway clip so that it won't strangle you if it gets caught in something. I was surprised that the Esee kit does not have somewhere to add your own standard 1 litre 32 ounce nalgene type water bottle like an external pouch or velcro attachment method or something, as it enables you to carry the water that you either boiled or purified much easier than a whirlpak bag if you are traveling to and from your water source or to safety.
Tampons are a great item to sub out the 'Israeli bandage'. Smaller, you can carry more and have a greater range of use depending on the size of the cut or puncture. They are also considerably cheaper.
I guess if you where new to survival gear and did not know much that this would be worth it. I love ESEE gear like most and there knifes are second to none but after 30 years of trial and error you learn how to fabricate your own kits. I use sewing bobbins to store fishing line and industrial upholstery thread on because you can carry 100's of yards without taking up any space. A mini sewing awl is a must as well for repairing heavier material such as tents and boots. Auto fishing reels are inexpensive small and valuable in a survival kit as well as a Silky pocket boy saw. H and H compressed gauze, chest seal and CAT tourniquet are all small and easy to pack items. This kit could have been so much better but for the 727.76 they are asking for on there site is just crazy and completely unjustifiable IMHO. 150 just for the small bag! But then again, to each is there own.
Interesting and good video , I would think if you know how to use most or all the stuff in the kit, I think you would be able to put together a better kit for a fraction of the price......I love this type of VJO's.....
with $ 700, or 500 ... I can buy a 40-liter backpack, a Nitecore HC30 and two batteries (which I own and consider perhaps the best pocket and head torch for € 50), I can also buy a Mora knife, a leatherman, a 7 inch knife a folding hacksaw an ax and a machete, many meters of lanyard, a filter to purify the water, cooking pot, compass, fishing line, hooks and lures, canned and freeze-dried and much more.we include a good book on survival techniques and not four stupid cards. considering that this is a survival kit / BOB when we put inside a valid knife and a leatherman for example a wave, the HC30, the other tools do not need to cost a lot. I use a 10 € hatchet to work. I also have more professional and performing ones but the 10 € no name one works very well, same thing goes for the folding saw. let's not forget a sharpening stone or a file, very very important thing that ESEE did not include in the kit. the knife edge can get damaged immediately and we may have to restore it and a knife that does not cut is useless. we consider a kit / BOB as an emergency for 72 hours and not as a bushcraft kit to work over time. even 500 $ / € seems excessive to me.
I agree with your medical and food additions. I can understand ESEE not including food as it might go stale in their warehouse. But it's pretty curious why there's no first-aid kit.
Seeing as how a lot of survival foods have decades on their shelf life I dont see why its not included. I mean the water purification tabs expire in 4 years and batteries last 3-5 years so those will go bad before the food.
Even though the 8 mm cord was pretty cool. After thinking about it... I think it was a little gimmicky and the space could be much better used for another type of cordage (550 or bank line) and a folding saw and probably other stuff.. I think back on my experience and I can't honestly say that I would have ever needed climbing rope except in certain environments in which I took it separately. You can do a lot with 550 cord in a pinch. Having something to process wood efficiently was always handy. Nice video. I enjoy watching your evaluations.
I agree Robert, with the choice of Lawson Equipment Iron Wire, Atwood ARM Battlecord and Atwood Parapocalypse Paracords, improvised climbing rope can be had which takes up considerably less valuable bag space and of which longer lengths may be carried. In an emergency scenario I would be willing to put my weight on any of the above cordages if necessary. Ultimately, if we're being serious, a survival kit should contain something like a Garmin InReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator PLB. Survival kits are an investment in one's future, therefore only the best quality of every type of gear should be added, eg, an ultralight Silky F180 Saw in place of the wire saw. A Victorinox Huntsman for its superb sissors and saw, or a Victorinox Farmer X Inox for the same, but in a far stronger chassis (albeit without the tweezers and toothpick) both with secondary blades and saw. My most comprehensive (Pilots) kit contains stuff like a Katadyn Pocket Water Filter and a Katadyn Military Desalinator 06-LL in place of water purification tablets and a solar still. I would much rather reach for either of the Katadyn's than faff about with a solar still and a very limited amount of tablets! Likewise, in a genuine emergency, that Silky F180 is going to be a world of difference (and achieve more for less work and fewer calories consumed). In many instances, a fully charged cell phone may suffice...
Those straps shouldn't be inside taking up space that could be used for other gear. The tarp can also be used to gather water.the tin would work great for fire tinder.
That's a great kit. My only complaint is that they included a twist gate carabiner. Throw that piece of death out and replace it with a William Ball Gate.
Just FYI the punch in your hiker is a sewing awl. Much more versatility or usefulness than a punch. I really like this kit. High quality. Great bag layout for organization,and additions. Can you buy the bag separately to build your own? The kit really centers around the bag. Great for day hikes, car, cachet,etc. Good bye if you can afford it. Can unfold poncho a bit and lay in map case. Great additions to kit. 👁❤🏕❇🔥🥓
Really enjoyed this. Very high quality kit. We can get these in the UK but they are very expensive. You did very well getting it at the price you did. If I ever got one, I don't think I'd ever use it as the gear is so nice. I would just get it out to look at occasionally.
Great kit. I would empty that mess tin and use it for food and an alcohol stove, and distribute the gear in there to other pouches in the Kit. I would attach a water bottle carrier to the out side and carry a SS cup and water bottle. And it has no water filtration? Not even a life Straw?
It would be great if you’d do a video covering your favorite Swiss Army Knife and Leatherman products and which ones you’d put in kits from small to large.
As far as those space blankets go. They are mostly a one shot use. Once you open the package your committed. They are pretty flimsy, even the good ones, and are meant to be wrapped around your body. As for the tarp, 60x60 inches isn't bad, but two GI poncho's are even better. But if you know some one who can sew, buy the material and have them sew up to the size you want. This kit is pretty comprehensive, but way over priced. Plus, I carry my survival items in my backpack. Don't need a special bag.
I think for 600,- this kit would still be a good value! The obvious expertiese and exelent choice in gear is worth paying a bit for. but for 515$ its a steal of a deal! Especially concidering for what and to whom you are giving your Money! And the beauty fo it is that they dont make you pay for fluff! Like small rolls of Toiletpaper or Offbrand Kleenex. Thats all stuff you can and should add yourself depending on your need!
I'm pretty sure the thing paracord in that kit is not paracord that's iron wire and you should check it out. it's amazing. I have some for myself actually, it is a 2 mm rope with an average brake strength of 659lb (2.89kN) with a weight of 0.34 Oz per foot(3.16 g per meter) the jacket is HD polyester, dope died & UV resistant the core is Dyneema SK75 - parallel fiber, construction is static kernmantle
You hit a homerun! Content and explanation was spot on. Thank you! The final additions that you added were perfect as far as I am concerned. I would have done exactly what you did and added. One thing I was wondering. In doing your comparison of value compared to MSRP $700....would your time to assemble and gather the items be a consideration for you? I would have liked to see them or you add some food source in the bag as well. Getting home may not allow you to hunt actively or passively. Something like an energy bar or two of some sort. I understand that you ran out of room inside. I’m interested I. Your thoughts. The bag is great!!!
Were it my pack and it’s not. I would put the map case in a lanyard around my neck so when reading the map it’s right in front of me and can be dropped to retrieve my weapon if needed or perhaps to apply a bandage to a teammate.
I wanted to view the contents of this kit. I consider that it was built on a more professional level, although i have done plenty of reaserch i had to campare it to my own and i must say I'm def proud of myself! Enjoyed the review thx!
I like these vids as they are great for gear ideas and building your own kits. The MSRP and even the $500 spent on this kit is way too much for what you get though. I love Esee and have a few of their knives including the Essee 5, 6 and Izula. Funnily enough I hardly use them as my Cold Steel SR1 and SRK and my Schrade SCHF26 keep delivering and while they take a beating, they always deliver. This kit you're paying for the name. While I do think it's a nice kit, I can put together 2 or 3 kits for the same price. My go to survival kit has more to it and a beast of a knife (Schrade SCHF36) for $180. Also, as climber, 25ft of rope and that 1 carabiner is useless as you can hardly make a proper harness with that amount of rope. If you're in an area where you're going to need to descend using rope, you need to carry rope and a lot of it + your harness and carabiners. That space would be better used with 550 paracord and bank line for cordage. As for your comment about putting together your own kit vs the price of this kit. My $180 kit includes a full fire kit (6 ways of making around 50 fires), a full trauma kit (including 2 Israeli bandages, z gauze, NPA kit, CAT-T and a boo boo kit with bandaids and pills) Sawyer mini + water purification & collection, a tarp + stakes, 550 paracord, high calorie food rations, US Army mess tin, Victorinox Huntsman and Schrade SCHF36, homemade fishing kit and collapsible fishing pole, kevlar cord + snare wire and heavy mil trash bags, my sleeping kit (all weather sleeping bag and blow up pillow) This is a cool bit of kit but way over priced and lacking in a lot of gear.
The Israeli bandage I don't think is enough having some Neosporin and just some band aids we would be insanely useful and helpful maybe some Tylenol as well just to help with aches
Good review. I think the cost of the kit is inflated by the cost of the custom pack. You can get a similar pack for less than a $100 by Maxpedition or Mystery Ranch. It does seem to be missing a water filter and a viable first aid kit. I suspect the first aid kit isn’t included due to perishable items.
Its a good looking kit and had some great items but I don't personally think its worth it. I know your paying for premium products but I cant help but wonder if you can build a near identical kit with premium products of other names for around £300 instead. Great review though.
Rolls Royce of a kit there, I'd add a Leatherman, a Saw and a Hatchett, as well as some first aid gear. Would be good to couple this with a canteen cup and pouch.
I like this kit and while it is expensive, I would want gear that will last for more than a single trip/use. A comment on the gear, if you watch survival experts like Mors Kochanski, they will tell you not to wrap up in a space blanket but to use it as a cover keep air between the space blanket and your body. Would like to be in a position to have some of the kits you review. Great job.
Open that puppy up and there's a big chunky knife.. very nice. Warmth, water & shelter has to be your priority in cold countries? Water & shelter is the priority in the heat here. I'd rock a msr guardian or mini works long before a climbing rope
Awesome video and a good kit. It's kinda disappointing how they take stuff out of the smaller kits and put it in the bag, would be nicer if they put more gear in the bag and left the mess tin and pocket kit full.
Hey folks, sorry for the re-upload. I had to fix a problem. Maybe one day TH-cam will allow us to re-edit videos in place. On the plus side, I also added a deleted scene at the end. Enjoy!
No problem I watched it again you tube was boring tonight anyway
Kitbashed Survival no big
Stinky stuff happens
Just a suggestion with the knife being 1095 steel, put a good coat of wax on the knife, vacuum seal it for long term storage. 1095 will rust fairly quick if exposed to humid or damp conditions.
The coating on the Esee does a pretty good job at keeping rust off of most of the blade. Just a light coat of oil on the edge and you are fine. This comes from 10+ years of Esee ownership and use.
I'm guessing somebody pinched the gold coins out of the kit as I didn't see them in there.
I would do a few customisations immediately. 1). a candle! (two sides trimmed down to make it thinner (mainly for fire-starting). 2) A lighter (Jet or Bic, or both!). The ferrorod would be at best a back-up. 3). A pencil sharpener (not for the pencil, but rather for making tinder/fine kindling! Often a lot quicker than feathersticking! Works like a dream, and you can keep your pencil sharp! Just my 2 cents' worth.
For that price and they give you an empty tin? They couldve atleast put bandages and tender in there
Love Esee, nice kit, but for $700, I will have a chopper ready to come for me 😅
You are correct, or a drone find you
On smokey mountain knife works site you can get it for 368 thats pretty good in my opinion
Get to da choppa!!! 😂.
I just don't get premade kits? Buy a really basic kit and add to it maybe??
It's a lot better to build your own. You'd make one hell of a kit for $500-$700. 🤷♂️
Underrated comment.
@@l00t3R some people don't know
Great review, and great kit, I just don't foresee myself ever being in situation where I could justify dropping $500+ on a kit in one go. I'd have to be a pretty hardcore adventurer, and unfortunately I'm closer to a potato than I am to extreme outdoorsman.
But this does give a good example of what a complete kit looks like, and makes me feel that my $250 worth of gear collected over time and stashed in an ammo box covers all the bases, if not as heartily.
Nice video. I bought the older version of this on many years ago. It was the one that came in the red bag and had the ESEE 6 as the knife. I paid $215’ish for it, direct from ESEE. Prices sure have gone up.
The addition of coffee filters for sediment is brilliant! It's so obvious and I had never thought of it or seen it before. Thanks!
How? You are acting like you are knowledgeable and just learned something new... when you are at best ignorant and of course you wouldn't have thought of it or seen it.
I did not think he would fit all of his extras into that system. Kudos!
I love your comprehensive videos! People can get a free inside review on a lot of survival kits before making a purchase (though those kits are not available to me where I'm from, we can't even order from Amazon). But still, we can put together our own kits after seeing the practical contents most decent kits have thanks to channels like these. Keep up the good work!
Your work is excellent, well presented and much appreciated!!
Outstanding Eric! I’ve been looking forward to seeing this video for quite some time. Happy to see you add the Jolly Ranchers. I knew seeing the rope, that it was going to be a challenge to get back into the kit. Looks like you had a lot of fun with this one. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks!
You are the first person I've seen, other then myself, who keeps coffee filters with your survival bag. I use the big white ones myself, not only can you prefilter water with them, but they are good for fire starting, first aid and wiping after you do a number two, so very useful.
I have a customized Sea To Summit X-Brew. I cut the silicon base and glued a soda cap below to adapt it to my platypus or any bottle. Heavier than paper filters but much more convenient.
Glad I found this channel, subbed. I covered all the pocket kits except this one.
For $500 I could buy the following:
1. ACR ResQ Link ePIRB or Spot Gen4 for about $200-300: This equals guaranteed rescue.
2. The 5 C’s for about $50 to take of business while I’m waiting for rescue.
3. Save about $100-200 bucks for the beer, pizza, and lap dances when I get home.
lol
The ACR ResQ Link ePIRP is hands down worth the cash. And I second your idea!
You only get rescued if there’s someone to rescue you! If the shtf big time the rescue team might be having a hard time themselves! Yes an Evernote is a nice thing to have and in most cases you will be rescued but you need enough kit to last until they find you!
The rope in the kit isn’t meant to climb on. It’s BlueWater accessory cord. It’s great stuff. With that length you can use the cord to tie yourself a Swiss seat climbing harness & rappel on a carabiner using a munter hitch. You’d have to add 150’ or so of high test bank line or something to rappel down though. Unless you did add line to rappel with the included pieces to the puzzle are useless & excess weight.
Thanks for the info
@@KitbashedSurvival There’s even enough to cut it & make a Prusik loop with double fisherman knots to back up your rappel & make a Swiss seat. Again, you’d have to add bank line or something to the kit to rappel down on.
Sawyer mini water filter should definitely be in there. 🤷♂️
If your going to include a filter over tabs or drops I think you have to choose the Be free over Sawyer because there is less moving parts. No o ring to loose and the biggest issue no syringe needed for cleaning
Well the problem with a filter is that during winter it's going to freeze and break
@@adventureswiththecrazyvet Dunno, some people (dunno if it's a fixed (for years probably) problem or misuse or something else) in have reported problem with the befree (flow rate going down etc.).
@@RannonSi yeah you just have to clean it. The flow rate goes down when it's dirty. I'm 800 miles in on a thru hike across America on the American Discovery Trail and it has worked great with no issues. ( Knock on wood)
Yes I’m getting one of them for my kit! It’s about £35 over here
no matter how much they give you in kits, you can always buy better and more by yourself, always
Perhaps. Perhaps not.
@@talisikid1618 well sir, "the companies buy in bulk and transfer some of the savings to us" argument stands but ...
you can always buy some gear like axe heads and steel frying pans second hand. They aren't; for the most part; degraded over time and if you shop around, some stuff can be bought for pennies if not free.
Not true, most people have no clue about survival or what to buy for it, they would spend more money on junk just to die in a survival situation, or they can buy a survival kit and at least have a chance, some people are very aware of this subject and would probably be better off buying their own stuff and building their kit but with the price of shipping and gas going up maybe save money
@@polarisnebro2074 omg this information you’re telling me is common sense I’m talking about the 95 percent who watch tv and think the government is their friend
@@Bruce6001 sorry mate
I was half asleep
deleting my comment
and yeah what you said is correct
Drooling...It always cracks me up when folks get talking about how it isn't worth it BUT they watch the video because they want one too! I guess for $70 more I'd get an Aqua Quest 7x10 tarp and some food to add. I would love to have that kit too. You never see a 5x5 tarp included. It's a very cool kit that is so nice I would NEVER use it. I enjoy your kit reviews a lot. Thank you. I enjoy getting one now and then as I live in a very rural and always have certain warmth/shelter items with me and some sort of kit where I live. Plus it's just plain so interesting. I share your joy of them.
A good size bow saw blade with 2 metal key rings (or wing screw/bolt) and u can make a primitive bow. Fold it along the outside of main compartment and make sure its in a sheath so it doesn't wreck anything.
Thanks!
Thanks for the re-upload, and, again, for spending the $ to buy the kit for the review. You might want to put a ranger band around that Bic mini, just under the fuel button, to help prevent accidental fuel loss if something presses against it in the kit.
Thanks
I use a little loop of shock cord. It's stretchy and stays tight under the lever but it's easy to slide down to use it.
I can imagine the anticipation when you wake up in the morning knowing that it's out for delivery today. Excellent kit. I made my own little survival kit but it's more for urban than wilderness. However none of my friends have enough time in their lives to make one that's why these pre-made kits are great for people who just don't have the time to sit and wait one item at a time to arrive
This was a SUPER video. The added supplies are well needed. Good job!
Thank you for reviewing this kit. It’s interesting to know what’s inside 👍 Enjoyed the video.
My pleasure 😊
Well done on the best and most comprehensive emergency pack review I am yet to see on YT!! Thank you.
This guy puts me to sleep and I mean that in the best way possible it’s really relaxing
Nice review man! I love ESEE knives but I’d rather make my own kit with gear I know and use.
Another thing to remember is that if you make your own kit you sometimes have to buy more of that one item. I've made my own kits but I had to buy a much longer length of paracord, twine and duct tape.
Of course the most important part of a kit is being able to use the contents and a weekend spent trying the fishing kit, lighting a fire using only the striker, sterilizing water, setting up the tarp and sleeping in the thermal blanket is better than simply having the best stuff.
Thanks
@@KitbashedSurvival Your additions complemented a great though incomplete kit. Maybe ESEE is like Les Stroud and believe you should make your own 1st aid kit
Good kit but I would dump their cordage/rope and replace it with paracord (or Survivor Cord) and bank line. Also add a bandanna and flashlight for one of the blankets.
Thanks
Survivor cord kinks something ridiculous
Why bandanna
@@sebdob9708 water filtration, first aid, clean pot/pans or body, lashing, make a pouch to carry tinder, etc...
@@sebdob9708 one of the best items you can have for only $1.
Excellent, excellent, excellent, review! Well thought out and 100% practical and accurate. Thank you for your time and
effort and expense!!! Great job-thanks!
The problem is the $140 bag and map holder. You can get really decent quality tactical backpacks that are sold at Big5, Marshalls, and Walmart that only cost between $25-$40 and are much bigger. You can get a waterproof thing for maps for $20 or less too. I got that same esee 4 at Walmart for $81 before tax. I mean, its still a good start to a survival kit, but at least a full $100 is wasted just to give you a smaller bag. All that extra stuff you added could've been bought with that $100 and couldve been included at no additional cost had they just included a reasonably priced pack.
Great video, thank you. Easter must be out of their minds charging $135 for two tiny bags. A well made toiletries bag would do the same job for a few dollars. Also, would suggest not filling up the bag with too many extras or when you need to use the vacuum packed items for real it would be difficult to repack the bag. Better to carry the tin of basics in your everyday coat and have a bag in your daysack for the more exotic items?
That's certainly the most capable store bought kit you've ever reviewed on this channel! If I had to head off into the Bridgers or Gallatin Range with just my clothes and a commercial PSK, that would be the one. Value is a hard thing to calculate. For example if you had to buy all that stuff individually it would indeed cost more than $500. However, would it be the best use of the money? Take the ESEE-4 knife; it's an outstanding blade! I have maybe ten or eleven ESEE knives and they're great. For a belt knife that you'll use every day the ESEE-4 is a great option. But if the PSK is something you'll test & verify, then pack away and won't tough until you need it, then maybe a $100 knife isn't the best way to go. It won't do much that a $12 Mora won't do. Yeah, it will probably outlast the Mora but in a way the PSK is like a parachute, a fire extinguisher or the airbag in your car- something you'll use to save your life then maybe replace. If you have the cash and want the ESEE then it's certainly a great knife and I wouldn't discourage anyone from buying one. It just might be overkill for something that won't be used very much.
I am a bit curious what the goal was for ESEE in making this kit. It's pretty large, not something you'll carry around with you I would imagine. Maybe it's for a vehicle? I feel like the bag is the weakest point. At a retail of $120 or whatever if you were to buy it alone you could get a very good small backpack or sling bag from Osprey, Maxpedition, or even Mystery Ranch. Doing so would make it a lot easier to actually carry with you and wouldn't hurt its ability to ride around in a trunk or back seat. Plus it would allow the addition of a water bottle or two. That seems to me to be the biggest failing of this kit. For $500 I'd like a real water container, not an improvised one. A couple of flexible Hydrapack containers would elevate this kit into the stratosphere! I think it's fair to hold this kit to a higher standard than you would a $15 SOL or Coghlan's kit! As I commented on the one you had to take down, I think the rope is kind an anachronistic thing for this kit. While I'm not an expert and climbing and rappelling I did both of those things in my youth. The included rope isn't really long enough for climbing or belaying, especially if you want to double it so you can recover it from the bottom. It's probably not ideal for extricating a vehicle from the mud either. Ideally a recovery strap would be part of your vehicle kit, not your PSK. Taking the rope out would leave room for a ton of paracord and bankline, and maybe even a steel water bottle or those Hydrapacks I mentioned above.
So there are a couple philosophies- you can create the best kit bar-none for the size, or the best kit for the money. Good, small & cheap- pick any two! Clearly it's a great kit for the size, but probably not a great kit for the money. None of the individual components are bad at all, on the contrary most are top of the line. Yet the kit has to work together synergistically to work as a system. I suppose this one does stand on its merit well as a system but I think given $500 you could built a more capable kit that would allow you do more for longer. Don't get me wrong, it's an outstanding collection of gear! My main point is that for $500 you shouldn't have to add much of anything to a kit, but I think this one needs a few things before I'd want to rely on it.
Great review! I didn't really notice much change from the initial posting but I'm glad you bought this one to show us all.
Thanks, Rob
Rob club
Well done sir. I noticed a lot of criticism in the comments. I suspect some of your viewers have lost sight of the idea that when they customize their kits, it will be to suit their skills and preferences...
No, I kept sight of that. What I haven't lost sight of is how some manufacturers like Esee like to soak their customers with overpriced gear. (like their knives to start with). The price of an Esee 4 is way overpriced.
@@gopherstate777 I see. I'm sorry if you felt personally attacked by my comment. That was not my intent. I really enjoy this channel. Perhaps I am the one who's lost sight of the fact that some subscribers really enjoy this channel by being critical.
Love your vids ... I am a big fan . If you cut the rope in half its two swiss seats or the simpler ranger seats and one more carabiner . 550 cord is a must . 100 will fit in there . i enjoy the vids you put forth ... Be safe and continue to March.... Semper Fidelis.
Thanks for the info!
In making additions to that kit, I would start by attaching the other two straps to the outside. You can bundle them up with bands or twist ties to keep them tidy till you want to use them
It’s great having the dressing pads in the kit but how about a bandage to secure the gauze in place
In the bag I use to put together myself I only spent about $200.00 the bag it self was only $10.00 and have used it for 19 years and still going strong med kit get some gauze pads and rolls. Deep cuts use women’s pads in stead of climbing rope #36 bank line. And or 550 para cord . I could just keep going on you can make your own cheaper and better and have in it
That's a wicked pouch! Have you heard of the MyMedic 10 essentials bag? You should do a review on that one.
Maybe they should’ve thought of including the mollie security clip to connect the map pouch for the price. Good thinking!
By seeing what you added, I feel as though this survival pack is lacking. It does not give me comfort or confidence that with this pack I would find substantial releaf. Here is what i would look for in a survival gear:
1.) Energy source. In an emergency, having initial strength and fuel for the body and mind is essential to get a good start. Energy bars, tuna packs. Instant coffee. Water purification tabs, life straw or sawyer mini.
2.) A better knife.
3.) A bigger tarp , space blanket, wool blanket, wool ski cap.
4.) Cordage and rope
5.) Lighter, fire rod, magnifying glass. Flash light and head band lamp.
6.) Neosporin, bandage and bandaides. Asprin, pepto bismol pills, and allergy cold flu pills. Towel. (Towel can be used to sift out debris from water before boiling and purifying.)
7.) Thermal long johns, wool socks. Workmans leather suede gloves.
8.) Tellscoping fishimg rod.
9.) Stainless steel 2qt canteen and a 1 gallon stainless steel pot with cover to put all above items in except fishing rod.
10. Semi cylindrical Bsckpack to fit pot and canteen in.
11.) Hand cranked charger and radio.
Great review. I really like the way you discussed the virtues of individual decisions and possible tradeoffs or alternatives. I would be tempted to buy subcomponents from ESEE and use a slightly larger but less expensive main bag to allow for more of the useful items (such as FOOD). The supplied bag is well thought out but the attached interior pouches appear to be fixed and that limits the options for alternative configurations. Also of note is that there does not appear to be a location for a water bottle or canteen; so this already requires a secondary bag or method of carrying hydration while on the move. I was a little surprised that you didn't include a handheld flashlight as an augmentation for the kit. I carry a small rechargeable in my pocket, but all of my bags have a slightly larger light with more power. My criticisms aside, I do like your review and your additions overall. I have subscribed to your channel and will be watching more of your content.
I absolutely enjoy your channel man. You're detailed with your information, and seem family friendly. Keep it up man!
This is a very nice kit. If I may add something in the medical side, I'd add a pair of nitrile gloves when applying first add on a wounded person, and probably a pair of chest seals.
That looks like a fantastic kit. We can’t get equipment like this on the Isle of Man. I would love to get one. Thank you for the video, I enjoy watching the way you update your gear. Take care. Craig.🇮🇲🇮🇲🇮🇲
❤ i find your descriptions soothing. it has to be good kit though.
That removal front pouch would be a great place to store emergency information like phone numbers and address for bug out locations, phone numbers for family copies of important documents, mad money. Ect.
I was w/ Search and Rescue for 10 years and I was required to have a 24 hour pack and a 72 hour pack on the ready.. Both packs full of my required items was under $200 including the pack itself..I had to set up a tarp in 5 minutes, a fire in 5 minutes and boiling water in 5.. 15 minutes can mean the difference of life and death to a lost person.
I love ESEE products...I own several of their knives and they are bombproof!!!
That said, this looks like a really nice $400 kit.
Really really enjoyed this. I knew it was more expensive than it should be, but this has been really inspirational for a DIY version.
Good kit great vid but I would swap out the rope for some 550 survival cord and move the signaling items to the outside so you can get to them PDQ as getting rescued is the main idear but great vid many thanks
Thanks for the tip
When you're in that world of hurt that's your newfound genuine emergency, you'll hugely appreciate that you invested in very high quality gear for your survival and emergency kit.
With these kits, you're paying forward for your prospects of survival.
A Silky F180 Saw is compact, ultralight and an absolute wood consuming demon, or would you rather rely on the wire saw, the one you can't use if you've got an injured hand or arm, and which will burn through calories whilst taking forever to achieve very little!
The contents of your kit may very well determine whether or not you live to have a future, so that's worth investing in...
The stuff contained coincides with the stuff other famous survivalists says its the most important. The only critique I make is that it should be organized in a different manner making accessibility to small items more easily. What happens if you have to use the Mess can to cook? Where do you set all that stuff aside? I don't mean to be picky. I really like this kit and I would buy myself but I thing it should organized differently maybe making the pack a little bigger with more pouches inside.
Awesome video Eric ! I’m definitely getting one of those kits !
Minus a good compass and knife, you could put one together with a bag for less than 200.
I am surprised that you left the compass in the main survival tin, I would have put it inside the map case along with the instructions for the compass and all the navigational instructions.
It keeps them all together for when they are needed, as the pockets in the map case would be for them I presume.
If you added a set of pace counting beads with a small non magnetic carabiner at the end to the pen loop of the map case, it should be even better for navigation as it creates a navigation module rather than spreading the kit out and taking longer to put it together when needed.
I also noticed that you did not attach the whistle to the signal mirror and keep them easily ready for use on a paracord lanyard with safety breakaway clip so that it won't strangle you if it gets caught in something.
I was surprised that the Esee kit does not have somewhere to add your own standard 1 litre 32 ounce nalgene type water bottle like an external pouch or velcro attachment method or something, as it enables you to carry the water that you either boiled or purified much easier than a whirlpak bag if you are traveling to and from your water source or to safety.
Tampons are a great item to sub out the 'Israeli bandage'. Smaller, you can carry more and have a greater range of use depending on the size of the cut or puncture. They are also considerably cheaper.
I guess if you where new to survival gear and did not know much that this would be worth it. I love ESEE gear like most and there knifes are second to none but after 30 years of trial and error you learn how to fabricate your own kits. I use sewing bobbins to store fishing line and industrial upholstery thread on because you can carry 100's of yards without taking up any space. A mini sewing awl is a must as well for repairing heavier material such as tents and boots. Auto fishing reels are inexpensive small and valuable in a survival kit as well as a Silky pocket boy saw. H and H compressed gauze, chest seal and CAT tourniquet are all small and easy to pack items. This kit could have been so much better but for the 727.76 they are asking for on there site is just crazy and completely unjustifiable IMHO. 150 just for the small bag! But then again, to each is there own.
Green is the easiest light for your eyes to adjust to as well as being nv friendly
Interesting and good video , I would think if you know how to use most or all the stuff in the kit, I think you would be able to put together a better kit for a fraction of the price......I love this type of VJO's.....
Hey bud first I love all the videos you put on your channel.... second question do you ever sell any of this gear you buy and review?
with $ 700, or 500 ... I can buy a 40-liter backpack, a Nitecore HC30 and two batteries (which I own and consider perhaps the best pocket and head torch for € 50), I can also buy a Mora knife, a leatherman, a 7 inch knife a folding hacksaw an ax and a machete, many meters of lanyard, a filter to purify the water, cooking pot, compass, fishing line, hooks and lures, canned and freeze-dried and much more.we include a good book on survival techniques and not four stupid cards. considering that this is a survival kit / BOB when we put inside a valid knife and a leatherman for example a wave, the HC30, the other tools do not need to cost a lot. I use a 10 € hatchet to work. I also have more professional and performing ones but the 10 € no name one works very well, same thing goes for the folding saw. let's not forget a sharpening stone or a file, very very important thing that ESEE did not include in the kit. the knife edge can get damaged immediately and we may have to restore it and a knife that does not cut is useless. we consider a kit / BOB as an emergency for 72 hours and not as a bushcraft kit to work over time. even 500 $ / € seems excessive to me.
Sorry for the question lol but to they have the knot cards in that kit? Helps you learn different knots.
I agree with your medical and food additions. I can understand ESEE not including food as it might go stale in their warehouse. But it's pretty curious why there's no first-aid kit.
Seeing as how a lot of survival foods have decades on their shelf life I dont see why its not included. I mean the water purification tabs expire in 4 years and batteries last 3-5 years so those will go bad before the food.
ThanQ for filming ~ keepem coming
Even though the 8 mm cord was pretty cool. After thinking about it... I think it was a little gimmicky and the space could be much better used for another type of cordage (550 or bank line) and a folding saw and probably other stuff.. I think back on my experience and I can't honestly say that I would have ever needed climbing rope except in certain environments in which I took it separately. You can do a lot with 550 cord in a pinch. Having something to process wood efficiently was always handy. Nice video. I enjoy watching your evaluations.
I agree Robert, with the choice of Lawson Equipment Iron Wire, Atwood ARM Battlecord and Atwood Parapocalypse Paracords, improvised climbing rope can be had which takes up considerably less valuable bag space and of which longer lengths may be carried.
In an emergency scenario I would be willing to put my weight on any of the above cordages if necessary.
Ultimately, if we're being serious, a survival kit should contain something like a Garmin InReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator PLB.
Survival kits are an investment in one's future, therefore only the best quality of every type of gear should be added, eg, an ultralight Silky F180 Saw in place of the wire saw.
A Victorinox Huntsman for its superb sissors and saw, or a Victorinox Farmer X Inox for the same, but in a far stronger chassis (albeit without the tweezers and toothpick) both with secondary blades and saw.
My most comprehensive (Pilots) kit contains stuff like a Katadyn Pocket Water Filter and a Katadyn Military Desalinator 06-LL in place of water purification tablets and a solar still.
I would much rather reach for either of the Katadyn's than faff about with a solar still and a very limited amount of tablets!
Likewise, in a genuine emergency, that Silky F180 is going to be a world of difference (and achieve more for less work and fewer calories consumed).
In many instances, a fully charged cell phone may suffice...
Those straps shouldn't be inside taking up space that could be used for other gear. The tarp can also be used to gather water.the tin would work great for fire tinder.
That's a great kit. My only complaint is that they included a twist gate carabiner. Throw that piece of death out and replace it with a William Ball Gate.
Good luck getting that back in the pouch.
For that much i would expect a maxpedition bag.
Just FYI the punch in your hiker is a sewing awl. Much more versatility or usefulness than a punch. I really like this kit. High quality. Great bag layout for organization,and additions. Can you buy the bag separately to build your own? The kit really centers around the bag. Great for day hikes, car, cachet,etc. Good bye if you can afford it. Can unfold poncho a bit and lay in map case. Great additions to kit.
👁❤🏕❇🔥🥓
Great looking kit. No stainless water container is a big oversight but the user would prob have that separate.
Really enjoyed this. Very high quality kit. We can get these in the UK but they are very expensive. You did very well getting it at the price you did. If I ever got one, I don't think I'd ever use it as the gear is so nice. I would just get it out to look at occasionally.
Thanks, Peter
Great kit. I would empty that mess tin and use it for food and an alcohol stove, and distribute the gear in there to other pouches in the Kit. I would attach a water bottle carrier to the out side and carry a SS cup and water bottle. And it has no water filtration? Not even a life Straw?
It would be great if you’d do a video covering your favorite Swiss Army Knife and Leatherman products and which ones you’d put in kits from small to large.
Yeah I may do that at some point
As far as those space blankets go. They are mostly a one shot use. Once you open the package your committed. They are pretty flimsy, even the good ones, and are meant to be wrapped around your body. As for the tarp, 60x60 inches isn't bad, but two GI poncho's are even better. But if you know some one who can sew, buy the material and have them sew up to the size you want. This kit is pretty comprehensive, but way over priced. Plus, I carry my survival items in my backpack. Don't need a special bag.
Try to add Spork, extra Batteries and smallest QuikClot
I think for 600,- this kit would still be a good value!
The obvious expertiese and exelent choice in gear is worth paying a bit for. but for 515$ its a steal of a deal! Especially concidering for what and to whom you are giving your Money!
And the beauty fo it is that they dont make you pay for fluff! Like small rolls of Toiletpaper or Offbrand Kleenex. Thats all stuff you can and should add yourself depending on your need!
I'm pretty sure the thing paracord in that kit is not paracord that's iron wire and you should check it out. it's amazing. I have some for myself actually, it is a 2 mm rope with an average brake strength of 659lb (2.89kN) with a weight of 0.34 Oz per foot(3.16 g per meter) the jacket is HD polyester, dope died & UV resistant the core is Dyneema SK75 - parallel fiber, construction is static kernmantle
What brand of rope and where to find it? Love you video!!!
I'm always amazed at how you can fit more items into kits, and yeah I wouldn't pay that much for that kit, you got a deal 😃😉🤙🤙🤙
You hit a homerun! Content and explanation was spot on. Thank you! The final additions that you added were perfect as far as I am concerned. I would have done exactly what you did and added. One thing I was wondering. In doing your comparison of value compared to MSRP $700....would your time to assemble and gather the items be a consideration for you? I would have liked to see them or you add some food source in the bag as well. Getting home may not allow you to hunt actively or passively. Something like an energy bar or two of some sort. I understand that you ran out of room inside. I’m interested I. Your thoughts. The bag is great!!!
Hi, can you tell me who makes those molle D rings?
Were it my pack and it’s not. I would put the map case in a lanyard around my neck so when reading the map it’s right in front of me and can be dropped to retrieve my weapon if needed or perhaps to apply a bandage to a teammate.
A proper folding saw is the only thing I could think of to add to that kit.
A good thing in my kit is plain coffee filters for cleaning water. It improves the quality. Just add the purification tablets.
I wanted to view the contents of this kit. I consider that it was built on a more professional level, although i have done plenty of reaserch i had to campare it to my own and i must say I'm def proud of myself! Enjoyed the review thx!
I like these vids as they are great for gear ideas and building your own kits. The MSRP and even the $500 spent on this kit is way too much for what you get though.
I love Esee and have a few of their knives including the Essee 5, 6 and Izula. Funnily enough I hardly use them as my Cold Steel SR1 and SRK and my Schrade SCHF26 keep delivering and while they take a beating, they always deliver.
This kit you're paying for the name. While I do think it's a nice kit, I can put together 2 or 3 kits for the same price.
My go to survival kit has more to it and a beast of a knife (Schrade SCHF36) for $180.
Also, as climber, 25ft of rope and that 1 carabiner is useless as you can hardly make a proper harness with that amount of rope.
If you're in an area where you're going to need to descend using rope, you need to carry rope and a lot of it + your harness and carabiners.
That space would be better used with 550 paracord and bank line for cordage.
As for your comment about putting together your own kit vs the price of this kit. My $180 kit includes a full fire kit (6 ways of making around 50 fires), a full trauma kit (including 2 Israeli bandages, z gauze, NPA kit, CAT-T and a boo boo kit with bandaids and pills) Sawyer mini + water purification & collection, a tarp + stakes, 550 paracord, high calorie food rations, US Army mess tin, Victorinox Huntsman and Schrade SCHF36, homemade fishing kit and collapsible fishing pole, kevlar cord + snare wire and heavy mil trash bags, my sleeping kit (all weather sleeping bag and blow up pillow)
This is a cool bit of kit but way over priced and lacking in a lot of gear.
The Israeli bandage I don't think is enough having some Neosporin and just some band aids we would be insanely useful and helpful maybe some Tylenol as well just to help with aches
Very good and unique survival gadgets and gears also useful for emergency conditions or situations.....!
C/w outfitters make a hunting KIT. Pack style.... I'd love to see you revieW
I'll check it out. Thanks!
Yup. Chris does
Good review. I think the cost of the kit is inflated by the cost of the custom pack. You can get a similar pack for less than a $100 by Maxpedition or Mystery Ranch. It does seem to be missing a water filter and a viable first aid kit. I suspect the first aid kit isn’t included due to perishable items.
MY kit,fits in my Burgen.Full SIZE British Army Burgen.I have 2 Kenwood 10 mile 2 way Radio's.Military grade Field Dressings,and a LOT more than THAT.
Its a good looking kit and had some great items but I don't personally think its worth it. I know your paying for premium products but I cant help but wonder if you can build a near identical kit with premium products of other names for around £300 instead. Great review though.
Fair enough!
@@KitbashedSurvival Have you done that, made your oen premium kit like that? If not that would be a great video :)
Nice video. Really appreciate your time and advice 🎉
Rolls Royce of a kit there, I'd add a Leatherman, a Saw and a Hatchett, as well as some first aid gear. Would be good to couple this with a canteen cup and pouch.
I like this kit and while it is expensive, I would want gear that will last for more than a single trip/use. A comment on the gear, if you watch survival experts like Mors Kochanski, they will tell you not to wrap up in a space blanket but to use it as a cover keep air between the space blanket and your body. Would like to be in a position to have some of the kits you review. Great job.
Open that puppy up and there's a big chunky knife.. very nice.
Warmth, water & shelter has to be your priority in cold countries? Water & shelter is the priority in the heat here. I'd rock a msr guardian or mini works long before a climbing rope
Awesome video and a good kit. It's kinda disappointing how they take stuff out of the smaller kits and put it in the bag, would be nicer if they put more gear in the bag and left the mess tin and pocket kit full.
A folding saw would be great. Or a hatchet
Agreed