Question:

What are some good components for a survival kit to put in a medium hydration pack?

Thanks, Zach

Answer:

When I am going light and space is tight, I carry The Pocket Survival Pak and Heatsheets Bivvy. The Pocket Survival Pak has everything you need but a shelter, hence the addition of the Heatsheets Bivvy. I carry this setup whether I am backcountry skiing in the winter or mountain biking in the summer.

BE SAFE,

Frank Meyer, Marketing Director/Co-Founder

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Dear AMK:

I just came back from a ten day surf trip down to Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica and I had to send you some photos because to be honest, my Adventure Medical Kit saved my entire trip. I got the World Traveler kit last summer when I went down to Costa Rica to surf the first time because it was designed for travel to Third World Countries.  This time that kit came in handy as I ended up taking a fin above my eye and getting a minor gash in my forehead.

Question:

Here’s a basic question… I’m getting back into backpacking after a good decade off. I am a 42 year old male and I will initially be taking 2-3 night trips in relatively remote locations . Some solo, but factor having up to 2 additional companions. Based on this info, can you offer some advice on which first aid kit would be the best combination of preparedness and size for this activity?

Answer:

Question: Do you think i could fit a sleeping bag inside your emergency bivy?

AMK Answer:

Ian,

Thanks for your question.

It depends on how big your bag is. Most bags will, however extra long or below zero bags might be a tight fit.

The Heatsheets Emergency Bivvy is non-breathable so if you put a sleeping bag inside of it you would create a bit of condensation and perhaps get the outside of the bag and insulation wet. It would get you out of the weather however, so a little condensation would be a small price to pay. If your bag has a water resistant outer shell this would help kepp your insulation from getting wet.

Sent to us on 07/16/08 by Michael S. – Columbus, OH

Here is a story about my Ultralight & Watertight .5 that I am sure you will enjoy.

Sent to us 4/25/07 from Peter, NY

I wanted to advise you of a recent accident that I had while hiking in Northern New York State. I have attached a news article from the New York State Department of Conservation. The article does not specifically mention one of your products but I want to advise you that it helped save my life. I purchased the Thermo Lite Emergency Bivy Sack at Eastern Mountain Sports, and I stayed in this shelter during my long night out. Please read the article attached and be advised that I truly can say that I was glad that I had this with me. This item along with food and staying hydrated kept my body temperature at 97 degrees for almost 18 hours while I was stuck outside, in temperatures that dropped to -23.

Question:

I live in N.E. Ohio and every Oct. I check and update all of my kits (first aid, winter truck pack and home kit). I have been looking at your two bivvy sleeping blankets for my truck kit. Can you tell me which one works the best in very very cold weather?

Answer:

Cassie, They both work well. The main differences are that the Thermo-Lite bivvy will breathe better – meaning less moisture condensation inside – due to the foot vent opening and Velcro side closures. If you are inside your truck, out of the wind, this would be my choice. The Thermo-Lite bivvy is also made of a stronger material. On the other hand, I like the Heatsheets bivvy because of its weight, size and the waterproof taped seams. Either bivvy will help you spend the unexpected night out in your truck.

Comment from Peter P., RN, CEN, 8/7/08

Dear Dr. Jacobs, I’m an ex Navy corpsman who was with the 1st Marine Division in Danang in 1968. I’ve been an ER nurse in NYC ever since and have walked over most of this planet. I, of course, am used to making my own kits but I was impressed with yours collection for folks with, perhaps, minimal medical knowledge needing an OTC, ready made kit. Your are the first of such that aren’t, at best, useless and, at worst, harmful. I will be pleased to recommend your products to people that ask for me for such. Health and Peace, Peter

A note from the Backpod team:

Our trip to Honduras was a great success. We were thinking of you during the journey, and wanted to send a story to post on your blog.

After maneuvering our bus through harsh, mountainous terrain (driving approximately an hour over essentially just rocks), we arrived at a small isolated village in Honduras named Los Palacios. Our partner, Global Brigades, was beginning work on a water improvement project there. A group of students from Northwestern also assisted in the beginning stages of what will be a life changing project for this community. Water affects all elements of health and well being. Water born diseases, such as parasites, are a large health issue in many Honduran villages.

Sent to us 4/25/07 from Peter, NY

I wanted to advise you of a recent accident that I had while hiking in Northern New York State. I have attached a news article from the New York State Department of Conservation. The article does not specifically mention one of your products but I want to advise you that it helped save my life. I purchased the Thermo Lite Emergency Bivy Sack at Eastern Mountain Sports, and I stayed in this shelter during my long night out. Please read the article attached and be advised that I truly can say that I was glad that I had this with me. This item along with food and staying hydrated kept my body temperature at 97 degrees for almost 18 hours while I was stuck outside, in temperatures that dropped to -23.