The Novice Survivalist
A novice outdoorsmen learning camping, fishing, bushcraft and survival. "KNOWLEDGE IS A SURVIVAL SKILL"
Watch “Fanbellfly Fishing Chest pack, A great update your fishing arsenal” on YouTube
These chest packs make a great addition to thosequick fishing jaunts. Compact and ready all the time.
Out with the old, in with the NEW LESS EXPENSIVE
Well thats the plan. The success I have had with some of my gizmoes I have used in the past and I am talking LONG LONG past, have been well work the expense. Even if having to pay more for the name, I have found that the great names come with high quality goods. They lasted along time even with the abuse I placed on them.
In todays culture of thow away mentality in manufacturing. The consumer has more choices, price hunting and savings with large corporations such as Walmart and the huge elephant Amazon. Many products offered by different sellers are produced by the same manufacturer. The prices vary by seller. Some (sellers) believe in reduced price in the hope of quantity. While others…well I sometimes wonder just how much they actually sell with the prices they charge.
Personally I price shop….alot especially on my now limited budget. Anything over $25 requires some careful consideration before I part with the hard earned dough.
Aghhh at last I now have the opportunity to move right into my whole point of this post. Ok I was long winded and good a little off track…back to the high quality and duability of some of my gizmos from the far gone past.
I purchased a fly fishing lightweight chest pack. I bought it from Orvis and it was pricey. Even now thier products tend to be more expensive than a similar product. I say similar, meaning the features and accessories associated with the product type are essentually the same. With Orvis products thier quality and durability were AWESOME. Basically they last…along time. Are they worth the expense? Sure certainly from my experience. However, the new budget and all…well. So now I shop around. Price hunting and attempting to find a similar product.
I recently did this. As I said earlier I have had this particular chest pack from Orvice for sometime.(About 15 or more years). It more than proved its worth and extra expense. I did go back to them looking for a replacement but no luck. Not even an updated product. So off to price shop. After days of search results etc. I finally found one. And slightly under budget. It even has more room without a huge increase in size. Perfect.
The big question will it last. Even at half the price of the Orvis, it should in theory last half as long….well its my theory anyway. We will see.
Loaded with little extra features and more storage, while keeping the size down. I purchase a new chest pack. Only time will tell.
Here it is in its full glory. Check it out
Remember knowlwdge is a survival tool. A name brands are not always the better option.
The Novice survivalist
Mother nature is testing my fishing patience
via Mother nature is testing my fishing patience
Mother nature ….what can I say I live in Minnesota…..the land of 10000 (Froze or flooded) lakes. Not good for fly fishing…so I shop to keep me focused…LOL.
Check out this little gem. Part of my always have on me when fishing…
#flyfishing #fishingessentials #fishing
Mother nature is testing my fishing patience
This winter was a tough one in Minnesota. Long and very cold, it still seems to be holding on forever. Just when the days clear and warm up She ( Mother nature) comes back with cold and snow, along with sleet and driving rain. Arghhh. 
Every time I get ready to pull the Hobie out the weather turns.
I am a novice, self taught fly fishing junkie…well Kind of. I hack my way through one of my most favorite pastimes. Fly fishing, not very successfully but I persist. However this is no excuse for Mother nature to load it on to me.
I am ready, right now, lets go. I have prepped my fly rods, flies, and gadgets needed to maybe make my fly fishing adventures better and more successful. Just let me have the chance. I’m not asking a lot…am I?
Yes I am feeling sorry for myself right now. I am certainly over this winter. I am ready to move on. Like I said I have prepped until blue in the face, researched and asked everybody about new spots to fish. Places to Kayak etc. etc. Been through all my daypacks and fishing packs and gadget holders….3 times now.
Whoa is me. Thanks for reading just needed to vent a little…OK a lot. But because you took the time to read this far I thought I would reward you with a look at ..yes my latest gadget I always carry when fly fishing. A good tool for any fisherman’s arsenal.
Check it out
Remember patience is a survival skill. obviously I need to work on that more
The Novice Survivalist
7 mile Creek Park MN.
Went walkabout and a quick scout. Not the best weather but this was worth a visit. Ill definatley be back to play with the trout in the creek…LOL
Check out my scout
Watch “Camillus Black Guthook Knife” on YouTube
This guy was my first cutter I owned. Still around and part of my edc for my fishing daypack….check it out deserves some recognition for a jib well done.. still going
Frogg Toggs pack jacket….perfect for those sudden rain showers…
Picked this up to add to my Kayak backpack. And flyfishing pack, Lightweight , wind and water proof with a fitted look. Perfect for me. Check it out….
Watch “10 CC’s compact Kit – Space saving thought for fishing pack” on YouTube
An idea to save space in my fishing pack without loosing the 10 ccs.
Weather Alerter and Comfort Companion
The reason I now own one of these is because I find myself outdoors a lot. What ever the season. Living in a 4 season state allows me to experience the outdoors under all sorts of conditions. Whether designed or not. Minnesota weather can be unpredictable at times and relying on the weather apps on my phone just does not hack it.
I had heard about weather radios and the NOAA stations but had never considered them. I went shopping, online of course and was over whelmed by the amount of equipment out there. I spent long hours shifting through piles of information. at some point I realized I need to make a basic list of what I thought the radio I purchase should have. This broke down into a very short list of basics. The main reason , which I am sure we suffer from, is Budget. My budget is tight. Here is the list I came up with
- Weather alerts from the NOAA system.
- Access to regular radio stations. Both FM and AM. (More on the reasons for this below)
- Multiple power options
- Relaible
- Sturdy
- Waterproof
- Compact
- Ease of use
That’s it. Not necessarily in order of importance
Remember that I chose this for the outdoors. As I said before I am outdoors a lot. This includes Hiking (My Regular walkabouts), Camping (I try to camp at least once a month), Fly-fishing (Summer), Ice fishing (Winter). All these activities expose me to the weather elements. Although I check the weather on a regular basis before leaving to do my activity, the weather as I said can be unpredictable. Should I find myself in bad weather the radio will alert me to what to expect and for how long. The NOAA stations also give advice for the situation.
Although I discuss the outdoor needs for these types of radios, they are perfect for home situations such as power outages during bad weather, a needed Item for a bug out bag or any other situation that may arise. Other places such as your car, work, and places you go to spend more than a day away. Maybe a cabin in the woods.
Here is a brief description of the Radio I finally chose.
FosPower’s Solar Crank Emergency Weather Radio.
The radio comes integrated with a 1W LED flashlight with zoom, an SOS alarm, 2000mAh power bank, 2 LED lights, Radio broadcasts access, and 3 power options to provide Emergency power.
Specifications
Frequency Range: AM:520-1710KHz,
FM:87-108MHz, WB:162.400-162.550MHz
Dimensions: 6.2×2.9×2.1 inches (157x74x53mm)
Weight: 10.9oz (310g)
Power Consumption: 2W (MAX)
Working Voltage: 2.7-4.2V
Power Source: 2000mAh / 3.7V Li-ion
Waterproof Level: IPX-3
LED Flashlight: 1W / 20LM
Batteries: AAA 1.5V LR03 (3 off)
The 2000mAh power bank provides enough emergency power to any mobile device in emergency situations. Works with most USB powered devices.
3 Power Sources
The radio’s AAA batteries, a solar panel, and a crank lever provide full battery power. The solar panel and crank ensure you have power whenever you need it. 
2 LED Lights Sources
A 4 LED reading light and a 1W LED flashlight capable of lighting any emergency situation.
Emergency Radio Access
The Emergency radio will give you dependable access to emergency NOAA weather broadcasts. The AM/FM function provides full access to all AM or FM radio broadcasts.
One item that is very seldom mentioned in the use of a Emergency radio is the importance of the FM, AM radios. They provide the user with music and talk. This is a very strong mental gift for the user. Just to hear other people in any emergency situation you and your family find yourself in will provide comfort. It lets you know you are not alone. Gives you something else to focus on besides the bad situation you are in.
When discussing survival tactics most gurus mention mental strength. These radios can certainly help boost your mental well being. A very important survival skill much overlooked.
Of course having the ability to charge a cell phone is a big plus, Something I had not considered on my list of needs. Especially if you have no power. The solar and hand cranks provide 2 charging options for the 200Mh Lithium Ion battery it has internally.
If you would like to see my video review on this particular Radio click on the picture below to go to my You Tube channel for a little more in depth hands on look at the FosPower’s Solar Crank Emergency Weather Radio.
There you go campers and survivalists. Something to consider for your Camp Kit or Bug out bag/emergency kit.
Remember Knowledge is a survival skill. (Even if you get that knowledge from a radio station).
Until next time
Be safe as always
The Novice Survivalist
The Novice Survivalist 