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Topic: SEAL survival kit, Navy's version of the 10+ essentials< Next Oldest | Next Newest >
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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 22 2013, 11:27 am  Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
Okay, I get most of it.

Seal survival kit

Backpackers can probably do without the universal handcuff key. Any practical uses for the P-38 can opener, hacksaw blade, and stainless steel wire? Comments?
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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 22 2013, 11:36 am Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE

(DaveG @ Feb. 22 2013, 9:27 am)
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Backpackers can probably do without the universal handcuff key.

What're you talking about.  I use mine regularly.

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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 22 2013, 11:44 am Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
Thanks, GBH, but what happens in your boudoir should probably stay there.  :)  

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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 22 2013, 12:36 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
As long as their fur is faux there shouldn't be any judging, IMHO.

OTOH for weekend trips canned meat has been an option. Tuna etc. and that little opener works fine. Pouches may have changed that some but I've never tried them.

For an external frame pack the wire would provide a non-stratechable repair wrap.
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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 22 2013, 12:52 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE

(High_Sierra_Fan @ Feb. 22 2013, 12:36 pm)
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Pouches may have changed that some but I've never tried them.

Pouches are definitely the way to go.

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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 22 2013, 1:11 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE

(DaveG @ Feb. 22 2013, 10:27 am)
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Okay, I get most of it.

Backpackers can probably do without the universal handcuff key. Any practical uses for the P-38 can opener, hacksaw blade, and stainless steel wire? Comments?

I use my P-38 for small cutting, opening boxes, screwdriver and cleaning my fingernails.  I have used it to cut the top off a beer can to make a boiling pot. Used it to open a single serving can of pork and beans that the pull top ring busted off. The listed multi-tool doesn't have a canopener or screwdrivers.

Hacksaw blade is what I have chained to my flint block so I don't screw up my knife blade. Not 24". Closer to 3".  Aside from the obvious part of cutting metal.

Stainless steel wire is used in making snares.

I am not sure about the 50lb test fishing line. I try not to catch fish that are bigger than my arm.

I'd probably ditch the ink pen for a pencil.
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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 22 2013, 1:32 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE

(OldGuyWalkin @ Feb. 22 2013, 11:11 am)
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I'd probably ditch the ink pen for a pencil.

I wonder if the ink in an ink pen can be used for emergency fire starter. I think most inks are alcohol based.

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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 22 2013, 1:37 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
I would be more inclined to believe that the ink is for marking on skin. (mark your tourniquet, superglue sutures, infection circles)

The wax infused cotton ball is probably the fire starter.
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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 22 2013, 1:52 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE

(OldGuyWalkin @ Feb. 22 2013, 11:37 am)
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I would be more inclined to believe that the ink is for marking on skin. (mark your tourniquet, superglue sutures, infection circles)

The wax infused cotton ball is probably the fire starter.

I didn't open the original link. I was just wondering if keeping the pen would be helpful over a pencil.

But, if you have both, then you could create kindling by shaving the wood from the pencil and use the ink to start a fire...if you have a spark source, that is.

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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 22 2013, 4:27 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
We Italians have very specific use for the stainless steel wire...on and off the trail

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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 22 2013, 4:49 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
We don't have any seals where I hike so I don't need no stinkin' Seal survival kit...

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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 22 2013, 5:08 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE

(GoBlueHiker @ Feb. 22 2013, 8:36 am)
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(DaveG @ Feb. 22 2013, 9:27 am)
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Backpackers can probably do without the universal handcuff key.

What're you talking about.  I use mine regularly.

Do you mind?  This is a family  forum site!   :p

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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 22 2013, 5:36 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
1963. Okie-dokie, yes, of course, unquestionably and so forth.

I'll stick with my own, thanks.  Sheesh.  Must have been a slow news day.

Drake
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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 23 2013, 12:15 am Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
As the OP, I feel a responsibility to maintain control of this thread and not let it get out of hand. So please restrain yourselves, people.
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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 23 2013, 12:19 am Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE

(DaveG @ Feb. 22 2013, 10:15 pm)
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So please restrain yourselves, people.

Isn't that what using the handcuff key is all about...? :p

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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 23 2013, 6:06 am Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
SEAL survival is a bit different than that for the average backpacker.  SEALs often do their 'backcountry adventures' in areas where capture by the enemy is a real possibility.  Should that happen, some very benign-looking items can be used for restraint defeat and escape.

It's a good list to look at and think "okay how can I use some of these things in my own kit?"...it's not intended to be copied down and then try to figure out what to do with stuff if you get in a pinch in the field.

If you'd like to find out specifics on each piece of gear mentioned in that list, I would recommend attending SERE school.  It's not that bad, I promise.  ;)
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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 23 2013, 9:52 am Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE

(ol-zeke @ Feb. 22 2013, 11:44 am)
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Thanks, GBH, but what happens in your boudoir should probably stay there.  :)  

Or rather: What happens on the ice sheet, stays on the ice sheet.

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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 23 2013, 11:53 am Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
how are they suppose to pack an survival blanket and 2L bag in there with all those items? how thin and how small will the dimensions be?
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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 23 2013, 12:21 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
I'd like to have one if it was the size of a large sardine can and wasn't at a hyper inflated DoD price.

Re: hacksaw blade.   As mentioned by another poster, these guys' trips are not just to pristine wilderness areas.  
IIRC Chuck Yeager back in WWII used a blade like this to get out of a Spanish jail.
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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 23 2013, 7:59 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
I doubt very much that anybody could get into a jail packing a hacksaw blade.  And no, stealthily concealed in a body cavity is not an option that sane people would consider.

Drake
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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 23 2013, 9:29 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
P-38 Can opener might seem to be a reach, but remember that our special ops people operate in areas with populations that do not live with micro-ready meals...so if you need to forage among the heathen won't do to slice a thumb using the Kabar trying to open the refritos.

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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 24 2013, 4:18 am Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE

(Drake @ Feb. 23 2013, 7:59 pm)
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I doubt very much that anybody could get into a jail packing a hacksaw blade.  And no, stealthily concealed in a body cavity is not an option that sane people would consider.

Drake

In fairness, and without going too far with details, let's just say you'd be surprised how things end up where they do....and body cavities rarely play a part.   :;):
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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 24 2013, 6:36 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
The 1963 was the graphic is from the Army and it seems they trying to steer any solicitations to an all-in-one survival kit.  Of course they wear load bearing webbing in addition to a pack, so they have a place to put it.  Not sure if applicable to civilian backpackers in a 1-kit version as it would need to fit in a pants pocket if one were separated from the backpack.

Could see the use of the saw if surviving in cold and maybe wet environments if trying to start a decent fire.  There's an article on BPL about using hatchets, large knives, etc.. to start a fire in somewhat snowy conditions and that's Backpacking Light.  

Wonder if a saw blade on a Swiss Army knife would suffice?  Just a 1.6 oz Benchmark single-blade in the summer for me but in the shoulder seasons, one may want a way to start and maintain a fire.  To paraphrase the late Colin Fletcher, I don't go out in the woods to play SAS trooper... but I could see the need for backups to gear in potential multiday snow.

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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 24 2013, 7:04 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE

(DaveG @ Feb. 23 2013, 12:15 am)
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As the OP, I feel a responsibility to maintain control of this thread and not let it get out of hand. So please restrain yourselves, people.

Hi...


                 No, thanks. One straining will be adequate...!!
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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 24 2013, 11:05 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE

(SW Mtn backpacker @ Feb. 24 2013, 6:36 pm)
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Wonder if a saw blade on a Swiss Army knife would suffice?

If you're talking about the Wenger or Victorinox knives, I wouldn't try it.  The steel is *REALLY* soft on those saw blade teeth, and even soft pine can make them go dull pretty dang quickly.  A sven saw, even a folding gerber saw (or something similar) would be a much better option as they're intended for more frequent use before needing a blade change.
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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 25 2013, 2:03 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE

(sdsviet @ Feb. 23 2013, 10:53 am)
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how are they suppose to pack an survival blanket and 2L bag in there with all those items? how thin and how small will the dimensions be?

I have something similar to this in a peanut butter jar. Not the hacksaw blade, though.
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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 25 2013, 2:29 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic.  Ignore posts   QUOTE

(ArmedFerret @ Feb. 23 2013, 5:06 am)
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If you'd like to find out specifics on each piece of gear mentioned in that list, I would recommend attending SERE school.  It's not that bad, I promise.  ;)

Especially if you're a Seal.  Free room, exercise partners and all the dog you can break back in, kill, and eat.

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