The Novice Survivalist
A novice outdoorsmen learning camping, fishing, bushcraft and survival. "KNOWLEDGE IS A SURVIVAL SKILL"
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
Watch “FosPOWER EMERGENCY WEATHER RADIO – A Must Have” on YouTube
This is a must have for your bug out list. Keeps you updated with weather and of course music etc. Something to boost your moral when you find yourself in a tough situation. Great for the solo camper and outdoors person. Home or outdoors.
SOLO SNOW CAMP WITH A TARP
Finally got to do it. Check it out.
My Daypack for all Seasons
Hey campers, with the coming change in season…I hope I needed to check my day pack for the coming season. Here’s how I minimize the changes for each season ….click via My Daypack for all Seasons
My Daypack for all Seasons
Living in a 4 season State means being prepared at all times for the change of seasons. That means every change in season means redoing my packs I use.. Whether a camping pack, daypack or my EDCC ( Everyday car carry bag) I need to repack them to suit the season.
As much as I do enjoy going through my packs on a regular basis, I find it can be a chore at times. Having to unpack, go through everything in it and removing and adding items I will not be needing and adding things I will.
It is still winter here in Minnesota, but FINALLY it looks as though the weather is warming up. Its been a tough winter for sure. Extremely cold in general, and late snow storms, Ok a lot of late snow storms will certainly extend it a bit more. (see previous post).
But I have to start preparing for spring. What that means is getting rid of the winter extras and adding what I consider to be essential spring items I should have in my packs. For my camping pack That means a lot of changes as well as my EDCC. However for my day pack I have devised a very basic way to minimize my changes I need for the new season.
Because it is the pack I use most (My L.L. Bean Maine Warden Day pack), anytime I go out doors for a walkabout and scout It is on my back. In it are the basic essentials for a 72 hr emergency situation. (see 10 CC’s of survival). Something I have in all my packs. Then the seasonal items I will need for the current season. This is what changes. To minimize the changes I need to make, I have come up with a basic setup that is all the things I need no matter what the season. That way I then only need to make small changes for the season. 
Below is a list of what I have in my day pack according to the season. As well as all season items. These are my preferences that I find suit me. Admittedly I am always looking to improve what I have.
As a Novice Survivalist you should always be prepared for an emergency. That’s what the 10 CC’s are for. Then add to it the basics for the season and only then any “extras’ for comfort you are willing to add to the weight and bulk of your pack. Keep in mind that adding these, can if not curtailed, turn a great daypack into a miserable bulky dead weight on your back. Choose your luxury items carefully. You may regret them later, when its too late!
Here are the lists I have …..Ok here we go, me and lists…. put together to show the all season, and each seasonal items that go into my day pack. Keep in mind that although I say I never change the all season items, you should make sure everything in it is in good working order.
All season must haves:
1 My things bag. Also known as the possible’s pouch. This is a German Army ditty bag I got at a local surplus store for a whopping 50 cents.
- Ferro Rod
- Small bic lighter
- Box of kitchen matches
- Home made tinder/fire starter ( Lint from clothes dryer smeared with petroleum Jelly)
- compass
- Water purification tablets
- Headlamp
- Buck folding knife (Spitfire)
- Wet wipes
- 550 cord, ducktape
- Bug spray
- Small ferro rod
- Bush Box
2 Leg Gaiters and Boots chains. The Leg gaiters all seasons and the boot chains most seasons.
3 Water Carriers. A military Canteen, cup and lid nesting in the cover which also holds a bush box and coffee/tea making in the small side pockets.
And a Kleen Kanteen 44oz stainless steel bottle and nesting gup (GSI)
4 Frogg Toggs. Lightweight poncho 2 from Frogg Toggs.
5 First Aid kit. Very basic first aid kit. I added a few of my own items.
6 Emergency Blanket/Tarp. This is not one of those flimsy, small, compact, tiny, one time use types. Its a solid thick well made reusable type. Both reflective on one side and emergency orange the other. Large enough to make a comfortable shelter and a large signal device as well.
7 Kitchen. For those of you who follow we on YouTube know I like to enhance my walkabouts and Scouts with a small meal and hot coffee or tea. For these needs I carry the Qunlie Compact cook set for 1-2 adults.
This is a wood system and on occasion Ill switch it with a single gas burner and put system. I do have the bush boxes in the ditty bag as well. I also have a Egoline wind protector for the cook system.
8 Other things. These items are my “luxury items” Knee and Butt saver pad, Hand Towel and trash bag.
9 Snack pack. This is a small Sea 2 summit Dry bag which I use to carry my planned meal or snacks.
That’s the all season Items I always have. Obviously this is in or on the Pack. I always have a pocket knife and camp knife on me. I own a Medium size Machete which transfers between packs as I need.
As the seasons change I add or remove a few items.
Winter.
The most important item that I add to my Pack is the Boot chains for my waterproof boots. These are a must when out and about in Winter in Mn. Ice on paths, rocks etc. can turn a nice day out in a very painful time after a slip.
These go hand in hand with my hiking staff. It is a self made staff from an idea I found online. It is a multitasking tool that can be used as a small 3 leg chair, tarp poles and has storage for basic emergency things. At my age I need all the help I can get.
Remember I am talking about what I carry. Obviously I dress according to the season. I do have an extra pair of Gloves, wool cap and socks in my pack in winter. Just incase. There is nothing worse than wet hands or feet in the cold.
Spring/Fall
These are my 2 favorite seasons. I am normally out and about on a scout or fly Fishing for the day. These seasons I reduce my pack by removing all the winter items. If scouting I still have my staff but just about all the other stuff goes into storage. I do keep my leg gaiters as after rains or dew covered grass I still need them. My wool cap is replaced by my favorite Tilly hat.
Summer
For me summer brings in a few concerns to keep in mind. Obviously the Sun, heat and humidity. I dress accordingly, depending on these factors. I always carry a rain jacket when Kayaking
or land fishing and I have my Frogg Toggs poncho. A sudden down pour in the middle of the day is all you need to get soaked and be miserable. A spare “Bush style” hat replaces my wool cap. Bug spray is replenished ( A lot). And sun tan lotion a must. I also increase the amount of water I carry by simply making sure I have my Katadyn water purification kit and an extra smaller Kleen Kanteen in the pack.
That’s the basics. remember this is a day pack not an overnight camp pack. It does have the necessaries for a unplanned overnighter should I need it. Its not a perfect system , yet. But every seasonal change, I work at reducing the changes with out making my day walkabout unnecessarily dangerous or just uncomfortable. I’m to old to not have some comforts …….
What’s in your pack?
Want to know a little more about some of the items in my pack, check out the “my things page” which has either a video or write up on products I typically use.
Remember Knowledge and a little preparation is a survival skill! Keep working to improve them.
The Novice survivalist
Watch “Day pack for all seasons – adjusting for seasons” on YouTube
How I try to keep changes for the seasons for my daypack to a mimimun…check it out
A tough Winter, Its not Over Yet!
via A tough Winter, Its not Over Yet!
Me whining about a little snow and cold weather….In winter in Minnesota, Shame on me. Read all about it. NS
The Novice Survivalist 